2009 Heroes in Healthcare Award

I was honored recently by the PA United for Single-payer Healthcare and HealthCare4AllPA.org as a recipient of the 2009 Heroes in Healthcare award along with my colleagues Senators Ferlo and Logan and Representatives Preston, Deasy, Kortz, Harhai, Kula, Mahoney, Walko, White and Gibbons. Thanks to both organizations for their advocacy and efforts on this issue.

The debate and discussion on state-based efforts to address health insurance issues continues and I encourage you to learn more about legislation before the State Senate, including SB 400.

National Wear Red Day - Friday, February 5th

Cardiovascular Disease is the nation’s - and Pennsylvania’s - number one killer, accounting for over 34% of all deaths nationwide and placing an enormous burden on our health care system. Women, particularly, have a greater risk of developing heart disease.

In February, join the PA State Senate and the American Heart Association in celebrating February as American Heart Month and Friday, February 5th as Wear Red for Women Day. The celebrations shine a spotlight on the need for more awareness about one’s risk of developing heart disease and stroke and what each of us can do to improve our own health and the health of our loved ones.

Wear RED on February 5th in celebration of the National Wear Red Day and participate in events scheduled in our area. For more information on the project, visit http://www.goredforwomen.org/wearredday/.
 

Tax Filings

As noted in last week’s News & Views, the Department of Revenue is now accepting e-filings of your state tax returns, but did you know that’s not all that’s available?

My office can provide you with any federal or state tax forms and instructions that you may need. This includes the 1040, 1040A, 1040EZ, PA-40 and all of the related schedules. Do you need a Property Tax & Rent Rebate Application (PA-1000)? The staff stands ready to provide you with the booklet and can also assist in completing the application and submit it directly to the Department of Revenue for you.

For the third year, I am also again partnering with Southwestern PA Legal Services to offer you access to I-CAN! E-file, a FREE online service that allows you to prepare and e-file your federal and state returns. Individuals can use I-CAN! E-File unless they (or their spouse, if filing jointly) are in the military, are a church employee, are a non-resident alien, sold real estate in 2009, or they or their employer have a non-US address. The link is on my website, or you can click here for more information.

Have you looked at the IRS Free File program? The program offers 98 million Americans a fast, free and safe way to do their federal taxes online. All taxpayers making less than $57,000 can visit www.IRS.gov and use the industry’s top tax preparation software for free. Users get the step-by-step help they need to prepare, complete and file federal tax returns online - at no cost. The program is made possible through a partnership between the IRS and the Free File Alliance - a group of industry-leading tax software providers. Since 2003, the Free File program has delivered free tax services to more than 25 million people. Not only is the program completely free and secure, but taxpayers who use Free File with direct deposit may receive refunds in as little 10 days. Free File is a vital service for the American taxpayer.

Finally, the Parental Stress Center (PSC) and Money In Your Pocket Campaign (MIYPC) is sponsoring free tax preparation services beginning January 19th through April 15th, 2010. Federal, State and Local Income Tax returns are prepared for FREE for families that earned $40,000 or less in 2009 and individuals who earned $20,000 or less in 2009. The program is open Tuesday through Friday from 2-8 p.m. and Saturdays from 9-4 p.m., by appointment only. For appointments, call 412-361-4800.
 

Census 2010 is Hiring

The Pittsburgh Local Census office is working to promote employment opportunities in Allegheny County. Census Takers will earn 15.00 per hour, work flexible hours and are reimbursed for travel related expenses. For more information about Census Jobs, you can call 412-770-3360 or visiting their website.
 

MyGov365.com

You might remember that I am an active user of MyGov365.com, a new communications tool that keeps me linked in to the concerns and opinions of my constituents. Recently, I shared access to the MyGov365 beta site with my constituents, and so far we have seen great results. Just in the past two weeks, I have been able to communicate with constituents on specific bills and issues. If you haven't logged in to MyGov365, I encourage you to get started. To create an account, go to: http://beta.mygov365.com and then enter invite code: fontanaguest. If you've already created an account, please keep the comments and feedback coming.