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Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
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Answering the Call
I am always grateful to community members who see a need and who are willing to step up and answer the call. Young mom and Blossburg American Legion Adjutant Marissa Winder did just that when she told her husband, “If not me, then who?” A simple but powerful statement that led her to launch a new support program for local veterans.
Veterans’ Attic is a new, appointment-based resource offering pantry staples, hygiene items, and basic household necessities for veterans and their families living within the Southern Tioga School District, ensuring no veteran goes without everyday essentials.
An open house was held on Saturday, Jan. 24, giving community members an opportunity to learn more about Veterans’ Attic. Program Director Marissa Winder, along with her husband, Vice Commander Doug Winder, and their two boys, Oliver and Hunter, warmly welcomed guests and answered questions.
The Blossburg community has done a tremendous job supporting this special endeavor through their generosity and encouragement. Programs like this are only possible because of strong community support.
If the cold weather kept you away from the open house and you would like more information on Veterans’ Attic or how you can get involved in making a difference in the lives of local veterans, please contact Marissa via Facebook Messenger or call 765-252-9120.
You may also check out the Veterans’ Attic Facebook page to learn more about the program and get frequently asked questions answered.
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Veterans Service Officer Outreach in Troy
The Troy district office is hosting free veterans assistance hours on the second Thursday of each month for all veterans and their dependents. Call the Troy office at 570-297-3045 to schedule an appointment to speak with Bill McGovern, Veterans Service Officer from the American Legion. We are now scheduling appointments for Feb. 12.
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Growing our Own
I recently had the opportunity to participate in a Policy Committee hearing about the challenges facing rural health care. It was encouraging to hear how rural schools and colleges are working on tapping into the talent right here in our rural communities – “growing our own” and encouraging students to stay local and give back. Investing in our students is an investment in the long-term health of our communities.
You can watch my exchange with the panel here.
The full hearing is available for viewing here.
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Strengthening Rail Transportation in the Northern Tier
I am pleased to join with Sen. Gene Yaw and Rep. Tina Pickett to announce a recent $3 million investment in the R.J. Corman Railroad Company in Bradford and Wyoming counties for its Lehigh Tie Project. Funding was awarded through Pennsylvania’s Rail Transportation Assistance (RTAP) and Rail Freight Assistance (RFAP) programs. Rail transport is vital to our Commonwealth’s and our country’s transportation network. The efficient and effective movement of goods means more jobs and opportunities across the Northern Tier.
You can read the complete press release here.
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2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Now Open
The application period for the state’s 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is now open for eligible Pennsylvanians to begin claiming rebates on property taxes or rent paid last year.
Income limits increased again this year to $48,110 for both homeowners and renters. This is due to a 2023 law I supported that calls for adjusting the income limit based on annual increases in the Consumer Price Index. Remember to exclude 50% of Social Security when determining your income. The maximum rebate is $1,000.
The program is open to residents aged 65 years and older; widows and widowers 50 years and older; and people with disabilities 18 years and older.
Remember – you do not need to pay anyone for assistance to apply for the rebates. Apply online at mypath.pa.gov or contact my office for help. Additional information about the program is available here.
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Need Tax Help?
The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, provided by the United Way of Bradford County, is now accepting appointments for the upcoming tax season. The service is being offered at multiple locations across the county, including at my office in Troy.
The VITA program provides free tax help to individuals and families with a household income of $72,000 or less, veterans, people with disabilities, individuals over the age of 50, Native Americans or individuals who speak limited English. Please note that you only need to meet one of the requirements to qualify.
Appointments are required and may be made by calling 1-866-839-0442 or clicking here.
My office at 121 Canton St. in Troy will be offering assistance on Wednesdays from Feb. 1 through April 1.
In addition, services are also available at the following locations:
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Sayre: The Enterprise Center and Rep. Tina Pickett's office. |
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Towanda: Area Agency on Aging, Lackawanna College and United Way of Bradford County. |
Additionally, their drop-off is available at the United Way Headquarters in Sayre at the Enterprise Center during limited hours. Drop-offs, like other appointments, require an appointment and need a pick-up appointment scheduled two weeks after the drop off.
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Heating Assistance Program Available
If bitter cold temperatures have left you struggling with your home heating bills, help may be available through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. It also provides crisis grants to help in the event of an emergency or if a resident is in danger of losing his or her heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel or termination of utility service.
To qualify for LIHEAP in Pennsylvania, you must meet income requirements, which are set based on your household size. For example, the maximum annual income for an individual is $23,475 and for a family of four it is $48,225. For each additional person, add $8,250 to the income limit.
Residents may apply for LIHEAP online at www.dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS, by phone at 1-866-857-7095 or by contacting the County Assistance Office where you reside.
Bradford County Assistance Office
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• Toll-Free: 1-800-542-3938
• Phone: 570-265-9186
• FAX: 570-265-3061
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101 Hawkins Road
Towanda, PA 18848
OFFICE HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Tioga County Assistance Office
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• Toll-Free: 1-800-525-6842
• Phone: 570-724-4051
• LIHEAP 570-724-4051
• FAX: 570-724-5612
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11809 Route 6
Wellsboro, PA 16901-6764
OFFICE HOURS: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Click here for additional information. The program runs through April 10.
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Students Invited to Enter Financial Literacy Scholarship Competition
Pennsylvania students in grades 9-12 are being invited to enter the 13th annual Student Financial Literacy Scholarship Competition.
Participants are encouraged to submit a short essay, poem or video that fits this year’s theme: “What Does Financial Literacy Mean to Me?” Student winners will be announced and publicly honored during Financial Literacy Month, which occurs every year in April. Competition prizes will be offered as follows:
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One First Place ($1,500) award for each grade level (9–12).
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One Honorable Mention ($500) award for each grade level (9–12).
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One Grand Prize ($2,500) for the best overall entry.
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Additionally, Harrisburg University will award a one-time, $1,000 scholarship to each student who submits a competition entry and then applies to and is accepted as a full-time student at the university. Harrisburg University hosts the competition in partnership with Pennsylvania Office of Auditor General and Members 1st Federal Credit Union.
The deadline for competition submissions is March 20. Students must submit their entry online here.
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Construction-Related Scholarship Program Accepting Applications
The Keystone Contractors Association (KCA) is encouraging Pennsylvania students with an interest in the construction industry to apply for its scholarship program.
Applicants must be Pennsylvania residents; attend a Pennsylvania college, university or trade school with focus on a construction-oriented degree; and pursue education and careers with the goal of building and strengthening Pennsylvania's communities, economy and infrastructure.
This scholarship program is open to graduating high school seniors, as well as current college students who plan to work in the construction industry. The one-year scholarship of up to $10,000 is renewable for up to three years for a student in good standing.
The deadline to apply for this year’s scholarship program is March 1. For more information, click here.
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