Water main replacement in Bensalem
Rep. K.C. Tomlinson announced Bensalem Township will be allotted funding from a $77.5 million loan through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority for a water main replacement project.
PENNVEST funding specifically serves projects in Pennsylvania that focus on sewer, storm water and drinking water projects.
The loan will be distributed to 16 municipalities across southeastern Pennsylvania for water main replacement projects.
“I am happy to say Bensalem is included in this vital project in the southeast,” Tomlinson said. “Making sure our water mains are updated means our drinking water is safe and quality service is provided to the consumers.” ••
A boost for college savings accounts
The 529 tax credit, originally House Bill 1745 and co-prime sponsored by state Reps. Kristin Marcell and Paul Friel, has been successfully incorporated into the recently signed Tax Code by Gov. Josh Shapiro. The new tax credit incentivizes employers to contribute to their employees’ PA 529 College and Career Savings Program accounts.
House Bill 1745 expands the tax credit to encourage workforce development and ease the financial burden of higher education for Pennsylvania families. The PA 529 tax credit allows for a 25% tax credit on employer contributions of up to $500 per participating employee per year. The initiative encourages employers to support their employees’ educational savings, facilitating financial planning for future educational expenses.
“Addressing the skills gap and strengthening our workforce starts with access to education,” Marcell said. “By encouraging employers to invest in their employees’ futures, this tax credit supports Pennsylvania families and builds a more skilled and educated workforce. We are making it easier for families to save for higher education, ensuring that our students have the opportunities they need to succeed.”
“This tax credit is outstanding news. It will encourage employers to help employees save with our tremendous PA 529 College and Career Savings Program and PA ABLE Savings Program for people with disabilities,” said Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity. “That will be a huge help to families across Pennsylvania, and by offering this new benefit, employers will become even more attractive places to work. I thank Rep. Friel and Rep. Marcell for their great work getting this tax credit enacted.” ••
Addressing a growing teacher shortage
Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Jason Crow, Lori Chavez-DeRemer and Jahana Hayes introduced a bill to allow Federal Work-Study funds to pay for costs associated with participating in teacher and principal residency programs, which they say have proven effective to improve teacher demand, quality and retention. The Teacher, Principal and Leader Residency Access Act would add teacher and principal residencies to the Federal Work-Study program ensuring no added cost to the taxpayer.
Across the country, there were more than 310,000 teacher positions underfilled or vacant in 2023.
“The success of our next generation hinges upon the guidance and knowledge imparted by our teachers and educational leaders. As we confront a growing teacher shortage, the need for high-quality, skilled and experienced educators has never been more critical,” Fitzpatrick said. “This bipartisan legislation will invest in our education system, provide aspiring educators enriching opportunities for crucial hands-on experience and build a pipeline of skilled professionals ready to guide our next generation of leaders here in PA-1 and nationwide.” ••
Money to upgrade Bensalem Fire
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick announced he has secured $130,727.27 in federal funding for Bensalem Township Fire Rescue Department through the Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.
The FY23 grant will provide Bensalem Township Fire Rescue Department the opportunity for upgrades and the modernization of its aging Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus – gear that safeguards and ensures firefighters remain safe in hazardous conditions. Commonly known as air packs, SCBAs protect firefighters by providing breathable air in smoke-filled and toxic environments. The new SCBA units feature cutting-edge technology and enhanced safety features that the department’s current gear is not equipped with. The grant funds will facilitate the acquisition of 14 SCBA harnesses, 28 air bottles, 14 facepieces and a Rapid Intervention Team pack, which will significantly bolster firefighting capabilities.
“The funding awarded by FEMA to Bensalem Fire Rescue will keep our firefighters safe and allow them to provide valuable services to our community. We thank Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick and his staff for their efforts to secure this much-needed funding,” said William McVey, Bensalem Township Public Safety Director.
“We are incredibly thankful to be awarded this grant, which will allow us to replace our aging SCBA with the latest version of NFPA-compliant SCBA. This equipment is crucial to the safety of our firefighters when responding to critical incidents. We greatly appreciate the continued support from Congressman Fitzpatrick and his staff in helping us obtain this funding,” said Battalion Fire Chief Robert Sponheimer, Bensalem Township Fire Rescue.
Established in 2010, Bensalem Township Fire Rescue works closely with the six volunteer fire departments located throughout the township. ••
Learn about wills and estates
Bucks County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court Linda Bobrin is embarking on her 2024 Senior Center Tour. Bobrin and members of her staff will be giving presentations about wills, estate planning and inheritance tax at senior centers across Bucks County.
Hour-long presentations will be held on the following dates:
• Aug. 20: Upper Bucks Senior Center, 11 a.m.
• Aug. 27: Pennridge Senior Center, 11 a.m.
• Sept. 10: Lower Makefield Senior Center, 10:30 a.m.
Attendees can expect to learn the basics of what makes a will valid, along with an overview of probate and inheritance tax. They will also be sharing interesting anecdotes, including unusual wills received in the office.
The Bucks County Register of Wills is responsible for appointing the personal representative of a decedent’s estate and is the agent for the state to collect inheritance tax. The office’s primary goal is to serve the public, especially when they may be grieving the loss of a loved one.
For more information, email Rachel Landsberg at ralandsberg@buckscounty.org. ••
Farry office hours in Bensalem
State Sen. Frank Farry (R-6th dist.) is offering satellite office hours the first Wednesday of every month, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Bensalem Township Municipal Building, 2400 Byberry Road, Bensalem.
Farry’s staff will be on site to assist with state government services; Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications, birth and death certificate applications, SEPTA Senior Key card registrations and renewals; and unemployment issues. ••
Lower South supervisor meeting schedule
The Lower Southampton Township Board of Supervisors meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the Township Building, 1500 Desire Ave., Feasterville. The next meeting is Aug. 14. ••
Bensalem Council meeting schedule
Bensalem Township Council meetings are generally held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Building at 2400 Byberry Road, Bensalem.
Meetings can be viewed live on Comcast Xfinity Channel 22 in Bensalem and on Verizon Fios Channel 34 throughout Bucks County. They can also be streamed live on the Bensalem Township YouTube channel.
The schedule is Aug. 12, Aug. 26, Sept. 9, Sept. 23, Oct. 15 (Tuesday), Oct. 28, Nov. 12 (Tuesday), Nov. 25, Dec. 4 (budget meeting) and Dec. 16. ••
Bensalem school board meeting schedule
The Bensalem Township Board of School Directors holds meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Dorothy D. Call Administrative Center, 3000 Donallen Drive, Bensalem.
The next meeting will take place on Aug. 27.
The public is invited to attend.
Future meetings are on Sept. 24, Oct. 22, Nov. 26 and Dec. 17 (third Tuesday). ••
Commissioners meeting
The Bucks County Commissioners meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Bucks County Administration Building, 55 E. Court St., in Doylestown.
The meetings are broadcast on the county’s YouTube channel.
The next meeting will be Aug. 7. ••
