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Harrisburg Happenings

Pennsylvania Budget Hearings

Senate Appropriations Committee Hearings

Senate Appropriations Committee Hearings on the Governor’s proposed budget finished up this week. We continued to meet and question many departments including the Secretary of the Department of Education, the Department of Health, the Acting Secretary for PennDOT, DCNR & DEP. Please visit my website at www.senatorlangerholc.com to see the questions I asked the different department heads.

The link below will take you to a page listing all of the hearings held over the past few weeks:

https://www.pasenategop.com/budget-hearings-summary/ 

Coronavirus Info

As you know, the CDC is responding to an outbreak of respiratory disease commonly known as Coronavirus or COVID-19. This was first detected in China, but cases have been diagnosed worldwide, including the United States. Although there is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), researchers are working on this. (www.cdc.gov)

We want for all of you to be and stay healthy, so below and attached is some valuable guidance from the federal government/CDC. Please take a few moments to review this guidance.

Please also review the PA DOH website for information and updates. (https://www.health.pa.gov/topics/disease/Pages/Coronavirus.aspx)

CDC recommends the following with regard to PREVENTION: (https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html)

The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
  • CDC does not recommend that people who are well wear a facemask to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19.
  • Facemasks should be used by people who show symptoms of COVID-19 to help prevent the spread of the disease to others. The use of facemasks is also crucial for health workers and people who are taking care of someone in close settings (at home or in a health care facility).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

For information about handwashing, see CDC’s Handwashing website.

For information specific to healthcare, see CDC’s Hand Hygiene in Healthcare Settings.

These are everyday habits that can help prevent the spread of several viruses. CDC does have specific guidance for travelers.

District Happenings

50th Annual Harry E. Mangle Memorial Dinner

Mayor Frank Janakovic was honored as the 2020 Distinguished Citizen by the Boy Scouts of America, Laurel Highlands Council. At the 50th Annual Harry E. Mangle Memorial dinner held recently. Congratulations!

Breezewood Volunteer Firefighter of the Year

Congratulations to Jason Hess on being named Firefighter of the Year for Breezewood Volunteer Fire Company! Thank you for your service and dedication.

Read Across America Day, March 2, 2020

I had the pleasure of celebrating Read Across America Day, also known as Dr. Seuss Day, with students from Portage Area Elementary School. I want to thank all the teachers, students and administrators for the tour of your fantastic school and allowing me to read my favorite Dr. Seuss story, “The Sneetches.”

Continuing the celebration of Dr. Seuss Day at Greater Johnstown Elementary School. Thank you for the invitation to read to your students. #thesneetches #ReadAcrossAmerica

My final stop to celebrate Dr. Seuss Day was at Westmont Hilltop Elementary School to read to all the kindergarten classes!

Alyssa Kush District VI AA Girls’ Singles Tennis Champion

I want to congratulate Westmont Hilltop High School Alyssa Kush for winning the 2019 District VI Class AA Girls’ Singles Tennis Championship. Congratulations!

Westmont Hilltop Girls’ Cross Country Team – Class A District VI Champions

I had the privilege of congratulating the Westmont Hilltop High School Girls’ Cross Country Team for winning first place in the Class A Girls’ Team Rankings at the 2019 PIAA District VI Cross County Championship!

Upcoming Events

Senior Expo March 26, 2020

Assistance with Property Tax/Rent Rebate Forms – additional satellite locations:

Forms for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for the 2019 tax year are available – and my office staff is ready to help you file yours for free! In addition to my regular office hours, representatives from my office will be available at satellite locations:

• Northern Cambria Satellite office located at 4200 Crawford Avenue, Northern Cambria on Tuesday, March 10 from 10 am to 2 pm
• Johnstown Senior Activities Center located at 550 Main Street, Johnstown on Wednesday, March 11 from 10 am to 2 pm
• Ebensburg Senior Center, 209 North Julian Street, Ebensburg on Thursday, March 12 from 10 am to 2 pm
• East Hills Senior Center, 1425 Scalp Ave., Johnstown on Wednesday, March 18 from 10 am to 2 pm
• Graystone, 375 Theatre Drive, Johnstown on Tuesday, March 24 from 8 am to 3 pm

The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters. Half of Social Security income is excluded and the maximum standard rebate is $650.

Claimants must reapply for rebates every year because they are based on annual income and property taxes or rent paid each year. Spouses, personal representatives or estates may file rebate claims on behalf of deceased claimants who lived at least one day in 2019 and meet all other eligibility criteria.

The rebates normally are distributed by the Department of Revenue beginning July 1. So, the sooner you file, the sooner you will receive your money.

Watch for more information on our Facebook page and upcoming ENewsletters.

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