For Immediate Release
January 27, 2010
Contact: Nathan Flood
717-787-4420
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A Conversation with Senator Brubaker

Brubaker Invites District Residents to Offer Questions for Upcoming Budget Hearings

Each year following the governor's budget address, the Senate Appropriations Committee holds a series of hearings to examine the governor's spending proposal. These public budget hearings offer members of the committee an opportunity to question Cabinet members and other officials in the Administration about state programs and individual line items in the budget that may affect the communities we represent.

Budget hearings are scheduled to run from February 16 through March 3 this year. As a member of the Appropriations Committee, I look forward to examining the governor's budget proposal and how it will affect our communities. Because the budget's impact on Lancaster and Chester counties is my primary concern, I am inviting district residents to join me in this process by offering questions to be asked during this year's budget hearings. District residents who are interested in submitting a question can do so on my website at www.senatorbrubaker.com.  

I would also invite district residents who are interested in the budget to follow the budget hearings online. Video, audio and written summaries of each day of budget hearings will be available online at www.pasenategop.com.

Each Senator has a limited amount of time for questions, so I cannot guarantee that I can ask every question that may be submitted. However, I will try to combine similar questions whenever possible, and I will cover as many questions as possible during the time I am allotted.

The state budget affects every state resident, and my goal is to ensure that we address the most vital issues for the individuals, businesses and communities in our area during this year's budget hearings. I would encourage district residents to share how the budget will affect them personally and voice any concerns they have about the governor's proposed state spending plan.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Forms Available Now

The state's popular Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides rebates on property taxes or rent paid by senior citizens and disabled individuals living on a fixed income. Applications for rebates on taxes or rent paid in 2009 are available now at my district office in Lititz.

To be eligible, applicants must meet income requirements and be a Pennsylvania resident age 65 and older; a widow or widower age 50 and older; or a permanently disabled individual age 18 or older. The program is available to homeowners with a household income of $35,000 or less and renters with a household income of $15,000 or less, excluding one-half of Social Security income and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits.

Eligible homeowners with a household income up to $8,000 will be eligible for the maximum rebate of $650, while those earning between $8,001 and $15,000 will receive rebates of $500. Homeowners earning between $15,001 and $18,000 will be eligible for a $300 rebate, and those earning $18,001 to $35,000 can receive a rebate of $250. Eligible renters who make up to $8,000 may qualify for a $650 rebate, and those earning between $8,001 and $15,000 qualify for a $500 rebate.

The program was expanded in 2006, so many residents who were not eligible for a rebate in the past may now be eligible. I would encourage district residents to learn more about this program to determine their eligibility.  

For more information on issues of importance to Lancaster and Chester County residents, please visit my website at senatorbrubaker.com.