Support Our Community Volunteers

Submitted by State Senator Michael O'Pake

As we reflect on the many freedoms we enjoy in America on this 234^th anniversary of our nation’s Declaration of Independence, I am reminded that our nation was built on the hard work, ingenuity and invention of our citizens and that the role of our government -- which draws all of its power from “we the people” – is limited.

But, in our 21^st century society, we have seen on occasion where the government’s laws and regulations, no matter how well intentioned, may veer off track and warrant correction.

While nowhere near the “tyranny of the thrown” that our founding fathers were fighting against 234 years ago, a recent example of such a regulation or law was Pennsylvania’s statute governing the sale of food sold by a myriad of non-profit and community service organizations throughout our Commonwealth.

A strict interpretation of Pennsylvania’s previous law, governing the sale of food to the public, threatened the very existence of the long Pennsylvania tradition of “bake sales” conducted by church groups, little leagues, volunteer fire companies, granges and a host of other non-profit community service organizations that serve our communities.

 The Department of Agriculture had cited a church for violating the law by selling baked goods that were prepared by the ladies of the church in their home kitchens instead of in licensed and inspected facilities. 

Fortunately, backed by a unanimous vote in both the Senate and House, the General Assembly has now exempted baked goods sold by organizations that are working to improve their communities from the overreach of licensing, inspection and excessive government regulation.

While we should all be concerned about food safety, there comes a time when a little common sense should dictate over the intrusion of government in our communities and our lives.

Happy July 4.  May freedom reign.  And, as always, if I can be of assistance in any way, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 610-929-2151.  We’re here to help!

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Property Tax Elimination Efforts Will Continue

Submitted by State Rep. Jim Cox, 129th Legislative District

When a new session of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives convenes next January, Representative Sam Rohrer (R-Berks) will not be among those taking the oath of office.  Rohrer sought to advance the cause of property tax elimination by running for governor, but fell short in his bid to become the Republican nominee.

Senior citizens are some of the people most affected by the burdensome property tax.  Many of them have begun to ask who will take up the fight for property tax elimination when Rohrer is no longer serving in the House.

Since taking office, I have fought alongside Rohrer in the General Assembly for the complete elimination of school property taxes.  When he leaves office, I pledge to carry on the important work that he began.

I know that I will not be alone in this fight.  Rohrer’s efforts have attracted the support of lawmakers, taxpayer organizations and residents from across the Commonwealth.  While he has been its symbolic leader, Rohrer’s greatest success may be the fact that he built a grassroots movement with a life of its own.

The fight to eliminate school property taxes will continue for many reasons.  First and foremost, no tax should have the power to leave you homeless.  Too many senior citizens living on fixed incomes have already lost their lifelong homes to this unfair tax.  No senior citizen should have to pay “rent” to the government simply to keep the property they already own.  The property tax issue is one of fairness, rights and pushing away the overreaching hand of government.

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives will certainly not be the same without Representative Sam Rohrer.  While he will not be there next January, the work he started – to eliminate school property taxes – will go on. 

Someday, when Pennsylvania finally abolishes the school property tax system, we will look back and say that it was Sam Rohrer who started Pennsylvania’s taxpayer revolution.  For now, however, it is up to you and me to finish it.

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Investigate Long-Term Care Options

Submitted by State Rep. Dante Santoni

No one likes to think about facing chronic illness or becoming too frail to safely live on their own. But it can happen, and when it does, seniors and families often are unprepared, emotionally and financially.

Because of poor planning, long-term care is a leading cause of catastrophic out-of-pocket costs for senior citizens or their families. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect your assets and ensure a greater choice in long-term care options as you age.

• Long-Term Care Insurance:
  For many seniors, this is one of the best ways to prepare for care. Long-term care insurance can provide coverage for a full range of services, including home care, adult day care, personal care home/assisted living and nursing homes. It can also help families safeguard hard-earned assets. Be sure to consult a financial expert.
  
  Here in Pennsylvania, we enacted a new law that encourages the purchase of long-term care insurance by allowing residents to protect certain assets. For example, the purchase of $100,000 in a qualified long-term care insurance policy allows residents to keep $100,000 in assets and still receive Medicaid if and when their insurance coverage runs out and they otherwise meet Medicaid eligibility requirements.   
• Reverse Mortgage:
  Those over 62 who own their own home can tap into their home equity with a reverse mortgage. Funds from a reverse mortgage could pay for renovations to make the home safer for an elderly loved one, for home health care, to provide family caregivers with funds for out-of-pocket expenses, or to purchase long-term care insurance.   
• Asset Transfers:
  Some seniors choose to transfer assets to family members so they can qualify for Medicaid. Be aware of new rules. The transfer of assets must take place a minimum of five years before care is needed or Medicaid will be denied. Think about the risks, too. If something unexpected happens, it’s possible to have no assets to pay for care and no Medicaid coverage. The rules on this are very complex, and you need to discuss this with your financial advisor and attorney.
• Retirement Plans:
  Those over age 50 may want to take advantage of 401(k) or IRA "catch up" contributions. You can shelter additional contributions and build a larger nest egg. Talk with a certified financial advisor who can help you understand how to manage and protect your assets.

  These are just a few choices you have. Other options may be available, depending on your age and financial situation. Be sure to consult an expert. But above all, start talking now – husband to wife, parents to children. It may not be an easy conversation, but it’s necessary. For more information about planning for your long-term care, visit the state's website on the subject at www.longtermcare.state.pa.us.

  I also encourage you contact the Berks County Area Agency on Aging at 610-478-6500 for information on a broad range of programs and assistance for older residents. Information on these programs is available at www.aging.state.pa.us. The majority of services are funded by proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery and eligibility for most services begins at age 60. 

   

   

   

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Seniors Farmers Market Nutrition Program

State Senator Michael A. O’Pake, Senate Democratic Whip