Politics

ELLWOOD CITY, June 17 – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, today said the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program deadline to apply for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2015 has been extended from June 30 to Dec. 31. Pennsylvanians 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities 18 or older qualify for the benefits under the program. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters. Half of Social Security income and any COLAs are excluded. The maximum standard rebate is $650, but supplemental rebates can boost the…

HARRISBURG, June 15  –  The House of Representatives today unanimously passed a bill introduced by state Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, that is designed to increase penalties for distracted driving accidents. Gibbons legislation, commonly referred to as Daniel’s Law (H.B. 853), was introduced in honor of Daniel Gallatin of Lawrence County who was killed May 7, 2013 while riding his motorcycle when a driver who was texting while driving struck him from behind. “I thank my colleagues for unanimously passing this legislation and who agreed that changes need to be made to increase the penalty for laws governing cell phone use…

NEW BRIGHTON, June 13 – State Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, will host a sixth town hall meeting to update residents on local community events and important state government-related issues. The town hall will be held 6 p.m. Thursday, June 16 in  Pulaski Township Building, 3401 Sunflower Road, New Brighton. “I am holding town hall meetings in various locations of my district in order to give everyone a chance to participate in the discussion,” Gibbons said. Gibbons will discuss state and local-related issues affecting residents in his legislative district. The topics include Property Tax/Rent Rebate extension, the proposed increase in PACENET…

HARRISBURG, June 8 – A bill introduced by state Rep. Jaret Gibbons, D-Beaver/Butler/Lawrence, was approved by the House Judiciary committee this week. Gibbons legislation commonly referred to as Daniel’s law (H.B. 853) is designed to toughen penalties for distracted driving accidents. Gibbons said he introduced the bill in honor of Daniel Gallatin of Lawrence County who was killed May 7, 2013 while riding his motorcycle when a driver who was texting while driving struck him from behind. “Changes need to be made to increase the severity of the laws governing cell phone use while driving to prevent people from being…