Farm Show Visitors Reminded Pennsylvania Is 'Here to Help' Families, Businesses

State Agency Booths Direct Visitors to Online Resource with State Programs
Offering Assistance to Those in Need

HARRISBURG, Pa., Jan. 12 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- State agencies are using
the 93rd Pennsylvania Farm Show to remind visitors of commonwealth programs
that can help families and businesses make it through these tough economic
times.

In December, Governor Edward G. Rendell launched an online resource page -
www.heretohelp.pa.gov - making it easier for citizens to find resources
offered through existing government programs.

State agencies operating booths at this year's Farm Show will have small cards
for visitors reminding them of the new Web site. Additionally, signs will be
posted throughout the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center featuring the Web
address.

According to Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff, the goal is to raise
awareness of the online resource among the show's hundreds of thousands of
visitors in the hope that they will use and share the information with others.

"We understand that the faltering national economy has left many families and
businesses facing tough times," said Wolff. "Whether it's finding help putting
food on the table, getting health insurance for a child through CHIP, locating
workforce training opportunities, or applying for property tax relief, the
'Here to Help' Web site puts many beneficial programs under one umbrella. That
makes it easier for families to obtain services and resources that can get
them through these tough times.

"With 400,000 people expected to visit the Farm Show this year, we felt this
was an excellent opportunity to spread the word that help is available."

The Web site offers programs grouped by the following topics: employment,
family services, housing, older Pennsylvanians, and economic development.

The Employment section is there to help the many people who are experiencing
lay-offs or losing their jobs.

The page provides information on the recent expansion of unemployment
services, including extended call-in hours and increased levels of staff to
help claimants. Visitors can also find a link to file an unemployment
compensation claim online, which is the most convenient and efficient way to
do so. Additional information is available for job training and job
opportunities.

Parents can find information on enrolling their children in the Children's
Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or themselves in the Adult Basic health
insurance program. There is a waiting list for adults, but once you are on
the waiting list you are able purchase coverage for $305.

The Family Services section includes a wide range of resources including the
resources available for food for women and children, health care for the
neediest Pennsylvanians, and even tips for those who wish to quit smoking. A
link is also provided to the state's Treasury Department where residents can
search to see whether they have any unclaimed property.

The Housing section is a place to go for help in lowering and paying your
heating bills, tips to better manage your money, and mortgage assistance.

The Older Pennsylvanians section is a destination for older adults looking to
sign-up for PACE/PACEnet prescription assistance or the Property Tax and Rent
Rebate program. More than 110,000 seniors have had their property taxes
eliminated in Pennsylvania, but thousands of yet to sign up for their rebate.

The Economic Development section includes information to help business owners
weather this economic downturn, including information on grant and loan
programs.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the largest indoor agricultural event in the
nation, featuring nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 270
commercial exhibitors. The show runs through Jan. 17 at the Pennsylvania Farm
Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg. Admission is free and parking is
$8. For more information, visit www.farmshow.state.pa.us.

CONTACT: Michael Smith
(717) 783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

Michael Smith of Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, +1-717-783-1116