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In this Update:
Supporting Services in Our Local Communities
Providing Pennsylvanians increased access to important health care and emergency services from birth to older age was a key priority of Senate Republicans as we worked to implement the 2024-25 state budget. I am pleased that, because of our efforts, neonatal and obstetric services provided through the Medical Assistance Program are receiving an additional $7 million to help support mothers and their babies. In addition, the enacted budget also includes a $134 million increase for nursing home facilities. To benefit people of all ages, an additional $20 million was dedicated to emergency medical services (EMS) rates. Quality and reliable health care must reach every corner of our commonwealth, which is why we worked to ensure the final budget agreement also included a $10 million supplemental payment for rural hospitals and $17.5 million for rural health redesign and distressed hospitals. We believe in the promise of Pennsylvania and strengthening our local communities through these substantial investments. Auditor General Releases Performance Audit into PBM Practices, Following Historic Legislation
Auditor General Tim DeFoor released a performance audit that showed taxpayers paid $7 million more for Medicaid prescription drug benefits than they should have during 2022 because of lack of oversight by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services and spread pricing by pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs). This audit comes on the heels of enacting historic PBM reform, which I sponsored in the Senate. General DeFoor offers recommendations for future legislation and provides the necessary information to ensure that the PBMs’ business practices are accountable, transparent and fair. A Closer Look at Efforts to Improve Water Quality
Senate Republicans have led efforts in Pennsylvania to ensure access to clean water now, and to preserve this critical resource for future generations. Supporting clean water in Pennsylvania communities benefits our downstream neighbors as well. This year’s state budget includes $50 million in recurring funding for the Clean Streams Fund, which helps farmers reduce sediment in waterways through the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program. To date, the program has supported more than 700 projects to reduce sediment in waterways throughout the state. Because of the initiative, water quality has improved in Pennsylvania and downstream. In fact, the Chesapeake Bay recently earned its best rating in more than 20 years in the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Science Chesapeake Bay Report Card. See what else Senate Republicans are doing to make Pennsylvania a great place to live and work here. Financial Assistance is Available to Struggling Veterans
Sometimes the people who defended our country fall on hard times and need a little help. Veterans who are experiencing unforeseen circumstances causing a financial burden can benefit from the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Program. The VTA provides temporary financial assistance of up to $1,600 in a 12-month period to veterans or their surviving spouses who reside in Pennsylvania for basic necessities like food, shelter, fuel and clothing. Eligibility guidelines are available here. Veterans interested in applying for a VTA grant should contact their county director of Veterans Affairs. Wondering How to Check the Status of a Property Tax/Rent Rebate?
Checks and direct deposit payments from the state’s 2023 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program began going out on July 1 and will be mailed on a rolling basis through the Dec. 31 deadline. If you filed for a property tax or rent rebate and would like to know the status of it, check online or call 1-888-PATAXES (728-2937). The Property Tax/Rent Rebate is available to senior citizens and people with disabilities who meet specific guidelines. Claim forms are available by contacting my district office, where assistance in applying for the program is also available at no charge. Find more information, including eligibility guidelines, here. Celebrating Pennsylvania’s Workforce on Labor Day
Millions of men and women who are members of Pennsylvania’s workforce keep our economy chugging along each and every day! Their hard work benefits communities not just here in the 30th District but all across the state and even our country. On Labor Day, I want to recognize the accomplishments of each one of them and wish everyone some well-deserved relaxation. Paying for Higher Education Free Webinar
PHEAA is hosting a state-wide webinar on September 10 from 6 to 7 P.M. to help students search and apply for scholarships. The cost of a postsecondary education can add up quickly for students and their families. Thankfully, there is funding to help cover those expenses. Join in on the free webinar as PHEAA shares tips to help students successfully search and apply for scholarships. After attending this webinar, students will understand the different types of scholarships, resources for finding scholarships and tools to help increase their chances of earning those scholarships. Register here! Department of Veterans Affairs PACT Act Webinars Available
Join SAP&DC APEX Accelerator and VanZandt Medical Center for free webinars on the PACT Act. You can learn about the Department of Veterans Affairs Healthcare Eligibility overview, the PACT Act Eligibility, the enrollment process along with a question-and-answer opportunity. There will be two sessions offered from 9:30 A.M. to 11 A.M. on September 18 and 25. For the September 18 seminar you can sign up here. For the September 25 seminar you can sign up here. $CAM JAM
Join the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities for $CAM JAM! A fun and interactive event that brings experts in law enforcement and state agencies together to educate target audiences on how to protect their money from financial fraud and abuse. This program is in partnership with AARP Pennsylvania. For more information you can contact Lori Heaton at 814-643-5115 ext. 207 or lheaton@hbfaaa.org. On Tuesday, September 24, from 10 A.M. until noon, $CAM JAM will be held at the McConnellstown Fire Hall located at 6136 Shenecoy Road in Huntingdon. On Wednesday, September 25, from 9:30 A.M. to 11:30 A.M., $CAM JAM will be held at the Dept. of Conservation and Natural Resources located at 25185 Great Cove Road in McConnellsburg. Out and AboutCongratulations to Ed Bender on his well-deserved retirement from his 32 years of employment with Freedom Township, Blair County. I’m grateful for dedicated public servants like Ed and was honored to present him with a Senate citation. Also pictured is a plaque that was presented to Ed by his friends and colleagues at Freedom Township.
Recently, I joined with PennDOT District 9, family and friends to honor the memory of my father and uncle whose names are now posted on a bridge on Beale Avenue in Altoona, Blair County. My father Patrick and his brother James were Army paratroopers in WWII. My father was a POW who eventually returned home, but my uncle made the ultimate sacrifice and never returned home to his family. Their bravery will forever be remembered. Pictured with me is Representative Lou Schmitt who represents the City of Altoona, the location of the bridge; and my two sisters, Anna Marie Farrell and Renee Donovan.
It was a pleasure touring the Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital facility and being able to see and discuss all the great things they are doing along with the improvements they are making. Associate Vice President AJ Hartsock, Chief Administrative Officer Tammy Anderer, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer Stacey Osborne, Chief Financial Officer Kristy Hine and Dr. Jason Schauer joined for the tour.
I joined Regional Manager John Campbell, Production Manager Josh Grill, Sales Manager JP Quinn and Human Resources Manager Renata Fenderson, for a tour of Clayton Homes a modular housing facility in Lewistown.
Marie Kirkpatrick, Regional Director for Primary Health Network, led me on a tour of the facility through their 1st floor medical offices and Fresh Food Pharmacy, the 2nd Floor LIFE facility and the 3rd floor dental clinic. Primary Health Network is a Federally Qualified Health Network in Burnham. It was wonderful talking to Marie about all the great things that they do here for folks in need. We were joined by Brenda Grimm, RN and Case Manager for LIFE Geisinger, as she showed me around the LIFE facility.
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