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In this Update:
Swearing-In and Education Committee Chair Appointment
The Pennsylvania Senate convened on Tuesday for the start of the 2025-26 legislative session, highlighted by the swearing in of new and reelected members. The proceedings also included the formal reelection of Sen. Kim Ward (R-39) as senate president pro tempore, as well as a vote on rules to govern the body for the next two years. It was an honor to be elected to the state Senate in 2023, and I am humbled by the vote of confidence constituents showed in 2024 by sending me back to Harrisburg. A new session brings a fresh start and an opportunity to achieve even more both legislatively and in the district. I am also honored to have been appointed as Chair of the Senate Education Committee. The Senate Education Committee is responsible for issues and legislation related to Pennsylvania’s education system, including school safety, funding issues, and post-secondary opportunities for students. The education of our young people is important – for their own futures and the future of this Commonwealth – so I will have their best interest at the forefront of the work we do as a committee. More information about my appointment can be read here. Other committee assignments for the 2025-26 legislative session have not yet been announced. Scholarships Available Soon for Students Earning Degrees in In-Demand Jobs
Pennsylvania students pursuing a degree for an in-demand occupation will soon be able to apply for a $5,000 scholarship through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). To bolster industries with lots of open positions, the law requires them to agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in an in-demand occupation for at least one year for each year they accept the scholarship. Those occupations include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs approved by PHEAA. The list of in-demand occupations will be adjusted regularly to reflect Pennsylvania’s workforce needs. Out-of-state students are eligible for scholarships that allow them to pay in-state tuition rates. If a student receives a scholarship but does not complete the educational program or fails to meet other terms of the agreement, the scholarship will be converted to a loan and must be repaid by the student. The application is expected to be available on PHEAA’s website in April, and more information will be shared then. Online Resource Tracks State Plows
Winter weather can impact safety on the roads, particularly before snow is cleared and salt is spread to mitigate icy spots. As the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) crews work to keep roads passable, you may be wondering where the plow is in your area. All of PennDOT’s roughly 2,200 owned and rented plow trucks are equipped with automated vehicle location systems, which use in-truck technology to log and share data in real time for that truck. View the routes of these interstate and expressway trucks here. PennDOT maintains nearly 40,000 miles of roads and 25,400 bridges statewide, which translates to more than 95,000 snow-lane miles. More Veterans are Eligible for Free Birth and Death Certificates
More veterans and their families are eligible for free birth and death certificates from the Pennsylvania Department of Health because of legislation passed last year which I sponsored. All veterans who were discharged or released from services under conditions other than dishonorable can receive a veteran fee waiver. Previously, they were only available for military members who were in active service or who were honorably discharged. Normally, there is a non-refundable $20 fee per copy, but with this law, up to 10 free copies will be available. The fee waiver may be applied to applications for the veteran, spouse and dependent children. To be eligible for the waiver, applications for birth and death certificates must be submitted with documentation proving military status. Veterans Assistance Outreach Hours in Shamokin Dam
Local veterans or their families are invited to schedule appointments to meet with an American Legion officer at our Shamokin Dam district office on Friday, January 17 for help applying for programs, services and benefits. There are many programs and services available to help Pennsylvania military veterans and their families. This is an excellent opportunity for veterans to learn about their benefits and determine their eligibility. American Legion Department Service Officer Bill McGovern will be at our office on January 17 from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Veterans or their family members can call our Shamokin Dam office at 570-743-1918 to schedule an appointment. Our office hosts these outreach hours with McGovern on the third Friday of each month. Schedule Your Free State Capitol Tour
If you’re looking for a fun educational activity for your family, you can tour the state Capitol for free. During a 30-minute guided tour, Capitol tour guides point out architectural and artistic highlights as they make the Capitol’s history come alive. There is also an Interactive Welcome Center and Capitol Gift Shop to enjoy during your visit. Guided tours are offered every half hour Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekends and most holidays, tours are offered at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Schedule a tour online or by calling the Tour Guide Office at 1-800-TOUR-N-PA (868-7672). Groups of 10 or more require advanced reservations. For your safety, group size is limited to 40. Jan. 20: Discuss Issues with the PA Game Commission
Mark your calendars for a Night Out with the Pennsylvania Game Commission on Monday, Jan. 20, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Montour Preserve Visitors Center, 374 Preserve Road in Danville. It’s an opportunity to engage directly with District 5 Commissioner Allen DiMarco and Game Commission staff about hunting and trapping topics that might include law enforcement, wildlife disease, wildlife populations, habitat work, pheasant stocking, forestry practices or upcoming education and outreach events. A formal presentation will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a program highlighting the complex process of antler development from birth to annual drop-off time each year. Following the presentation, the public will have the opportunity to again interact with agency and regional staff. Stop by at any time during the three-hour window. No reservations are required.
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