News Center

Prokopiak, Santarsiero secure funding for Morrisville Senior Servicenter

(Oct 25, 2024) Rep. Jim Prokopiak

MORRISVILLE, Oct. 25 – State Representative Jim Prokopiak and state Senator Steve Santarsiero announced today that the Morrisville Senior Servicenter will receive a $19,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to enhance its computer lab. The funding will be used to replace outdated PC equipment and upgrade the center's technology systems. Prokopiak emphasized the importance of this investment in supporting local seniors. “Access to modern technology is crucial for our seniors to stay connected, informed, and engaged,” Prokopiak said. “This grant will not only provide them with updated equipment but also empower them to navigate the digital world with confidence.” The improvements to the computer lab will enable the senior center to offer a variety of programs, including digital literacy classes, online communication workshops, and access to important online services. Prokopiak said the Morrisville Senior Servicenter plays a vital role in the community, providing resources and support for local seniors. The efforts to secure this funding reflect Prokopiak’s commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all residents in the district. “As more of our daily lives take place online, it is critical our seniors have access to reliable technology and a safe space to learn about protecting their online presence,” Read more

 

Pa. House passes legislation freezing property taxes for longtime homeowners

(Oct 08, 2024) Rep. Jim Prokopiak

HARRISBURG, Oct. 8 – The Pennsylvania House on Monday unanimously passed a bill aimed at freezing property taxes for longtime homeowners. House Bill 2536 would amend the state constitution by removing the limitation permitting Longtime Owner-Occupant Programs only in Allegheny and Philadelphia counties, thereby enabling future legislation to allow all local taxing authorities the option to adopt such a program to provide greater levels of tax relief to seniors. LOOPs provide property tax relief to homeowners who have lived in their homes for at least 10 years by exempting or deferring property tax increases – even if their home assessment values increase in future years. “We’ve been hearing about the impact high property taxes have, particularly on our senior citizens, for decades, so I am very pleased that my colleagues in the House unanimously supported our bill,” said state Rep. Christina Sappey, D-Chester , who sponsored the bill. “This legislation would provide local governments a way to help those who have lived in their homes over a decade and have felt the burden of rapidly rising property taxes the most. Our state constitution already allows Philadelphia and Allegheny counties the option of creating LOOPs. It’s time to make this mechanism available to the whole state. I believe creating options to address property tax burdens on an ever-aging state is a worthwhile endeavor.” Read more

 

Prokopiak testifies in support of property tax freeze

(Sep 18, 2024) Rep. Jim Prokopiak

NEWS RELEASE FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE State Rep. Jim Prokopiak D-Bucks County www.pahouse.com/ Prokopiak Prokopiak testifies in support of property tax freeze HARRISBURG, Sept. 18 – State Rep. Jim Prokopiak today testified before the House Finance Committee in support of legislation aimed at freezing property taxes for longtime homeowners. House Bill 2536 , which Prokopiak sponsored, would amend the Pennsylvania Constitution to enable the legislature to pass legislation that gives property tax relief to homeowners who have lived in their homes for at least 10 years. This is known as a Longtime Owner-Occupant Program or LOOP. A LOOP gives property tax relief to homeowners who have lived in their homes for at least 10 years by exempting or deferring property tax increases even if their home assessment values increase in future years. The state constitution currently allows for Philadelphia and Allegheny counties to offer a LOOP. Prokopiak's bill would make it possible for the General Assembly to allow LOOPs statewide. “Property tax reform is one of the biggest needs throughout the state and within my district in Bucks County,” Prokopiak said. “LOOPs help longtime homeowners stay in their homes, especially in areas where housing Read more

 

Prokopiak welcomes Gov. Shapiro to Morrisville

(Sep 04, 2024) Rep. Jim Prokopiak

The $1.1 billion dollar increase in education funding is a necessary first step to ensure that we fulfill our constitutional duty to fund public education and will allow all of our students to pursue the American dream, while also working to reduce the burden on property owners. Read more

 

Prokopiak, Santarsiero secure state funding for Fallsington Library

(Aug 15, 2024) Rep. Jim Prokopiak

FALLS TOWNSHIP, Aug. 15 – State Rep. Jim Prokopiak said he is proud to announce that $25,000 in competitive state funding was awarded to the Fallsington Library Company. The funding, which comes in the form of a competitive grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, will be used to replace the roof on its 19 th century building. Prokopiak and state Sen. Steve Santarsiero, D-Bucks, helped usher the library’s application through the funding process. “Libraries continue to play an important role in our communities, and the historic Fallsington Library has been an institution in Bucks County since the early days of our nation,” Prokopiak said. “I was happy to do my part to literally keep a roof over its head.” An affiliate of the Bucks County Free Library, the Fallsington Library Co. was founded in 1800 and incorporated in 1802. Prokopiak represents the 140th Legislative District, which is comprised of Falls, Morrisville, Tullytown and part of Middletown in Bucks County. Santarsiero represents the 10 th Senatorial District comprised of Bristol Borough, Bristol Township, Buckingham, Chalfont, Doylestown Borough, Doylestown Township, Falls, Lower Makefield, Morrisville New Britain Borough, New Britain Township, New Hope, Newtown Borough, Newtown Township, Plumstead, Solebury, Tullytown, Upper Makefield and Yardley in Bucks County. Read more

 

Prokopiak measure to increase Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program becomes law as part of state budget package

(Jul 16, 2024) Rep. Jim Prokopiak

HARRISBURG, July 16 – State Rep. Jim Prokopiak’s bill that will help Pennsylvania’s economy by expanding the state Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program was included in a Fiscal Code bill, which was signed into law by Gov. Josh Shapiro on July 11. Prokopiak initially proposed expanding the Historic Preservation Tax Credit from $5 million to $20 million, starting in 2025 as H.B. 2358 . The language of the legislation was added into the Fiscal Code bill, which is part of the state budget package. “Investing in preserving our historic structures does two things,” Prokopiak said. “It not only helps to better tell the story of our commonwealth’s history, but it also is an economic driver as it helps turn these structures into income-producing properties.” Every $1 million invested into an historic rehabilitation project generates 6.4 direct jobs and 5.6 indirect jobs in Pennsylvania, which outperforms every other industry, according to Prokopiak. Of the 37 states that have a similar tax credit, Pennsylvania had the fourth-lowest cap of $5 million. The increased investment is necessary, as the need for funding is greater than the cap, Prokopiak said. For the 2022-23 fiscal year, 31 projects requesting a total of $12.7 million in tax credits were forwarded to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission for approval of the projects’ Read more

 

Bipartisan bill to increase hospital pricing transparency passes state House

(Jul 11, 2024) Rep. Jim Prokopiak

HARRISBURG, July 11 – A bipartisan bill to increase hospital pricing transparency passed the House Thursday, according to its sponsors Reps. Tarik Khan, D-Phila.; David Rowe, R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata; Benjamin Sanchez, D-Montgomery; K.C. Tomlinson, R-Bucks; Jim Prokopiak, D-Bucks; and Dawn Keefer, R-York. House Bill 2339 would provide state-level oversight based on current federal requirements from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and require hospitals to maintain a publicly available list of all standard charges for hospital items and services. Under the bill, hospitals would be required to display their lists free of charge in a prominent location on the home page of their publicly accessible website. Upon the bill’s 168-34 passage in the House, the representatives issued the following statements. “As a nurse practitioner, all too often my patients are left in the dark on the cost of basic hospital services. This contributes to surprise hospital bills and patient medical debt,” Khan said. “Pennsylvania lags far behind other states for patients and employers to be able to shop around for healthcare. I was proud to work on this bipartisan effort with Rep. Rowe and colleagues to pass this pro-patient, pro-business and pro-consumer bill in the PA House!” “Health care comprises 20% of the United States’ economy, and there’s currently no Read more

 

Bipartisan Bill to Increase Hospital Pricing Transparency Passes State House

(Jul 11, 2024) Rep. Jim Prokopiak

HARRISBURG — A bipartisan bill to increase hospital pricing transparency passed the House Thursday, according to its sponsors Reps. Tarik Khan (D-Philadelphia), David Rowe (R-Snyder/Union/Mifflin/Juniata), Benjamin Sanchez (D-Montgomery), K.C. Tomlinson (R-Bucks), Jim Prokopiak (D-Bucks) and Dawn Keefer (R-York). House Bill 2339 would provide state-level oversight based on current federal requirements from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and require hospitals to maintain a publicly available list of all standard charges for hospital items and services. Under the bill, hospitals would be required to display their lists free of charge in a prominent location on the home page of their publicly accessible website. Upon the bill’s 168-to-34 passage in the House, the representatives issued the following statements. “As a nurse practitioner, all too often my patients are left in the dark on the cost of basic hospital services. This contributes to surprise hospital bills and patient medical debt,” said Khan. “Pennsylvania lags far behind other states for patients and employers to be able to shop around for healthcare. I was proud to work on this bipartisan effort with Rep. Rowe and colleagues to pass this pro-patient, pro-business and pro-consumer bill in the PA House!” “Health care comprises 20% of the United States’ economy, and there’s Read more

 

Prokopiak bill to expand tax credits, create jobs passes House

(Jul 02, 2024) Rep. Jim Prokopiak

HARRISBURG, July 1 – State Rep. Jim Prokopiak’s bill that would stimulate the economy and create jobs by increasing the Historic Preservation Tax Credit passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. House Bill 2358 would raise the annual limit of the Historic Preservation Tax Credit from the current $5 million to a new cap of $20 million, starting in 2025. “Pennsylvania’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program not only helps rehabilitate and preserve the structures that tell the tale of our commonwealth’s rich history, but it also generates positive economic impact by helping turn those structures into income-producing properties,” Prokopiak said. Every $1 million invested into an historic rehabilitation project generates 6.4 direct jobs and 5.6 indirect jobs in Pennsylvania, which outperforms every other industry, according to the bill’s co-sponsorship memo. Of the 37 states that have a similar tax credit, Pennsylvania has the fourth-lowest cap. The increased investment proposed in H.B. 2358 is necessary, Prokopiak said, as the need for funding is greater than the current $5 million cap. For the 2022-23 fiscal year, 31 projects requesting a total of $12.7 million in tax credits were forwarded to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission for approval of the projects’ rehabilitation plan. With the annual Read more

 

Prokopiak bill to expand tax credits, create jobs passes House

(Jul 02, 2024) Rep. Jim Prokopiak

HARRISBURG, July 1 – State Rep. Jim Prokopiak’s bill that would stimulate the economy and create jobs by increasing the Historic Preservation Tax Credit passed the Pennsylvania House of Representatives today. House Bill 2358 would raise the annual limit of the Historic Preservation Tax Credit from the current $5 million to a new cap of $20 million, starting in 2025. “Pennsylvania’s Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program not only helps rehabilitate and preserve the structures that tell the tale of our commonwealth’s rich history, but it also generates positive economic impact by helping turn those structures into income-producing properties,” Prokopiak said. Every $1 million invested into an historic rehabilitation project generates 6.4 direct jobs and 5.6 indirect jobs in Pennsylvania, which outperforms every other industry, according to the bill’s co-sponsorship memo. Of the 37 states that have a similar tax credit, Pennsylvania has the fourth-lowest cap. The increased investment proposed in H.B. 2358 is necessary, Prokopiak said, as the need for funding is greater than the current $5 million cap. For the 2022-23 fiscal year, 31 projects requesting a total of $12.7 million in tax credits were forwarded to the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission for approval of the projects’ rehabilitation plan. With the annual Read more

 

2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®): What You Need to Know:  

(May 02, 2024) Rep. Jim Prokopiak

2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ): What You Need to Know: There are major changes to the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA ® ) form. The new FAFSA form is now available. On average, it takes about 30 minutes to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be completed online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. The 2024–25 FAFSA form will expand eligibility for federal student aid. What You Can Do Now : Watch the “2024–25 FAFSA FAQs” playlist to better for a look at what has changed on the new form. Use the Federal Student Aid Estimator to get an estimate of what your aid could be once the FAFSA is completed. If you did not submit a 2023–24 FAFSA form, make sure to create your StudentAid.gov account —and remember your username and password so you can access and submit the 2024–25 FAFSA form when it’s available. Find out if your parent(s) or spouse will need to be contributors (contribute their info on your FAFSA form). If your parent(s) or spouse will need to contribute to your form, make sure each contributor creates their own StudentAid.gov account . Watch our “Preparing for the FAFSA Form” to better understand what information and documents you’ll need to complete the FAFSA form. 2024–25 FAFSA ® Deadlines : Read more

 

Prokopiak takes the oath of office

(Mar 18, 2024) Rep. Jim Prokopiak

HARRISBURG, March 18 – Surrounded by his family, Jim Prokopiak was sworn in today as the state representative of the 140 th Legislative District in Bucks County. Prokopiak won the special election on Feb. 13 to fill the remainder of the term vacated by John Galloway, who was elected district judge in November. “I am ready to serve the people of the 140 th District,” Prokopiak said. “There are many issues important to our residents and our local neighborhoods and I am set to work in Harrisburg toward a solution to these problems.” Prokopiak will retain Galloway’s former office at 8610 New Falls Road in Levittown. The phone number for his office is (215) 943-7206. His email address is RepProkopiak@pahouse.net . Prokopiak comes to the job with a wealth of experience, having served on the Falls Township Board of Supervisors from 2002-2009 and as a member of the Pennsbury School District board from 2021-2024. “I have already begun working on behalf of the residents in my district,” Prokopiak said. “PennDOT is already repairing roads that were flagged by residents contacting my office.” An attorney by trade, Prokopiak studied and received his undergraduate degree at West Chester University. He then graduated from Temple University Beasley School of Law. He and his wife, Gail, have three Read more

 

Rep.-elect Prokopiak issues statement on shooting in Falls Township

(Mar 16, 2024) Rep. Jim Prokopiak

Falls Township, PA – State Rep.-elect Jim Prokopiak today issued the following statement on a shooting and subsequent shelter in place this morning in Falls Township: "I am horrified and heartbroken over this terrible tragedy that took place in our community this morning. My family and I are praying for the loved ones of the victims who were killed. "I want to thank Falls Township police for their swift response to ensure the public's safety by ordering a shelter in place, and I also thank our neighbors who abided by the police's directive. This has been a frightening experience for our community but I'm grateful that our streets are safe thanks to our first responders. "I will continue to monitor the situation and I am ready to help in any way I can." Read more

 

PA Treasury could be holding your unclaimed property

(Mar 01, 2024) Rep. Jim Prokopiak

Each year, the Pennsylvania Treasury receives millions of dollars of unclaimed property. It is estimated that roughly one in 10 Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property. Unclaimed property may include: Closed bank accounts Uncashed checks, including paychecks Lost stocks and bonds Contents of safe deposit boxes Proceeds from the demutualization of insurance companies Expired gift cards/gift certificates To find out if you have unclaimed property, search your name in the Unclaimed Property database at https://www.patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property/ or call 1-800-222-2046. There is NO CHARGE to claim your unclaimed property. Read more

 

Children's Health Insurance Program is here to help

(Mar 01, 2024) Rep. Jim Prokopiak

Pennsylvania has a Children's Health Insurance Program that provides free and low-cost health care insurance to children. CHIP is not welfare – it covers children of working parents whose employers don't offer coverage and who can't afford private insurance. If you can't afford health insurance for your children, chances are they are eligible for CHIP. It's easy to sign up for CHIP If you think your children are eligible for CHIP, you can sign them up by calling 1-800-986-KIDS or visit www.chipcoverspakids.com . You can also contact my office for questions about your situation. What does CHIP cover? Immunizations Routine Check-ups Diagnostic Testing Prescriptions Dental, Vision, Hearing Services Emergency Care Maternity Care Mental Health Benefits Up to 90 Days Hospitalization in any Year Durable Medical Equipment Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Partial Hospitalization for Mental Health Rehabilitation Therapy Home Health Care Does my family qualify? The following factors are considered for a child's eligibility for CHIP: The family's income is within certain levels. Must not be eligible for Medicaid or have any other health insurance. Must be under age 19. Must be a U.S. citizen or lawful alien. Must be a Pennsylvania resident for at least 30 days, except for a newborn. Read more

 

REAL ID Applications

(Mar 01, 2024) Rep. Jim Prokopiak

PennDOT has announced that the requirement for proof of Social Security Number for REAL ID products will expand to include additional documents. Per federal regulations, customers wishing to obtain a REAL ID product must present proof of Social Security Number. PennDOT is now expanding acceptable options beyond a Social Security Card. PennDOT now accepts the following documents as proofs of Social Security Number: Social Security Card. W-2 form. SSA-1099 form. Non-SSA-1099 form. Pay stub with the applicant’s name and full Social Security Number on it. For more information and to get your REAL ID, visit the link here . Read more

 

Apply for Property Tax/Rent Rebate

(Mar 01, 2024) Rep. Jim Prokopiak

Don't miss your chance at a rebate on your property taxes or rent paid in 2024! The deadline is fast approaching on Dec. 31. My office can help you find out if you qualify and apply. We can also help you with your heating bills. Read more

 

Prokopiak, Santarsiero secure funding for Morrisville Senior Servicenter
Oct 25, 2024

Pa. House passes legislation freezing property taxes for longtime homeowners
Oct 08, 2024

Prokopiak testifies in support of property tax freeze
Sep 18, 2024

Prokopiak welcomes Gov. Shapiro to Morrisville
Sep 04, 2024

Prokopiak, Santarsiero secure state funding for Fallsington Library
Aug 15, 2024

Prokopiak measure to increase Historic Preservation Tax Credit Program becomes law as part of state budget package
Jul 16, 2024

Bipartisan bill to increase hospital pricing transparency passes state House
Jul 11, 2024

Bipartisan Bill to Increase Hospital Pricing Transparency Passes State House
Jul 11, 2024

Prokopiak bill to expand tax credits, create jobs passes House
Jul 02, 2024

Prokopiak bill to expand tax credits, create jobs passes House
Jul 02, 2024

2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®): What You Need to Know:  
May 02, 2024

Prokopiak takes the oath of office
Mar 18, 2024

Rep.-elect Prokopiak issues statement on shooting in Falls Township
Mar 16, 2024

PA Treasury could be holding your unclaimed property
Mar 01, 2024

Children's Health Insurance Program is here to help
Mar 01, 2024

REAL ID Applications
Mar 01, 2024

Apply for Property Tax/Rent Rebate
Mar 01, 2024