Senator Erickson E-Newsletter

Senator Erickson E-Newsletter

Dear Friend,

I have developed this e-newsletter to keep residents of the 26th District updated on state and local issues. It is a more timely and less costly way to keep constituents informed than traditional mailers, and I hope you find it useful. If you know of someone else who might want to receive it, please feel free to forward this email. If you'd prefer to not receive the e-newsletter, just click the unsubscribe button at the bottom of the page.

2009 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications Available

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2009. 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.

The household income limits and maximum rebate amounts for homeowners are:

$0 to $8,000 -- $650 rebate
$8,001 to $15,000 -- $500 rebate
$15,001 to $18,000 -- $300 rebate
$18,001 to $35,000 -- $250 rebate.

The household income limits and maximum rebate amounts for renters are:

$0 to $8,000 -- $650 rebate
$8,001 to $15,000 -- $500 rebate.

For applications or more information on the program, residents can visit or call my district office at 5037 Township Line Road, Drexel Hill, (610-853-4100) or (Toll-Free: 866-853-4102).

Information and applications are also available online through the state Department of Revenue's website, www.revenue.state.pa.us, or by calling toll-free 1-888-222-9190. Claimants are reminded to provide all the necessary income and property tax or rental information for their claims to be processed accurately and quickly.

Tips for Filing Winter Storm Damage Insurance Claims

Homeowners hit with property damages resulting from recent winter storms are being cautioned to thoroughly read their insurance policy before taking any corrective actions, according to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department.

Coverage typically includes structural collapse due to the weight of snow or ice; ice dams causing gutters to drain into a home's ceilings and walls, and fallen trees.

Scroll to the third page of the Insurance Department's publication, "Are You Ready if a Disaster Strikes?", entitled "Bad Weather: Everyone is at Risk" for four steps to ensure you do not violate the conditions of submitting a damage claim:

Contact your insurance company immediately to report your loss. Follow the instructions given to you by claims personnel.
Ask questions, keep notes, and take photos of the damage.
Determine, as best as possible, the extent of the damage. Separate the damaged from the undamaged property and put it in the best possible order for the adjuster's examination. If possible, protect the property from further damage.
Wait for the adjuster to arrive. Do not call anyone to repair or replace your loss without first getting instructions from your adjuster. Your insurer's visual inspection of your loss may be necessary before repairs are undertaken. Do not throw away damaged property until your company's adjuster advises you it is safe to do so. If your home is damaged, make only temporary repairs until a claims adjuster inspects the damage. Making permanent repairs before the adjuster's inspection could trigger a denial of your claim.

Lastly, be careful when choosing a contractor to make repairs. Check references before signing a contract. Consult the Better Business Bureau and the List of Registered Contractors maintained by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.

Clear Storm Drains – Help Prevent Flooding

Numerous storm drains across the state are covered with debris, ice, and snow from recent storms. Mix those conditions with rain and we have the perfect formula to trigger flooding, according to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA).

PEMA is encouraging residents to clear storm drains of any impediments to help prevent late winter and early spring flooding. The agency is also encouraging a basic level of individual preparedness to include the following items:

Extra drinking water
First-aid kit
Canned/non-perishable food
Non-electric can opener
Battery-powered radio
Flashlight/spare batteries

Visit the Home Page of Ready PA to prepare for a flood or other disaster in three easy steps. Click on the tabs "Be Informed, Be Prepared, and Be Involved" for guidance with identifying potential emergencies, developing an emergency plan, and creating an emergency supplies kit.

Choose from downloadable checklists and emergency plan templates to prepare your family should it ever become necessary to face an urgent situation. For questions or additional information, call 1-888-9-READY-PA.

Charitable Giving Made Easy With PA Income Tax Form

Check "Yes" on line 35 of the PA-40 Tax Form to donate all or part of your tax refund to cancer research. According to the PA Breast Cancer Coalition, some $200,000 is contributed annually through the donation check-off on the state tax form.

In addition to the Breast and Cervical Cancer Research Fund, contributions can be made to the Wild Resource Conservation Fund (line 31), the Military Family Relief Assistance Program (line 32), the Governor Robert P. Casey Memorial Organ and Tissue Donation Awareness Trust Fund (line 33), and the Juvenile (Type 1) Diabetes Cure Research Fund (line 34).

Access the list of 2009 Personal Income Tax Forms and open the PA-40 2009 PA Income Tax Return. Taxpayers using Form PA-40 with an Overpayment reflected on line 28 are eligible to take advantage of this simple method of charitable giving.

Crime Victims Website to Offer Helpful Resources

Crime victims, their family members, and loved ones will find helpful information and resources through a new website, Pennsylvania Crime Victims, designed and developed by the Office of Victims' Services and launched by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

Victims will find information about the criminal and juvenile justice system, rights and services available to crime victims, as well as information on trauma, healing and more. Included are details on the Victims' Compensation Assistance Program, restitution, services available at the county level and PA SAVIN, the statewide victim information and notification system. The website also includes information and resources from the Office of Victim Advocate, including where to find a victim service provider in a particular county.

Crime victims, victim service providers, and victim advocates contributed to the content and format. According to PCCD, the primary focus of this website is to let crime victims know they are not alone and help is available. For additional information, call PCCD at 717-705-0888.

Free Smoke Detectors for Senior Citizens

I was pleased to assist the Broomall Fire Company in obtaining grant monies to ensure that elderly residents of Delaware County have a working smoke detector in their home.

One detector per household is available to residents of Delaware County, 65 years of age and above. It is required that you provide proof of age and residency. A limited number of smoke detectors are available for pickup at my district office at 5037 Township Line Road, Drexel Hill.