March 6, 2020

Webpage Offers Information on Student Loan Debt Crisis Bills

Several weeks ago, I introduced a pair of bills designed to help ease the stress of the student debt crisis by allowing current students and recent graduates to repay their debt based on their income over time. This approach – which would not require the use of any new taxpayer dollars – would emphasize the importance of personal responsibility, while at the same time giving students more opportunities to achieve earned success.

A number of community residents have shared questions and concerns about how these programs would work. I recently created a new webpage with information about these bills, including fact sheets, videos, op-eds, news articles, frequently asked questions and more. The page also includes a section for community residents to submit feedback if they have any questions or comments regarding the proposals.

I encourage you to visit the page here and learn more about Income Share Agreements and similar ideas could play a role in helping the next generation of leaders in Pennsylvania.

REMINDER: Coffee and Conversation Scheduled for March 12

I look forward to hosting a Coffee and Conversation event for community residents on March 12 from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. at Columbia Crossing, located at 41 Walnut Street in Columbia. The free public event offers light refreshments and gives constituents a chance to engage in an informal conversation about what is happening in local communities and in Harrisburg.

More information about the event is available here. I hope to see you there!

In addition, my Telephone Town Hall has been rescheduled to April 7 beginning at 6:30 p.m. Community residents can sign up to participate here.

The complete schedule of my outreach events this spring is available here.

I had a great time visiting with 3rd graders at Rohrerstown Elementary School. Lancaster County District Attorney Heather Adams and I spoke to students about the three branches of government and the work that we do to serve them.

Mail-in Ballot Options Available for Upcoming Primary Election

Beginning with the Primary Election on April 28, voters will now have the option to mail in ballots instead of going to the polls. Applications for mail-in ballots must be received by the county election office by 5 p.m. on April 21. A voter can apply for a mail-in ballot online here or apply in person or by mail through their county election office.

The Department of State offers information on voting by mail here.

Department of Health Offers Coronavirus Info

Media coverage regarding the coronavirus has raised a number of concerns throughout the community. The Department of Health recently added on update to its website regarding the nature of the disease, how it is spread, and how to avoid it. Get the facts about the coronavirus here.

In addition, I have added some helpful links on the Influenza Information page on my website. That information is available here.

I enjoyed meeting Assistant Chief Mason Brandt of the Fire Department Mount Joy at our State Capitol. Mason reached out to discuss the recommendations made in Senate Resolution 6 to preserve and improve the volunteer fire service in Pennsylvania.

Free Admission to Lancaster County Museums on Sunday

In recognition of Charter Day on March 8, a number of local museums are offering free admission to celebrate Pennsylvania’s birthday. Some of the participating museums in Lancaster County include Ephrata Cloister, Landis Valley Village and Farm Museum and the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

More details about the Charter Day celebrations are available here.

Don’t Forget to Spring Forward

As a reminder to community residents, Daylight Saving Time officially begins this weekend. On Sunday morning at 2 a.m., the clocks will move forward an hour in order to provide an extra hour of daylight in the evenings throughout spring and summer. Computer software adjusts many clocks automatically, but it is a good idea to double-check all devices on Sunday morning.

It was a pleasure to join students from John Beck Elementary School at Junior Achievement of South Central PA BizTown in York. The program allows elementary school students to operate banks, manage restaurants, write checks, and vote for mayor to help them connect the lessons they learn in the classroom with experiences in the real world.