Senator Ward, J E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Securing Your Vote
  • September is National Preparedness Month
  • Assistance Available for Fire & EMS Companies to Help with Costs 
  • Virtual Town Hall to Focus on Transportation Issues Veterans Face
  • Municipalities can Apply Now for Grants to Improve Traffic Flow
  • Out and About in the 30th

Securing Your Vote

As a result of Act 88 of 2022 and the Election Integrity Grant Program my counties will receive close to $2 million dollars to fund their upcoming elections. This money will help to ensure that our elections are funded in a transparent and accountable way and not by biased third-party organizations. Please click here for more information.

September is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, which serves as a reminder to take steps to prepare for emergencies and ensure that our homes, businesses and possessions are adequately insured.

September is also when Pennsylvania experiences a higher risk of flooding due to hurricane and tropical storm activity in the Northeast this time of year. The state Insurance Department encourages property owners to consider purchasing flood insurance.

Simple, low- or no-cost steps you can take now to prepare for emergencies include:

  • Creating a family emergency plan so loved ones know who to contact and where to go in an emergency.
  • Signing up for weather alerts.
  • Knowing how to safely turn off utilities in and around your home.

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency can help you prepare for emergencies through Ready, Set, and Check! It includes an informative card that will help you with simple, yet important, steps to get started and track your progress.

Assistance Available for Fire & EMS Companies to Help with Costs 

First responders have until Oct. 21 to apply for assistance through the state Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program.

It helps fire and EMS cover the rising costs of training, equipment, recruitment, retention and more.

The financial challenges facing first responders are especially serious for volunteer companies. Each new generation sees fewer volunteers, increasing the workload on those willing to step up. This grant program is one of the most important that the General Assembly funds each year and I hope it provides some relief to our local first responders.

Virtual Town Hall to Focus on Transportation Issues Veterans Face

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will host the fourth in a five-part series of virtual Veteran Town Halls on Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 6-7:30 p.m. The town hall will focus on resources to assist veterans facing transportation issues.

Attendees can participate by using this Microsoft Teams link. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the program through the chat feature.

Older veterans and those with a disability often have problems accessing health care because of not having proper transportation available to them. The town hall will outline community resources ready to provide veterans with transportation to and from the federal VA and other health care providers.

Municipalities Can Apply Now for Grants to Improve Traffic Flow

A new grant program created by the General Assembly this year to reduce traffic congestion is now accepting applications from municipalities.

The Traffic Signal Technologies Grant program is unique in that it is intended only for new technologies at existing traffic signals, including adaptive signal control technology, which adjusts the timing of lights to accommodate changing traffic patterns and ease congestion.

No local matching funds are required. A pre-application form must be completed by Sept. 23.

Out and About in the 30th

Congratulations to the Journey Center for the grand opening of their second location in Blair County for children with autism. I am very proud of the services that this center offers to individuals in our community.

Congratulations to Caterpillar Corner Daycare, LLC for receiving a STAR 4 in the Keystone STARS designation. This distinguished honor, bestowed by Pennsylvania’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning, reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to continuous quality improvement. Pictured with me are owner/operators Sherrie Simondale and Liz Boyle who accepted a Senate certificate for the achievement.

It is always interesting when I visit East Broad Top Railroad.  They are currently working to restore some of the steam locomotives, some of which are almost 100 years old.  Thanks to Brad Esposito for showing me around the grounds and giving me an update on all the projects they are doing.

I was honored to attend PHCA’s Day of Caring at Embassy of Woodland Park nursing home and join them in thanking all the front-line caregivers who work there day in and day out.  To all the caregivers in the district, thank you for all you do to keep our loved ones comfortable, safe, and happy.

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