For the last year, local businesses have struggled significantly due to the ongoing effects of COVID-19 and mandated closures, restrictions, and mitigation efforts. However, relief is on the way for Pennsylvania business owners through the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 Hospitality Industry Recovery Program (CHIRP). The application process opens March 15, 2021. In December 2020, Governor Wolf started a … [Read more...] about CHIRP Offers Grants to Assist Local Businesses Affected by COVID
KingSpry Blog
Equality Act Aims to Amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act to Ban Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
On February 25, 2021, the House of Representatives passed the Equality Act with a final vote of 224-206. The Equality Act aims to amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act to include a ban on discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and other services, including public accommodations such as restaurants, retail stores, and stadiums. This act would be national, … [Read more...] about Equality Act Aims to Amend the 1964 Civil Rights Act to Ban Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Ongoing Pandemic and Declining Home Inventory Has Created Ideal Sellers’ Market
The ongoing pandemic has fueled residential real estate sales, resulting in a declining inventory of homes and creating a market that is ideal for sellers and stressful for buyers. Bidding above the asking price and incentivizing with cash offers has become more common this year, especially with record-low interest rates. While buyers are typically aware of the unusual characteristics of the … [Read more...] about Ongoing Pandemic and Declining Home Inventory Has Created Ideal Sellers’ Market
CDC Releases Guidelines and Recommendations for Returning to In-Person Instruction
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new guidance and recommendations today for schools getting ready to start full in-person instruction again during the pandemic. With the new administration, there has been a strong push for schools to reopen and to get children physically back into the school setting. Guidance Emphasizes Importance of Screening According to a CNN … [Read more...] about CDC Releases Guidelines and Recommendations for Returning to In-Person Instruction
Governor’s Proposed Budget Could Be Game Changer for School Funding
On February 2, 2021, Governor Tom Wolf announced his budget proposal for the 2021-2022 fiscal year. Governor Wolf addressed concerns regarding barriers that Pennsylvanians are currently facing, and he emphasized his interests in focusing on Pennsylvania’s ‘unequal and underfunded’ education system. Summary of Education Budget: Basic Education Funding (BEF): Governor Wolf proposed an increase in … [Read more...] about Governor’s Proposed Budget Could Be Game Changer for School Funding
Precedent-Setting Goodwin Opinion Holds Life Insurance Benefits Are Gifts, Not Marital Property
Pennsylvania’s Superior Court, in a precedential opinion, held life insurance death benefits are “gifts” and are therefore not marital property for purposes of equitable distribution. Equitable distribution is a process in which marital property is distributed equitably in a divorce proceeding. A court will only engage in equitable distribution if spouses are unable to agree on a property … [Read more...] about Precedent-Setting Goodwin Opinion Holds Life Insurance Benefits Are Gifts, Not Marital Property
