Often when our neighbors tell us their stories, they are actually informing legislation. When I or my team members ask, “How can I help,” know that we mean it. 

For example, a few weeks ago, I joined a few of my team members in Jenkintown to assist residents in filing their Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications. One of our neighbors mentioned that her late husband was a 100% disabled veteran whose income and benefits prevented them from qualifying for the program. The legislature has since increased the program's income caps to provide greater benefits to more people, but we also knew there was so much more that we could do. 

Our community is home to dozens of 100% disabled veterans. The vast majority are homeowners, and those of you receive a VERY WELL-DESERVED property tax exemption. However, if you are a 100% disabled veteran (service-related) and you rent, the benefits you receive are not nearly commensurate. I have spent much of the three weeks since that conversation working to solve this drastic inequity. 

I am working on legislation that would offer the maximum rent rebate available to 100% disabled veterans at the same criteria as the property tax exemption. Heroes are no less heroic just because they rent!  

I’ll keep you posted on our progress here. Now, how can I help YOU? 

In October of last year, Jenkintown students in the 7th grade advisory class planted tulips in front of the school’s entrance in honor of Red Ribbon Week, an annual advocacy event focused on drug-use prevention in youth. Back then, I got to visit these students and learn about the inspiring project they spearheaded. Today, I spotted the first sprouts! 

Come by Beaver Hill in Jenkintown this Saturday, March 22 from 10 a.m. to noon for a free coffee and the opportunity to speak with Rep. Nelson about your state government concerns!  

We will be in the Community Room at the North Building, located at 309 Florence Ave. in Jenkintown, PA 19046. Parking spaces will be available in the back of the building in the area of the Community Room entrance.  

Check out this upcoming opportunity to recycle some of your old or unused electronics safely! All items will be accepted FREE of charge except for those noted above.

When: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Saturday, April 5 

Where: Chestnut Hill College, 9601 Germantown Ave., Phila, PA 19118 

The Community Action Agency of Delaware County (which also serves Montgomery County) has a FREE Home Weatherization Program that can help you save on your energy bills by up to 30 percent.  

CAADC offers services such as a home energy audit, diagnostic air flow testing, and energy conservation education, and can help you with attic insulation, heater servicing, refrigerator testing, and more.  

Both homeowners and renters may qualify based on income (as shown in the graphic), and recipients of other benefits may automatically qualify. You can call (610) 521-8770 to apply or visit CAADC’s website.  

The PA Public Utility Commission is highlighting the importance of water conservation, efficiency, and safety during National Fix a Leak Week by offering the above tips. Fixing household leaks is a simple, cost-effective way to conserve water and can reduce water bills by up to 10 percent. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency reports that around 10 percent of homes have leaks that waste over 90 gallons of water per day, contributing to nearly 1 trillion gallons of wasted water each year nationwide. 

For additional tips on leak detection and water conservation, visit the EPA’s WaterSense website. 

The PA Department of Revenue has introduced a new Online Petition Center to help taxpayers file appeals and request refunds. This platform features a more user-friendly interface, a petition tracker, and enhanced security to streamline the tax-filing process. It also allows taxpayers to pause and save their petitions, with the option to return and complete them within 30 days. 

The new system aims to improve accessibility and efficiency for Pennsylvania taxpayers by simplifying the petition process and reducing errors. It was developed by the Office of Administration in collaboration with the Department of Revenue as part of an ongoing effort to modernize state services and improve customer experience. 

Users will need to create a Keystone Login account to access the Online Petition Center, which offers multi-factor authentication for added security. After registering, users will no longer have access to petitions submitted through the old system. For more information, click here.