As a state representative, one of my primary commitments is to provide those I represent with access to state services and programs and help with any state-related issues a resident may be experiencing.

To that end, I have two offices in the district, one at the Slatington Borough Hall, 125 S. Walnut St., in Slatington, and one at 2030 Center St., in Northampton.

In addition to these two physical office locations, residents also have the option to call either of the offices at 610-502-2701 in Northampton or 610-760-9805 in Slatington, email me at JHarhart@pahousegop.com, connect with me through my website at JulieHarhart.com or catch up with me through Facebook at Facebook.com/RepHarhart.

Some of the many services my offices provide include:

• Driver’s license and vehicle registration applications and renewals;

• Help with PennDOT paperwork;

• PACE and PACE-NET applications for seniors;

• Help with obtaining birth and death certificates;

• State tax forms;

• Student aid applications;

• Free state maps, state park information and Pennsylvania Vacation Guides;

• Referrals to agencies to resolve state-related matters. and

The offices also offer assistance with property tax and rent rebate applications.

Older residents looking for an opportunity to recoup some of the money they pay in property taxes or rent are encouraged to check out the program, which is one of several senior programs supported by proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery.

Eligible participants can receive a rebate of up to $650 based on their rent or property taxes paid in 2015.

The program benefits eligible Pennsylvanians who are 65 years or older, widows and widowers 50 years or older, and those 18 years or older with disabilities.

Eligibility income limits for homeowners are set at the following levels, excluding 50 percent of Social Security, Supplemental Security Income and Railroad Retirement Tier 1 benefits:

• $0 to $8,000, maximum $650 rebate (homeowners and renters).

• $8,001 to $15,000, maximum $500 rebate (homeowners and renters).

• $15,001 to $18,000, maximum $300 rebate (homeowners only).

• $18,001 to $35,000, maximum $250 rebate (homeowners only).

Property Tax/Rent Rebate claim forms are available by contacting my offices or by visiting my website.

My staff also provide free assistance with filling out and filing the forms.

Applicants should be prepared to provide all the necessary income, property tax or rental information required to process claims quickly and accurately. Applications are due by June 30.

An additional service provided through my office is veterans assistance.

A veterans outreach specialist is available the first Thursday of each month on alternating months in both my Northampton and Slatington offices from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. by appointment only.

During the special hours, a veterans outreach specialist from the American Legion in Wilkes-Barre will be available to meet with local veterans and assist them with issues they may be having accessing benefits and services from the U.S. Veterans Administration.

Anyone interested in meeting with the specialist is asked to contact one of my offices to set up an appointment.

As always, it continues to be my pleasure to serve the residents of the 183rd District.

If there is anything I or my staff can do to be of service to you, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

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Editor’s note: Julie Harhart is state representative in the 183rd district. The district includes in Lehigh County: Townships of South Whitehall, Districts 5, 6, 8; Washington; Whitehall Districts 7, 10, 11 and Borough of Slatington. In Northampton County: Townships of Allen; Lehigh; Moore Districts Beersville and Klecknersville; and the Boroughs of North Catasauqua, Northampton and Walnutport.