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For Immediate Release A Conversation with Senator Brubaker Legislation to improve veterans outreach becomes law It was my honor to support legislation that was recently signed into law which will improve and better coordinate veterans outreach assistance and support programs in the Commonwealth. There are many state, county and independent programs available to support our veterans. However, these programs can be better managed, and more efforts can be made to inform veterans of the opportunities available to them. Act 66 will provide financial assistance to the Veterans Administration accredited service officer programs offered by nationally chartered veteran service organizations, including the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States. There is a tremendous need for this kind of outreach, given the complexity of the federal claims process and our large veterans community, and I fully supported this effort to ensure that our veterans can take advantage of the programs and assistance available to them. In addition, if I or my staff can ever provide assistance or information regarding a state-related veterans program, I encourage you to contact the district office at 301 E. Main Street, Lititz, 717-627-0036, or to email me at mbrubaker@pasen.gov. Local Services Tax in effect for 2008 The Local Services Tax (LST), under Act 7 of 2007, replaced the Emergency and Municipal Services Tax on January 1. Municipalities and school districts are authorized to impose an LST on individuals employed within their jurisdictions at a combined maximum rate of $52 per year. This $52 must be withheld in maximum weekly deductions of $1, rather than one large amount. All individuals whose income is less than $12,000 are exempt from an LST greater than $10, as are disabled veterans, reservist and National Guardsmen called to active duty, and religious clergy. Taxpayers are allowed an up-front exemption if they reasonably expect to receive less than $12,000 from all sources in a calendar year. In addition, only one municipality may levy the LST per payroll period against an individual, except when a school district also levies the tax subject to the above restrictions. The municipality of the employee's primary employment has priority in levying the tax, and no taxpayer is liable for more than $52 in LST annually, regardless of the number of places he or she works. To claim an exemption, individuals must annually complete an exemption certificate and submit it with supporting documents to their employer and the political subdivision levying the tax. These applications are available through the Lancaster County Tax Collection Bureau at www.lctcb.org/lctcbforms.html, under the "Special Taxes" heading. If for any reason you overpay your LST, this web site also has refund applications available, which must be returned to the Collection Bureau with documentation. Community spotlight The Conestoga Valley National Honor Society, students and staff recently presented a check for more than $10,000 to the Make-A-Wish Foundation. One of the most amazing things about this feat is that it was accomplished in just three days, as they competed to see which class could raise the most to fund a wish for a Make-A-Wish Foundation Wish Kid. Their goal was to raise $4,000 to grant a child's wish for a trip to Disney World; through their work, though, the students raised $10,248, far surpassing their original goal and granting a total of three wishes. I am truly impressed by the dedication and generosity of the Conestoga Valley community, and I congratulate everyone who worked on this project.
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