Senator Aument E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Mainspring of Ephrata Tour of Downtown Ephrata
  • Lawmakers Urge Congress, NCAA to Provide Fairness in Student NIL Deals
  • Dedicating a Bridge to Local Military Leader Edward Shannon
  • WellSpan Hiring Event in Ephrata on Oct. 30
  • Online Unclaimed Property Auction Oct. 30 to Nov. 1
  • Meeting Riley Gaines at the Capitol
  • Happy Belated 100th Birthday to Lititz Resident
  • PA Student Aid Guide Available Now
  • More Retirees to Be Eligible for Reduced Vehicle Registration Fee
  • How to Be Safe This Hunting Season
  • Know Your Breast Cancer Risk

Mainspring of Ephrata Tour of Downtown Ephrata

Joy Ashley, executive director of Mainspring of Ephrata, hosted me for a tour of downtown Ephrata and all it has to offer, including quaint shops, unique storefronts, and delicious homemade desserts. Mainspring of Ephrata is a nonprofit dedicated to improving the quality of life in the Ephrata community through increased economic opportunity. It strives to celebrate the unique history, landscape, and blended cultures of Ephrata by cultivating a memorable, multigenerational, and thriving community.

The tour included multiple stops in the heart of Ephrata, like Casa Huerta, the historic Windsor and Brossman, and Ephrata National Bank buildings, City Gate of Ephrata, Sports Barber, Abundant Treasures, and Scratch Bakes.

Check out more details and photos from the tour here. 

Lawmakers Urge Congress, NCAA to Provide Fairness in Student NIL Deals

A 2021 U.S. Supreme Court ruling paved the way for college athletes to profit from use of their Name, Image and Likeness (NIL). While Pennsylvania was one of the first states to pass a NIL law soon after the ruling, we have had to update our guidelines more than once to deal with other states pushing the envelope to gain an edge in recruiting.

The Pennsylvania Senate recently passed a resolution sponsored by my colleague, Sen. Scott Martin, urging the U.S. Congress and the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) to create a standard set of NIL policies across all states and universities to better protect student athletes and ensure a level playing field in collegiate athletics.

More information about the resolution is available here.

Dedicating a Bridge to Local Military Leader Edward Shannon

From left to right: Sen. Ryan Aument (R-36), Leo Lutz (Columbia Borough mayor), Dr. Claire Storm (retired educator/long-time Columbia resident/volunteer), Barbara Fisher (Columbia Borough Council member), Steve Kaufhold (Columbia Borough manager), Heather Zink (Columbia Borough Council president), Rep. Brett Miller (R-41)

Rep. Brett Miller, the Columbia Historic Preservation Society, and I gathered to dedicate a bridge in Lancaster County in honor of Maj. Gen. Edward C. Shannon, a military leader and public servant raised in Columbia, PA.

He also served Lancaster County as an elected prothonotary and as lieutenant governor from 1930-35 under Gov. Gifford Pinchot.

For additional photos from the bridge dedication, click here. To watch my remarks during the ceremony click here. To watch the full ceremony, click here.

WellSpan Hiring Event in Ephrata on Oct. 30

WellSpan Health is hosting a hiring event on Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at multiple locations. Locally, it will be held at WellSpan Ephrata Community Hospital, Ephrata Health Pavilion, Conference Rooms A and B, 175 Martin Ave., Ephrata. Register for the event here.

There are full-time and part-time positions with flexible schedules. Open positions include diagnostic imaging, EMS, laboratory, nursing (LPN and RN), nursing assistant, pharmacist, rehabilitation services, respiratory therapy, and surgical technology.

Veterans are welcome. WellSpan has many civilian career opportunities that match military background, skills, and interest.

Online Unclaimed Property Auction Oct. 30 to Nov. 1

More than 5,700 items will be up for sale in the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s largest unclaimed property auction from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. View the items and register to bid here. The auction will include coins, currency, jewelry, and more.

The Treasury’s auctions are not specifically marked as other items are mixed in, but Treasury items are in the following auctions:

  1. Coins and Jewelry Auction on Oct. 30,
  2. Online Only Decorative Arts – Session One on Oct. 31, and
  3. Online Only Decorative Arts – Session Two on Nov. 1.

When an item is sold at auction, the price is documented, and the net proceeds remain with Treasury for the rightful owner to claim at any time. Auctions take place twice a year to make room in the vault for incoming property. The department works for at least three years to find the rightful owner of tangible property before an item is auctioned. Search to see if you have unclaimed property.

Meeting Riley Gaines at the Capitol

It was a pleasure to speak with former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines at the Capitol. I thanked her for all that she is doing to fight for women and protect women’s sports.

Happy Belated 100th Birthday to Lititz Resident

Happy belated 100th Birthday to Ernst Rinder, a Lititz resident who was born in Germany and served in the German Air Force. United States soldiers captured him in 1944 and he was held as a prisoner of war at Fort Indiantown Gap until World War II ended. He married a local girl, Annamarie Rinder, and had a child with her. They moved to Canada and then to Lancaster because he always wanted to return to America. He was married to Annamarie 51 years before she passed.

He has been married to his current wife, Ruth Rinder, for 22 years. Ernst is the proud father of five children and has been blessed with nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

PA Student Aid Guide Available Now

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency’s 2025-26 PA Student Aid Guide is available now. It is a complete overview of the financial aid process for high school students and families.

There is information about the federal student aid process and Pennsylvania aid programs, as well as career and salary stats, timelines, applications, and more. Learn more.

Senate Republicans supported new laws to increase access to the education and training options students have after high school. Act 89 of 2024 creates scholarships for in-state students who attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree for a high-demand industry, and agree to live and work in that industry in Pennsylvania after graduation. Act 56 of 2024 offers a tax credit to employers who match their employees’ contributions to PA 529 plans, tax-advantaged savings accounts to pay for education expenses.

More Retirees to Be Eligible for Reduced Vehicle Registration Fee

Beginning Dec. 16, more retirees will be eligible for a reduced processing fee in lieu of the standard vehicle registration fee. Because of a new law passed by the General Assembly, the income cap will rise from $19,200 to $29,906. Eligible retirees pay an $11 processing fee instead of the normal $45 registration fee.

Eligible applicants, regardless of age, must be retired and receiving Social Security, SSI payments, retirement benefits, or other pensions and annuities. Find details about what is included in the income calculations here.

The vehicle may be owned jointly, but the applicant must be the principal operator of the vehicle unless physically or mentally incapable of operating the vehicle. Only one vehicle per qualified applicant may be registered for the retired status processing fee. Learn more.

How to Be Safe This Hunting Season

Hunting is a Pennsylvania tradition. Whether it’s your first season out or you’ve ventured into the woods for years, knowing how to hunt safely can help you avoid trouble.

Tree stands have injured hundreds of Pennsylvania hunters. Remembering some simple STEPS can reduce your risk of falling and ensure you’re prepared to signal for help if you do.

Also to prevent accidents, hunters are required to wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange that’s visible from 360 degrees on the head, chest, and back. A hat and vest satisfy this requirement.

Know Your Breast Cancer Risk

Understanding your breast cancer risk is vital for protecting your health. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains can lower your risk. Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking are also important preventive steps.

Regular screenings and self-exams are essential for early detection, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. Discussing your personal risk with a doctor can help you explore further preventive options, such as genetic testing or medications. By implementing these strategies and staying informed, you can take significant steps toward lowering your risk.

Learn more about breast cancer risk here.

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