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In this Update:
Annual Luncheon Honors Local Veterans
Thank you to all the veterans and their family members who attended my recent Veterans appreciation luncheon at the American Legion Social Hall in Hollidaysburg. It was my honor to sponsor this special event to show gratitude to all our military men and women in the community. I look forward to seeing each of you at next year’s event! Pictured with me is Albert “Skip” Steinbeiser, a Vietnam veteran, who recently ran the Marine Corps Marathon in Washington, D.C. Skip completed the 26.2-mile race in 6 hours and 21 minutes! He has his completion medal on in the photo. PA Voters Return Senate Republican Majority
Pennsylvania voters returned a Republican majority to the state Senate in Tuesday’s General Election, re-electing all Republican incumbents and sending new Republican senators to Harrisburg. Senate Republicans will hold the majority in the 2025-26 legislative session. Newly and re-elected senators will be sworn into office to begin their four-year term on Jan. 7, 2025. Working together, Senate Republicans will continue to be steadfast in our work to empower Pennsylvanians by standing against executive and judicial overreach, rejecting Democrats’ massive tax increases, and ensuring the fundamental rights of our Commonwealth’s citizens remain safely guarded. New Law Makes Workers’ Comp More Efficient
The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation system will be more efficient because of legislation unanimously passed by Senate Republicans that is now law. Act 126 of 2024 moves more benefit payments from paper checks to direct deposit. Individuals entitled to compensation may request funds be deposited into an account of their choosing. The law also allows insurers to no longer have to offer paper checks as a payment as long as the individual has a bank account that accepts direct deposit. The reforms, which are also more cost-effective, were unanimously recommended by the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council. Presidential Inauguration Ticket Information
For those asking, “How do I get tickets to the Presidential Inauguration for January 2025? Wondering can our office help you?” The answer is we are unable to provide tickets as this is a FEDERAL REQUEST. However, the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies makes a limited number of inauguration tickets available to the public through your federal representatives. Tickets are free and allow you to watch in person on the grounds of the U.S. Capitol as the President and Vice President are sworn in on January 20, 2025. Tickets will be available from your members of Congress in the weeks leading up to the inauguration. Some members may begin accepting requests for tickets before then. You can find your United States Senators and your member of the House of Representatives here. 2024-25 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) Available
LIHEAP can help you keep your home warm and safe during the coldest seasons. From Nov. 4, 2024, to April 4, 2025, you can apply for a cash grant to help pay your heating bill. You can receive from $200 to $1,000 based on your household size, income and fuel type. The cash grant is a one-time payment. The grant will be sent directly to your utility provider or fuel company to be credited on your bill. For more information and further eligibility requirements click here. Are you experiencing an emergency related to your household’s heat? You may be eligible to receive additional funds through a crisis grant. Pennsylvanians can apply for LIHEAP and other public assistance programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) online or by phone at 1-866-550-4355. Pennsylvanians do not need to know their own eligibility to apply. It’s Medicare Open Enrollment Time!
Did you know it is Medicare Open Enrollment time? Between now and December 7, you can join, switch or drop your Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plans. Any changes that you make to your plans will take effect on January 1, 2025. If you have questions, please contact the PA MEDI Helpline, Monday through Friday, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. at 1-800-783-7067 or call your local PA MEDI Program. You can learn more about this here or through your local Area Agency on Aging. Certain State Funding Programs Due at the End of Month
Throughout November, many State Funding Programs are due if you are applying for the program. Main Street Matters’ deadline is Friday, Nov. 15. Statewide Local Share Account’s deadline is Saturday, Nov. 30. Boating Facility Grant Program deadline is Saturday, Nov. 30. With the work of Senate Republicans, Main Street Matters was funded in the 2024-25 budget to provide funding opportunities for community revitalization efforts in planning, business support, aesthetic improvements and increased safety and security measures. Applications for this programing are now being accepted until 11:59 P.M. on Nov. 15. Visit Main Street Matters for more information. The Statewide Local Share Account program application window is open through Nov. 30, for grants up to $1 million. No match is required. For program guidelines and more eligibility information visit the LSA Guidelines here. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is now accepting applications for the 2025 Boating Facility Grant Program! The Boating Facility Grant Program provides grants for planning, acquisition, development, expansion and rehabilitation of public boating facilities located on waterways in Pennsylvania. Funding requests require a 50% match. The deadline for applications is Nov. 30. More information can be found at Boating Facility Grant Program. Shooting Ranges Open to the Public
Whether you’re a hunter preparing for rifle season or would simply like to maintain your shooting skills for self-defense, you can take aim at a public shooting range. The Pennsylvania Game Commission offers recreation opportunities at public rifle, pistol, archery and shotgun ranges on 40 state game lands throughout the state. It constructed or renovated more than a dozen public shooting ranges this year alone, with plans to upgrade more. You must possess an annual shooting range permit or a current general hunting or furtaker license to use the public shooting ranges. Find a shooting range near you. Recognizing the Selfless Sacrifice of Veterans
Originally known as Armistice Day, Veterans Day is a time to appreciate the brave men and women who selflessly dedicated their time to preserve our beloved American freedoms. We also think of their families, who lived with the understanding that their loved ones could be in harm’s way and may not make it home. These tremendous sacrifices are truly the ultimate demonstration of patriotism. I am forever grateful to each of our veterans across the 30th district who have given so much in service to our state and nation. May God Bless you all and May God Bless America! Out and About in the 30th DistrictJuniata and Mifflin County Students to Benefit from Scholarships Thank you to the Bridge Educational Foundation and Waste Management for the scholarships that are coming to Juniata and Mifflin County! Dozens of children in the district will be able to receive an education that suits their unique needs and pursue a brighter future because of these scholarships. Pictured in the front row is Gwen Renno, Bellville Mennonite; Pricilla Centnar, Nittany Christian; Erika Young, Waste Management; Samantha Weakland and Jennifer Roagan, Our Lady of Victory. Pictured in the back row is Jacob Tanner, Juniata Christian; Rep. David Rowe; Rep. Kerry Benninghoff; myself; and Brandy Reiter, Office of Sen. Dush.
Local Athlete Discusses Recovery It was amazing to get to hear Spencer Davis’ story and speak with his family about the importance of CPR, AEDs and quick response to sudden cardiac issues. After suffering sudden cardiac arrest during football practice, those around him acted quickly to perform life-saving measures and get him to a hospital where he could receive further treatment. I’m happy to report he is making an incredible recovery.
Sweat for Vets Members of the Hess and Key families participated in “Sweat for Vets”, a trail race to raise money for Blair County Veterans. The race consists of a 10k run or 5k run/walk, and even a “young recruits” race for ages 6-12. Thank you to all who participated and those who planned the event.
Patriotic Rosary I was honored to once again participate in Catholic Daughters of the Americas Patriotic Rosary. These devoted ladies gather to sing patriotic songs and pray for our great nation.
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