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Thank you for subscribing to my E-newsletter. I am honored to serve the 36th Senatorial District and look forward to working with you toward building a stronger Pennsylvania. This E-newsletter serves to keep you updated on what is happening throughout Lancaster County and what I am doing as your State Senator in Harrisburg – I hope that you find it helpful! Should you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please DO NOT reply to this email; instead, please feel free to contact me here.
In this Update:
2023 Accomplishments: Supporting PA Seniors
As part of Senate Republicans’ commitment to healthy and safe communities, we are focused on supporting Pennsylvania seniors. This means making sure they have access to the health care they need and preventing their exploitation. One new law adjusts Medicaid reimbursement rates for nursing homes so the facilities can continue to meet the needs of vulnerable patients. Another law ensures seniors do not lose access to Pennsylvania’s prescription drug programs due to an increase in their Social Security payments. A third piece of legislation recently signed into law aims to prevent elder abuse by strengthening guardianship laws. It protects vulnerable adults within the guardianship system from fraud, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Grants Available to Support Student Safety, Behavioral Health Needs
Grants are available through a few different state programs to support the physical security and behavioral health needs of students in the commonwealth. All grant applications must be received by Feb. 29. School Mental Health Grants make $90 million available for school districts, intermediate units, area career and technical schools, charter schools, regional charter schools, and cyber charter schools. Approximately $32 million is available through Competitive School Safety Grants for school resource officers, security-related technology, and violence prevention programs that address safety and security. As part of Senate Republican efforts to ensure safe schools and communities, a budget measure passed in December included provisions to consolidate and streamline school safety and security programs and operations under the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. The School District Meritorious Grant Program is specifically for school districts and approximately $18.6 million is available. Individual awards to address physical safety and security range from $30,000 to $45,000. Preventing Cancer by Increasing Access to Screenings
The federal government estimated that nearly two million Americans would be diagnosed with cancer and that more than 600,000 would die from their disease in 2023. Research shows that more than 40% of those cases can be attributed to preventable causes such as smoking, physical inactivity, excessive exposure to the sun, and excess body weight. Making healthier choices can dramatically reduce your risk of cancer, according to the American Association for Cancer Research. Learn how you can put yourself on a better path and test your cancer prevention knowledge here. Senate Republicans passed legislation that is now law to help Pennsylvanians get the preventative cancer testing they need. Specifically, it eliminates out-of-pocket costs for genetic testing of hereditary cancer syndromes and supplemental breast screenings for women at high risk of developing breast cancer. Protecting Pennsylvanians from Cyberattacks
The Senate Communications and Technology Committee this week examined cybersecurity threats faced by local governments and municipal authorities. Recent cyberattacks targeting the Bucks County emergency dispatch system and the Aliquippa Water Authority highlight the vulnerability of Pennsylvania’s more than 2,500 local governments and authorities. While exposure of residents’ personal information is a serious concern, these attacks can also interfere with ways people satisfy basic needs, such as the delivery of clean drinking water to their homes and being able to call for help in the case of an emergency. Learn more from the cybersecurity experts and local government officials who took part in the hearing. We Prioritized Mental Health for All Ages
We all know how important it is to focus on our mental health, particularly as mental health challenges increased for so many people in the past few years due to the pandemic and the many impacts it had on all of us. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, one in 20 adults in the United States experience serious mental illness each year. With 50% of all lifetime mental illness beginning by age 14, it’s important to support young people. As part of this fiscal year’s budget, Senate Republicans dedicated $100 million for school mental health, helping to address a major need as mental health needs for young people continue to rise. PA VETConnect Helps Veterans Access Programs and Services
Because of legislation supported by Senate Republicans, PA VETConnect makes it easier for Pennsylvania’s 700,000 veterans to access the programs and services available to help them. Administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, PA VETConnect benefits service members, veterans, and their families. The database of resources enables local veteran advocates to point veterans to information, resources, programs, and services in their area and across the commonwealth. Resource areas include benefits, employment, financial assistance, post-traumatic stress, mental wellness, and substance use. Dickinson College Student Returns to PA Capitol
It was a pleasure hosting Katie Cook, a Donegal High School graduate and current Dickinson College student, as my shadow for the day at the state Capitol. Katie is pursuing a Law and Policy degree and was eager to get an inside look at how a legislative office functions. I originally welcomed Katie to the Capitol in April 2022 for my Senator for a Day event, which she says gave her the opportunity to balance the complexities of decision making, negotiations, and policy development. Thanks for joining us again, Katie! Congratulations to New Eagle Scout
Congratulations to Mount Joy resident Alex Wright who recently earned the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest available in the Boy Scouts of America! For his community service project, Alex refurbished the Park City Center gift-wrapping station for the United Disabilities Services Foundation. Alex is a member of Troop 349-B in Mountville. Share Your Thoughts About Lancaster County Transportation Plan
The Lancaster County Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is seeking input from the public via an online connects2050 Survey. The survey is open until March 9. The information will be used to update MPO’s Metropolitan Transportation Plan. The update builds on existing plans to meet the mobility needs of people and their goods in Lancaster County throughout the next few decades. As a member of the Lancaster County MPO, I appreciate the time you dedicate to filling out the survey. Share your thoughts on the survey here. Free FAFSA Workshops Across PA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) underwent changes resulting from the FAFSA Simplification Act, a federal law intended to streamline the financial aid application process. Filing the FAFSA online is the first step for students and families to determine if they qualify for a Federal Pell Grant, Pennsylvania State Grant, scholarships, institutional awards, and federal student loans. Because of the changes, free FAFSA workshops are being held across the state. Find one near you.
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