Public News Service

The Goonies Solar project in Central Pennsylvania is expected to generate enough clean energy to power 33,000 homes annually. (anatoliy_gleb/Adobe Stock) <br />

Two years of Inflation Reduction Act in Pennsylvania

The Inflation Reduction Act was signed into law two years ago this week. In Pennsylvania, its effects so far include carbon reduction, job creation …

Since its inception more than 50 years ago, the Property Tax and Rent Rebate program has provided more than $8 billion in property-tax and rent relief to Pennsylvanians. (jackfrog/Adobe Stock)

PA property tax rent rebate plan helps 50+ residents stay in their homes

Pennsylvanians are seeing some financial relief with their property taxes and rent. The state expansion of the existing property tax and rent rebate …

The USDA claims its electronic tag requirements will prevent disease outbreaks and protect beef export markets. (Jackie Nix/Adobe Stock)

Smaller ranchers voice concerns about USDA electronic tag mandates

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will soon require electronic eartags for cattle and bison that cross state lines. The USDA says its rule will …

Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., has held his seat since 2007. (Courtesy of Bob Casey for Senate campaign)

PA reaps major gains from Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act

Pennsylvania's landscape is being transformed through billions of dollars in federal funding from the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastru…

American manufacturing has led to a significant increase in solar deployment in 2023. A record 32.4 gigawatts of solar capacity were installed nationwide, up 50% from 2022. (freshidea/Adobe Stock)<br />

New plan to increase tariffs on Chinese imports garners public support

Today is the last day for Pennsylvanians to submit feedback to the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative about a Biden administration proposal to …

A $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs under Medicare Part D will be implemented Jan. 1, 2025. (Sherry Young/Adobe Stock)

$35 monthly insulin cap under IRA aids retired nurse's budget

The Inflation Reduction Act has brought tangible improvements to Pennsylvanians' lives. Health care premiums are declining, monthly insulin costs …

The Bureau of Labor Statistics says unionized workers in the United States enjoyed a 6.3% increase in nominal wages in the 12 months ending in March, compared with 4.1% for nonunion workers. (Dragana Gordic/Adobe Stock)

PA economy booms as April unemployment stays at record low 3.4%

For Pennsylvanians on the hunt for employment opportunities, the Keystone State offers a favorable landscape. The state's jobless rate stayed at a …

More than 20,000 people have applied to help people file their tax returns since the pandemic began. (igorkol_ter/Adobe Stock)<br />

Last-minute free tax prep provided for procrastinators in Pennsylvania

In less than a week, Pennsylvania residents who need assistance in filing their income-tax returns can use the free services of the AARP Foundation's …

Making a big push to reduce pollution by 2030 is expected to create jobs spread across many industries, from building wind turbines and electric cars to cleaning up abandoned oil wells and developing new technologies. (Rh2010/Adobe Stock)

Advocates back tougher EPA emissions rules for cars, trucks

The Environmental Protection Agency has set new air pollution standards under the federal Clean Air Act for cars and light/medium vehicle models from …

The Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education is seeking $112 million in new funding to produce more graduates in six high-growth jobs, including social services. (Seventyfour/Adobe Stock)<br /><br />

'Empowering Social Workers,' in March and beyond

Social workers are in the spotlight in March for National Professional Social Work Month. They play a crucial role in addressing society's most …

According to the USPS, for the 2022 midterm election cycle more than 98% of ballots were delivered from voters to election officials, in an average of three days. (cat027/Adobe Stock)

PA postal workers voice concerns about understaffing, delivery delays

Postal union workers from Pennsylvania will head to the nation's capital in early May for a national rally to raise awareness about the challenges fac…

The average Pennsylvanian uses about 62 gallons of water a day, at a cost of about 30 cents a day. <br />(Maridav/Adobe Stock)

PAWC rate hike proposal would affect 770,000 PA households

If Pennsylvania American Water gets its latest rate hike, more than 770,000 water and wastewater customers in 37 counties would be affected. For now…

The Keystone Research Center estimates raising the minimum wage would affect not only minimum-wage workers, but more than 1 million others in Pennsylvania. (Fizkes/Adobe Stock)

As others see pay hikes, PA minimum wage stuck at $7.25

Low-wage workers in Pennsylvania are missing out on the pay hikes taking effect in 22 other states and 43 cities and counties this month, through …

In addition to funding for community redevelopment, developers who construct new infrastructure in defined energy communities may receive an additional 10% bonus from the Inflation Reduction Act. (Creativenature.nl/Adobe Stock)

Report examines private-equity power plants, growing risks for communities

Pennsylvania communities could be hit hard by rising financial uncertainty in the country's biggest electricity market, according to three new …

The report reveals that Pennsylvania is ranked 46th in the nation for public health funding, with $136 state dollars allocated to public health per person, less than the $183 per person national average. (Chinnapong/AdobeSTock)

Report: PA needs work on managing, preventing chronic conditions

Pennsylvania ranks 23rd among states for the overall health of Pennsylvanians in a new America's Health Rankings report by the United Health Foundatio…

The latest AARP study found nearly 90% of U.S. consumers age 18 and older agree that lawmakers need to do more to protect the public from fraud and scams. (Shintartanya/Adobe Stock)

AARP warns Pennsylvanians of spike in holiday fraud, scams

The holiday shopping season is already in full swing, and AARP Pennsylvania has some tips on how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud or identity …

Pennsylvania manufacturing has been the backbone of economic impact of more than $113 billion and accounts for nearly 10% of all jobs in the state. (Adobe Stock)

Poll: 'Tis the season for 'Made in America' gifts

What's on your holiday shopping list? This year, people may also be asking, "And where was it made?" In a new poll, 81% of Americans surveyed said …

Around 80% of voters, regardless of political affiliation, believe preventing cruelty to animals is a matter of personal moral concern, according to a Data for Progress poll. (Adobe Stock)

Local meat producers in PA rally against EATS Act

Advocates for locally controlled family farms in Pennsylvania say a proposed amendment to the 2023 Farm Bill would gut states' ability to regulate the…

The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the Inflation Reduction Act provide investments to accelerate the development of and market for zero-emission technology. (Halfpoint/AdobeStock)

Elected officials advocate for EPA’s clean-car standards, transition to EVs

With the United Auto Workers still on strike, elected officials argue that it's important for the Environmental Protection Agency's proposed clean-…

Older and disabled adults have received more than $7.6 billion in property tax and rent relief since the start of the Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program in 1971. (Lordn/AdobeStock)

PA Expands Property Tax, Rent Rebate Program to Aid Older Adults

Pennsylvanians will soon see some financial relief with their property taxes and rent. Gov. Josh Shapiro recently signed House Bill 1100 into law…

A recent report found more than 400 jobs have been created in the Keystone State since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, and more than $190 million in investments have been made in clean-energy projects. (Anatoliy_gleb/AdobeStock)

Inflation Reduction Act Funds Multiple PA Clean-Energy Priorities

It has been one year since the Biden administration's Inflation Reduction Act became law, and Pennsylvania is seeing and using some of the funding…

With 52,000 farms and 7.3 million acres of farmland, agriculture is a big business in Pennsylvania, accounting for approximately $83.8 billion in direct economic output and 280,500 jobs. (Kegfire/AdobeStock)

Farmer Education Bill to Tackle Impacts of Climate Change in PA

New federal legislation aims to help farmers in Pennsylvania and elsewhere share their knowledge of conservation practices as they face an increasing …

Keystone Saves creates an individual retirement account program that automatically enrolls private-sector workers, who can choose to opt out. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

'Keystone Saves' Aims to Help Millions of Working Pennsylvanians

More than 40% of private sector workers in Pennsylvania earned their living at businesses without retirement plans, as of 2020. Multiple groups are …

New, used, and demonstration vehicles with a final purchase or lease price of $50,000<br />or less are eligible for rebates in Pennsylvania. (Ake1150/AdobeStock)<br />

New EPA Rule: 2 Out of 3 New Cars Could Be Electric By 2032

The Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed more stringent vehicle emission standards, which could significantly help reduce air pollution …

The Keystone State is a leading East Coast supplier of natural gas, coal, refined petroleum products and electricity to the nation. (vencav/Adobe Stock)

Report: Fossil Fuels "Unreliable" During Deep Freeze

A new report found forced power outages in this winter's extreme weather only added to "unreliability" in the fossil-fuel sector. The PJM …

A known risk factor for glaucoma is elevated intraocular, or internal eye, pressure. (Nicholas Felix/peopleimages.com/Adobe Stock)

Eye Screenings Recommended for Glaucoma Awareness Month

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month. It is a leading cause of blindness in the U.S. and anyone can have it, so a Pennsylvania expert said it is one …

Utilities offer payment programs and other arrangements for households having trouble paying bills. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission said last year, utilities spent <a href=

$459 million on such programs. (Kenishirotie/Adobe Stock)">

Staying Warm in PA with Winter Heating Assistance

Higher fuel prices and a bitterly cold start to this winter mean it will cost more for most people to heat their homes, according to the U.S…

Subsidized Child Care Program assists low-income families in Pennsylvania to help with child-care expenses, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. (Lordn/AdobeStock)">

Study: Children in Child Care Don't Exhibit Problematic Behaviors

A new study shows kids in child care are not more likely to exhibit behavior problems than those who don't attend them. The Society for Research in …

Report: More PA Kids had Health Insurance During Pandemic

A new report says during the pandemic, more children were able to keep their health insurance in the Commonwealth. The "State of Children's Health" …

Every year, close to 90,000 people in Pennsylvania are diagnosed with diabetes, according to the American Diabetes Association. (Tuan_azizi/Adobe Stock)

National Diabetes Month: PA Insurers Focus on More Affordable Insulin

It is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and the American Diabetes Association said at least 1.2 million Pennsylvanians have been diagnosed with the …

Medicare supplement policies are often referred to as MediGap coverage, because they cover expenses in the gap basic Medicare does not. (Japhoto/Adobe Stock)

PA Seniors Urged to Enroll in Medicare Before Deadline

Medicare's annual open enrollment period ends Dec. 7, so if you're one of the 2.8 million Pennsylvanians eligible for Medicare, decisions need to be …

Despite more than 680,000 Pennsylvanians being without health insurance, the state's overall rate of uninsured residents is under 7%, which is better than the national rate of 10.4%. (Vitalii Vodolazskyi/Adobe Stock)

PA Open Enrollment for Health Insurance Begins Nov. 1

Tens of thousands of Pennsylvanians will be shopping for new health insurance plans for next year when open enrollment begins on Nov. 1. Experts …

As of 2021, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Keystone State is home to more than 600,000 union members. (Sittinan/Adobe Stock)

Report: PA Workers Benefit from Tight Labor Market, Unions

The latest research on the "State of Working Pennsylvania" says a tight labor market and new levels of union organizing are offering new opportunities…

The number of Pennsylvania residents who have already installed solar power at their homes or businesses is now close to 15,000. (Diyanadimitrova/Adobe Stock)

Clean-Energy Investments to Boost PA Economy

Renewable energy has the possibility to boost the economy and benefit workers and the environment in the Keystone State. That was the message at the …

From 2006 to 2015, more than 17,000 Pennsylvanians filed flood claims with FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program, for more than $550 million in damages. (Adobe Stock)

50 Years After Hurricane Agnes, PA Officials Urge Buying Flood Insurance

As hurricane season kicks into full gear, Pennsylvania officials are reflecting on the impacts of Hurricane Agnes 50 years ago, and urging property …

Depending on where their homes or businesses are in the state, Pennsylvania residents may be able to save money on electric bills by switching their electric supplier through PA Power Switch, the Public Utility Commission's electric shopping website. (Adobe Stock)

PA Residents to See Significant Increase in Energy Bills This Summer

Starting Wednesday, Pennsylvanians may start to see a sharp increase in energy costs just as summer approaches and inflation hits people hard…

Gov. Tom Wolf's proposed Pennsylvania Opportunity Program is meant to help families still recovering economically from the pandemic or the increasing costs of living. (Commonwealth Media Services)

Wolf, Community Leaders Seek $2,000 Payments for Pennsylvanians

Gov. Tom Wolf, lawmakers and community leaders are calling on the General Assembly to pass legislation that would send checks of up to $2,000 to …

Pennsylvania children especially are at risk because the state's CHIP program is entirely separate from Medicaid. (Adobe Stock)

Report: PA Children at Risk of Losing Medicaid Coverage

With the end of the public-health emergency looming, a new report reveals millions of children in Pennsylvania and elsewhere are at risk of losing …

Pennsylvania has over 300 million square feet of big-box building rooftops, which new research suggests could provide almost half the electricity that these buildings consume if they were outfitted with solar panels. (Adobe Stock)

Report: Use PA's Big-Box Store Rooftops to Boost Solar Energy

As Pennsylvania continues to grow its solar-energy capacity, a new report found the roofs of big-box stores present a big opportunity to increase …

Pennsylvania's Public Safety Answering Points process an estimated 14.5 million requests for emergency services every year. (Adobe Stock)

Telecoms' 3G Network Shutdowns Could Impact PA Emergency Calls

Mobile carriers are starting to decommission their 3G cellular networks this year, some as soon as next month. Pennsylvania officials are reminding …

According to Restore Pennsylvania, the state's broadband initiative, achieving high-speed internet access throughout the state will require between $480 million and $715 million. (Adobe Stock)

PA's New Broadband Development Authority Overseeing Internet Expansion

Pennsylvania stands to gain at least $100 million to improve broadband access from the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The …

When ready to apply for LIHWAP, residents should have names, Social Security numbers and dates of birth for everyone in the household, along with proof of income and a recent water bill. (Adobe Stock)

New Program to Help PA Households Pay Water Bills

As the Omicron variant surges in Pennsylvania and affects people's health and economic security, a new assistance program aims to help residents of …

Last year, Pennsylvania utilities spent $362 million on assistance programs for households having difficulty paying their power bills, excluding LIHEAP. (Adobe Stock)

With Winter Months Ahead, Tips to Manage Home Heating Bills

As Pennsylvanians move into winter, the state's top utility agency offers some tips on keeping bills down during the peak energy-use season. Three …

A partir de abril, los propietarios de Filadelfia deben solicitar asistencia para el alquiler e inscribirse en el programa de desalojo de la ciudad antes de solicitar desalojo debido a falta de pago del alquiler. (Adobe Stock)

Proyecto de ley reformaría informes de selección de inquilinos en PA

Filadelfia -- Una nueva legislación en el Senado estatal abordaría lo que los defensores de la vivienda dicen que son registros de desalojo …

As of April, Philadelphia landlords are required to apply for rental assistance and enroll in the city's eviction-diversion program prior to filing for eviction due to rent non-payment. (Adobe Stock)

Bill Would Reform Tenant-Screening Reports in PA

PHILADELPHIA -- New legislation in the state Senate would address what housing advocates say are unfair eviction records leading to residents being de…

Infrastructure Bill's Broadband Funds to Support Rural Pennsylvanians

MILL CREEK, Pa. -- The trillion-dollar infrastructure bill passed by Congress last month includes $65 billion to provide better internet access to …

AARP recommends checking if your drug store is a preferred pharmacy under your chosen Medicare plan. It means you'll pay less for prescriptions there. (Adobe Stock)

Tips for Picking Medicare Plan This Open-Enrollment Season

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Choosing the right Medicare plan can be confusing, and during the open-enrollment period, it is recommended Pennsylvanians take …

Together, Medicaid, CHIP and the state insurance marketplace Pennie account for nearly 46% of children covered in Pennsylvania. (Adobe Stock)

Report: PA Kids' Health Coverage Increased During Pandemic

HARRISBURG, Pa. -- Since the pandemic began, public health coverage for children has increased by 10% in Pennsylvania, and a new report underscored …

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