All 2021 News Releases

January

February


$145 Million for Small Business Grants Transferred to Pennsylvania Counties

Treasurer Stacy Garrity: Funding is vital to help small businesses that were hurt in the pandemic

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced that the Pennsylvania Treasury has made available $145 million to help small businesses in the hospitality industry as they struggle to recover from the effects of the pandemic. The funding, authorized by Act 1 of 2021, has been sent to all 67 Pennsylvania counties as block grants.



Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces ASL Interpreter Will Assist with PA ABLE Webinar

Interpreter expands accessibility to info about state’s disability savings program

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today the next informational webinar for the PA ABLE Savings Program, scheduled for Wednesday February 17, will feature an American Sign Language (ASL) interpreter to increase accessibility to program information.



Treasurer Stacy Garrity Looks to Return ‘Presidential’ Unclaimed Property

Nearly $4 million in unclaimed property waiting for “presidential” Pennsylvanians

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today that more than 11,000 “presidential” Pennsylvanians – including those named Washington and Lincoln – are owed nearly $4 million in unclaimed property being held for safekeeping at the Pennsylvania Treasury.



Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces More Than 400,000 Entries Available for Review in Contracts e-Library

Treasurer Garrity reminds agencies of their legal obligation to report contracts

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today that more than 400,000 state government contracts, purchase orders and amendments are available on Treasury’s Contracts e-Library. Contracts can be viewed any time, giving Pennsylvania residents an unprecedented opportunity to see how state tax dollars are spent.



Treasurer Stacy Garrity Calls on IRS to Ensure Taxpayers Victimized by Unemployment Fraud are Not Penalized

Treasurer Garrity urges “immediate, decisive action” to protect Pennsylvanians

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity today urged the IRS to take immediate steps to ensure that Pennsylvania taxpayers victimized by identity theft and unemployment compensation fraud are not penalized when it comes to federal taxes.


March


Grace M. Sloan: A Service of Prudence, Fidelity and Vigilance

As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I’d like to remember one of the women who shattered the glass ceiling in Pennsylvania politics.


Grace McCalmont Sloan decided to run for state treasurer in 1960. She faced an uphill battle, to put it mildly: More than 50 people had served as treasurer of the Commonwealth, and every one of them had been a man. In fact, before Sloan, Pennsylvania had only seen one woman hold any statewide elected office – Genevieve Blatt, who was elected to the since-eliminated position of Secretary of Internal Affairs in 1954 and reelected in 1958 and 1962.


April


Treasurer Garrity Testifies Before Senate Appropriations Committee

Chairman Browne, Chairman Hughes, and members of the Senate Appropriations Committee, good afternoon. I’m very happy to be here with you today to discuss the budget for the Treasury Department. With me today are Chief Counsel Christopher Craig and Senior Advisor Keith Welks. I’ve provided a written statement, and I know that Chairman Browne wants to get to questions as soon as possible, so I’ll be brief.


May


Treasurer Stacy Garrity Calls on Facebook to Report on Risk of Increased Sexual Exploitation of Children

Treasury supports additional shareholder proposals, including one to establish an independent board chair

Harrisburg, PA - Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced that at Facebook’s annual meeting, taking place tomorrow, the Pennsylvania Treasury Department will vote in favor of a number of shareholder proposals, including one requiring the social media company to report on the risk of increased sexual exploitation of children due to additional end-to-end encryption privacy tools.



Treasurer Stacy Garrity: Pennsylvania Wins Major Victory in Unclaimed Property Case

Special Master appointed by U.S. Supreme Court: More than $10 million of unclaimed property currently held by Delaware lawfully belongs to Pennsylvania

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today that Pennsylvania won a major victory in the fight to reclaim more than $10 million of unclaimed property which the Treasury Department has argued was wrongly taken by Delaware.



Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces Return of Military Decorations

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced the return of military decorations to 11 different veterans and families of veterans.


“Each and every military decoration that finds its way to Treasury’s vault is a piece of someone’s story and a symbol of the selfless sacrifice made by them and their family for all of us. It’s a true honor to return these decorations and to let my fellow veterans and their families know how much we respect and appreciate their service to our country.”


Pennsylvania State Treasurer, Stacy Garrity

June


Treasurer Garrity Continues to Urge Pennsylvanians to Apply for Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program

Eligible Pennsylvanians can now apply through December 31, 2021

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity continues to urge eligible Pennsylvanians to apply for the state’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue recently announced the deadline to submit applications has been extended from June 30, 2021, to December 31, 2021. The Pennsylvania Treasury Department has already started processing rebate payments.



Garrity & Torsella Support Efforts to Access PSERS Documents

Board members cannot meet fiduciary obligations without being able to review PSERS records

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity and former Treasurer Joe Torsella today announced their support for fellow Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS) board member Senator Katie Muth’s efforts to access records that PSERS management has refused to provide.



Treasurer Stacy Garrity: Unclaimed Property Website Upgraded, New Features Added

First significant system upgrade in more than 15 years

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today that the Pennsylvania Treasury’s unclaimed property website is back online after a temporary shutdown to implement major system upgrades. The updated website features new tools to make it easier for Pennsylvanians to claim their unclaimed property.


July


Treasurer Stacy Garrity Encourages Families to Invest Child Tax Credit Funds in PA 529 Accounts

Most families with children will receive $3,000 to $3,600 per child

Harrisburg, PA - Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity is encouraging Pennsylvanians who receive money from the Child Tax Credit, under the American Rescue Plan Act, to consider investing some or all of those funds into their child’s PA 529 College and Career Savings Program  accounts.



Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces Milestone in Campaign to Highlight Pennsylvania’s Manufacturers and Makers

Treasury celebrates 10 weeks of #MadeInPAMondays social media campaign

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today that ten Pennsylvania manufacturers and makers, representing ten counties across the Commonwealth, have participated in the #MadeInPAMondays social media campaign since the initiative began in May.



Treasurer Stacy Garrity Announces Record Growth for PA 529 College and Career Savings Program

More than 25,000 new PA 529 accounts were opened over the past year

Harrisburg, PA - Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program (PA 529) had its best year ever in fiscal year 2020-21, adding 25,004 new accounts while bringing in more than $732 million in total contributions. These numbers are the largest in the nearly 30-year history of PA 529.


August


ABLE Accounts Give People with Disabilities the Chance to Save

People living with disabilities often face tremendous challenges. One is striking the right balance between paying for day-to-day needs and saving for larger expenses while not saving so much that they become ineligible for critical benefits.


September


Treasurer Garrity Calls on President Biden and Secretary Yellen to Protect Banking Privacy

Federal proposal would give IRS unprecedented access to private bank account details

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity joined a coalition of 23 state treasurers, auditors, and financial officers calling on President Joe Biden and U.S. Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen to dismiss proposals that would require private banks and credit unions to report to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) account flows valued at more than $600.



Treasurer Garrity, DCED Secretary Davin Announce Final Batch of ARPA Payments to Pennsylvania Municipalities

More than $489.7 million disbursed over 10 weeks

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Dennis M. Davin announced today that the final batch of payments under the American Rescue Plan Act’s (ARPA) Coronavirus Local Fiscal Recovery program has been sent to qualifying Pennsylvania municipalities.



Treasurer Garrity Visits Luzerne County Community College to Promote PA 529 Accounts and College Savings Month

Treasurer Garrity, Senator Yudichak, Representative Pashinski and LCCC President Leary encourage more families to save after PA 529’s best year ever

Wilkes-Barre, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity today joined Senator John Yudichak, Representative Eddie Day Pashinski, and Luzerne County Community College President Thomas P. Leary at LCCC’s Wilkes-Barre Campus to promote the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program.


October


Treasurer Garrity: Unclaimed Property is Waiting for Those in the Halloween Spirit

Nearly $7.7 million awaits those with ‘scary’ monikers

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity said today that nearly $7.7 million is owed to Pennsylvanians who are in the Halloween spirit – those with a name or business name that includes the words Halloween, ghost, haunt, candy, costume, scary, trick, treat, eerie, creepy, grave, or bones.



Treasurer Garrity Announces Morningstar Silver Rating for PA 529 Investment Plan

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today that the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program Investment Plan (IP) has received a Morningstar Silver Rating for the second consecutive year. The honor comes as part of Morningstar’s review of the Top 529 Education Savings Plans of 2021, and designates the PA 529 IP as a best-in-class plan nationwide.


November


Treasurer Garrity Announces PA 529 College and Career Savings Program Surpasses $7 Billion in Assets

Program offers generous tax advantages to help families save for higher education

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced today the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program has reached a new milestone with more than $7 billion in assets. PA 529 accounts help families save for a child’s education expenses while providing generous tax benefits.



Treasurer Garrity Visits Lock Haven University to Promote PA 529 Education Savings Accounts

Treasurer Garrity, Senator Dush, Representative Borowicz, and Lock Haven University Interim President Hanna encourage more families to save for their child’s future

Lock Haven, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity toured Lock Haven University today, along with Senator Cris Dush and Representative Stephanie Borowicz to promote the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program. The tour was led by Lock Haven University Interim President Dr. Bashar Hanna.



Treasurer Garrity Visits Adagio Health to Promote Partnership and Keystone Scholars Program

Regional health and wellness provider encourages parents of newborns to start saving for their baby’s future, register Keystone Scholars accounts

Kittanning, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity today toured the Adagio Health Armstrong WIC Center to promote Treasury’s Keystone Scholars Program, which kickstarts every baby’s education savings with $100.



Treasurer Garrity, Senator Stefano Celebrate Veterans Day in Somerset

Highlighting efforts to return unclaimed military decorations and memorabilia

Somerset, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity today joined Senator Pat Stefano at the Somerset County Courthouse to recognize Veterans Day and highlight efforts to return the unclaimed military decorations and memorabilia housed in the Pennsylvania Treasury’s vault to their rightful owners.



Treasurer Garrity, Senator Stefano Celebrate Veterans Day in Uniontown

Highlighting efforts to return unclaimed military decorations and memorabilia

Uniontown, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity joined Senator Pat Stefano at Storey Square in Uniontown today to recognize Veterans Day and highlight efforts to return the unclaimed military decorations and memorabilia housed in the Pennsylvania Treasury’s vault to their rightful owners. Treasurer Garrity and Senator Stefano also walked in the Veterans Day Parade.



Treasurer Garrity Visits Juniata College to Promote PA 529 College & Career Savings Program

Families are encouraged to save for their children’s education

Huntingdon, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity today visited the campus of Juniata College in Huntingdon to promote the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program. She spoke to students in an intermediate micro economics class taught by Wei-Chung Wang, Professor of Economics & Business Administration. Wang, who also serves as Juniata College’s Associate Provost for Academic Initiatives, then led Treasurer Garrity on a tour of the campus.



Treasurer Garrity Warns Pennsylvanians of Text Messages from Scammers

Criminals are using texts to target unemployment compensation benefit recipients

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity today warned Pennsylvanians that scammers are using fraudulent text messages to target recipients of unemployment compensation benefits – potentially including normal unemployment compensation (UC), Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA), and Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC).



Treasurer Garrity Calls on Governor to Drop Fiscally Irresponsible “Verification Leave” Scheme

Governor’s plan will cost Pennsylvania taxpayers more than $100 million

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity today called on Governor Tom Wolf to abandon the fiscally irresponsible idea of providing five days of so-called “verification leave” to every employee under his control who provides a vaccine attestation.


December


Treasurer Garrity Urges Congress to Help Return Nearly $30 Billion of Savings Bonds to Americans

The Unclaimed Savings Bond Act would give states, including Pennsylvania, the ability to return bond proceeds through unclaimed property programs

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity is urging lawmakers in Washington, D.C., to support the Unclaimed Savings Bond Act of 2021, legislation that would give states the ability to return more than $29.4 billion in U.S. Savings Bond proceeds to rightful owners nationwide.



Agri-Link Investment Program Relaunched

Low-interest loan program supports agriculture best management practices

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity, Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, Rep. Rich Irvin, and the chairs of the Senate and House Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committees today announced the relaunch of the Agriculture Linked (Agri-Link) Investment Program. The program offers low-interest loans to Pennsylvania agriculture operations implementing best management practices (BMPs).



Treasurer, Legislators Introduce Retirement Savings Plan for Hardworking Pennsylvanians

Legislation will make saving for the future easy for millions of commonwealth residents

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity, Rep. Tracy Pennycuick and Rep. Michael Driscoll today announced the upcoming introduction of a bill to create Keystone Saves, a retirement savings program for hardworking Pennsylvanians who do not have access to retirement savings through their employer.



Treasurer Garrity Visits Bedford County Manufacturers to Discuss State’s Business Climate

Mission Critical Solutions Manufacturing, The Organic Snack Company

Harrisburg, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity today visited two manufacturers in Bedford County, Mission Critical Solutions Manufacturing in Pleasantville and The Organic Snack Company in Everett, to talk about Pennsylvania’s business climate. Treasurer Garrity also met with representatives from Creative Composites Group and LBFoster who joined the tour of Mission Critical Solutions. The visits were organized by the Bedford County Development Association (BCDA).



Treasurer Garrity Visits Delaware County Community College to Promote PA 529 Education Savings Accounts

Treasurer Garrity, Senator Kearney and Delaware County Community College President Dr. Gates Black encourage more families to save for their child’s future

Media, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity toured Delaware County Community College’s Marple Campus today, along with Senator Timothy Kearney, to promote the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program. The tour was led by College President Dr. L. Joy Gates Black. Genny Cavanagh, the college’s Interim Dean of Allied Health and Nursing, also participated in the tour.



Treasurer Garrity Visits Grove City College to Promote PA 529 College & Career Savings Program

Families are encouraged to save for their children’s education

Grove City, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity today toured the campus of Grove City College to promote the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program. The tour of the 180-acre campus was led by College President Paul J. McNulty and included the Hopeman School of Science, Engineering, and Mathematics. Treasurer Garrity and President McNulty were joined on the tour by a representative from the office of Senator Michele Brooks.



Treasurer Garrity Visits Allegheny College to Promote PA 529 College & Career Savings Program

Families are encouraged to save for their children’s education

Meadville, PA - Treasurer Stacy Garrity toured Allegheny College today, along with Representative Brad Roae, to promote the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program. The tour was led by Allegheny College Chief of Staff Kevin Kovalycsik. They were joined by Allegheny College Executive Director for Economic, Civic and Community Engagement, Andy Walker.