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In this update:
Bill Targeting Catalytic Converter Thefts Passed by Senate
Pennsylvania is one of the top states in the country for catalytic converter thefts, with thieves targeting the car part for its precious metals – leaving families and businesses to deal with the costly aftermath. We passed legislation to strengthen regulations and equip law enforcement with better tools to track and prosecute offenders. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 914 repeals the Scrap Metal Theft Prevention Act and moves the requirements to Title 18, the Crimes Code. Title 18 requires scrap processors and recycling facilities to collect buyer information, set commercial-account rules, restrict purchases of certain materials and create penalties. Senate Votes to Expand College Aid for Foster Children
The Senate approved legislation to expand tuition aid for foster children and adopted youth to cover those from other states, attracting talented students to help fill in-demand jobs and boost the commonwealth’s weak population growth. Senate Bill 432 would expand the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program, which waives higher education tuition and fees for children in the foster care system and those who were adopted. The program is currently available only to state residents and the legislation would expand it to eligible nonresident students for undergraduate courses at Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education schools. The measure builds on the GROW PA plan I supported last year to improve Pennsylvania’s competitiveness by, among other steps, attracting and retaining students to pursue college degrees. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Veterans Appreciation Luncheon
Veterans and their family members are invited to an appreciation luncheon on Thursday, November 6th at the American Legion Social Hall in Blair County. This is a FREE event, but RSVPs are required. Please call my office at 814-695-8386 to register. Open Government: Tracking How Your Tax Dollars are Spent
Government is funded by money paid by taxpayers, and these resources are available to shed light on how those dollars are being spent by the commonwealth. The PennWATCH website allows citizens to keep tabs on the state budget, spending and revenue. Pennsylvania also makes it easy for people to review state purchases, lobbyist registrations and reports and campaign finance reports. Announced earlier this year by state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, OpenBookPA is a vast resource of data and information related to state finances. It includes the Fiscal Health Scorecard, the daily balance of every state fund and the Contracts e-Library, which allows people to search all state contracts valued at $5,000 or more. Give Your Feedback on PennDOT Construction, Maintenance Services
Through Oct. 21, motorists can take an online survey to give their feedback on Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) construction and maintenance services. The 22-question survey asks participants how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations in construction and maintenance activities. Respondents are also asked about experiences with reporting concerns to the department, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. PennDOT is directly responsible for nearly 40,000 miles of highway and 25,400 bridges. A summary of recent projects and funds spent can be found in the 2024 Annual Report. Expanding Coverage of Breast Cancer Screenings
Earlier this year, the Senate passed a bill to expand insurance coverage for breast cancer screenings, including MRIs and ultrasounds, with no out-of-pocket costs. It was another major step forward in early detection and access to care. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’m hopeful the House of Representatives will pass this legislation, so more Pennsylvanians have access to these lifesaving screenings. Read more about breast cancer risk and new resources available for early detection here. Out and About in the 30th DistrictInvest in Education School Choice Event The Invest in Education Foundation, an organization that educates the public and policymakers about educational choice and opportunity, hosted a press conference in Pittsburgh along with Senator Dave McCormick (R-PA), parents’ groups and students on the new federal tax credit scholarship that could provide thousands of additional dollars to middle- and low-income parents in Pennsylvania. It was an honor to be a part of it and speak in support of school choice and the right of every parent to find the education that best fits their child. Pictured with me are Sharon Sedlar, CEO and Founder of PA Families for Education Choice, and her daughters. Also pictured are U.S. Senator Dave McCormick and friends from Commonwealth Foundation.
Every Life Matters Annual Banquet Every Life Matters (ELM) Pregnancy Center of Tyrone, Blair County, held their annual fundraising banquet this week at the beautiful B&D Acres. It was a great crowd for such a meaningful cause. A heartfelt thank you goes out to Carol Steffen, ELM’s dedicated executive director, who will be retiring at the end of this year. Carol has faithfully led the organization for nearly 12 years and has been an amazing advocate for pregnant women, babies, and families throughout our community. Thank you, Carol, for the difference you have made. You will be deeply missed—but your impact will continue to shine.
Kress Building Ribbon Cutting The Blair County Chamber of Commerce and Altoona Blair County Development Corporation (ABCD) joined with American Chestnut Real Estate Group to cut the ribbon on the historic Kress Building in downtown Altoona. The revitalized historical building features commercial and residential spaces for the Altoona area community.
Fayette Fire Company 100th Year Anniversary Congratulations to Fayette Fire Company in Juniata County on their 100th year anniversary of service. Thank you, Fayette Fire Company, for all you do to keep our community safe and for saving lives!
Light of Life Celebration Dinner Pregnancy Ministries, Inc. held their Light of Life Celebration Dinner at Antrim Brethren in Christ Church. Guest Speaker, Judge Joseph K. Wood, shared his amazing story of being found as a newborn in a shoebox on a frozen doorstep in Chicago. He was taken to St. Vincent’s Orphanage, then adopted at 10 years old. PMI has locations in Chambersburg, Shippensburg and Waynesboro which serve the Fulton County area.
Fulton Chamber of Commerce Luncheon I attended the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce networking luncheon hosted by Center for Community Action. Ken Kaufman shared about the programs and services available to low-income individuals and families in Fulton and surrounding counties.
Cornerstone Caregiving Ribbon Cutting Congratulations to Cornerstone Caregiving on cutting the ribbon at their new location in Hollidaysburg, Blair County. Cornerstone Caregiving provides compassionate, personalized in-home care to seniors in Blair County and surrounding areas with flexible services.
Congratulations Gene Mellot I had the honor of presenting Gene Mellott of Fulton County with a citation recognizing his 45 years of service to Thompson Township. Gene began his public service in 1980 as township secretary and was later elected to the Board of Supervisors, where he served faithfully through the end of 2024. Even today, Gene continues to contribute by assisting with township roadwork and the local recycling program. Gene, thank you for your commitment and four and a half decades of dedicated service to the residents of Thompson Township!
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