A Busy Week in Harrisburg

It’s a busy week in Harrisburg. The legislature is required to pass a budget by June 30. We have three days left and a lot of work to do.

House Democrats are continuing to fight for a budget that creates jobs and builds a better economy in PA. I stand committed to fighting to restore $1 billion in cuts to education funding and to pass comprehensive transportation reform that includes robust investment in public transit.

In addition to debating the budget and transportation funding, there are a several other big efforts happening in Harrisburg this week. These include stopping privatization schemes of our state liquor stores, saving public sector pensions, and expanding Medicaid to cover hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians in need. The ground shifts daily on these issues, but I will do my best to keep you informed.

You can learn more about all of this by following me throughout the week at @repmolchany on Twitter & Rep. Erin C Molchany on Facebook.

                                     In Harrisburg …
Transportation
Senate Bill 1, a $2.5 billion transportation funding bill, passed the Senate on June 5. It is currently stalled in the House with House Republicans refusing to invest enough in public transportation. The bill may be amended before a final vote. No matter what happens, I will only vote for a comprehensive transportation bill that fixes our roads and bridges and significantly invests in public transit across the state.

Medicaid Expansion
Efforts are in full swing to pass Medicaid expansion in both the House and Senate. Medicaid expansion is happening nationwide, but the decision to implement it must begin with the states. This would cover hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians in need. Governor Corbett's refusal to expand the program will result in sending Pennsylvania tax dollars to other states.

Liquor Privatization Schemes
Both the House and Senate are working on drastically different schemes to privatize liquor in Pennsylvania. Neither is good for our state. While it needs to be modernized, the current state store system is owned by you and every other Pennsylvanian. This public asset brings $500 million a year in revenue to fund popular programs in the state and supports 3,000 good-paying middle-class family jobs.

Prevailing Wage
House Republicans are attempting to roll back prevailing wage legislation this week. I support the prevailing wage because it assures that our public dollars are not subsidizing poverty. These laws protect good jobs by setting standards for wages in public construction projects. Prevailing wage laws create stability in local construction industries by taking wages out of the equation and focusing the bidding process on quality and efficiency of work.

                                     In the District …

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application Deadline Extended
The deadline to apply for Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31.
 
This state rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older, by providing a rebate of up to $650 on property taxes or rent paid the previous tax year. About 600,000 Pennsylvania households are expected to benefit this year from this program!

The application is free, and my office can offer assistance with the program at no cost to you. If you need an application, have a question about the program, or need help determining your eligibility or applying, please contact me.

Successful 2nd Annual Taste of Beechview
I attended the Taste of Beechview event on Saturday, June 22. Hosted by the Crested Duck Charcuterie and showcasing more than 20 local vendors, the festival was a fantastic chance for hundreds of visitors to see the array of delicious food, talented local artists and musicians, and variety of local businesses available right in Beechview. I can’t wait for next year.


Sincerely,