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In this Update:
- Swearing in Day
- Senate Kicks Off 2023-24 Legislative Session
- PA Farm Show Set for Jan. 7-14
- Assistance Available for Organizations Aiding PA Veterans
- New Initiative Supports County Home Repair Programs
- Students Invited to Compete in Transportation Innovations Contest
- You Can Help Ensure an Accurate PA Broadband Access Map
- Taking Time to Stand with Law Enforcement Officers
- Out and About in the 30th
Swearing in Day
I had the honor of being sworn in to represent the 30th Senate District. I look forward to continuing my efforts of fighting for all of my constituents. I am hopeful that with the beginning of a new session, the General Assembly can come together to uphold the Constitution and protect our Commonwealth.
Senate Kicks Off 2023-24 Legislative Session
The Pennsylvania Senate convened this week for the start of the 2023-24 legislative session, which was highlighted by the swearing in of members.
The proceedings also included the formal election of the senate president pro tempore, as well as a vote on rules to govern the body for the next two years. The Senate will return to voting session Monday, Jan. 9. Still to come are announcements of committee chairs and member committee assignments for 2023-24.
Voters gave Senate Republicans a 28-22 majority in the November 2022 General Election.
PA Farm Show Set for Jan. 7-14
The 107th Pennsylvania Farm Show – the largest indoor agricultural exposition under one roof in the nation – takes place this Saturday to Jan. 14 in Harrisburg.
Admission is free. It features nearly 4,000 animals, 12,000-plus competitive events and exhibits, 245 commercial exhibits, and hundreds of educational and entertainment programs.
The visitor’s guide will help you plan your day, with information on hours, parking, exhibitors, food and more. For over a century, the PA Farm Show has celebrated Pennsylvania’s rich tradition of farming and agriculture’s key role in the state economy.
Assistance Available for Organizations Aiding PA Veterans
Nonprofits, veteran service organizations and county directors of veterans affairs have until Jan. 19 to apply for Pennsylvania Veterans’ Trust Fund grants for programs and services benefiting Pennsylvania veterans.
Grants will be considered in the following areas:
- New, innovative or expanded programs or services operated by the county directors of veterans affairs or the Pennsylvania Association of County Directors of Veterans Affairs. The areas of emphasis for applicants in this category are veterans outreach, transportation services and homelessness.
- Veteran service organizations and nonprofit organizations with a mission of serving Pennsylvania veterans focusing on transportation services, behavioral health initiatives, homelessness, and employment and education.
The Veterans’ Trust Fund is funded by Pennsylvanians who voluntarily donate when applying for or renewing driver’s licenses, photo IDs or vehicle registrations; purchase Honoring Our Veterans or Honoring our Women Veterans license plates; or make private donations.
New Initiative Supports County Home Repair Programs
County governments can apply now for funding through the Whole-Home Repairs Program, which will provide eligible homeowners and landlords across the state with critical home repair and weatherization assistance.
The new program aims to help low- and moderate-income homeowners and small landlords with needed repairs up to $50,000, fight blight, improve energy efficiency in homes and provide construction-related workforce development.
To apply for funding, counties or designated nonprofits must submit an application online through the state Department of Community and Economic Development’s Single Application for Assistance website by Jan. 31.
Students Invited to Compete in Transportation Innovations Contest
Students are invited to participate in the sixth annual PennDOT Innovations Challenge, which encourages students to use their problem-solving, creative and strategic-thinking abilities to resolve real-world transportation challenges in a competition among their peers.
For this year’s challenge, students are asked to develop ideas to help address the shortage of commercial truck parking along major interstate corridors in Pennsylvania. Trucks parking on highway shoulders and ramps is common during overnight hours and presents a significant safety issue.
The Innovations Challenge is open to all students in grades 9-12, regardless of their school’s learning model. Regional Innovations Challenge winners will be selected and 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. 27.
You Can Help Ensure an Accurate PA Broadband Access Map
You can help ensure Pennsylvania receives an accurate level of federal funding for broadband deployment.
Check out your address on the Federal Communications Commission broadband access map to see if the local internet access information is correct. The map shows all U.S. locations where fixed broadband service is or can be installed. Pennsylvania’s federal funding for broadband deployment depends on map accuracy.
Pennsylvanians should submit challenges by Jan. 13, 2023. There are two ways to submit a challenge: by a single location, or in bulk. The location challenge can be completed by individual consumers utilizing the map itself. Bulk challengers will be required to use the Broadband Data Collection platform to submit information to the FCC.
Additional information about the Consumer Challenge Process can be found here, and additional information on the Bulk Challenge Process can be found here. A consumer may also challenge mobile data coverage through the FCC Speed Test App, a free application that can be downloaded from an Apple or Google Play Store.
Taking Time to Stand with Law Enforcement Officers
While lawmakers in Harrisburg and Washington, D.C. create laws, it’s police officers who risk their lives enforcing them. On Law Enforcement Appreciation Day this coming Monday, I hope citizens take a moment to reflect on the dangerous and sometimes thankless job performed by those who protect and serve our communities.
Out and About in the 30th
Congratulations to my colleague, Rep. Lou Schmitt, on his new office. I look forward to collaborating with Rep. Schmitt throughout the new year on initiatives that will help our local constituents.
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