“As public officials, we try to help the neediest individuals in our communities in a number of different ways,” said Brooks, whose 17th District covers central and southwestern portions of Crawford County. “We have a number of state programs that offer financial help for property taxes and rent” such as the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program.

Despite current economic uncertainties, the approval for gambling in Pennsylvania seems to be a gift that keeps on giving. Republican state Sen. Bob Robins, however, said the future isn’t certain and thinks that gaming revenues will be affected by the economy.

“I think that could be said of any industry. How it is affected is the question,” said Robbins, whose 50th District includes all of Crawford County. “Recent reports from the Gaming Board show revenues remained strong in the past week. Here in northwest Pennsylvania our economy has not shown any signs of weakening.”

Pennsylvania casinos that are now operational include:

Presque Isle Downs and Casino, Erie

Harrahs Chester Casino & Racetrack, Chester

Hollywood Casino at Penn National, Grantville

The Meadows, Washington

Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs, Wilkes-Barre

Mount Airy Resort & Casino, Mount Pocono

Philadelphia Park Casino and Racetrack, Bensalem

How the allocations to school districts was determined:

The amount that each school district was allocated for tax relief was determined through a formula, taking into account the following four factors: