Legion protests VA coverage cuts

WASHINGTON, DC — The U.S. Veterans Administration last week withdrew health care benefits for “higher income” vets seeking treatment for non-service related medical problems.

The move is expected to impact some 164,000 veterans. While income levels vary within different geographic regions, the cuts will generally fall on those within the $30,000 to $35,000 income range.

The American Legion, which represents some 2.8 million vets, called the move a raw deal.

“The income level is so low that no one can say with a straight face that these veterans are well off,” said Ronald Conley, national commander.

County touts upbeat bank predictions

MONTICELLO, NY — So there, out-of-county daily, take that; Sullivan officials apparently said last week in a January 16 press release of the newsletter comments from a New York City investment bank economist.

Regional economist Marc M. Goloven wrote in the J.P. Morgan newsletter “Financial Digest” that Sullivan County is experiencing a long-awaited fiscal and economic upswing.

Sullivan officials have been smarting since early this month when the Times Herald Record predicted county bond ratings would fall in 2003. The press release was an apparent reply.

First PA influenza case confirmed

HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania state Department of Health laboratory has confirmed the first case of influenza in Pennsylvania for this year’s flu season.

A Lycoming County resident was diagnosed with influenza Type B/Hong Kong. This year’s influenza vaccine is designed to protect against this strain, as well as A/Moscow and A/New Caledonia strains.

Health officials say it is still not too late to get vaccinated. For more information, consult your health care provider or call the Health Department’s toll-free number at 877/PA-HEALTH.

Clinton sponsors telecommunications bill

WASHINGTON, DC — Senator Hillary Clinton (D-NY) last week joined in the introduction of legislation to widen the application of broadband, high-speed Internet telephone service in rural areas, including upstate New York.

The Broadband Expensing Act of 2003 would be part of Congress’ economic stimulus package and provide 50 to 100 percent of “expensing treatment” incentives for broadband investments made in rural areas between 2003 and 2007.

Clinton introduced similar legislation, which died in the House last year.

Volunteer banned by committee

MONTICELLO, NY — An elections worker who became a volunteer to remain on the job while her case went to court won’t be allowed to handle sensitive and confidential records.

The Sullivan County Legislature’s Executive Committee on January 16 approved a resolution changing county policy. In the future, those violating the new policy will be subject to personnel action. The measure is thought to apply to the Board of Elections and Commissioner Tim Hill, who is challenging the budget move which eliminated a clerk’s job in his office.

USDA loan limits go up

MIDDLETOWN, NY — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development has announced that maximum loan limits have been increased in Sullivan County. The increased loan limits will enable applicants to purchase homes in the high-priced real estate market. The maximum loan limits have been raised $120,505 in Sullivan County.

In order to qualify to purchase a home under the Section 502 Homeownership Direct Loan program, a household’s income must be within the very-low or low-income limits, which are listed by the size of the household and county of residence. In order to be income-qualified for the direct home mortgage program, a family of four in Sullivan County would need to have an adjusted gross income of no more than $37,200.

For more information call: 845/343-1872, ext. 4.

IRS and software companies
provide free NY Internet filing

WASHINGTON, DC — The Internal Revenue Service says the majority of American taxpayers this year will be eligible for free online tax preparation and free electronic filing through a new partnership agreement between IRS and the Free File Alliance, a consortium of tax software companies.

In New York, all taxpayers will be eligible for free filing.

Internet tax filing cuts the wait for federal refunds from six weeks to 10 days, if electronic deposit is used.

For more information go the Free File website through the Internal Revenue site, IRS.gov.

DCNR seeks summer lifeguards

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources is looking for candidates to fill numerous summer lifeguard positions at state parks in Pennsylvania.

Lifeguards are needed from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and must have lifeguarding, first-aid and cardiopulmonary-resuscitation (CPR) certificates before beginning work in May.

For more information call any state park or 888/PA-PARKS.