Senator Ward, J E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Senior Expo was a Huge Success!
  • Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Symposium
  • New Law Extends PA Guard Family Education Benefit
  • Vital Records Event at Mifflin County PA CareerLink
  • Senate Acts to Ensure More Efficient Government Spending
  • How to Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses
  • Planning a PA Capitol Visit
  • Farmers Markets: A Great Source of Fresh, Healthy Food
  • Out and About the 30th District

Senior Expo was a Huge Success!

I recently held my Senior Expo at the Reedsville Fire Company in their community room, which was huge success! Hundreds of residents attended the expo and had the opportunity to visit 40 vendor stations. It was great seeing Congressman Dr. John Joyce and Lewistown Mayor Deborah Bargo.

The vendor participants provided useful information, health screenings and materials to all our seniors in attendance. A special thanks to the Reedsville Fire Company for allowing us the use of the building for this event and to everyone who stopped by. We hope to see you next year!

Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Symposium

I was a keynote speaker at the annual Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Symposium in State College, which brought together law enforcement, regulators and the commercial vehicle industry.

Established in 2017, the symposium promotes highway safety practices and educates the commercial vehicle industry on laws, regulations and policies. My presentation focused on the budget’s progress, commercial vehicle bills in the General Assembly and future directions for the trucking industry.

New Law Extends PA Guard Family Education Benefit

The Military Family Education Program (MFEP) covers the cost of a state college education for dependents of Pennsylvania National Guard members in return for a six-year service obligation. We passed a new law ensuring additional dependents are covered each time the member commits to an additional service obligation.

The benefit is an incentive to encourage talented Guard members to continue their service to the commonwealth and nation. Many Guard members who benefited from the MFEP are deciding whether to commit to another six years.

Act 32 of 2025 clarifies that a Guard member can receive a new MFEP assistance grant – helping an additional dependent – with each new service obligation. I was proud to support this family benefit for our men and women in uniform.

Vital Records Event at Mifflin County PA CareerLink

PA CareerLink of Mifflin County in coordination with the Office of Vital Statistics can assist you in obtaining your Pennsylvania birth certificate. An appointment is necessary, and spots are limited. You can call to schedule an appointment and to submit your application at 717-248-4942.

The event will be held on Wednesday, August 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. The PA CareerLink of Mifflin County is located at the MCIDC Plaza, Building 58 in Lewistown. For more information on PA CareerLink, click here.

Senate Acts to Ensure More Efficient Government Spending

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission would be able to spend funds more efficiently under legislation passed by the Senate. The aim is to keep costs as low as possible for anglers and boaters.

Currently, commission revenues are directed into either the Fish Fund or the Boat Fund, with no crossover permitted. This rigidity has led to inefficiencies and higher costs.

Senate Bill 800 permits Fish Fund dollars to be used for expenditures and programs that benefit boaters and Boat Fund dollars to be used for expenditures and programs that benefit anglers, as long as they also benefit the original intent of the respective funds. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

How to Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses

Summer is the time for outdoor fun, but heat can cause serious and potentially fatal health problems such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

When it’s sweltering out, avoid heat-related illnesses by limiting activity to mornings and evenings when possible, drinking plenty of fluids and getting out of the sun when necessary.

You can learn about spotting symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion here.

Planning a PA Capitol Visit

Your Pennsylvania Capitol is not only the seat of state government, it’s also an architectural and artistic treasure to be experienced by citizens from across the commonwealth.

Visitors are welcome to explore the building at their leisure on regular weekdays. You can also schedule a tour with a guide. Tours take about 30 to 45 minutes.

You can plan a visit and book a tour of this 119-year-old National Historic Landmark here.

Farmers Markets: A Great Source of Fresh, Healthy Food

This is National Farmers Market Week. Now’s a great time to visit a farmers market for fresh fruits, vegetables and specialty products.

These markets support farmers and provide access to healthy food and flavors you may have never before experienced. Find the best farmers markets near and far at VisitPA or the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Out and About the 30th District

Fulton County Livestock Auction

Raymond Markey was one of many youth selling animals at the Fulton County Livestock Auction. I purchased Raymond’s market goat, and pictured with him is my staff member, Kathleen Gunnell.  

Mifflin County Youth Fair

What a great time attending the opening ceremonies of the Mifflin County Youth Fair. Also in attendance were Mifflin County Commissioners Noah Wise, Rob Postal and Kevin Kodish, and State Representatives David Rowe and Kerry Benninghoff. I was pleased to present Ella Goss with a Senate Citation for the Junior Fair Person Award and Tina Loht for the Friend of the Fair Award.

Camp Anderson’s 100th Anniversary

I had the pleasure of presenting a citation to Cummins McNitt and Kevin Bressler of Camp Anderson in Tyrone in honor of the Camp’s 100th year anniversary celebration!

Mifflin County National Night Out

Lori and John from my Lewistown District Office had a wonderful time at the Mifflin County National Night Out at Derry Township Community Park. Thank you to all our local law enforcement for everything you do!

Blair County National Night Out

A large crowd at the Blair County Night Out Against Crime in support of our local law enforcement. Here I am pictured here with PA Fish and Boat Commission Officer Brock Benson and PA Game Commission Officer Tanner Hazlett. Also, Congressman Dr. John Joyce and I visited with Duncansville Police Chief and Borough Manager Rodney Estep.

Huntingdon County Fair

Much of the fun at the Huntingdon County Fair is traveling through the barns. I was able to meet up with Adria Russell, from Russell Ridge Farm in Alexandria and her championship entry “Rappy”!

Juniata Valley Chamber of Commerce After Hours Event

The Juniata Valley Chamber of Commerce After Hours event was held at Burnt Timbers Winery recently. The Mifflin County Historical Society also had exhibits at this event showcasing a special display of Native American artifacts.

William Penn Association Chapter 800 Picnic

What a pleasure to attend a picnic with members of the William Penn Association Chapter 800 at Highland Park in Altoona. Here I am pictured with the officers of Chapter 800.

Huntingdon County Junior Livestock Auction

This week was the Huntingdon County Junior Livestock Auction, where I met Gavin Yutzy and purchased his market hog. It was Gavin’s first time showing.

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