Ending the Death Tax on Children
April 13, 2017
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| The latest news from the State Capitol | |||||||
Legislation to eliminate the inheritance tax for transfers of property from a parent to a child age 21 and younger passed the state House recently. Currently, property transferred from a parent to a minor child is subject to an inheritance tax rate of 4.5 percent. However, property transfers from a child age 21 or younger to a natural parent, adoptive parent or step-parent are exempt from the tax, and House Bill 291 seeks to exempt property transfers from the tax in the reverse order. This would be especially beneficial to farmers who often leave the family farm to their children. The measure now goes to the Senate for consideration. |
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Tax-free savings accounts aimed at helping people with disabilities save money for future care and services are now available through the Pennsylvania Treasury. The PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts are structured similar to tuition savings accounts and allow people with disabilities, their family members and friends to contribute up to $14,000 per year to a maximum account limit of $511,758. Once the limit is reached, accounts can continue to earn interest. Withdrawals from the account will be exempt from both state and federal income taxes as long as the funds are used for “qualified disability expenses.” These include, but are not limited to, education, housing, transportation, employment training/support and assistive technology. To receive the benefits of PA ABLE, the qualifying disability must have started prior to age 26. For more information, click here. |
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The trout stocking event with Bethlehem Center Middle School students, originally scheduled for April 7, will now take place on Friday, April 21, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Ten Mile Creek Access in Marianna. This event will be included as part of our district-wide 2017 Great American Clean Up of PA activities. We are hosting this all-day, district-wide “Redding Up the Valley” event on April 21 to offer an opportunity for our outstanding community and local organizations to partner with us in making the 49th Legislative District clean again. Local groups and organizations can participate in the 2017 Great American Cleanup of PA by picking up litter and trash along roadsides, streams, parks, forests and neighborhoods. Additional event ideas include holding recycling events for hard-to-dispose of items like tires and appliances, creating or enhancing green areas by planting plants, bulbs and trees, and removing or painting over graffiti that devalues neighborhoods. I will also be participating in the trout stocking event in Marianna with Beth-Center Middle School students as they complete a field trip requirement as part of their Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission education curriculum. I’m inviting everyone to come out to Ten Mile Creek and support our young people as they contribute in sustaining our region’s abundant creeks, streams, rivers and wildlife. For more information on how to join us in Redding Up the Valley, please click on the video link above or contact my Bentleyville district office at (724) 669-2242.
We will be hosting a Concealed Carry Seminar on Saturday, May 6, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Bentleyville Volunteer Fire Department, 900 Main St. If you already have a concealed carry permit, or are thinking about obtaining one, please consider attending this seminar. This event offers a unique opportunity for both prospective and experienced firearm owners to expand their knowledge of existing gun laws and get a better understanding about freely and responsibly exercising your right to keep and bear arms. Attorney Ed Bilik; Pennsylvania State Trooper Joseph Dandrea; Washington County Sheriff Samuel Romano; and Kim Stolfer, Firearms Owners Against Crime, will present the facts and answer questions about Pennsylvania’s concealed carry process, the Castle Doctrine and other valuable information regarding firearms safety and state gun laws including:
Seating is limited and will fill up quickly. Interested individuals should pre-register for this FREE seminar as soon as possible by calling the Bentleyville district office at (724) 669-2242 or toll-free at (855) 271-9380. |
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Just a reminder about our upcoming satellite office hours during the month of April. My district office team will be available on Tuesdays, April 18 and April 25, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Donora Township Municipal Building, 603 Meldon Ave. In addition, satellite office hours have been scheduled for Thursday April 27, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Washington Township Municipal Building, 1390 Fayette Ave., Belle Vernon. We are hosting these special office hours in order to offer greater convenience and make it easier for District 49 residents to meet with us one on one. Whether someone simply wants to discuss a state issue, or would like personal assistance with a state program or form, my team and I are here to help. Services offered through my district office include:
For the latest district event information and state government updates, visit RepBudCook.com and Facebook.com/RepBudCook. |
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| Wishing Everyone a Safe and Blessed Easter Holiday Weekend!!!
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