Headline Harrisburg

PA Lottery Provides More than $1 Billion for Senior Programs 

The Pennsylvania Lottery reported record sales of $3.8 billion in the 2013-14 fiscal year, a 2.7 percent increase over last year. More than $1 billion in net revenue was dedicated to programs benefitting older residents, bringing the total investment in those programs to $24.7 billion since the lottery’s inception in 1971. Learn more here.

The Commonwealth’s is the only lottery in the nation that exclusively targets all of its proceeds to programs for senior citizens, including PACE, PACENET and the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. Please contact my district office if you think you may be eligible for these benefits. 
 
Where is My Property Tax or Rent Rebate?

The status of Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications is now available online. If you filed for a rebate and would like to know its status, click here or call 1-888-PATAXES. The Revenue Department began distributing rebates on July 1, which are available to senior citizens and people with disabilities who meet certain income guidelines. 
   
Assisting Area Veterans

Free assistance to area veterans is available at my district office in Coopersburg on the first Friday of every month. An American Legion service officer will be in the office from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to answer questions about veterans benefits and help file claims. Veterans interested in using this free service are asked to call (610) 282-3901 to schedule an appointment. 
   
Raising Down Syndrome Awareness

Recently, the governor signed legislation into law which requires health care practitioners to provide information on Down syndrome to expectant mothers who receive a prenatal diagnosis for this condition. Act 130 of 2014 also requires the state Department of Health to publish information about Down syndrome on its website, including information on physical, intellectual and functional development, life expectancy and treatment options. Down syndrome occurs in about one in 830 newborns. An estimated 250,000 people in the United States have this condition. Learn more here.