E-news Updates - June 14, 2023

In this Update:

Watch Out for This Rental Scam
General Fund Tax Revenues Below Estimate Again
Helping Nonprofits and Local Governments Stretch Investment Dollars
June is National Men’s Health Month
Bicyclists and Motorists Must Safely Share the Road

I recently presented a senate citation to the Dauphin County Bar Association to recognize their 125th Anniversary during a ceremony where they donated a bench and tree in Riverfront Park across from their office in Harrisburg.

Watch Out for This Rental Scam

The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General warns people in the market for rental properties to be aware of sophisticated scammers placing fake ads and altering existing, legitimate ads to obtain personal information, security deposits and rent payments.

Protect yourself by being wary if you cannot physically see the property. Avoid purchasing gift cards for payment, providing your Social Security number without verifying with whom you are dealing and wiring payments for application, security deposit or first month’s rent.

General Fund Tax Revenues Below Estimate Again

Each month, the Senate Appropriations Committee prepares an update about the state’s financial health. The most recent report shows that General Fund tax revenues were $90.7 million lower than the monthly estimate in May, the third time in the past five months that tax revenues have failed to meet projections.

For the 2022-23 Fiscal Year, which ends June 30, Personal Income Tax collections are nearly $400 million below projections.

The full update, including the monthly revenue report, is available here.

Helping Nonprofits and Local Governments Stretch Investment Dollars

Nonprofits and local governments can take advantage of an investment opportunity offered by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department. The program, known as INVEST, is similar in concept to money market funds and offers two short-term pools and custom options.

For more than 30 years, INVEST’s performance has matched or exceeded that of its competitors. INVEST offers daily liquidity and has no minimum balance requirements. More than 260 entities – like townships, school districts, counties, volunteer fire companies, libraries and other nonprofit organizations – have assets of approximately $1.317 billion in INVEST portfolios.

If you would like more information about INVEST, please call 866-300-4603, email investoperations@patreasury.gov, or visit patreasury.gov/invest.

June is National Men’s Health Month

To promote awareness of preventable health problems, June is recognized as National Men’s Health Month. It also encourages early detection and treatment of diseases including cancer, heart disease and depression among men who may be more hesitant to make doctor visits a priority.

Medical experts say men should focus on taking care of their bodies by eating right, exercising and working to prevent disease. Part of being healthy is also cultivating good mental health.

For the benefit of all Pennsylvanians, I will continue to advocate for policies that stimulate innovation within our health care delivery system.

Bicyclists and Motorists Must Safely Share the Road

Bicyclists and motorists, who both have the right to use Pennsylvania roads, also have responsibilities to ensure everyone gets home safely.

Both parties must obey all the rules of the road and allow at least 4 feet of separation when passing. Motorists are allowed to overtake a bicycle in a no-passing zone, provided they leave a 4-foot clearance.

Learn more about Pennsylvania’s bicycle laws.