LEAD PAINT REMOVAL: The Shapiro Administration’s 2025-26 Executive Budget proposal, released today, includes a $50 million investment to create a new statewide housing repair fund to help homeowners struggling to make needed repairs to their aging homes.

The Lead-Free Promise Project (LFPP) a growing coalition of nearly 70 organizations across Pennsylvania, launched in 2021 with the goal of removing lead paint-based hazards from homes and ensuring all children are screened for lead poisoning as part of a comprehensive wellness exam. Learn more at www.paleadfree.org.

PHOTO CONTEST: The Gene Capaldi Lens on Litter Photo Contest, a program of the Pennsylvania Resources Council (PRC), is an annual statewide photography contest rewarding amateur photographers who snap unusual or eye-catching images of litter across the Commonwealth. The purpose is not to glorify litter, but to bring awareness to how litter threatens public health and safety, scenic beauty, property values, the environment and wildlife.

Sponsored by Keep PA Beautiful, a new before & after category has been added, with an additional prize of $500 in each of the adult & student categories. To qualify for this category, clean-up efforts must be registered with Keep PA Beautiful’s Pick-Up PA Program https://www.keeppabeautiful.org/programs/pick-up-pa/

A-TREAT ADDITION: For the first time in its 100-year history, A-Treat is launching an all-natural seltzer beverage with zero calories and no artificial sweeteners. The new refreshment choice will initially be available in six flavors: black cherry, original seltzer, grapefruit, lemon- lime, orange cream and cream.

Created to keep A-Treat in step with today’s demand for healthier, “better for you” beverage choices, the new seltzers represent a combination of the flavor and refreshment loyal customers have come to expect from A-Treat and a sugar-free, zero-calorie drink option with no sacrifice in taste or quality. A-Treat’s first expansion beyond soda, the new seltzers are now available online and at select retailers.

MANPLAINING: The vast majority of American women have experienced “THE MANSPLAINER,” aka a colleague or partner who explains information to women in a condescending manner due to the difference in gender.

A new study surveyed over 2,000 women across the U.S. about the mansplaining they regularly encounter, how often and where they encounter it, which topics men mansplain the most, and their experiences dating and working with mansplainers.

• Pennsylvania ranks #15 state with the least mansplainers.

• 51% of residents are on the receiving end of mansplaining weekly.

• 57% of residents have dated a mansplainer.

• 82% of residents have worked with a mansplainer.

• On average, Pennsylvania women get mansplained to 2x a week

• Portland, OR; Albuquerque, NM; and Boston, MA; are the top three cities with the most mansplainers. Philadelphia ranked 23rd.

• 83% of all women surveyed nationally say they have more relevant experience than the mansplainers they encounter.

• 52% of women nationally encounter mansplaining weekly at an average of 3 encounters per week.

• 73% of women nationally think mansplainers are unaware of their mansplaining.

ROBBERY RATES: A new study has revealed that the state of Pennsylvania has the Highest Robbery Rates in the United States.

The study by Simmrinlawgroup.com analyzed crime data from the FBI and NIBRS across 50 states, focusing on Robbery Rates. Crime rates were normalized per 100,000 people, weighted based on importance. States were ranked based on these scores to assess safety.

Key Findings

- Pennsylvania has the highest robbery rate at a staggering 178.8 per 100,000, making it the most dangerous state for robbery crimes.

- New Mexico ranks 2nd worst with a robbery rate of 157.8 per 100,000, significantly higher than most other states.

- California ranks 3rd with a rate of 80.4 per 100,000, placing it among the worst states for robbery offenses.

- Idaho has the lowest robbery rate at just 8.3 per 100,000, making it the safest state for robbery offenses.

TAX APPEALS: Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity has announced numerous improvements to Pennsylvania’s tax appeals process which will benefit Pennsylvania taxpayers. The changes apply to tax appeals filed on or after January 27, 2025, when Act 123 of 2024, which amended the Tax Reform Code of 1971, took effect.

Pennsylvanians seeking to resolve tax disputes with the Department or Revenue (DOR) for personal income taxes, fiduciary income taxes, employer withholding taxes and pass-through assessments will now have 90 days (previously 60) to file their appeals with the Board of Finance & Revenue (BF&R). BF&R can also grant a 30-day extension for late-filed applications for these types of tax appeals if good cause is shown.

In addition, taxpayers filing certain appeals will be able to request a mediated settlement conference at no cost to them. Those requesting a mediated settlement conference have 30 calendar days to do so following the filing of their tax appeal. BF&R also has the discretion to refer an appeal to a mediated settlement conference.

This new mediated settlement process will reduce litigation costs for taxpayers and serve as an alternative to formal, lengthy and costly court appeals. Treasury estimates that up to 500 cases annually could be eligible for this new process.

For further guidance on procedures to request a mediated settlement conference, visit patreasury.gov/bfr.