STIMULUS REBATE INFORMATION
If you are a senior who missed the October 15th deadline for filing an income tax return for the economic stimulus payment, don't worry.  You can receive a payment in 2009 by filing an income tax return when the filing season opens in January 2009.  The IRS will have more information shortly, and we will be posting this information here at www.Raices.US and throughout Raices sponsored senior centers.

DIGITAL TV TRANSITION OUTREACH CAMPAIGN

The Spanish Speaking Elderly Council – RAICES is excited to announce the launching of the Hispanic Federation’s Digital TV Transition Outreach Campaign to educate the Hispanic community about the Digital TV Transition process and its impact on consumers.  The switch from analog to digital broadcast television is referred to as the digital TV (DTV) transition.  Congress mandated that February 17, 2009 would be the last day for full-power television stations to broadcast in analog.

An important benefit of the switch to all-digital broadcasting is that it will free up parts of the valuable broadcast spectrum for public safety communications (such as police, fire depts.. and rescue squads).  Consumers also benefit because digital broadcasting allows stations to offer improved picture and sound quality, and digital is much more efficient than analog.  However consumers that currently use “rabbit ears” or rooftop antennas will no longer receive television signals after the government-mandated “digital transition” on February 17, 2009.  Broadcast stations in all U.S. markets are currently broadcasting in both analog and digital.  After this date, full-power televisions stations will broadcast in digital only.

As a member of the Hispanic Federation, the Spanish Speaking Elderly Council – RAICES is totally committed in sharing and distributing the information to all of our members, clients and friends.

For information on all your options and to apply for a $40 coupon which can be used towards the purchase of a TV converter box,  visit the RAICES’ caseworkers at our senior centers or the RAICES Access Program.   For additional information and application Click Here.  To apply online visit www.DTV2009.gov.