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In this Update:
Grant Funding Awarded to the 27th Senate District
This week, grants were awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Local Share Account (LSA) Program, which funds projects concerning the public interest, community improvement and economic development using gaming money generated by casinos. The 27th Senate District received a total of $8.1 million to support projects throughout the region. You can learn more here. Grants for School Facility Improvement Projects Awarded to Area Schools
This week, grants were also awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Public School Facilities Improvement Grant Program, which provides grants to public school districts and area career and technical schools for eligible facility improvement projects. You can learn more and see awardees here. Hearing on Preventing Financial Exploitation of Seniors
On Wednesday, the Senate Aging and Youth Committee, which I am a member of, held a joint hearing with the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee to further explore ways to prevent financial exploitation of senior citizens. This week’s hearing was a continuation of one held in September, which you can watch here. At that time, we heard from the Secretary of Aging, the Secretary of Human Services, county aging representatives, and individuals from the Bureau of Consumer Protection in the Office of Attorney General. With a focus on House Bill 2064, which would require financial institutions to report suspected financial exploitation of older adults, banks and credit unions, as well as aging and home care organizations, participated in Wednesday’s hearing, as did a Deputy DA from the Dauphin County District Attorney’s office. Click here to watch my Q&A with Senior Deputy District Attorney Chelsea Robbins and here to watch the full hearing. National School Bus Safety Week
This week is National School Bus Safety Week! This week, we highlight the importance of school bus safety and the role we all play in keeping our children safe. Each year, PennDOT sponsors the School Bus Safety Week poster contest for students across the Commonwealth. I want to congratulate all the students who participated, especially Lorelei (Shamokin Area Elementary and Intermediate School) who placed first in Division Two, Ziva (Selinsgrove Elementary School) who placed second in Division One, and Braelyn (Selinsgrove Elementary School) who placed third in Division Two! Welcome Army Captain Pennycuick
The Senate was visited by U.S. Army Captain Alyssa Pennycuick, daughter of my colleague, Senator Tracy Pennycuick. This was CPT Pennycuick’s first visit to the Capitol and in a few weeks, she will be deployed overseas. It was an honor to meet her and thank her for her service to the nation. Good luck and safe travels! 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 Coins and Jewelry Auction on Oct. 30, the Online Only Decorative Arts – Session One on Oct. 31 and the 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. 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.
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