PROPERTY TAX/RENT REBATE APPLICATION DEADLINE EXTENDED

 HARRISBURG, JULY 12 – State Sen. Connie Williams has good news for anyone who might have missed the June 30^th deadline to apply for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program -- the deadline has been extended to Dec. 31^st.

 The program provides qualified individuals and families with rebates of up to $500 based on property taxes or rent paid during 2004. The program is open to Pennsylvanians 65 or older, widows and widowers 50 or older, and people with disabilities who are 18 or older. Household income cannot exceed $15,000 annually. Half of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits may be excluded when calculating annual income.

 “This Revenue Department program is funded through the Pennsylvania Lottery and is open to everyone who meets the qualifications,” Williams said. “It is not associated with public assistance.”

 The program began in 1971. Since that time $3.09 billion was paid to qualified applicants.

 “This is a good program for individuals that qualify and I encourage people to apply,” Williams said. “However, I will continue to work with my colleagues and the administration to extend property tax relief to every homeowner.”

 People who qualify for this program may also be eligible for the state’s prescription drug programs, PACE and PACENET. The programs are also funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery.

 For more information or applications for any of the programs, constituents in the 17^th Senatorial District may contact Williams’ district offices which are located at: 700 S. Henderson Road, Suite 100A, King of Prussia (610-992-9790); and Manoa Shopping Center, Suite 39, 1305 West Chester Pike, Havertown (610-853-5433).