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A Historic Investment in Our Schools: What This Could Mean for Your Property Tax Bill

I am excited to announce that Pennsylvania is making historic investments in our schools, adjusting education funding formulas, and building accountability with the recently passed state budget.

The state education funding increase included in this budget works to enhance education and fairness, provide families with choice through the EITC program, and help alleviate the financial burden on local taxpayers. As we bring home more dollars from Harrisburg, we can reduce the reliance on local property taxes to fund our schools while still meeting the goal of providing a quality education to our children.

This year’s budget continues my successful commitment to education and local tax relief with schools in the 40th Senatorial District seeing state funding increases upwards of 30%. This builds on my record from the state House as a state representative serving Monroe and Pike counties from 2010-2022, where I delivered significant increases in state education funding of 23-79%, depending on the district.

When our school districts prepare their budgets, they rely on a combination of federal funding, state funding, and local property taxes. By providing more state funds, we help prevent future local tax increases by school boards and drive the discussion over initiatives to reduce the local school tax burden on households. My goal and consistent efforts have always been to ensure state funding is appropriate. At the same time, we must be sure school districts are in partnership with me on that mission to reduce the local tax burden, not simply absorb these new dollars into new spending.

I encourage residents to get involved at their local school board meetings, where school spending and school tax decisions originate and many important decisions regarding local education are made.

As a longtime advocate for increased state funding to our local schools to support property tax relief, I have seen significant progress. In 2016, the state enacted House Bill 1552 (Act 35 of 2016), a newly adjusted formula for all new state dollars. The new formula helped drive more dollars to the region, but this budget’s investment should make a tangible difference.

For more information on the state budget, historical school funding data, and weekly e-newsletters, visit my website at www.SenatorBrown.com.

Program Connecting Veterans with Benefits Receives Senate Approval

The Senate this week unanimously approved legislation to establish in law the PA VETConnect program to help Pennsylvania veterans access programs, services and benefits in their communities.

Senate Bill 447 would establish in law the PA VETConnect program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and helps the commonwealth’s more than 700,000 veterans access services in their communities.

The database of resources enables local veteran advocates – including staff at county veterans affairs offices – to point veterans to information, resources, programs and services in their area and across the commonwealth.

Where’s My Rebate?

My office files hundreds of property tax rent rebates for constituents every year – working to keep seniors on a fixed income in their homes.

This year, we expanded this rebate. The new law increases the income limits to $45,000 and the maximum rebate is increased to $1,000 for seniors aged 65 and older, individuals on permanent disability, and widow or widower aged 50-64.

If you have already filed, you can check the status of your rebate here. If you have questions on eligibility or would like assistance filing, please feel welcome to contact my office.

My Office is Hosting Mobile Mammography

Next Thursday, July 18th from 9am-3pm, my Scotrun Office will be hosting the Lehigh Valley Health Network Cancer Institute’s Mobile Mammography Coach!

The Mobile Mammography Coach offers 3D mammograms, which examine breast tissue layer by layer and pinpoint abnormalities with a high degree of accuracy.

You can call 888-402-LVHN to schedule your appointment for the day, walk-ins still welcome depending on availability. See the flyer above for all information!

Out and About Listening to You

Top: Recently, I had the pleasure of joining Spring Brook Township officials for the ribbon-cutting ceremony of their new municipal offices! This is a great step forward in enhancing community services and improving local government efficiency. Congratulations to everyone involved in making this possible!

 Bottom Left: Please join me in congratulating Pasquale Megliola, on attaining the rank of Eagle Scout! Last weekend, I attended his court of honor ceremony. Pasquale, wishing you all the best in your future endeavors and continued success professionally and personally.

Bottom Right: Last weekend I enjoyed stopping by the annual Shawnee Riverfest Concert hosted at The Shawnee Inn and organized by our amazing Gil Coranado. This year’s proceeds go to benefit the Pocono Mountains United Way and Hope for Hannah Rescue.

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