Guidebook Details How Municipalities Can Apply for Funding and Provides Valuable Information for Individuals and Families

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (D-PA) released his extensive guidebook detailing how individuals, families, businesses, community organizations, and local governments can more easily navigate the extensive recovery package.  Among other things, the guidebook explains how municipalities can try to secure funding from the recovery package.  For municipalities to receive funding through the bill, they must apply to the appropriate federal or state agencies.  The guidebook also provides constituents with valuable information as to how the legislation could directly affect them, their families, and their communities.

"While the final recovery bill is not perfect, I strongly believe that we needed to take quick action to help Americans who are struggling and help spur job creation," said Congressman Kanjorski.  "Today, I released my guidebook detailing what resources are available to individuals, families, businesses, community organizations, and local governments in order to ensure that everyone fully takes advantage of the many pieces of the bill and understands how it could impact them and their communities."

Congressman Kanjorski added, "In order for our communities to reap the benefits of the bill, municipalities must apply to the appropriate federal or state agencies for these competitive grants.  Therefore, my guidebook will help to make sure that local officials in Northeastern Pennsylvania fully understand how they can apply for such funding.  As a result, I hope that Northeastern Pennsylvania can secure funding from the recovery package to help boost our local economy and create jobs here at home."

In addition to assisting municipalities, the guidebook also explains to constituents the many pieces of the recovery package that could directly affect them.  These include the following:

• $250 one-time payments to recipients of Social Security benefits, Railroad Retirement benefits, veteran's compensation or pension benefits, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI);

• $400 tax credit for working individuals and $800 tax credit for working families in 2009 and 2010;

• At least $90 million for job training, employment services, and job assistance programs for unemployed individuals in Pennsylvania;

• Up to $2,500 tax credit for higher education of the cost of tuition and related expenses;

• 10 percent tax credit, without repayment, or up to $8,000, for first-time homebuyers on the purchase of a home in 2009;

• Deduction for state and local sales taxes and excise taxes paid on the purchase of standard-sized automobile; and

• Up to 30 percent tax credit on qualified energy efficient home and building improvements through 2010, for purchases such as new furnaces, energy-efficient windows and doors, or insulation, which will save families money and protect the environment.

Congressman Kanjorski's guidebook to navigating the recovery package is available on his website.  Click here to view the recovery package guidebook.

###