Dear John,

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

This time of year, electricity is in the air in Northeast Pennsylvania as members of our communities join together to celebrate our region's rich Irish heritage.

From raising the Irish Flag throughout our cities, towns and municipalities, to our cherished annual St. Patrick's Day events, this is one of my favorite times of the year.

A heartfelt thank you to the Ancient Order of Hibernians Paul "Hook" O'Malley Divsion Four, Scranton, the Greater Pittston, Lackawanna and Wilkes-Barre Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and the Society of Irish Women for inviting me and my staff members to your annual St. Patrick's Day dinners.

Each year, these organizations recognize outstanding members of our community whose year-round devotion to volunteering and bettering the lives of residents in NEPA makes a meaningful difference.

Wishing you and your family a happy, safe and enjoyable St. Patrick's Day this weekend!

Tax season is here, and I'm committed to lowering costs for you and your family. Did you know that in addition to capping the out-of-pocket costs for insulin in Medicare at $35 per month, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) can also help you save money when filing your taxes?

Now, you can visit the IRA Resources page on my updated website to learn more about a large amount of home improvement and energy tax credits that are available for you to take advantage of today, and for future tax filing seasons.

As your Congressman, I am fiercely committed to promoting a future with enhanced energy options that are affordable. That’s why I voted for the Inflation Reduction Act, which includes historic climate legislation that cuts energy costs for hardworking area families while making enormous strides to protect the environment for future generations.

Thanks to the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act, you can save money through a wide range of tax credits and rebates for energy upgrades, including:

• Tax credits of up to up to $3,200 for energy efficient home improvements such as insulation and energy-efficient windows and doors
• Tax credits of up to $2,000 for electric heat pumps or central air conditioners and rebates of up to 100% for certain appliances for low- and moderate-income households
• Tax credits of up to 30% for installing rooftop solar panels, which can save you over $300 per year in energy costs
• Tax credits up to $7,500 for new electric vehicles and up to $4,000 for used electric vehicles, saving you money at the gas pump

The historic investments included in the Inflation Reduction Act will bring down consumer energy costs and increase American energy security while substantially reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

The combined investments will put the U.S. on a path to roughly 40% emissions reduction by 2030 and represents the single biggest climate investment in U.S. history.

Available tax credits and rebate programs will make it easier and more affordable for you to weatherize your home, upgrade to more efficient appliances, purchase electric vehicles, install residential energy systems and save money on your energy bills.

Be sure to take note of which tax credits and rebates are available on an annual basis, such as the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit, which you can use to claim credit for improvements made now through 2032.

Each Spring, my office invites high school students, grades 9-12, to submit their favorite pieces of artwork for the Congressional Art Competition.

Students can submit up to two paintings, drawings, collages, prints, mixed media, computer-generated art or photographs. Artwork doesn't need to be framed. Submissions for the 2024 Congressional Art Competition must be turned in to one of my district offices by April 10.

This year, my office will be hosting a reception announcing the winners of the 2024 Congressional Art Competition on April 26 at the Everhart Museum in Scranton for the artists and their families.

All submissions to the competition that meet the requirements of the 2024 Rules and Regulations will be displayed, and a panel of judges will select first place, second place, third place and an honorable mention. 

It's always exciting to see the students come to view their work on display in the exhibit. For many of these young artists, this will be their first time having their artwork on display for the general public in an art museum.

The 2024 Congressional Art Competition Exhibit at the Everhart Museum in Scranton will be open to the public from April 27 to May 5.

If you are in the area, be sure to stop by to see the creative artwork of Northeast Pennsylvania's talented high school artists.

Register and learn more here.

Democrats and Republicans agree - when we support our service members and their families, we’re investing in America’s national security.

In December, language from my Military Spouse Job Continuity Act was signed into law, extending for five years the $1,000 reimbursement paid to relocating spouses who are forced to pay fees to update their certifications.

I applaud Senators Jon Ossoff (D-GA) and Eric Schmitt (R-MO) for joining me in the fight to make this much-needed benefit permanent by introducing the Senate companion to my bill this week.

Our service members and their families make sacrifices for our country every day. That’s why we have a responsibility to deliver the benefits they deserve.

In the 118th Congress, I am more committed than ever to making sure that our service members, their families and our veterans are being taken care.

Learn more here.

This year, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) announced that the IRS Free File guided tax file service is ready for taxpayers to use this tax filing season.

Taxpayers with an adjusted gross income of $79,000 or less now have the ability to prepare and file federal income tax returns online for free using IRS Free File on IRS.gov.

The IRS's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program also offers free tax help to people

who need assistance in preparing their own tax returns, including:

• People who generally make $64,000 or less
• Persons with disabilities; and
• Limited English-speaking taxpayers

In addition to VITA, the Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program also offers free tax help, particularly for those who are 60 years of age and older, specializing in questions about pensions and retirement-related issues unique to seniors.

VITA/TCE services are not only free, they are also a reliable and trusted source for preparing tax returns as those who prepare returns must take and pass tax law training that meets or exceeds IRS standard.

This training includes maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of all taxpayer information.

If you need assistance with an issue relating to the IRS you can text me at 570-365-5004 or call my office at 570-341-1050, Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., and ask to speak to one of my Constituent Advocates who specializes in the IRS.

Be safe and well,