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Yahoo
21-04-2025
- Yahoo
State highlights increased transparency to keep older Pennsylvanians safe
Apr. 20—WILKES-BARRE — Earlier this month, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) took action to boost transparency of its oversight of county Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), allowing the public for the first time to see information that shows how quickly those local agencies are conducting investigations of suspected elder abuse. After launching this latest transparency effort the Department is highlighting AAAs that have made significant progress. Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich this week praised the improvements, noting that they have led directly to increased compliance rates across Pennsylvania for the time it takes a local agency to complete an investigation. For example, thanks to the Department's increased efforts with AAAs, Delaware County AAA more than doubled its compliance rate for timely determinations in older adult protective services — from 40% in 2024 to 89% in 2025. That means older adults in Delaware County are receiving the assistance and care they need faster and more efficiently than before. "I commend the Delaware AAA leadership and the entire protective services team for their hard work and dedication to improving their performance," Kavulich said. "While working steadily on a much-needed major overhaul of the Department's performance monitoring system, we have also worked closely with AAAs to make sure they have the tools they need to improve. It is evident that our work is leading to real-world results that benefit and protect older Pennsylvanians." Across Pennsylvania, AAAs investigate nearly 40,000 cases of suspected abuse each year. Reports of suspected abuse can be made to a AAA, or to the statewide elder abuse helpline at 1-800-490-8505. The Helpline is answered live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and all calls are confidential. Property tax/rent rebate program resources A tip sheet for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program is now available in seven languages to provide eligible Pennsylvanians with information that can help them access this critical program. These languages include: —ENG — English —ARA — Arabic —CHI — Simplified Chinese —CHI — Traditional Chinese —ESP — Spanish —KOR — Korean —VIE — Vietnamese This work by the Department of Revenue (DOR) to provide additional resources for non-English-speaking Pennsylvanians is part of the Shapiro Administration's continued commitment to improve access to government resources — including the PTRR program. This is especially important following Gov. Josh Shapiro's work to secure bipartisan support for a historic expansion of the PTRR program, increasing income limits and the maximum rebate for the first time in nearly 20 years. "As Governor Shapiro has said, hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians speak a language other than English," said Secretary of Revenue Pat Browne. "That's why we are taking steps to break down language barriers so that the PTRR program helps as many eligible residents as possible. The PTRR program has served as a lifeline for more than 50 years, providing more than $8.6 billion in property tax and rent relief to some of Pennsylvania's most vulnerable residents. If you think you or someone you know may qualify for a rebate, please check out our tip sheet or visit our website to check your eligibility." Following the PTRR program's historic expansion last year, it delivered more than 522,000 rebates totaling $319 million to eligible Pennsylvanians who applied for a rebate on property taxes or rent paid in 2024. This included roughly 106,000 first-time filers who received a rebate for the very first time. So far this year, DOR has received more than 300,000 PTRR applications. PTRR filing eligibility, assistance 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. Eligible applicants of the PTRR program are reminded to submit a new application (PA-1000) each year, as rebates are determined by annual income and property taxes or rent paid during the previous year. Applicants can check their eligibility on the Department of Revenue's website. State opens 3 new electric vehicle charging stations The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced the opening of three new federally-funded Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations — bringing Pennsylvania's total number of stations built using funds from the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program to 11. Pennsylvania is tied for second in the nation in stations built using the federal funds. Since the first NEVI-funded station opened in the Commonwealth — the charging stations have delivered more than 13,000 charging sessions, powering over 1.5 million estimated miles driven and reducing CO2 emissions by more 700,000 pounds. "Gov. Josh Shapiro has set a clear directive to get things done for Pennsylvanians, and the PennDOT team is meeting that," said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. "We've been a national leader in the NEVI program, and we will continue to get stuff done for the people of Pennsylvania." The 11 stations represent a federal investment of more than $7.2 million in the state's EV charger network. In total, PennDOT has obligated $70 million of the $171.5 million allotted by the NEVI program, of which at least 90 projects totaling roughly $59 million are under contract and expected to move forward. The new stations are at the following locations: —Kwik Fill in Kylertown, Clearfield County along Interstate 80 (Exit 133), —Pilot Flying J Travel Center in Mill Hall, Clinton County along I-80 (Exit 173), —Love's Travel Stop in Mifflinville, Columbia County along I-80 (Exit 242). While charging, customers will have access to station amenities. NEVI funding supports the expansion of EV charging along the previously designated Alternative Fuel Corridors (AFCs) (see a map of AFCs here). Pennsylvania has over 1,800 miles of AFCs. Per guidance from U.S. DOT, NEVI formula funds must first be used to "build out" designated AFCs (meaning there must be no more than 50 miles between stations and less than 1 mile from an AFC exit) and meet U.S. DOT minimum standards and requirements. The PA NEVI program includes multiple rounds of funding. During Round 1, of which these stations were awarded, the focus was on building out the AFC network along the interstates to meet the NEVI requirements. PennDOT has since announced awards for Round 1A and Round 1B of NEVI funding which were designed to fill the remaining gaps along the AFC network. A list of all NEVI awards is available on PennDOT's website. National data on the status of the NEVI program by state is available at Pennsylvania can compete for billions of dollars in federal funds across a wide range of federal competitive grant programs through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). To help communities and organizations learn about these opportunities, PennDOT created a web page at with details on federal grant opportunities to help municipalities, townships, and other community agencies with understanding the multiple transportation program grants that are available. The page includes grant alerts, guides and links to important resources for local municipalities and organizations interested in pursuing federal funding opportunities. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Older Pennsylvanians encouraged to submit artwork for showcase
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — Pennsylvania artists who are 60 or older are encouraged to submit their artwork for a showcase in the State Capitol East Wing. May is observed nationally as Older Americans Month, and the first-ever Older Artists of PA Showcase will take place that month. The exhibition will feature winning pieces of art made by Pennsylvania residents. Both professional and non-professional artists are encouraged to apply. Here's what you need to know: Artists must be a Pennsylvania resident 60 years of age or older to participate. Artists may enter up to two (2) pieces in up to two of the categories Categories include: Professional, non-professional and photography Accepted works include watercolors, oils, acrylic, photography, ink, pencil, graphic media, mixed media Pieces must have been produced within the past 18 months Artists must send a clear photo of each of their submitted pieces Submission deadline is Friday, April 4, 2025. There is no cost to enter All pieces must have wire hangers-no tab or cleat hangers No work greater than 48 inches in any direction and weighing more than 10 lbs. will be accepted due to space and venue restrictions Proposed bill would protect Pennsylvania pollinators, plants 'Older Pennsylvanians have made endless contributions in the arts throughout their communities and across the Commonwealth. We have seen them through the handmade ornaments submitted every year by our Senior Community Centers to decorate the Christmas tree in the State Capitol Main Rotunda. Older adults have shown their creativity through various art programming offered at the SCCs, and older artists have participated in the annual Art of the State exhibition presented by the State Museum of Pennsylvania,' Secretary of Aging Jason Kavulich said. You can submit pieces of artwork through this online form. The work will then be evaluated by a three-person jury. Artists will be contacted by the department by Friday, April 18, if chosen. They'll be able to help you to coordinate transport for your piece to the Pennsylvania Capitol Building. Chosen works will be displayed for the month of May. You can learn more about the showcase and how to enter on the Pennsylvania Department of Aging website. 'We look forward to seeing all of the artwork submitted by older adults as a celebration of their creative talents while raising awareness of the important contributions they make every day,' Kavulich said. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
More elder abuse transparency, accountability is coming as Shapiro admin denies ‘crisis'
Spotlight PA is an independent, nonpartisan, and nonprofit newsroom producing investigative and public-service journalism that holds power to account and drives positive change in Pennsylvania. Sign up for our free newsletters. HARRISBURG — The public will soon have easy access to critical information about whether county protective services agencies are keeping at-risk older adults safe from abuse and neglect. Should those groups fail to correct chronic problems, a top Shapiro administration official told Spotlight PA the state will take a harder stance toward ending their contracts. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging, which funds and oversees the counties, has never taken punitive action against agencies that repeatedly fail to comply with state rules. The move toward greater transparency and accountability follows Spotlight PA reporting that highlighted how delays, secrecy, and government inaction have left older Pennsylvanians vulnerable to abuse, neglect, and even death. Since 2017, up to a third of the 52 county Area Agencies on Aging failed to comply with state regulations in a given year. Many of those same agencies also failed to complete investigations within the 20 days required by state regulations. The Department of Aging will begin disclosing information on its website about overall compliance with state regulations next month and specifics about the 20-day requirement this month, Aging Secretary Jason Kavulich said in an interview this week. Kavulich, who was appointed by Gov. Josh Shapiro in 2023 to helm the department, said greater transparency will make counties more accountable. 'It helps the community understand what's going on, and it helps the community to say to their [county] organization, 'You need to do better,'' he said. Failure to meet state regulations can have devastating consequences. A Spotlight PA investigation found a 75-year-old Philadelphia woman with dementia died after the local agency failed to swiftly investigate her case and provide desperately needed services. In 2021, the performance of that agency, the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging, so distressed state officials that they reassigned specialists to help handle investigations. But despite these concerns, the department took no punitive action. Kavulich said that when the state's contracts with the 52 county agencies are renewed later this year, the department intends to add clear language for penalizing agencies that cannot or will not correct deficiencies in how they provide protective services. Though the exact language has yet to be worked out, Kavulich said if an agency is found to be noncompliant, it will be given a chance to correct the problem; his department, he said, will provide support to help the agency improve, including training and other assistance. If at the end of that effort, there is no change, 'we have to take serious action, we have to look at de-designation.' But he stressed that it cannot be like pulling a plug, because there aren't many other entities that can provide the same range of support to older adults. 'There aren't trained investigators out there that we can pull in from a temp agency to do protective services,' said Kavulich. 'It's not like we have a pool [of alternatives] out there.' Despite the serious and repeated issues highlighted by Spotlight PA, Kavulich stopped short of acknowledging systemic problems in Pennsylvania's system for protecting older adults, many of whom have no family or other safety net to rely on. 'Is there a crisis and a problem? No. Is there always room to do better? Yes,' he said. 'Every system can do better. And that's what we are working towards — better,' he added. 'But if you look at the data, you can see agencies have turned around. You can see agencies are doing better.' Spotlight PA requested data dating back to 2017 that showed whether county aging agencies were complying with a long set of rules in state regulations that govern how they must conduct protective services investigations. Those rules cover everything from how to handle an initial report of suspected neglect or abuse to how quickly caseworkers must visit older adults, determine their well-being, and provide services to ensure their safety. As part of its work, the Department of Aging monitors the county aging agencies to determine their compliance with the rules. It does so by pulling a random sample of cases that an agency handled, and reviewing it. In 2017, nearly 20% of county aging agencies were noncompliant. Another 60% were not monitored at all, data show. Over the next three years, nearly a third of those county agencies were not compliant — although the state aging department did monitor every agency in that timeframe. In 2023, the year Kavulich took over the department, noncompliance rates dropped: Roughly 10% of the county aging agencies received failing grades. During that same year, a quarter of the counties were not monitored at all, including ones like Philadelphia with chronic issues. To obtain those data, Spotlight PA filed multiple public records requests with the Department of Aging and discovered that it did not disclose complete information. In doing so, state aging officials provided a false impression of how well the counties were faring. They never explained why they withheld information. Soon, those compliance results will be placed on the department's website. The department will also disclose data on whether counties are investigating abuse and neglect allegations within the 20-day timeframe required by state rules; and if substantiating those allegations, providing services (for instance, caregiving support) to alleviate harm to an older adult. The department last year began providing information on its website on another requirement in state rules that mandates caseworkers meet face-to-face with an older adult within 24 hours of receiving an emergency report of suspected abuse or neglect. Despite the move toward more transparency, it will be difficult to compare county compliance rates going forward with their past performance. The Department of Aging has implemented a new system for monitoring — one that critics believe will make it easier for counties to get passing grades. The new monitoring system — the Comprehensive Aging Performance Evaluation, or CAPE — scores counties differently than in the past. In the interview, Kavulich said CAPE was necessary because the old system was 'inherently flawed' and littered with subjective statements and opinions. 'If you pulled an old monitoring, you would see, 'in my opinion,' or 'I think' — all statements that should not appear in monitoring,' Kavulich said. 'When you're monitoring an agency, your opinion doesn't matter. It's about the work, not your opinion of the person or the work.' Peter Hans and Sheri McQuown, both former protective services specialists at the Department of Aging, disagreed with Kavulich's assessment. Hans retired from his position last summer; McQuown left in 2023. The two former employees said under the new system, county agencies will be monitored every 18 months versus annually. And when tallying an agency's overall compliance score, they said, the department will now assign equal weight to every category it assesses a county agency on — whether that be serious problems, such as failure to complete a timely investigation, or more minor issues, such as shoddy paperwork. In the past, more value was placed on serious issues, making it hard for a county agency to be found compliant if they were failing in those categories. And when they were noncompliant, the state aging department would monitor them within a few months, rather than wait until the next annual cycle to do so, said McQuown. Hans also said the overall score for a county agency to receive a compliant grade dropped from 85% to 75%. 'How does this help older adults?' said Hans. 'It doesn't,' he added. 'It helps the counties.' If you learned something from this article, pay it forward and contribute to Spotlight PA at Spotlight PA is funded by foundations and readers like you who are committed to accountability journalism that gets results. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
