Funds held in an account in a pooled trust may be shared with persons with disabilities if legislation sponsored by Sen. Jay Costa is ultimately signed into law. The measure, which permits the sharing of funds with those who need services when a beneficiary dies, has now taken an initial step in the legislative process by clearing the Senate Judiciary Committee on February 12.
Senate Bill 428 is sponsored by Senate Democratic Leader Jay Costa (D-Allegheny). The measure was reported unanimously (14-0.)
Under current law, a trust may retain up to 50 percent of a beneficiary’s account for to be distributed to other beneficiaries. The remaining 50 percent of the account is reimbursed to Pennsylvania equal to the total amount of Medical Assistance that was paid on behalf of the beneficiary.
I was honored to join Community Legal Services last week for the grand opening of their North Philadelphia Law Center. Community Legal Services provides such a critical service to so many all across the commonwealth. I’m proud to support the work that they do and wish them much success moving forward.
With Thanksgiving Day upon us, I hope you will join me and take a few moments to pause and reflect on those things in life that we hold most dear.
From the very first Thanksgiving meal to the special one we share with loved ones during this holiday season, may we continue to give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy as citizens of this great nation. Please take a moment to remember those in uniform who are standing guard and in harm’s way. Hold them and their families in your thoughts until they return home.
As we gather with friends and family, please accept my best wishes for all of the health and happiness this time of year holds. As citizens of this great commonwealth, we have so many things for which to be thankful.
During this holiday season and beyond, I encourage each and every one of you to reach out to those in our communities who are in need and provide whatever assistance you are able. I can think of no better way to begin the holiday season than by donating your time and your talents to help those less fortunate.
The simple act of lending a hand to your friends and neighbors will help them face the future with renewed hope and in the end that is what the spirit of this season is all about.
Please accept my best wishes for a happy and healthy Thanksgiving.
