For Immediate Release
January 23, 2008
Contact:  Lisa Landis
Legislative Director
717-787-6709
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A Conversation with Senator Brubaker

District office has state income tax forms

Pennsylvanians will soon be receiving one of three state income tax forms from the state Department of Revenue – the 2007 PA-40 Tax Booklet, the Fast File Booklet, or the Payment Voucher Letter.

However, anyone who does not receive the necessary forms or needs additional copies can find the correct paperwork at the Lititz district office or call to request to have a form mailed to him or her. The Department of Revenue has 2007 income tax forms available to download at www.revenue.state.pa.us as well.

Taxpayers can also file returns electronically through pa.direct.file or via telephone with Telefile, which provide instant confirmation that a return has been received, systems to help with calculations, and can result in quicker processing time.

Additional customer service is available by accessing the e-Services Center at the Department's Web site, or by calling the FACT and Information Line toll-free at 1-888-PATAXES or the Taxpayer Service and Information Center at 717-787-8201.

2007 Property Tax/Rent Rebate forms now available

Applications for the state's 2007 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program are now available at the district office, and must be submitted by June 30, 2008.

The program is open to anyone 65 years of age or older, widows or widowers 50 years of age or older, and the permanently disabled 18 years of age or older. Income limits are $35,000 for homeowners and $15,000 for renters, excluding half of Social Security payments, and the maximum rebate is $650.

Although forms can be picked up at the district office, if you qualified for the 2006 program and received a rebate in 2007, you will automatically receive an application in the mail. Individuals can also sign up online at www.revenue.state.pa.us/ptrr or by calling 1-888-222-9190 to receive an application in the mail.

Volunteer Fire awards

The State Fire Commissioner's office recently announced that nearly $1.4 million has been awarded in Volunteer Fire Company/Volunteer Ambulance Service grants to fire and ambulance companies that serve the 36^th District.

Last year, the General Assembly approved legislation which extended this very popular program for five years, and I am very pleased to see the number of organizations and communities that are benefitting from it. Local fire and emergency companies are an invaluable asset to our Commonwealth, and the volunteers who sacrifice time and energy to keep them running deserve our wholehearted support.

This program is a great opportunity to help volunteer companies support new equipment, facilities and training that will enable them to continue improving their service. When next year's application becomes available, I hope to see all companies in the 36^th District take advantage of these resources, and my staff and I are always available to assist with the application process.

PennDOT hiring for summer 2008

The state Department of Transportation has full-time summer internships available for college students.

PennDOT offers engineering, science and technology students internships in seasonal construction and roadside development, while non-engineering students can take advantage of internships in administration and management. Government services internships are also offered to students of any major in support of PennDOT's highway maintenance crews. Positions pay $10.99 per hour, subject to change.

Prospective interns must be full-time college students in good academic standing. Anyone interested can find additional information and internship applications at www.penndot.com by clicking on "Employment."