Capitol Update by Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint)
 Facebook Website Bio Latest News State Forms Photo Gallery Contact Capitol Update Friday, December 2, 2022 The latest news from the State Capitol Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.You are welcome to contact me through this link. Students, Seniors from Oswayo Valley Visit State Capitol  |
This week, students from Oswayo Valley School District and members of the Oswayo Valley Senior Center, led by Senior Center Director Mary Jones, travelled from Shinglehouse to the State Capitol in Harrisburg for a tour. The seniors made Christmas ornaments that were recently hung on the Capitol Christmas tree in the Main Rotunda. I was glad to join them during the tour and take them in the House Chamber. It’s always great to have folks from back home visit the state Capitol! |
| Welcome Back Galeton, Pike Township! Click here to see larger map. Effective Dec. 1, the communities of Galeton and Pike Township in Potter County return to the 67th Legislative District I represent. A decade ago, these communities were shifted into the 68th Legislative District as part of the redistricting process. However, due to population changes identified in the 2020 U.S. Census, they were moved back into the 67th as part of the recent redistricting process. I am pleased to welcome back the residents of these two municipalities and to now represent all of you who reside in Cameron, McKean and Potter counties. My offices in Bradford, Coudersport and Kane, as well as Harrisburg, stand ready to help you with services such as: • PennDOT paperwork, including driver’s license and vehicle registration applications and renewals. • Information and applications for senior citizen benefit programs, including Property Tax/Rent Rebate and PACE/PACENET prescription drug programs. • Information and applications for the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). • Help with securing birth and death certificates (photo identification required). • Information about legislation. • Assistance with resolving matters relating to state agencies. Visit my office online at www.RepCauser.com or contact us as follows: • 78 Main St., first floor, Bradford – 814-362-4400. • 107 S. Main St., Room 1, Coudersport – 814-274-9769. • 54 Fraley St., Suite 2, Kane – 814-837-0880. |
| FCC Broadband Coverage Map to Aid Expansion Plans in PA  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently released new broadband maps in which website visitors can enter an address to learn about the availability of high-speed internet service at that location. You can find the maps here. The new National Broadband Map will be used to better assess which Pennsylvania communities are underserved or not served at all – a phenomenon sometimes called “the digital divide.” Some estimates place the number of Pennsylvanians without access to broadband at more than 800,000. The FCC says the new tool contains more location-specific data than what was previously available. Individual users can submit their thoughts about potential inaccuracies directly through the map program until Jan. 13. Pennsylvania has a newly developed Broadband Development Authority seeking to invest federal aid to deploy broadband services where they are needed most. |
| Maximizing PA Lottery Benefits for Seniors  Legislation to maximize the amount of money generated by the Pennsylvania Lottery for the Commonwealth’s senior citizens has been signed into law. The General Assembly set the statutorily mandated minimum profit margin for the Pennsylvania Lottery at 20% until June 30, 2024. Act 137 of 2022 will extend this 20% profit margin another five years until June 30, 2029. This allows the Pennsylvania Lottery to increase overall profits by targeting how much they can sell of certain games. In turn, the lottery can invest more in the programs that benefit our senior citizens, including the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, prescription assistance through PACE and PACENET, free and reduced-fare shared rides, and funding for Area Agencies on Aging, which provide services such as delivered meals, program referrals, health insurance counseling, legal assistance, transportation, protective services and more. Learn more about the lottery here. |
| Reminder: Get Ready for REAL ID  The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reminding residents that enforcement of the federal REAL ID Act will begin May 3, 2023.As of that date, you will have to present a federally accepted form of identification to board a commercial domestic flight or visit a secure federal building that requires ID at the door. Federally accepted forms of identification include a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a U.S. Passport or Passport Card or a military ID. To date, approximately 1.6 million Pennsylvanians have chosen to get a REAL ID product. However, REAL ID is not mandatory. PennDOT continues to offer standard-issue driver’s licenses and photo IDs. Full enforcement of the law has been delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which was hindering efforts to process REAL ID applications across the country. To learn more about REAL ID and how to obtain one, visit www.penndot.gov/REALID. |
| Deadline Nears for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program  Older adults and Pennsylvanians with disabilities have until Dec. 31 to apply for the state’s 2021 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. Remember, assistance through my office(s) is always free. You need not pay a private firm for assistance.The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters, and half of Social Security income is excluded. For additional information and applications, click here, or contact my offices for assistance. • 78 Main St., first floor, Bradford – 814-362-4400. • 107 S. Main St., Room 1, Coudersport – 814-274-9769. • 54 Fraley St., Suite 2, Kane – 814-837-0880. |