Senator Aument E-Newsletter

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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.

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In this Update:

  • Thanks for a Great Conversation at My Ice Cream Social
  • Best Wishes to Local Police Officer at the End of a 36-Year Career
  • Recognizing Top Behavioral Health Care Employees
  • Touring Hershey’s Lancaster County Twizzlers Plant
  • Celebrating Woodcrest Retreat’s Playground Revitalization Project
  • Stronger Rainy Day Fund Improves PA’s Financial Position
  • Revenue Collections Below Monthly Estimate
  • Preparing for Election Day
  • Free Support Available to Military Members
  • Fire, Ambulance Companies: Apply Now for State Grants

Thanks for a Great Conversation at My Ice Cream Social

Thank you to all who joined me for my recent ice cream social! It was great to connect with everyone and have a spirited discussion about issues that matter to you.

If you couldn’t make it, consider signing up for one of my upcoming outreach events here.

Best Wishes to Local Police Officer at the End of a 36-Year Career

I appreciate having the opportunity to express the gratitude of our community to retiring law enforcement officers and their families. I presented a Senate Citation to Officer Bart L. Hollis, who recently retired from the West Hempfield Township Police Department.

Officer Hollis had a 36-year career in public service. He served our country as a member of the United States Marine Corps and the United States Marine Corps Reserve. In 1989, he started working as a deputy with the Lancaster County Sheriff’s Office and then became a member of the Conestoga Township Police Department. He began his tenure with the West Hempfield Township Police Department in 1999.

He was honored by the department with the Lifesaving Award in 2021 and the Outstanding Volunteer Service Award in 2021 and 2011.

Recognizing Top Behavioral Health Care Employees

I was pleased to join the Lancaster Behavioral Health Hospital team to congratulate their 2022 Employees of the Year. Health care providers play a critical role in our communities, and these employees are the best of the best.

Pictured: Employee of the Year Nicole McKee, RN; Jess Thedford, Interim CNO; Ryan Tatu, CEO. Not pictured, but still recognized: Employee of the Year Valerie Floyd.

Touring Hershey’s Lancaster County Twizzlers Plant

Did you know that the Hershey Company has a plant right here in Lancaster that makes their delicious Twizzlers? I recently toured the facility to get a behind-the-scenes look at how these licorice treats are made.

Celebrating Woodcrest Retreat’s Playground Revitalization Project

Woodcrest Retreat is a positive force in the greater Ephrata area, providing recreational activities for children, adults, families, and groups. They open their space to the community and offer transformational summer programs which enable children from low-income families to enjoy the wonder of nature.

It is for those reasons that I was pleased to advocate to the secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development on behalf of Woodcrest Retreat so they could secure funding for their playground revitalization project. They recently held the ribbon-cutting ceremony for that project.

Stronger Rainy Day Fund Improves PA’s Financial Position

Moody’s Investor Services has affirmed Pennsylvania’s current bond rating and revised the state’s financial outlook from stable to positive.

As part of its decision to upgrade the commonwealth’s status, Moody’s commended the amount of money in the state’s Rainy Day Fund. Bolstering our financial safety net has been a top priority in the past three years, and it is encouraging to see those efforts translate to real results.

Because of hard decisions made by Senate Republicans to resist the urge to spend billions and instead embrace smarter budgeting approaches, Pennsylvania’s financial position has improved.

Revenue Collections Below Monthly Estimate

Each month, the Senate Appropriations Committee prepares an update about the state’s financial health. The most recent report shows that General Fund revenue collections of $2.9 billion in August were below the monthly estimate by $27.1 million, or 0.9%.

The Shapiro Administration recently approved collective bargaining agreements with the state’s major labor unions that are projected to cost taxpayers $3.2 billion during the next four years.

The full update, including the monthly revenue report, is available here.

Preparing for Election Day

In honor of National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, it’s a great time to prepare for Election Day on Nov. 7. The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 23. If you’ve moved, you can also double check that you’re registered to vote at your current address.

Anyone who wishes to vote by mail must apply by Oct. 31. You have to be a registered voter to submit an application.

If you are looking for a way to help your community, learn more about becoming a poll worker here. Thousands of Pennsylvanians are necessary to run elections, and poll workers are needed in all 67 counties.

Free Support Available to Military Members

As a reminder for Suicide Prevention Month, veterans in crisis can call the toll-free Veterans Crisis Line. It serves veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them.

A caring, qualified responder is available to provide confidential support and connect callers with resources 24/7, 365 days a year.

Call 988 and then press 1 or chat online.

Fire, Ambulance Companies: Apply Now for State Grants

Fire companies and ambulance services throughout Pennsylvania are encouraged to submit an application for the 2023-24 Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program.

Grants may be used for construction or renovation of a unit’s station, the purchase or repair of equipment, training or debt reduction. The maximum grant amount is $20,000 for fire companies and $15,000 for volunteer ambulance services – increased this year because of legislation supported by Senate Republicans.

Find more information and apply online here by Oct. 20 at 4 p.m.

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