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In this Update:
Federal ID Requirements Change on May 7: Get REAL ID Now
Beginning May 7, standard driver’s licenses will no longer permit you to board flights, visit military bases and enter certain federal facilities. Then, acceptable options will be a passport, military ID or a REAL ID. If you’re not sure whether a REAL ID is right for you, this REAL ID online wizard may be able to help. You do not need to wait until your driver’s license renews to get a REAL ID. To get one, you must provide documents proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Pennsylvania residency. All acceptable documents must be original versions or certified copies (if applicable). While documents can be verified for customers who want a REAL ID at any of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) driver license centers, only certain locations can provide your REAL ID the same day. Otherwise, expect to receive your REAL ID within 15 business days after successful document verification. To make it more convenient for Pennsylvanians to get a REAL ID, PennDOT is offering dedicated time at specific driver license centers on May 5 and 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Beat Breast Cancer with Early Detection
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of women ages 50-74 have not received a mammogram in the past two years. May is Mammography Month in Pennsylvania – a great time to remind the women in your life to schedule a screening or make your own appointment. When diagnosed at its earliest stages, breast cancer has a survival rate exceeding 90%. Anyone who is uninsured or underinsured can get a free mammogram through the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. All women at high risk of developing breast cancer can also access genetic testing of hereditary cancer syndromes and supplemental breast screenings without any out-of-pocket costs because of landmark legislation Senate Republicans passed in 2023. May 4-10 is Small Business Week
More than 1 million Pennsylvania small businesses provide jobs for 2.4 million people, and they have a tremendous impact on state and local economies. When you spend $100 at a small business, $48 goes back into the local community. If you spend $100 at a big box store, only $14 stays local. Shopping at local businesses supports those around us. In addition to shopping and dining local, you can support small businesses by leaving a review and liking and sharing their content on social media. If you have or would like to start a small business, resources are available for every stage. The PA Business One-Stop Shop offers comprehensive support, personalized guidance and an extensive partner network. Learn more. State Parks Offer Amazing Outdoor Recreation
According to the 2024 Outdoor Industry Participation Trends Report, participation in outdoor recreation across the country grew by more than 4% to a record 175.8 million Americans in one year. Pennsylvania is a wonderful place to enjoy nature and all it has to offer. Our state parks and forests offer affordable options for families to take day trips or full vacations. For those who don’t have a recreational vehicle or feel comfortable tenting, parks also offer modern cabins and yurts. Make a reservation for one of the state’s 7,100 campsites. Parks offer all sorts of fun activities including disc golfing, kayaking, whitewater boating and even hang gliding. While enjoying the great outdoors, don’t miss scenic features like waterfalls, vistas and historic places. PA Law Protects Patients from Surprise Medical Bills
The No Surprises Act protects patients from surprise medical bills in situations where they have little to no control over who provides their care. A surprise medical bill is an unexpected medical cost incurred when a patient unknowingly obtains health care services by an out-of-network provider. The No Surprises Act protects patients who receive emergency and non-emergency services from being billed for more than they would have paid if the providers were in-network. Learn more and submit a bill for review here. Applications Open: Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk Youth
Since 2022, the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) has been transforming the lives of teenagers using a military academy style training model to provide structure and discipline. KSCA is a joint effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the National Guard Bureau, in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Applications may be submitted now through July 12 for the 22-week class that begins in July. 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 residential phase at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. Learn more about eligibility requirements and begin the application process. 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. Out and About in the 30th DistrictBlair County Chamber of Commerce Non-Profit Breakfast The Blair County Chamber of Commerce Committee of Non-Profit Businesses hosted their legislative breakfast where I had the opportunity to join Reps. Scott Barger and Lou Schmitt to discuss ongoing issues in Harrisburg and how we are assisting our non-profits.
Juniata College holds Groundbreaking of Gateway Center I was thrilled to grab a shovel and celebrate the groundbreaking of the Gateway Center at Juniata College, joining college leadership, state and local officials, and community members at this exciting event. This facility, which will be a high-tech, three-story health sciences building, will house the college’s future nursing program as well as new office and medical provider space. It will be a wonderful asset for the entire community, offering educational opportunities for students and better accessibility to healthcare services for area residents. I am looking forward to cutting the ribbon on this new facility soon, and I am very excited about the wonderful opportunities it will offer to Huntingdon County and the surrounding area.
Lewistown Lodge No. 203 Celebrates 200 Years I was pleased to present a Senate citation to the Lewistown Masonic Lodge No. 203 in celebration of the 200th year anniversary. Pictured is Right Worshipful Grand Master Larry Derr.
Hello Beautiful Hair Company Ribbon Cutting Congratulations to Hello Beautiful Hair Company Salon on their recent ribbon cutting in Reedsville, Mifflin County!
America250PA Resolution Adopted in Juniata County Juniata County recently adopted the America250PA resolution. America250PA Strategic Initiatives & Grants Manager Christian Cassidy-Amstutz and America250PA Juniata County Advisor Jessica Guyer joined in to celebrate the adoption of this resolution along with the county. Commissioners Alice Gray and Todd Graybill, and Rep. Perry Stambaugh were also in attendance.
April is National Donate Life Month UPMC Altoona held a flag raising ceremony in recognition of National Donate Life Month.
Tapestry of Health Ribbon Cutting The new office for Tapestry of Health, Women, Infants and Children Program, held a ribbon cutting recently in downtown Lewistown on Plaza Drive.
Tour of Tuscarora IU-11 Visited Tuscarora IU-11 to talk with superintendents and answer questions. We all toured the new mobile STEM lab and watched students design airplane gliders.
First Responders Workshop We had a great turnout at the Freedom Township Volunteer Fire Hall on Monday evening for the First Responders Workshop that I hosted in partnership with Rep. Scott Barger. PA State Fire Commissioner Tom Cook, PA Bureau of EMS Director Anthony Martin, Southern Alleghenies EMS Director Jordan Anthony, and Rep. Jim Rigby answered questions from the group of fire and EMS personnel and shared updates on current issues facing these first responders. In addition, the program included a funding resources presentation that provided the attendees with valuable information on grant programs and tips for funding success.
National Day of Prayer In recognition of the National Day of Prayer on Thursday, a service was held in Blair County at Legion Park. Pastors, elected officials, and community members from all over the county gathered to pray for various needs within our nation, our state, and our local communities. Pictured is Altoona City Councilman and local pastor, Dave Butterbaugh, who was the keynote speaker, and Tom Smith, who provided special music.
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