Donating any amount of your tax return can help Pa.’s military, families

Individuals filing their 2021 Pennsylvania personal income taxes can help Pennsylvania’s military personnel and their families by donating any amount of their refund to the state’s Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP).

The program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA), provides grants of up to $3,500 to members of the armed forces and their families, who are residents of Pennsylvania and have a direct and immediate financial need due to circumstances beyond their control. The tax form includes instructions on how to donate.

“Pennsylvanians have a long history of supporting the military and their families by generously donating some or all of their tax return to the Military Family Relief Assistance Program. These donations provide critical assistance to those who need it most,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “Unforeseen circumstances, now magnified by the increased tempo of the military, often result in financial need. Any donation is greatly appreciated to support our service members and their families, who selflessly serve and sacrifice for our commonwealth and country.”

Examples of how MFRAP grants helped service members in 2021-2022 include:

• An Army Reservist recently returning from deployment experienced unexpected Covid-19 quarantine extensions. Because of the extensions, as well as newly imposed travel restrictions, his offer for an overseas contract position was rescinded. He applied for unemployment and was found to be ineligible. The Reservist requested assistance with mortgage and car loans while he continued his job search. A grant was approved for $3,500.

• The spouse of a Pennsylvania Army National Guardsman deployed to Southwest Asia was laid off. She was unable to find new employment with the shifts and hours needed to continue providing care for two children while her husband was deployed. Several unexpected problems, including automobile and HVAC repairs, caused additional financial strain. The family received a grant of $3,500.

• The spouse of a Pennsylvania Army National Guardsman deployed to Southwest Asia was facing a financial crisis when the family’s heat pump unexpectedly failed during the height of winter. Due to the loss of approximately 1/3 of the family’s household income during deployment, they were not able to pay for the unexpected repairs. A grant for $3,500 was approved to assist with the repairs.

Since the MFRAP program began in 2006, more than $1.98 million has been generously donated by individuals filing their Pennsylvania personal income tax returns and through private donations.

Members of the armed forces who are residents of Pennsylvania are eligible to apply for assistance while they are serving on active duty for 30 or more consecutive days with the Army, Army Reserve, Navy, Navy Reserve, Air Force, Air Force Reserve, Marine Corps, Marine Corps Reserve, Coast Guard, Coast Guard Reserve, or the Pennsylvania Army or Air National Guard.

All members of the armed forces who were discharged for medical reasons are also eligible to apply for assistance for up to four years after a medical discharge.

Reserve component service members (including Pennsylvania National Guard members) and their families may be eligible for a grant for a period of up to three years after release from a qualifying active-duty tour.

House unanimously passes Keller’s

bill to improve government efficiency

The House Oversight and Reform Committee this week unanimously passed the GAO Mandates Revision Act — U.S. Rep. Fred Keller’s bipartisan legislation which aims to streamline government operations by eliminating duplicate and outdated reporting requirements on federal agencies.

During the Committee markup, Keller lauded the Government Accountability Office (GAO) for its role in saving taxpayers money by rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in federal programs and spending.

Keller explained the GAO’s efforts are often hamstrung by outdated reporting requirements which draw its limited resources away from “more timely and meaningful audits and investigations.”

The GAO has identified 11 auditing or reporting mandates it is currently required to perform which the agency believes should either be modified or repealed. Congressman Keller’s GAO Mandates Revision Act would eliminate these mandates, boosting efficiency and enabling the GAO to make the most of its resources.

Keller described the bill as “a good-housekeeping measure” that will improve the GAO’s operations and help the agency “free up valuable resources to track the unprecedented federal spending that occurred in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Keller said in FY 2021, the GAO saved taxpayers an estimated $66 billion, and reports an estimated federal taxpayer savings of $158 for every dollar Congress has invested in GAO over the past five years.

Gov Wolf announces $1.7B plan to

secure a brighter Pa. for generations

Go. Tom Wolf this week announced his $1.7 billion plan to help Pennsylvania fully recover from the pandemic and pave the way for a successful future with support for families and workers, small businesses, the health care system, and statewide community revitalization through the American Rescue Plan​ Act (ARPA).

“As Pennsylvania endured the pandemic, we strategically invested to support small businesses, frontline workers, agriculture, healthcare, first responders, and more. This ensured that Pennsylvania survived,” Wolf said. “Now it’s time for Pennsylvanians to thrive and investing $1.7 billion in a bright future for this commonwealth will give Pennsylvanians a sense of security and a clear path forward.

“My plan will not only help Pennsylvanians recover and rebuild financial security for themselves and their families, but it will improve the quality of life for Pennsylvanians for generations to come,” said Wolf. “I urge the legislature to act now. Pennsylvanians can’t afford to wait.”

These historic investments, combined with relief distributed during the pandemic, ensured Pennsylvania survive the past two years. However, more support is critical to fully recover and ensure every Pennsylvanian the opportunity to succeed.

“While Pennsylvanians are still bruised and trying to recover from the pandemic, we cannot sit on billions of dollars in federal aid that could heal Pennsylvania,” added Wolf. “It’s wrong to hold this money back from helping people​. It’s past time we take action.”

Gov. Wolf’s $1.7 billion action plan includes a diverse variety of programs that aim to promote immediate and future success. He called on the legislature to take immediate action on the proposed plan:

• The PA Opportunity Program, $500 million: Would provide much needed relief to workers and families from the high cost of childcare and household expenses and opportunities to complete a degree, credential, or license that will strengthen their skills and increase income—all leading to a better quality of life.

• Small Business Support, $225 million: The COVID Relief Statewide Small Business Assistance Program ​would provide grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 to small businesses that have been economically impacted by the pandemic. Among other things, businesses can use these grants to cover operating expenses and access technical assistance, including training and guidance to stabilize and relaunch their businesses. The program ​would prioritize women- and minority-owned businesses and rural communities. Gov. Wolf proposes to recapitalize this program at $225 million to help approximately 11,000 additional businesses.

• Increased Property Relief for Low-Income Renters & Homeowners, $204 million,: To provide direct property tax relief to Pennsylvanians, Gov. Wolf wants to invest an additional $204 million into the existing Property Tax Rent Rebate program for a one-time bonus rebate to current program users. An estimated 466,000 Pennsylvanians would receive an additional average rebate of $475.

• Support for Pennsylvania’s Healthcare System, $325 million: This investment would recognize healthcare workers for their heroic dedication and hard work throughout the pandemic and give healthcare providers resources to recruit and retain a skilled workforce​:

• $250 million for long-term care recruitment and retention incentives and workforce development initiatives to grow the critical healthcare workforce​.

• $40 million for the behavioral health workforce to expand county mental health programs.

• $35 million to expand the student loan forgiveness program at PHEAA to include additional critical healthcare workers.

• Investing in Conservation, Recreation & Preservation, $450 million: Pennsylvania must continue to invest in vital conservation, recreation, preservation, and community revitalization projects and address the threat of climate change.

After experiencing record-breaking rainfall and flooding events this past year, this program would make Pennsylvania more resilient in the face of more extreme and frequent weather events caused by climate change. It would support our economy, enhance our communities, and improve quality of life for all Pennsylvanians.