Senator Rothman E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Resources Available to Help Pennsylvanians with Rising Energy Costs
  • Scam Warning: “Final Demand for Payment” Letters
  • Monthly Appropriations Update Details Lagging PIT Payments, Improving Rainy Day Fund
  • National Cancer Prevention Month: Information on Risk and Research
  • Around the 34th District

Resources Available to Help Pennsylvanians with Rising Energy Costs

As energy costs continue to rise, please be aware that resources are available to minimize the financial burden and to assist with payments already owed.

Ratepayers can immediately lower their energy bills by switching to a competing electric and natural gas supplier using PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com. Read all terms thoroughly to understand if the contract includes a fixed or variable rate before making a decision.

Those who are having difficulty paying bills currently should call the utility company to work out a payment plan to avoid additional fees associated with the reconnection of service. Financial assistance is also available for many ratepayers through the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). New applicants can apply for the program at www.compass.state.pa.us.

Of course, the most effective way for Pennsylvania to combat rising energy costs is for lawmakers to unleash our state’s energy potential, which is why Senate Republicans are prioritizing the advancement of policies that create greater energy independence.

In addition, the Senate advanced Senate Bill 1, which included a proposed constitutional amendment to prevent the executive branch from imposing onerous regulations like the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative – a regulation that will not only cost 22,000 jobs, but also could nearly quadruple new electricity costs for consumers. While the General Assembly can’t undo this already imposed, costly executive action,  it can prevent Pennsylvania from being saddled with similar regulations in the future.

Scam Warning: “Final Demand for Payment” Letters

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue has issued a warning about scams designed to trick people into turning over sensitive data and personal information.

One recurring scam involves phony letters sent to taxpayers through the mail. The “Final Demand for Payment” letters threaten wage garnishment and the seizure of property or assets unless the recipient calls a phone number to satisfy a lien.

If you are concerned about a potentially fraudulent notice, visit the department’s webpage for verified contact information. This will help you ensure that you are speaking with a legitimate representative of the department.

And if you believe you are a victim of tax fraud or tax-related identity theft, contact the department’s Bureau of Fraud Detection and Analysis by emailing Ra-rvpadorfraud@pa.gov or calling 717-772-9297.

Monthly Appropriations Update Details Lagging PIT Payments, Improving Rainy Day Fund

Each month, the Senate Appropriations Committee prepares a monthly update on the financial health of the Commonwealth. The most recent report includes information on:

  • Lagging PIT payments resulting from a new revenue reporting system.
  • Lower revenue projections for the upcoming budget.
  • The improving health of the state’s Rainy Day Fund.

The full update, including the full monthly revenue report, is available here.

National Cancer Prevention Month: Information on Risk and Research

Every family will be touched by cancer at some point. National Cancer Prevention Month is a good time to consider information that could help prevent heartache.

The National Cancer Institute has comprehensive information on cancer prevention, risk factors, the role of genetics, and the latest research into causes and prevention.

Around the 34th District

This week, my staff and I met with constituents in New Bloomfield and Elizabethville. Always great to be in Perry County and Northern Dauphin! Are you following me yet on social media? Follow me on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for the latest news from around the district. 

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