American Working Family Relief Action Plan – Front-line Worker Protections

March 31, 2020

We are facing unprecedented challenges as we fight the spread of COVID-19. As the country and the world institute policies and procedures on how to keep our communities safe, our front-line workers continue to operate in dangerous working conditions on a daily basis.  Workers in healthcare facilities, public assistance workers and other direct support professionals, and our first responders, face increased risk to their health as we rely on them to provide life-sustaining services to our communities. 

We must provide front-line workers with the tools necessary for maintaining strong mental and physical health and to mitigate the spread of coronavirus on work sites that are still in physical operation.    

SB 1104 – Exempting Stimulus Checks from the Federal Government from State and Local Taxation

March 31, 2020

In the near future, I plan on introducing legislation to except funding that individuals receive from the U.S. Government as a result of the recently enacted federal CARES Act from state and local taxation. 

The U.S. Congress took sweeping action last week to provide the U.S. economy a shit in the arm during these difficult times. Included in that action were provisions that would provide a cash payment for those making $98,000 or less. While Congress exempted the payments from federal taxes, it is up to Pennsylvania to decide whether the stimulus payments are taxed under our law. 

My proposal would ensure that these payments are exempt from both state and local taxes. In these trying times, individuals should be able to use their payment to buy food, pay for medication or rent or mortgages, not worrying about saving a portion to pay taxes. 

Crisis grants for volunteer fire and EMS companies due to COVID-19

March 31, 2020

In the near future, I will introduce legislation for a one-time crisis grant program for volunteer fire and EMS companies. Fire and EMS need immediate financial assistance during this pandemic.

This bill will be a COVID-19 Crisis Fire and EMS grant program to provide an additional, one-time grant to each fire and EMS company agency that has been approved by the PA Emergency Management Agency and the Office of State Fire Commissioner for an annual grant for the 2019-2020 fiscal year.

Exempting CARES Act payments from Certain Income Definitions

March 30, 2020

In the near future I plan on introducing a bill that would exempt money received by individuals from the CARES Act from certain definitions of “income.”

As we all know, Americans who pay taxes will receive a one-time direct deposit of up to $1,200, and married couples will receive $2,400, plus an additional $500 per child. The payments will be available for incomes up to $75,000 for individuals and $150,000 for married couples.

I applaud the action by Congress last week to give individuals making under $99,000 a onetime cash payment.  However, with this payment individuals, particular seniors, who rely on a variety of state programs that include a verification of income could lose these benefits when their income is re-certified.

Creating a Common Wealth Fund to Collect Donations to Provide for Essential Needs of those in Need

March 30, 2020

In the near future, I will be introducing legislation to create a “Pennsylvania Common Wealth Fund” restricted account overseen by the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue. This legislation will provide an additional option to Pennsylvanians who wish to voluntarily give back all or part of the federal stimulus money they receive to help those less fortunate.

While many working Pennsylvanians are suffering from the COVID-19 pandemic, facing lost hours or even complete unemployment, others who find themselves in more fortunate circumstances have expressed a desire to help their fellow citizens by either donating to a local charity or patronizing local businesses. By establishing the “Pennsylvania Common Wealth Fund” restricted account, taxpayers could redirect all or a portion of their stimulus check to the state, which in turn would be authorized to direct those funds into programs which help the neediest Pennsylvanians – property tax & rent rebates, temporary assistance for needy families, CHIP or medical assistance.