The PennZone

~ Yesterday, Governor Josh Shapiro visited the West Shore Senior Center to discuss his budget proposal that would expand the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program for the first time in 17 years. The proposal would raise the maximum rebate for seniors from $650 to $1,000, increase the income cap for renters and homeowners to $45,000 a year, and tie the cap to increases in the cost of living.

At the event, Diane Salerno, a member of West Shore Senior Center said "I was shocked to learn that the cost-of-living increase for this program has not been made for seniors for nearly two decades. We're not invisible, we won't be treated as such, and [Governor Shapiro] recognizes this, and he is going to make sure that we are not forgotten, overlooked, or pushed to the corner."

Alicia Titus, Senior Vice President of Messiah Lifeways also spoke at the event saying "As we all know, Pennsylvania is home to a rapidly aging population, and Governor Shapiro recognizes the importance of ensuring that older adults have the choice to stay in their homes. His Administration is taking steps to address this issue by investing in programs and policies that promote affordable housing for older Pennsylvanians."

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The proposed expansion of PTRR will provide a lifeline for Pennsylvania seniors, renters and homeowners who are facing inflation and rising costs. It is estimated that nearly 175,000 more Pennsylvanians will qualify for PTRR under Governor Shapiro's plan – including an estimated 5,000 in Cumberland and Dauphin counties – with many of those already qualified seeing their rebates nearly double.

Sally Bishop from New Cumberland said she makes "hundred bucks too much" to qualify under current eligibility limits but with Governor Shapiro's plan she will be able to receive a rebate which will help her cover her rent savings if her car stops running. Her 76-year-old neighbor Sally Biller currently receives a rebate through this program but with this year's boost in her Social Security benefits she will no longer qualify. She said receiving a rebate helps her cover her grocery bill and medical expenses which have been particularly high this year.

Governor Shapiro has received support from various news outlets such as PennLive who wrote "Shapiro makes a pitch for his plan to expand Pa.'s property tax rent rebate program" as well as The Times News who wrote an opinion piece titled "Homeowners and rent rebate program needs update". He has also received support from WGAL who wrote "Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro wants to expand state's property tax rent rebate program" as well as WHP who wrote "Governor Shapiro highlights plan to expand property tax rent rebate programs".

The proposed expansion of PTRR is an important step towards ensuring that older adults have access to affordable housing options in Pennsylvania while providing relief from rising costs due inflation.

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