Employment Help for Returning Heroes

With the end of the war in Iraq, and U.S. involvement in Afghanistan winding down, thousands of American soldiers are returning home to an economy that is only slowly recovering from recession.

The transition from military to civilian life can be difficult at any time, but the frustration of finding work can add to the pressure faced by families that have already sacrificed much for our country.

On March 9, the Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce, along with the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and other groups, will hold a Hero2Hired Job Fair at the Heinz History Center. 

The goal is to let job seekers meet face to face with employers who support efforts to make sure our returning veterans can find new opportunities in civilian life.

The event, which runs from 9 a.m. until noon, already has a full list of employers ready to help.  Local vets can find out more and register by clicking here.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Forms Now Available

Each year, too many Pennsylvanians miss out on financial help with rent or property taxes because they fail to apply.  

In 2006, Pennsylvania’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program was expanded, making thousands more seniors eligible.

The rebate program benefits Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The expansion, funded with gaming proceeds, increased the income limit from $15,000 to $35,000 (which excludes half of Social Security income) for homeowners and raised the maximum standard rebate for both homeowners and renters from $500 to $650. The income limit for renters is $15,000.

Anyone who thinks they are eligible should contact my staff and make an appointment to fill out an application. The application deadline is June 30.  Constituents can call my at (724)746-3762.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms and information are also available online at my website www.senatorsolobay.com  or at www.PaPropertyTaxRelief.com.

Free Local Income Tax Help Still Available

My next free income-tax return preparation session will be at my Washington office on March 12 from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Appointments are necessary so we can fit everyone in. Please call my district office at 724-746-3762 to arrange a time.

The help is open to anyone who earned less than $50,000 in 2011, regardless of the number of persons living in their household. I’m proud to be partnering with Community Action Southwest to offer this free, basic, online income tax filing assistance.

CAS will be holding sessions across the region through April 5. I'll be hosting again at my Canonsburg office on March 20th. Click here to find more locations for tax help.