Eligibility expanded for tax rebate program

Hello, Northsiders. I hope everyone’s enjoying the last few days of summer! I’m eager to share with you some of the important work I’ve been doing in Harrisburg and here at home.

Gov. Josh Shapiro signed H.B. 1100 into law, which expands income eligibility for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program to an additional 175,000 Pennsylvanians and allows them to receive a higher potential maximum rebate of up to $1,000. About 16,500 of those 175,000 residents live in Allegheny County. I’m thrilled that my positive vote on this legislation will help decrease displacement and keep neighbors in the homes where they’ve made significant financial and personal investments.

The governor’s signature on H.B. 611, the General Appropriations bill, also paved the way for millions of dollars to be invested across multiple commonwealth sectors. In terms of education, specifically, this means that more than 1.75 million public school students statewide will be able to enjoy free breakfast every day during the 2023-24 fiscal year. More than 146,000 students attend public schools in Allegheny County. Voting to provide students with the energy and nutrition they need to excel at the highest possible level academically was a privilege.

Speaking of education, I stood with my House Democratic Allegheny County colleagues at Carrick High School to advocate for fair funding for Pennsylvania’s schools. This includes reevaluating and adjusting the dollars allocated to cyber charter schools. Our majority in the People’s House is a tremendous opportunity to ensure that the students, teachers and staff of Pennsylvania school systems benefit from equitable financial support that enriches everyone involved and puts taxpayer dollars to optimal use.

I led a Pennsylvania House Democratic Policy Committee hearing at the Energy Innovation Center to discuss supplier diversity, as well. Expanding diversity within the supply chain not only improves economic possibilities but also has the ability to enhance quality of life within our communities. If we embrace diversity in the supply chain, what we are really embracing is a stronger supply chain that is less susceptible to disruptions and more likely to result in a secure economic future.

Allegheny County was also awarded state and federal funding. Among those funds, the county received $6.3 million in Green Light-Go state grants, with $430,000 of the allotment going towards new traffic signal controllers throughout the Steel City. Keeping motorists and pedestrians safe and ensuring smooth daily commutes is essential in our communities.

Additional federal grants totaling nearly $900,000 will help elementary schools across the county provide fresh produce to students through the Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. Propel Northside was awarded more than $20,500 of the total county funds. These dollars are a significant investment in students’ overall health and academic success.

Students, have a great start to the school year, everyone have a great Labor Day, and I’ll talk to you all again next month!