Senator Mastriano

Today we celebrate Arbor Day, a time to recognize the importance of trees and the role they play in strengthening our communities, protecting our environment, and beautifying our neighborhoods.

Since its first observance in 1872, Arbor Day has encouraged generations of Americans to plant trees that provide shade, clean air, wildlife habitats, and lasting natural beauty for years to come.

Whether planting a tree, caring for the ones around us, or simply enjoying the outdoors, today is a reminder that even small actions can leave a lasting legacy.

On April 24, 1800, the Library of Congress was established when President John Adams approved legislation providing funds to purchase books for the use of Congress.

What began as a small collection of books has grown into the largest library in the world, preserving millions of books, manuscripts, maps, photographs, and historical records that document the story of our nation and the world.

Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day

Today, we remember the 1.5 million Armenians who were persecuted and killed during the Armenian Genocide beginning in 1915.

On Armenian Genocide Remembrance Day, we honor the memory of those who lost their lives, stand with the Armenian community, and reflect on the importance of recognizing history and ensuring that such atrocities are never repeated.

May we remember the victims, support the survivors and their descendants, and renew our commitment to truth, justice, and human dignity.

Never Forget. Never Again.

After a Lifetime of Paying Property Taxes, Pennsylvania Seniors Deserve Relief
Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33)

For decades, many Pennsylvania seniors have done everything right.

They worked hard. They paid their taxes. They raised families. They built communities. And year after year — sometimes for 40, 50, even 60 years — they paid property taxes on the homes they worked a lifetime to own.

Yet today, too many of these same seniors live with uncertainty, wondering if rising property taxes will one day force them from the homes they cherish most.

That is not right. And it is not how we should treat the people who helped build this commonwealth.

That is why I am introducing the Sam Worley Elderly Tax Relief Act, legislation designed to provide full property tax relief to long-term elderly homeowners and allow surviving spouses to remain in their homes with stability and dignity.

This bill is rooted in a simple belief: After decades of paying property taxes, there should come a time when that obligation ends.

The legislation is named in honor of Sam Worley, a World War II veteran who paid property taxes into his 100th year of life. His story reflects the lives of countless seniors across Pennsylvania — people who fulfilled their responsibilities year after year without complaint. They paid what was owed. They supported their schools, their municipalities and their counties.

But property taxes do not stop when income stops.

Many seniors live on fixed incomes from Social Security or modest retirement savings. As property taxes rise, their budgets do not. Each increase becomes harder to absorb. Over time, what was once manageable becomes overwhelming.

This legislation addresses that reality.

Under the Sam Worley Elderly Tax Relief Act, homeowners who are 75 years of age or older, who have lived in Pennsylvania for at least 10 consecutive years and who have owned and occupied the same primary residence for at least 10 years would qualify for a full exemption from school, county and municipal property taxes on their primary residence.

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