-HARRISBURG UPDATES-
By Rep. Anita Kulik
The start of a new year is the start of many new programs from the state, so I want to share this important information.
The Low-Income Household Water Assistance Program was created by the American Rescue Plan Act.
Pennsylvania received more than $43 million to help families with overdue water bills, or who are at risk of losing water service.
Water service providers have to participate in the program and household income levels must fall within the guidelines.
The Department of Human Services is also accepting applications for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program. Low-income families are eligible to receive assistance with their heating bills. This assistance comes from the Federal Government and follows Federal Poverty Income Guidelines.
Applications for both programs can be found online at compass.state.pa.us or can be downloaded at dhs.pa.gov.
Nurses have borne the brunt of the COVID-19 Crisis for going on two years. They have worked tirelessly and deserve all the support they can be given. With the help of COVID-State Fiscal Recovery Funds, nurses can apply for financial relief on their student loans. The program is administered through PHEAA.
Information on this program can be found at pheaa.org/SLRN.
Grants
Several grant programs will become available in the upcoming months. I was pleased to help support many grants in our District in 2021.
The year ended well with Coraopolis Borough receiving a $306,500 matching grant to support improvements for the Riverfront Park Project. I look forward to helping other municipalities to secure grants in the new year.
Redistricting
I had the opportunity to speak before the Pennsylvania Legislative Reapportionment Commission. I joined with colleagues – Democrat and Republican – from adjoining districts, to speak on the proposed new legislative maps. Having studied history and law, I found this process to be a fascinating experience.
This process occurs every 10 years, following the national census.
The 45th District will be changing, but the process is a good one. Final maps will be out shortly.
For assistance with any of the programs mentioned, please contact me at my office.