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In this Update:
Senate Committee Assignments Announced
Senate committee assignments were announced this week for the 2025-26 legislative session. In addition to my role as Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I will be serving as Vice Chair of the Health & Human Services Committee and returning to the Aging & Youth, Intergovernmental Operations, and Appropriations Committees. New for this session, I will be joining the Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure and Local Government Committees. These assignments align with many initiatives I’ve championed during my in the Senate and House, including afterschool funding and elder abuse prevention. Serving on these committees gives me the chance to engage early in shaping meaningful legislation that impacts Pennsylvanians. I look forward to what is to come in the new session with these committee assignments and am eager to continue the important work of serving the people of the 27th District and Pennsylvania. Read more about my committee assignments here. PennDOT Contest for Students to Improve Roadway Safety
Students are invited to participate in the Innovations Challenge to help the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) increase awareness for seatbelt safety and improve driver behavior for the benefit of our roads. The challenge, which has an award of $6,000 for the winning team, encourages ninth- through twelfth-grade students to use their problem-solving, creative and strategic-thinking abilities to resolve real-world transportation challenges. Regional winners will be invited to present their solutions to the PennDOT secretary and a panel of judges, who will determine the statewide cash prize winner. The submission deadline is Jan. 31. Free Winter Activities at State Parks
Staff at Pennsylvania state parks and forests host free events throughout the year for people of all ages. During winter, snow walks, bird watching, night owl hikes and more are among the activities available. The event listing can be sorted by in-person or virtual events. It can also be filtered by region and date. To make it even more convenient, a personalized list of events can be emailed to you weekly if you build an event digest email to your liking. The email can be customized for your event preferences and when you wish to be notified. REAL ID to be In Effect on May 7
Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant license/identification card or other federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board domestic commercial flights or enter a military installation or federal facility that requires ID. To get a REAL ID, you must bring your documents to a driver licensing center for verification in person. Learn about the specific items that are required to be issued a REAL ID. The website also offers the option to pre-verify online if your documents are already on file with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. REAL ID is optional. It is not required to drive, vote, access hospitals, visit the post office, access federal courts or apply for or receive federal benefits. Help is Available for People Who Want to Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking is difficult, and not just because of the addictive properties of nicotine. Different people experience unique challenges, and personalized resources are available for veterans, women, teens, those who are age 60 and older and others. People can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669), text QUIT to 47848 or use the live chat feature on SmokeFree.gov. The website has lots of practical articles, including ones about how to make a plan to quit, manage cravings, cope with stress without smoking and much more. There are resources for people who want to stop using dip and vapes, as well as information about how to support a loved one who is quitting. Scholarships for Luzerne County Students
Luzerne County Head Start (LCHS) is offering former Head Start students the chance to apply for its merit-based, competitive Alumni Scholarship Program. Now in its 39th year, this program celebrates the achievements of Head Start students and supports their pursuit of higher education. Funded by generous contributions from local businesses, organizations, and individuals, the LCHS Alumni Scholarship Program has made a lasting impact. In May, LCHS awarded $22,000 in scholarships to 16 seniors from seven school districts in Luzerne and Wyoming counties. Since its inception, the program has awarded a total of $355,450 in scholarships, showcasing its commitment to empowering the next generation. The scholarship program is open to Head Start alumni who will graduate from high school in June 2025 and plan to continue their education at a college, university, or vocational/technical school. Students living in school districts served by LCHS, including those who attended Head Start in other areas, are eligible. Alumni of the Pre-K Counts program (LCHS locations only) are also encouraged to apply. To apply, students can download the application form from the LCHS website at lcheadstart.org. Completed applications should be submitted via email to lchsscholarship@hsweb.org or mailed to Luzerne County Head Start, Inc., 23 Beekman St., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18702, Attn: Brooke Williams. The deadline to apply is Friday, January 24, 2025, at 4 p.m. This scholarship program is a testament to the value of investing in our youth and ensuring they have the resources to succeed. I encourage all eligible students to apply and take advantage of this incredible opportunity. Let’s continue to work together to support education and build a brighter future for our community. Jan. 20 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for peace, even while he worked to instill change. As our country has faced various transitions in the past few years, I hope all Americans can celebrate his commitment to treating each other with decency – even when perspectives may differ. President Ronald Reagan signed legislation into law that made the third Monday in January a federal holiday honoring the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Our offices will be closed on Monday in observation of Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
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