NEW APPLICATION PERIOD OPENS FOR PROPERTY TAX & RENT REBATES FOR SENIORS;
SENATOR O'PAKE NOTES THREE-FOLD INCREASE IN BERKS COUNTY REBATE CHECKS LAST YEAR

          Harrisburg, February 6, 2008 -- With thousands more Berks County seniors qualifying for and receiving property tax and/or rent rebate checks this past year, Senator Michael A. O'Pake (D-Berks) today advised seniors that "a brand new application period is now underway" for Pennsylvania's dramatically expanded Property Tax and Rent Rebate Program.
          "The data shows that literally millions in added dollars were pumped back into the pockets of hard-pressed Berks County seniors this past year as nearly 17,000 received Property Tax and Rent Rebate checks.  Nearly three times as many Berks County senior citizen homeowners, more than 11,500, received property tax rebates last year -- an increase of over 7,200 compared to the prior year," O'Pake said.
          Berks County, the Senator added, was "one of the top counties in the state" to avail itself of new provisions of the expanded Property Tax and Rent Rebate (PTRR) Program.  The PTRR income eligibility limit for qualifying homeowners (seniors 65 and older, widows and widowers 50 and older and disabled adults) was increased from $15,000 to $35,000 (with one-half of Social Security not counted) and the maximum PTRR rebate check was boosted from $500 to $650.  The maximum PTRR rebate for renters was also increased to $650; although, the $15,000 annual income limit for those who rent (with one-half of Social Security not counted) remains the same.
          "Berks County's fixed-income seniors deserve every bit of help we can provide.  That's why I'm glad thousands more received a measure of additional relief with a property tax rebate this past year; that's why I urge all eligible PTRR recipients to apply again this year; and, that's why I'll keep up the fight for a permanent end to the crushing and inequitable burden of the homeowner school property tax once and for all," O'Pake said.
          Those who qualified for a PTRR rebate this past year should automatically receive a new application in the mail.  The new application deadline for "2007 tax year" rebates is June 30.  If you haven't applied before and think you might qualify, O'Pake urged 11^th District constituents to contact his office at 610-929-2151 for assistance.      

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