May 31, 2019

Next Tele-Town Hall Scheduled for June 18

I always look forward to discussing local and state priorities with Lancaster County residents at the numerous outreach events I host throughout the year. One of the best opportunities for me to gather a wide range of local viewpoints comes during my regular telephone town hall events, which allow community residents to engage in a discussion about the issues from the comfort of their own home.

My next tele-town hall is scheduled for June 18 beginning at 6:30 p.m. You can sign up to participate online here. A live audio stream is also available on the web page for individuals who want to listen to the conversation.

I look forward to hearing from you!

My thanks goes out to New Holland EMS for providing instruction to community residents on first aid and hands-only CPR at the Save A Life Night I hosted along with Representative Dave Zimmerman.

Nutrition Vouchers Available for Low-Income Seniors

The Farmers Market Nutrition Program offers food vouchers to ensure low-income seniors have access to fresh, healthy foods. The Lancaster County Office of Aging will begin distributing vouchers beginning on June 5 and continuing through the month of June.

The program offers $20 in vouchers to eligible recipients. The vouchers can be used toward the purchase of fruits and vegetables grown in Pennsylvania or produce that was purchased directly from neighboring states.

The vouchers must be picked up in person. Eligible individuals who are unable to pick up vouchers can have a proxy or representative go on their behalf by filling out a proxy form. These forms are available by contacting the Lancaster County Office of Aging at 717-299-7979.

More information about the program, including eligibility guidelines, voucher distribution dates and locations, is available here.

I appreciated the chance to participate in the groundbreaking ceremony for St. John Neumann School for Children and Families in Columbia. The school should play an important role in providing affordable, quality child care services in the community.

EBT Card Design is Changing

Pennsylvania Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards have a new design that will be phased-in over the next several months. There is no need for current cardholders to get a new card, as existing cards will continue to work for the foreseeable future. The old cards will be gradually replaced as they are lost, stolen or damaged.

More information about the change is available here.

Reminder: Spotted Lanternfly Quarantine Remains in Effect

Several types of products in Lancaster County remain under quarantine due to the presence of the spotted lanternfly, an invasive species that poses a serious threat to the grape, hops and logging industries. Additional details about the quarantine are available here.

All state residents are encouraged to report any sightings of this dangerous pest to the Department of Agriculture. You can learn more about how to help prevent the spread of this dangerous pest here.