Enews Updates - August 5, 2022

In this Update:

Tom Williams Joins Baker Staff as Communications and Outreach Director
The Troop P Camp Cadet Program
In-Person Service Resumes for Unemployment Compensation Claimants
Avian Influenza Recovery Grants Available
Business Owners Targeted with Fraudulent Letters
One-Time Bonus for People Qualifying for Rent or Property Tax Assistance

Tom Williams Joins Baker Staff as Communications and Outreach Director

I’m pleased to share the great news that Tom Williams has joined my team, serving as communications and outreach director for the 20th Senatorial District, working out of my Dallas office!

For nearly three decades, Tom has been a trusted and familiar face in northeastern Pennsylvania, sharing news and information throughout our area. His wealth of knowledge and strong desire to better our community will undoubtedly be an asset as we work to provide services to constituents. You can read the full announcement here.

My team and I offer full-time constituent assistance at my Dallas office location at 22 Dallas Shopping Center, or by calling (570) 675-3931. Service is also available at my Hawley office, located at 2512 Route 6, Hawley, on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm, unless noted otherwise. Visit www.senatorlisabaker.com to learn more about the ways we can serve you.

The Troop P Camp Cadet Program

It was great to stop by Camp Kresge to take part in The Troop P Camp Cadet Program. Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters and I discussed the role of elected officials within our communities. We also had a chance to dive into the legislative process, convening a mock Senate Session, to learn about the actions that take place to pass legislation. So many bright young cadets had strong thoughts and persuasive arguments on what should be the state candy of Pennsylvania!

The Troop P Camp Cadet Program is a 1 week law enforcement program for youth, both male and female, developed by and coordinated through Troop P – Wyoming, Pennsylvania State Police. The overall activities are administered by State Police Personnel working in partnership with a volunteer community board. Candidates are between the ages of 12 and 15, and are from Luzerne, Sullivan, Bradford and Wyoming Counties. Learn more about this outstanding program here.

In-Person Service Resumes for Unemployment Compensation Claimants

In-person services for Unemployment Compensation (UC) claimants are now available by appointment at all PA CareerLink centers throughout the commonwealth, according to the Department of Labor and Industry.

In-person services are designed to assist individuals who do not have online access or technical skills or have limited English proficiency.

To schedule an appointment, please contact the nearest PA CareerLink site, which can be found at the bottom of the homepage.

Avian Influenza Recovery Grants Available

Recovery assistance is now available for poultry farmers and integrators impacted by highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).

The grant program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, will provide reimbursement to farms, integrators and allied industries directly impacted by HPAI by suffering demonstrable financial losses due to inclusion in a control or quarantine zone.

The number of farms directly impacted by HPAI is currently limited to 17 in Lancaster and Berks counties, which experienced losses of more than 4.2 million birds. Pennsylvania’s $7.1 billion poultry industry employs 26,600 workers.

Business Owners Targeted with Fraudulent Letters

Business owners should be alert for fraudulent letters trying to trick them into turning over their accounting records.

The fraudulent letters include the Department of Revenue’s name and logo and leads recipients to believe that they are under investigation for “alleged violation of delinquent sales tax liability.” The letter includes contact information for a “Resolution Officer” and urges the business owner to provide accounting records prepared by a licensed professional.

You can find tips on avoiding this scam and verifying information from the state here. If you are concerned about a potentially fraudulent notice, please visit the department’s Verifying Contact page for a verified phone number and contact information.

One-Time Bonus for People Qualifying for Rent or Property Tax Assistance

Older Pennsylvanians and Pennsylvanians with disabilities who qualify for a rebate on rent or property taxes paid in 2021 will receive a one-time bonus equal to 70% of their original rebate amount. The total amount a claimant will receive could be as much as $1,657.50, up from the previous maximum of $975.

Eligible claimants of the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program who have already filed an application for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2021 do not need to take any further action. Those who have not yet filed an application are encouraged to do so.

Bonus rebates will start being mailed and sent via direct deposit in early September. The processing of rebates and bonus rebates will continue through the end of the year as additional applications are received.