It's been another busy week in Harrisburg, this week I joined my colleagues in advocating for legislation to put children first in the Commonwealth. We’ve already had success with the expansion of the Child and Dependent Care tax credit, but now we look to keep fighting for an additional $55 million in the state budget to recruit and keep childcare programs in Pennsylvania! This investment combined with my early childhood education legislation will provide families with great access to quality care and education for their children.
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Protecting Healthcare in PA
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With the growing uncertainty out of Washington, we are taking action here in Pennsylvania to protect your healthcare. The House passed four crucial bills to safeguard health insurance for all in the Commonwealth.
- H.B. 404: Would allow young adults to stay on their parents' health insurance until they turn 26.
- H.B. 618: Will ensure coverage cannot be denied or premiums increased for pre-existing conditions.
- H.B. 535: Would remove annual or lifetime caps on essential health services, including emergency care, maternity care, and mental health services.
- H.B. 755: Would protect access to preventive health care, such as cancer screenings, without the burden of costly co-pays or deductibles.
These bills represent a strong commitment to protecting health insurance coverage for all Pennsylvanians, no matter what happens at the federal level. We’ve done our part to help you, now it’s up to the state Senate to protect your right to healthcare.
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Take advantage of PA’s Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit
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I’m reminding eligible residents to take advantage of Pennsylvania’s Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit before the April 15, 2025, tax filing deadline. This credit, expanded under a law that I introduced, provides financial relief to working families with child or dependent care expenses.
The credit matches 100% of the federal Child Care Tax Credit, offering a maximum of $1,050 for one child/dependent and $2,100 for two or more, with minimums of $600 and $1,200, respectively. Eligibility includes expenses for children under 13, spouses, or other dependents who are physically or mentally incapable of self-care. The credit is refundable, meaning taxpayers can receive a full refund after tax obligations.
To claim the credit, taxpayers must file a PA-40 form along with PA Schedule DC, Federal Form 2441, and 1040 Schedule 3. The Department of Revenue encourages filing through myPATH, Pennsylvania’s free online tax filing system.
You can find more information about the tax credit here or contact my office.
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We want to see you for my next coffee and one-on-one conversation at the Easttown Library on Friday, April 25 from 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Bring your state government questions, grab a PA coloring book for the kids, sign up for a Senior SEPTA pass, & learn about the services my office can provide for you!
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My district office is now welcoming applications for our Summer Internship Program. This is an opportunity for students to help serve the constituents of the 157th Legislative District. Our interns will have a flexible week-day schedule of approximately 10-12 hours per week for a total of 10 weeks from June through mid-August. This is a paid, in-person position based in Paoli, PA. Must be 18+ years of age.
Please submit resumes to repshusterman@pahouse.net. Application deadline May 1!
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Rep. Melissa Shusterman
157th Legislative District
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Pennsylvania State Capitol
114 Irvis Office Building
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 787-7524
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District Office
1536 E. Lancaster Ave., Suite 200
Paoli, PA 19301
(484) 200-8260
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