Brewster: Bill Would Trim State Tax on Disability Trusts

March 4, 2011

Harrisburg – March 4, 2011 – Sen. Jim Brewster has introduced legislation that would exempt the first $3,000 of disability trust income or gains from state taxes.

“This legislation largely follows federal tax protocol, which exempts the first $3,050 from taxation,” Brewster said. “Families with disabled children have enough worries seeing to it that their child’s future health and well being will be attended to. I see no reason why our state should have a more onerous tax standard than the federal government.”

Brewster said the idea for the legislation originated with an elderly constituent who approached former- Sen. Sean Logan about a trust he was trying to set up for an adult child who suffered from mental illness.

While the Senate never acted on the Logan bill, Brewster said he considers it a worthy proposal that he will push this legislative session.

“Allowing this minimal exemption would hopefully encourage more families to take the steps necessary to provide for the future of their disabled children,” Brewster said. “There certainly isn’t any justification for Pennsylvania to tax the first $3,000 of a family’s disability trust income when the IRS doesn’t.”

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Senator Brewster Introduces Legislation That Would Save Lives

February 28, 2011

Harrisburg – February 28, 2011 – Sen. Jim Brewster has introduced legislation that would require most buildings to have a working carbon monoxide (CO) alarm system.

“Installing and maintaining a reliable CO alarm system saves lives,” Brewster said. “It is inexpensive and alerts residents before lethal levels of CO can accumulate in their homes.”

Carbon monoxide poisoning is the leading cause of accidental poisoning deaths in America. More than 20,000 people are hospitalized and about 450 people, in the United States, die annually, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In 2007, Pennsylvania led the nation in CO fatalities.

Often called the “silent killer,” CO is an odorless, colorless and toxic gas. Because it is impossible to see, taste or smell the toxic fumes, CO can kill without someone even being aware of its presence. At lower levels of exposure, CO causes mild effects that are often mistaken for the flu. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, disorientation, nausea and fatigue.

Senate Bill 542 would require residences that have fireplaces, fossil-burning heating systems or attached garages to have at least one CO alarm system. Owners/landlords would be responsible for equipping new buildings with CO alarms outside every bedroom. Residents/renters would be responsible for maintaining the alarms. Failure to install or maintain an alarm in operating condition would be a summary offense punishable by a fine of up to $50.

Former Sen. Sean Logan initially introduced the bill last summer. The Senate never acted on the measure.

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Sen. Brewster Announces Outreach Office Hours

February 24, 2011

McKeesport – February 24, 2011 – Calling it a means to accommodate and meet with more constituents, Sen. Jim Brewster today announced that he will be holding office hours at outreach offices in numerous local government buildings in the months ahead.

“This schedule gives my staff and me a good opportunity to get out in the district, meet with more people and get a firsthand understanding of local issues and problems,” Brewster said. “In essence, this is an opportunity to save many people a trip and bring quality constituent services to my constituents.”

The outreach office will be open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the following locations:

Brewster has full-time district offices in Monroeville, One Monroeville Center, 3824 Northern Pike, Suite 350 (412) 380-2242; McKeesport, 627 Lysle Boulevard, Suite 100 (412) 664-5200; and New Kensington, New Kensington City Hall, 301 11th Street, Suite L (724) 334-1143.

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Sen. Brewster Touts Jobs legislation

February 23, 2011

Harrisburg – February 23, 2011 – Sen. Jim Brewster and fellow Senate Democrats today unveiled a six point legislative plan aimed at invigorating Pennsylvania’s economy and creating jobs.

“The beauty of this innovative package is that it promises the creation of more than 28,000 jobs without new state spending,” Brewster said at a Capitol news conference. “By leveraging $2 billion in private investment, we put people to work, train others for available jobs, help small businesses, rebuild our aging infrastructure, and foster the growth of promising new industries.”

The Democratic package, called “PA Works,” would: help small businesses be more competitive, strengthen and streamline workforce training programs, make targeted investments in clean and green energy industries, invest in public works projects, save money by streamlining government programs, and lower and make business taxes fairer.

Brewster invited both fellow Democrats and Republican lawmakers to offer input and ideas on job creation. He said the issue needs to be the legislature’s top priority.

“Creating jobs is our biggest challenge, but it also represents our best opportunity,” Brewster said. “Let’s get to work — on getting people to work.”

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Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications Available in Sen. Brewster’s Offices

February 11, 2011

McKeesport – February 11, 2011 – Application forms for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2010 are now available in Sen. Jim Brewster’s local district offices.

“I urge all seniors to see if they are eligible for this Lottery-funded rebate program,” Brewster said. “If you are not sure, contact one of my local offices and we will help you determine your eligibility and apply for benefits.”

 

PA Property Tax Relief

Brewster said all homeowners and renters who received rebates last year should have received their 2010 application form in the mail by now. He said applications are also available online at www.revenue.state.pa.us or by calling 1-888-222-9190. In addition to his district offices in McKeesport, Monroeville and New Kensington, forms and assistance are available at state Department of Revenue district offices (listed in the government section of local telephone directories), local Area Agencies on Aging and senior centers.

The rebate filing deadline is June 30.

Brewster said More than $281 million in property tax and rent rebates were sent to a record 603,098 people statewide last year. He added that if you combine rebates with gaming-generated tax relief, about 120,000 homeowners had school property taxes completely eliminated last year.

The rebate program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The income limit is $35,000 a year for homeowners and $15,000 annually for renters. Half of Social Security income is excluded.

The maximum standard rebate is $650, but there are supplemental property tax rebates of up to $325 for homeowners in Pittsburgh. Brewster said the supplemental payments also apply to people in other parts of the state who pay more than 15 percent of income on property taxes. The maximum rebate for those homeowners is $975.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is one of five programs supported by the Pennsylvania Lottery. Since the program’s inception in 1971, older and disabled adults have received more than $4.7 billion worth of property tax and rent relief. The expanded portion of the rebate program is paid for with revenue from slots gaming.

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Brewster Presses for Resolution to adultBasic Funding Shortfall

February 3, 2011

McKeesport, February 3, 2011 – Reflecting on the large number of local working families that rely on the state’s adultBasic program for health care coverage, state Sen. Jim Brewster today said he is urging legislative leaders and Gov. Tom Corbett to work together to fill the program’s $55 million funding gap.

“Unless action is taken soon, this program will expire on February 28,” Brewster said. “AdultBasic is too crucial to low income working families for us to let it fail.”

AdultBasic provides low cost health insurance to over 40,000 Pennsylvanians. While commending Gov. Corbett for his interest in solving the funding crisis, Brewster said Corbett’s suggestion that the federally-funded Fair Care program pick up the slack would likely spur premium hikes that many local adultBasic enrollees could not afford.

“AdultBasic enrollees would face a whopping 800 percent premium hike,” Brewster said. “Making matters worse, the federal program only has 1,000 slots available – and there are 40,000 current adultBasic enrollees and thousands more on the waiting list.

“I hope people understand that most of these adultBasic enrollees are hard working people,” Brewster said. “Many hold down two or three jobs trying to make ends meet. By the time they pay their rent, utility and grocery bills, they have little left to pay for health insurance.”

Under the adultBasic program, eligible workers pay a monthly $36 per person premium. The program was previously funded with tobacco settlement monies and through contributions from the Blues Plans through the Community Health Reinvestment Agreement.

Brewster praised Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny), who is calling for a four-caucus legislative meeting to work on ways to resolve the adultBasic funding issue.

As a means to put a human face on how the adultBasic funding crisis will hurt working families, Brewster is urging people to log onto his website at www.senatorbrewster.com and provide personal accounts or sign a petition urging that the adultBasic Program be saved.

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Sen. Brewster Offers Free Tax Filing Assistance

January 26, 2011

McKEESPORT, Jan. 26, 2011 – State Sen. Jim Brewster is offering senior citizens free assistance with filing their state and federal income taxes.

“This is a great opportunity for seniors to get help with their tax forms,” Brewster said. “The appointments are limited and fill up quickly so anyone who qualifies should take advantage of this opportunity by calling as soon as possible.”

Brewster said the American Association of Retired People (AARP) will provide trained volunteers in the senator’s local offices to help people complete and file their tax forms. As a means to provide as much assistance as possible, the senator is requesting that seniors call first, make an appointment and reserve a time slot for when they visit.

Tax assistance is available at Sen. Brewster’s:

  • McKeesport District Office on Wednesdays and Thursdays beginning February 2 and continuing through April 14. Call 412-664-5200 to reserve a time slot.
  • Monroeville District Office by appointment only on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. from February 3 through April 14. Call 412-380-2242.
  • New Kensington District Office by appointment only on Tuesdays from noon to 3 p.m. from February 1 through April 12. Call 724-334-1143.

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Sen. Brewster to Host Local Student Aid Seminars

January 25, 2011

Harrisburg, January 25, 2011 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today announced that he will host three student aid seminars in February for local students and their parents.

“In these difficult economic times, it is imperative that college students explore eligibility for every college grant or loan prospect,” Brewster said. “These seminars are aimed at helping families understand what’s out there, what they may qualify for and how they can apply.”

The seminars will be held:

  • Saturday February 12 in the auditorium of the Community College of Allegheny College Boyce Campus, Monroeville (RSVP by February 7);
  • Saturday February 19 in the Ostermeyer Room of the Student Community Center at Penn State Greater Allegheny (RSVP by February 11); and
  • Saturday February 26 in the auditorium at Penn State New Kensington (RSVP by February 18).
    The seminars will include a 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. financial aid seminar, lunch and a 12:15 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. session on completing the FAFSA application.

Please contact Alison Piccolino apiccolino@pasenate.com (412) 664-5200 in the senator’s McKeesport office with any questions or to RSVP.

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Brewster to Serve as Democratic Chairman of Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee

January 10, 2011

Harrisburg, January 10, 2011 – State Sen. Jim Brewster today was appointed Democratic chairman of the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee.

“I hope to use my clout on this committee to focus on issues and challenges facing struggling cities and towns in the Mon Valley and throughout our state,” Brewster said. “As more residents and businesses depart from our former industrial centers, these towns are struggling to provide crucial local services such as police and fire protection.

“I am determined to steer more of the state’s focus to the plight of struggling urban and suburban communities, and on ways state government can partner in local economic revitalization efforts.”

The former McKeesport mayor said the committee has in the past legislative session addressed issues ranging from encouraging affordable housing to curbing urban blight.

Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny) also appointed Brewster to serve on the Senate committees on Banking and Insurance; Community, Economic and Recreational Development; Game and Fisheries; Intergovernmental Operations; Democratic Policy; and Transportation.

Brewster said he is pleased with his committee assignments because there are numerous pressing local issues and problems that will likely be discussed in all of those committees. He said he will be receptive to constituents’ ideas and suggestions on any legislative program, initiative or issue. Constituents can call or visit the senator at his district offices in Monroeville (412) 380-2242, McKeesport (412) 664-5200 or New Kensington (724) 334-1143.

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Brewster Urges Unemployed to Continue Filing for Benefits while Congress Debates Extension

December 10, 2010

McKEESPORT, December 10, 2010 – State Sen. Jim Brewster is urging jobless workers whose federal unemployment benefits have, or will soon expire, to continue filing for the weekly payments. “Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Labor has advised me that continuing to file should help expedite the resumption of payments if Congress acts,” Brewster said. “Knowing that many families are barely surviving with unemployment benefits, I urge them to make sure they keep filing – while we all pray that Congress acts soon.”

Brewster said Congress is debating extending the 73-week emergency benefits that expired at the end of November. Unless Congress acts soon, he said over 200,000 jobless Pennsylvanians will likely lose their benefits by the end of January.

The McKeesport lawmaker said state Labor Department officials advised him that about 100,000 letters were mailed this week to those whose benefits ended, or soon will end, with instructions on how to continue filing. If Congress acts, claimants who missed payments will likely receive a retroactive lump sum of the benefit checks they missed.

“I hope Congress does the right thing and acts soon,” Brewster said. “But in the meantime, those who are jobless need to do all they can to make sure they can get their benefits resumed as quickly as possible once Congress acts.”

Brewster said the nationwide recession has been particularly hard on the Mon Valley and struggling industrial towns. He said cutting jobless families from the unemployment rolls “causes catastrophic problems for those families, and residual pain for the region’s economy.”

More information on filing for unemployment compensation can be obtained at: www.uc.pa.gov.

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Brewster Reminds Seniors of Property Tax Rebate Filing Deadline

December 1, 2010

McKeesport, December 1, 2010 – Sen. Jim Brewster today announced that the application deadline for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program is December 31, 2010.

“If you are a low income senior citizen or know seniors who may qualify for this benefit program, I urge them to apply by this month’s deadline date,” Brewster said. “My local staff and I stand ready to help seniors apply for benefits.”

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate program provides rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2009. To be eligible, applicants must meet income requirements and be a Pennsylvania resident age 65 and older; a claimant under the age of 65 with a spouse age 65 or older who resides in the household; a widow or widower age 50 and older; or a permanently disabled individual age 18 or older.

The program is available to homeowners with a household income of $35,000 or less and renters with a household income of $15,000 or less, excluding one-half of Social Security Income and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits.

Brewster noted that eligible applicants can qualify for a rebate of up to $650.

For applications or more information on the program, residents can visit or call the senator at his district offices in Monroeville (412) 380-2242, McKeesport (412) 664-5200 and New Kensington (724) 334-1143. Rebate information and applications is also available via the senator’s website at: www.senatorbrewster.com

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Brewster Takes Oath of Office as State Senator

November 17, 2010

HARRISBURG, November 17, 2010 — State Senator Jim Brewster took the oath of office today pledging to lead by example, fight for his constituents and work to create jobs and improve education.
Brewster, a Democrat, won a Nov. 2 special election to serve the final two years of the term vacated by former Senator Sean Logan. Logan resigned in August to accept a position with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

“My top priority will be to address the needs of the people who live in our region,” Brewster said. “I will work hard, seek positive results and be responsible with tax dollars. I will strive to make a difference and have a positive impact on job development, education advancement and efforts to rebuild our local communities,” Brewster said.

He pledged that he will not accept:

  • a daily per diem;
  • a vehicle provided by the state; or
  • any cost of living increase or pay hike.

Brewster said he would continue to staff district offices in Monroeville (412) 380-2242, McKeesport (412) 664-5200 and New Kensington (724) 334-1143.

“I am excited about this opportunity and look forward to doing what I can to help families,” Brewster said. “I will work to improve the Pittsburgh region’s business and jobs climate, cut property taxes and make government more efficient and responsive.”

Brewster, 62, has been the mayor of McKeesport for the last seven years and served on city council for 10 years prior to that. He was also vice president of operations at Mellon Bank for 27 years.
Family and friends joined the McKeesport lawmaker at the Capitol ceremony today. Brewster represents the 45th Senatorial District, which includes parts of Allegheny and Westmoreland counties.

Brewster is a graduate of the Community College of Allegheny County and California University of Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Linda Leah, have three daughters and four grandchildren.

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Brewster’s State Senate Swearing-In Set for Wednesday in Harrisburg

November 16, 2010

Harrisburg, November 16, 2010 — State Senator-elect Jim Brewster (D-Allegheny/Westmoreland) will be sworn in to the state Senate at the Capitol in Harrisburg on Wednesday, Nov. 17 at approximately 1 p.m.

Brewster, 62, has been the mayor of McKeesport for the last seven years and served on city council for 10 years prior to that. He was also vice president of operations at Mellon Bank for 27 years.

On Nov. 2, Brewster won a special election to finish former Senator Sean Logan’s term. Logan resigned his senate seat on August 24 for a position with the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center.

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