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Why We Honor Our Veterans 
Recognition ceremony
planned
Submitted by State Rep. Jim Cox
129th Legislative District
They say, “If you know a veteran, thank him or her for your
freedom.” After all, if not for the brave men and women who
have proudly served our country, we may be living under the
tyranny that countries less committed to freedom endure.
On Tuesday, Nov. 11, we, as a nation, will, as we have done
every year since President Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed
Nov. 11, 1919 Armistice Day, honor our veterans by
celebrating Veterans Day. Its original purpose: to
commemorate the end of World War I. Armistice Day became
“Veterans Day” in 1954 as a result of legislation signed by
President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The name was changed to
honor all who served the nation in wars or conflicts.
And while it is written into law that we, as a nation, honor
our veterans on Veterans Day, I believe that each and
everyone of us have different ways and reasons for paying
tribute to them. It could be for the love of one’s country
or maybe that you were personally impacted by the actions of
a veteran. Whatever the case may be, to truly honor our
veterans is to never forget about the sacrifices that they
and their families made so we can sleep a little easier.
I am reminded of a poem that I read some time ago when I
think of why we honor our veterans. It was written by Ezra
W. Sides, a retired serviceman:
“When you see Old Glory waving in a breeze, When you hear
the silence amongst the trees, When you, to sleep, you lay
your head, Your dreams can be happy, not filled with dread.
When you gaze upon a starlit night, And are not filled with
constant fright. Because across the sky a star is streaking,
and not a missile or mortar shell is shrieking.
“When in your streets car horns are blowing, instead of
fires from bombs are glowing. When the sound of sirens means
help is near, instead of ‘hide until all is clear!’ When a
wreath is placed in Pearl Harbor, for those still entombed
in the water. When veterans cry remembering this, and all
the friends, forever, they'll miss. When no one speaks while
at ‘The Wall,’ where tears come freely to the small and
tall.
“Know that group of veterans wouldn't quit, even though
Americans upon them did spit. When young ones ask about the
flags, placed gracefully over cemetery tags. You tell them
that veterans answered the call, to keep us safe, one and
all. When a lump in your throat rises as ‘Taps’ is played,
and a loved one, to rest, is laid. This veteran's sacrifice
did ensure, that America's freedom would endure.”
We honor our veterans because, for their own reasons, they
chose to serve this country. We honor them because without
them, this country wouldn’t be what it is today. To me, this
poem defines why we, as a nation, honor those who have
proudly served to protect our national security. So when you
see a veteran today, tomorrow or next week, please remember
to thank them.
And in honor of Veterans Day and our area veterans, I
plan to host a ceremony recognizing their personal
sacrifices for our country. If you or someone you know
is a veteran living in the 129th district, please
contact my district office toll-free at (866) 538-2938
for more information on the ceremony.
The 129th legislative district consists of most
municipalities in Western Berks county.
Report to the
People
State Senator
Michael A. O’Pake
Senate Democratic Whip
PROPERTY TAX & RENT REBATES
APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED UNTIL DECEMBER 31
The deadline to file “2007 Tax Year” applications for the
state’s Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program has been
extended until December 31, 2008. The income eligibility
limit for qualifying homeowners was increased to $35,000
from $15,000 with ½ of Social Security, Supplemental
Security and /or Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits
excluded from the income eligibility calculation. The
maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters was increased
to $650 from $500.
PROPERTY TAX REBATE SUPPLEMENT
Beginning with the distribution of gaming revues this
summer, a rebate supplement of up to an added $325 (or 50%
of the bases rebate) will be paid to eligible PTRR homeowner
claimants whose household incomes are under $30,000 (with ½
of Social Security not counted) and who spend more that 15 %
of their income on property taxes. The Department of Revenue
estimates that more than 4,800 Berks County senior citizens
will qualify for the supplement. For some seniors, it could
boost the total property tax rebate to $975. As long as you
have applied for the base rebate, the Department of Revenue
will calculate whether you qualify. If you do, the
Department will automatically add it to the rebate check to
be mailed to you this summer.
If you need help filling you your Property Tax and Rent
Rebate application form, please come to my district office
at 1940 North 13th Street and one of my staff members will
help you complete the form.
PROPERTY TAX INSTALLMENT PAYMENTS
With gas averaging over $4.00 a gallon, I want to remind
homeowners that Act 1 of 2006, the Taxpayer Relief Act,
requires all school districts to give homeowners the option
of paying their property taxes in equal installments,
instead of in one-lump-sum payment.
If you pay your School Real Estate Tax in full by August 31
you will receive a
2% discount. However, if you choose to pay by the
installment plan the 2% discount is not available. If you
pay by the installment plan, the first installment is due by
August 31, the second installment due by October 31, and the
third and final installment is due by December 31. The
School Real Estate tax bill must be paid by December 31.
2008 PENNSYLVANIA TRAVEL GUIDE
The guide highlights the unique appeal of the State of
Independence. Thousands of lodging listings, all-new road
trips, detailed maps, and gorgeous photos make it easy to
explore the seven tourism regions of Pennsylvania. You will
find information about famous (and not so famous!)
attractions, along with festival listings, fun-filled
events, regional tourism information, recommendations and
more. The guide is available for free in my Reading office.
2008 PENNSYLVANIA FAIR GUIDE NOW AVAILABLE
This year’s fair guide provides convenient information on
fairs by region, including their locations. Pennsylvania is
home to more than 100 county and community fairs, showcasing
agriculture at its finest. From petting zoos and livestock
shows to local food and live music, you can get a first
–hand look at agriculture.
Fifteen of Pennsylvania’s fairs feature harness racing. This
year’s fair guide makes it easier that ever to see the
up-and-comers in harness racing, with a horse-and sulky icon
beside each of the 15 fairs that offer harness racing
events. The fair guide is also available for free in my
Reading office.
Berks
County Seniors:
Property tax relief has arrived
By State Rep. Tom Caltagirone I'm
happy to say it: Property tax relief has finally arrived!
But many people who qualify aren't aware of several ways in
which they will be able to benefit.
First, proceeds from gaming have produced enough revenue in
the state's Property Tax Relief Fund to deliver nearly $613
million for school property tax relief to more than 3
million Pennsylvania homeowners this summer.
The upcoming reduction in property taxes represents the
start of what promises to be further reductions in the
future. These funds are from proceeds generated by casinos
and race tracks operating and those soon to be up and
running across the state.
Homeowners here in Berks County will be receiving nearly
$19.6 million in property tax relief this summer from gaming
revenues. Property tax cuts for homeowners in my local
school districts are estimated as follows:
Antietam - $236; Boyertown Area - $159; Brandywine Heights
Area - $227; Conrad Weiser Area - $208; Daniel Boone Area -
$238; Exeter Township - $196; Fleetwood Area - $268;
Governor Mifflin - $111; Hamburg Area - $179; Kutztown Area
- $183; Muhlenberg - $193; Oley Valley - $167; Reading -
$408; Schuylkill Valley - $158; Tulpehocken Area - $210;
Twin Valley - $181; Wilson - $147; and Wyomissing Area -
$165.
Second, the state's Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program
continues to provide rebates on the previous year's property
taxes or rent to income-eligible senior citizens who are 65
or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and residents 18
or older with a permanent disability.
For homeowners seeking a property tax rebate through this
program, the household income limit is $35,000; for renters,
the income limit is $15,000. Applicants only have to count
half of any Social Security or federal railroad retirement
Tier I benefits toward their income when applying.
The maximum rebate for both homeowners and renters is $650.
However, this year many senior citizens may receive an even
larger rebate. Now that the state's relief fund has begun to
distribute tax relief, senior homeowners whose income is
less than $30,000 will receive an additional 50 percent
rebate if the property taxes they paid in 2007 were at least
15 percent of their income. That means these seniors could
qualify for a rebate of up to $975. And the deadline to
apply for rebates under the 2007 tax year has been extended
to Dec. 31, 2008.
While the deadline has been extended, there's no reason to
wait until the last minute. Senior citizens and other
eligible residents can get more information, applications
for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and assistance with
applying by contacting my office in Reading at 610-376-1529.
The process can be confusing, but my staff is here to help
make sure you qualify for every bit of tax relief available
to you.
Report to the
People
State Senator Michael
A. O’Pake
Senate Democratic Whip
THANK YOU VETERANS
As our country prepares to honor the courage and patriotism
of the men and women who have served in the armed services
of the United States, I would like to take this opportunity
to thank all Berks County veterans for their sacrifices in
the cause of freedom.
Pennsylvania is home to more than 1.3 million veterans.
These heroes include those who have worn uniforms of Army
green, Marine Corps khaki and Air Force and Navy blue, but
no matter the color of their uniform or the manner of their
service, they have always been there, fighting America’s
battles.
Over the past two years, it has been an honor for me to
present Pennsylvania Senate Certificates of Recognition and
Pennsylvania Friendship Pins to nearly 700 veterans in
recognition of the selfless and dedicated service they have
given to our state and nation. In addition, I have written
to many members of our military from Berks County who are
currently serving overseas. While I am pleased to have been
able to do this, with your help, we can reach out to so many
more.
Therefore, if you know of any Berks County Veteran who has
not yet received a Senate Recognition Certificate and
Friendship Pin, I would greatly appreciate it if you would
invite them or their families to contact my Reading office
at 610-929-2151 so that they can receive this recognition.
In addition, I would also be happy to send letters of
support to any member of the military currently serving
overseas.
Especially during this time of war, commitment to our
veterans should be at the forefront. These heroes have
survived combat, cared for one another in grave conditions,
endured extended separation from loved ones and their homes
and sometimes surrendered their very lives. They sacrificed
all of this for the rest of us.
Yet sadly, Veterans Day has for too many Americans, become a
second-rate holiday. Taking the time to remember and honor
our veterans isn’t the way they choose to spend the day.
That is unfortunate, and we need to do better. Please join
me in saying thank you to our veterans or current members of
the military. Most of us know at least one veteran
personally, whether it is a son or daughter, brother or
sister, neighbor or friend.
Now more than ever, at a time when our nation is locked in a
battle between right and wrong, between freedom and terror,
we must honor the millions of living veterans whose selfless
sacrifices ensure the freedoms we enjoy and let us always
remember the more than one million men and women who died in
sacrifice for our country.
Thank you in advance for honoring and remembering our
veterans and members of the armed forces who served and are
serving to preserve the liberties of our great nation,
keeping it united, strong, and free. God Bless America!
Did You Get Your Property Tax or Rent
Rebate?
The deadline to apply is Dec. 31
by Rep.
Dante Santoni
Senior citizens living on fixed incomes
struggle the most with local school property taxes. This
year, the Commonwealth is providing $786 million in property
tax relief to every homeowner in Pennsylvania, including
expanded rebates from the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program.
About 600,000 Pennsylvania seniors are
expected to benefit from property tax and rent rebates this
year, compared to 314,000 before the legislature expanded
the program in 2006. Act 1 of Special Session 2006 directed
proceeds from slots gaming to reduce the tax bills that
school districts send out to every homeowner and to expand
the rebate program for senior homeowners.
About 1,624 senior citizen homeowners in
Berks County will have their property taxes eliminated this
year under the new formula.
More than half a million seniors already
received rebates under the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program,
but we know there are thousands more Berks County homeowners
who qualify but have not submitted an application. So far,
17,582 Berks seniors have applied for the program. An
estimated 2,831 remain eligible but have not yet applied.
The rebate
program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years
old and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and
people with disabilities age 18 and older. The program
expansion increased the income limit from $15,000 to $35,000
(which excludes half of Social Security income) for
homeowners, and raised the maximum rebate for both
homeowners and renters from $500 to $650.
The
expanded annual household income limits (don't forget to
subtract half of your Social Security amount when
determining income) and base rebate amounts are:
·
$0 and $8,000 $650 rebate
·
$8,001 to $15,000 $500 rebate
·
$15,001 to $18,000 $300 rebate
·
$18,001 to $35,000 $250 rebate
Renters with incomes between $0 and $8,000
receive a $650 rebate and those with incomes between $8,001
and $15,000 receive a $500 rebate.
I encourage seniors who believe they may be
eligible for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2007
to get their application in by the Dec. 31
deadline. Applications for the program are available in my
constituent service office, online at
www.papropertytaxrelief.com,
by calling toll free 1-888-222-9190, or from the offices of
every legislator of the Pennsylvania House and Senate.
The
Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, created in 1971, is one of
five programs supported by proceeds from the Pennsylvania
Lottery. The expanded portion of the rebate program is paid
for with revenue from slots gaming.
You can
learn more about what's happening in state government by
visiting my Web site,
www.pahouse.com/Santoni.
As always, if I can be of assistance with any state-related
matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Rep. Santoni represents the 126th Legislative District in
Berks County. His office is located at 4933 Kutztown Road,
Temple. The phone number is 610-921-8921.
Report to the
People
STATE SENATOR MICHAEL A. O’PAKE
SENATE DEMOCRATIC WHIP
Still Time to Apply for “2007 Tax Year” Property Tax and
Rent Rebate
As 2008 is rapidly coming to a close, there’s still time for
eligible seniors to apply for property tax and/or rent
rebates for the 2007 tax year if you haven’t yet applied.
The good news is that a substantial majority of eligible
Berks County seniors have taken advantage of our
dramatically expanded Property Tax and Rent Rebate (PTRR)
program.
According to data from the state Department of Revenue,
Berks County has had an 86 percent PTRR participation rate
so far this year – one of the highest participation rates of
any county in the state – with more than 17,270 of our
citizens receiving rebate checks totaling more than $7.7
million since July.
In fact, with bigger rebate checks financed by revenues from
slots gaming for the first time, the Department’s
projections indicate that over 1,620 Berks County PTRR
claimants have actually had their school property tax bills
eliminated in their entirety.
But, as good as the level of participation has been, the
Department still estimates that as many as 2,800 eligible
Berks County seniors have not yet filled out an application
for the 2007 tax year. The PTRR program is not automatic;
you must apply each year.
For those who haven’t yet applied this year -- or for those
who know a family member or friend who may qualify and
hasn’t applied – the deadline to apply for a 2007 tax year
rebate has been extended until December 31, 2008. And, here
again, are the details: 1/ The program is available to
senior citizens 65 and older, widows and widowers 50 and
older and disabled adults 18 years of age and older; 2/ The
annual income eligibility limit for applicants who are
homeowners has been boosted from $15,000 to $35,000 (with
one-half of Social Security not counted in the income
calculation); 3/ While the annual income eligibility limit
for eligible renters remains at $15,000 (with one-half of
Social Security not counted in the income calculation) the
maximum rebate for eligible renters and homeowners has been
increased from $500 to $650; and, 4/ This year, with the
first distribution of gaming dollars for property tax relief
for all homeowners, eligible PTRR claimants who pay a
disproportionate share of their income toward property taxes
can also receive a rebate supplement that, in some cases,
will boost the total rebate to $975.
While many of our hard-pressed seniors are receiving the
benefit of our expanded Property Tax and Rent Rebate
Program, it’s important that all who are eligible receive
this important benefit.
If you’re a senior citizen who hasn’t yet
applied for your 2007 tax year property tax or rent rebate
and/or who needs assistance in applying, please don’t
hesitate to contact my district office for help. The
telephone number is 610-929-2151.
SENIOR EXPO
I would like to personally thank those of you who stopped by
my table to say hello during the Berks Encore Senior Expo. I
enjoyed meeting and talking with all of you. The winner of
the state flag that I raffled off was Barbara J. Becker of
Reading. Congratulations Barbara!
You have my best wishes for a holiday season full of joy and
happiness!
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