Childcare/Property Tax Relief | Cold Case: 50+ Years Old

Author

Jamie Buck
January 28, 2024

In Today’s Huntingdon Valley Insider:

📅 Sunday, January 28, 2024
💸 Major Expansion of Childcare/Property Tax Relief
🚨 Feasterville Teen Missing
😰 Cold Case: Over Half a Century Old
🤔 Town Trivia: How well do you know H.V.?
⛅️ Weather + 🎭 Events + 🏈 Sports
🎖️ Local Business Directory + 💁‍♂️ Feature your Business

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Governor Shapiro Announces Major Expansion of Childcare and Property Tax Relief Programs

Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania has unveiled significant expansions to two key financial assistance programs: the child and dependent care tax credit and the Property Tax/Rent Rebate (PTRR) program, marking a notable stride towards supporting Pennsylvania families and seniors.

In a legislative move last December, Shapiro's administration increased the state's child care credit from $630 to a maximum of $2,100 for the year 2024. This adjustment means that eligible families can receive up to $1,050 for one child and $2,100 for two or more children. To qualify, households must have expenses for a dependent child under 13 years old or for an individual unable to care for themselves due to physical or mental incapacity. Notably, Pennsylvania residents are eligible for this state credit regardless of their eligibility for the federal credit, with the state's credit now mirroring 100% of the federal amount, a significant leap from the previous 30%.

Highlighting the importance of this expansion, Governor Shapiro remarked on the rising costs of living, including childcare, and emphasized the role of government in providing substantial support to Pennsylvania's residents. This initiative reflects a concerted effort to ease financial burdens and ensure childcare accessibility.

For more details or to apply for the Childcare Tax Credit, interested individuals are directed to the state's official website.

Additionally, the expansion of the PTRR program through Act 7 of 2023 promises to extend benefits to nearly 175,000 additional Pennsylvanians, allowing them to receive rebates on property taxes and rent paid in 2023. This expansion not only increases eligibility but also enhances the rebate amounts for the existing 430,000 claimants. Touted as the most significant tax cut for seniors in nearly two decades, this initiative underscores the administration's commitment to alleviating financial pressures on older Pennsylvanians.

Eligible applicants are encouraged to apply for the PTRR program as the Department of Revenue has opened the application period for the 2023 rebates.

Feasterville Teen Missing

The Lower Southampton Police Department is urgently seeking assistance from the community to locate 15-year-old Antonio Maurice Thomas.

Antonio, who stands 6 feet tall and weighs 145 pounds, is easily recognizable by his shoulder-length black dreadlocks. His last known attire includes an all-black outfit complemented by a jacket, potentially either the one he was last seen wearing or a gray Michael Kors puffy jacket.

The teenager is reported to have left his residence at 700 Ross Drive in Feasterville, in the late hours between 10:40 PM on January 26, 2024, and 2:00 AM on January 27, 2024.

Originally from Harrisburg, PA, Antonio's current location remains unknown, prompting an appeal for any information regarding his whereabouts. The Lower Southampton Township Police Department can be contacted at 215-357-1234 for any leads or information.

Unresolved After Over Half a Century: The Alice Swope Murder Case

Over half a century has passed since 82-year-old Alice Swope was brutally beaten to death, yet her assailant remains at large. The grim discovery of her body was made in her residence on Dark Hollow Road, Pipersville, on January 25, 1968, as reported by state troopers.

A Bell Telephone repairman, arriving to address a line issue, and a neighbor who provided entry, stumbled upon a chilling scene: the telephone off its hook downstairs and Swope deceased in her upstairs bedroom. The Allentown Morning Call, in a 1974 look-back, detailed the harrowing manner of her death, indicating she was attacked with a broom handle followed by a standing coatrack, leading to blunt force trauma as the cause of death.

Initial investigations pointed towards robbery as the possible motive. However, insights from neighbors suggested that Swope, known for her frugal lifestyle, possessed little of monetary value. It was noted that her home appeared thoroughly searched and disheveled by the perpetrator(s) by the time her body was found.

In her later years, Swope was described as a homebody, often staying up until midnight watching television. Born circa 1886, a time when Bucks County had a population of less than 70,000, the Philadelphia Phillies were known as the Quakers, and the nation comprised 38 states, her life spanned significant historical periods.

The Pennsylvania State Police in Bethlehem are continuing their appeal for any information related to this enduring mystery. Those with knowledge that could lead to the resolution of Alice Swope's case are urged to contact them at 610-861-2026.

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🦅 The Philadelphia Eagles officially announced Vic Fangio as their new defensive coordinator on Saturday afternoon. Fangio, known for his defensive expertise, comes to the Eagles after serving as the defensive coordinator for the Miami Dolphins in 2023. Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni praised Fangio.

🏀 The Philadelphia 76ers fell to the Denver Nuggets with a score of 111-105, as key players Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Tobias Harris sat out the game. Despite the absence of these crucial players, the Sixers put up a strong fight against the Nuggets.

⚾️ The Philadelphia Phillies appear to be eyeing potential bullpen additions as Opening Day approaches, with a focus on enhancing their pitching staff without making major moves. Despite not pursuing high-profile names like Josh Hader, who signed a significant deal with the Houston Astros, the Phillies have shown interest in other relief options.

⚽️ Philadelphia Union concluded its first leg of preseason with a 3-1 comeback victory against Eastern Conference rivals New York City FC.

Pancakes are great, but pancakes dotted with juicy, nutritious blueberries are even better — that’s why we celebrate National Blueberry Pancake Day on January 28. Did you know blueberries are super rich in antioxidants and are one of the only native North American fruits that we still eat today? These little wonders are packed with nutrients and have been linked to health benefits including lower blood pressure, improved insulin response, and reduced risk of cancer. When combined with pancakes, blueberries can take your breakfast from decent to delicious.

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