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In this Update:
Your Opinion Matters: Transportation Survey Available
SEDA-Council of Governments is collecting information about regional transportation needs and priorities to help the Metropolitan Planning Organization’s 2050 Long-Range Transportation Plan covering Clinton, Columbia, Juniata, Mifflin, Montour, Northumberland, Snyder and Union counties. You can complete the survey here. Recognizing Hometown Heroes
This weekend I joined Mooresburg Presbyterian Church for a ceremony to remember the events of Sept. 11, 2001, and to express gratitude to the local first responders for their efforts to keep our community safe. Thank you to all the first responders for your dedication and service. Veterans Assistance Outreach Hours
Veteran Assistance Outreach Hours with American Legion Service Officer Bill McGovern will be held in my Shamokin Dam district office on the third Friday of each month beginning on September 20. Local veterans and their families can schedule appointments by calling the Shamokin Dam office at 570-743-1918. Senior Expo at Knoebels Drew Large Crowd
Thank you to everyone who attended the Senior Expo that Rep. Joanne Stehr and I hosted at Knoebels Amusement Resort. It was wonderful to see so many community members come together to explore services and programs for seniors and take advantage of the free health screenings.
A special thank you to all the vendors and the Knoebels team for preparing a delicious lunch. New Pavilion Opens at Faylor Lake, Snyder County
Congratulations to Snyder County for the opening of the new pavilion at Faylor Lake. The lake has many walking trails, boat ramps and a nationally recognized new disc golf course. The disc golf course is set to host a tournament this weekend bringing in more than 100 competitors and over 250 spectators to the area. Good luck for to all those competing and thank you for visiting Snyder County. A Closer Look at Energy Affordability and Reliability
Pennsylvanians face rising energy costs. Grid reliability continues to be a threat that may cause devastating outages like the major power crisis Texas experienced in 2021 when more than 4.5 million homes and businesses were without power for days. Rising costs and compromised reliability would be worsened by a unilateral decision former Gov. Tom Wolf made to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Joining RGGI will increase electricity rates for consumers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs, and lead to the closure of Pennsylvania power plants. Rolling blackouts will become commonplace when energy production cannot keep up with demand. Senate Republicans are actively working hard to prevent Pennsylvania’s entry into RGGI, obtaining a court order that prevents the commonwealth from implementing the program because the court agreed that the governor lacked the authority to join RGGI. Gov. Josh Shapiro appealed that court order to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, where the case is pending and briefs were filed this week by the Senate Republicans to prevent RGGI implementation. Senate Republicans stand ready to pass legislation to repeal the RGGI Energy Tax that has already been introduced if the legal process isn’t successful. We also passed bills that would ensure Pennsylvanians have options regarding fuel availability, help to secure the state’s future as a hub for carbon capture and sequestration and most effectively capitalize on the state’s abundant natural resources through the creation of the Independent Energy Office to provide impartial data. How to File a Banking Complaint
Consumers who have unsuccessfully attempted to resolve disputes with their financial institutions regarding services or products have options. Complaints may be submitted to the Department of Banking and Securities Consumer Services Office online or toll-free by calling 1-800-PA-BANKS (1-800-722-2657) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The department aims to provide responses to consumer complaints within 10 days of receipt. While the Consumer Services Office will make the effort to address consumer complaints, there is no guarantee the matter can or will be resolved. However, complaints are important because they allow the Department of Banking and Securities to identify patterns of unfair or deceptive practices that may result in further action. Applications Open: Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk Youth
The Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) is accepting applications for its class, which begins in January 2025. KSCA is designed to give academically challenged teens a second chance at obtaining their basic education, as well as learning leadership, self-discipline and responsibility. The program is open to 16- to 18-year-old Pennsylvania residents who are at risk of not graduating from high school, no longer attending any school or have not received a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Applicants must be willing to be drug free, free of felony convictions and voluntarily commit to the program. If selected, students will attend the 22-week residential phase at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. Learn more about eligibility requirements and begin the application process here. Anyone who prefers to have an application mailed or would like to talk with someone about the program may contact the academy by emailing RA-MVPAChallenge@pa.gov or calling 717-861-7767. Free Webinars Provide Useful College Financial Aid Info
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is holding free webinars to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process. On Tuesday, Sept. 24, at noon, speakers will discuss the financial aid timeline. On Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m., speakers will focus on how to search for scholarships and pay for any remaining costs. Register to attend the one-hour webinars. National Voter Registration Day is a Great Reminder
Tuesday, Sept. 17, is National Voter Registration Day. It’s a wonderful time to confirm that you are registered to vote at your current address or to register if you have moved or would be a first-time voter. The last day to register to vote in Pennsylvania before the Nov. 5 election is Monday, Oct. 21. You may submit your application online, by mail to your county voter registration office or in person at your county voter registration office. Active-duty military members or veterans who are hospitalized or bedridden may register at any time. Learn more about that option. Please note: if you are not a United States citizen and a resident of Pennsylvania at least 30 days before the election, you cannot register to vote.
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