|
|||||
|
In this Update:
Increased Funding for Libraries
The recently enacted state budget includes a $5 million boost to support Pennsylvania’s 474 public libraries (630 counting satellites like branches and bookmobiles), helping them serve adults, children and families across the commonwealth. The budget also increases funding for library services for the visually impaired and disabled, a program known as the Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians (LAMP). Since the first Pennsylvania library opened in 1731 (the Library Company of Philadelphia, founded by Benjamin Franklin), libraries have served as vital community resources. Today, they’re evolving to meet the needs of modern users, including the growth of digital lending options like the POWER Library. Anyone interested in getting a library card can visit their local library or learn about the Statewide Library Card Program. Tips for Safe Winter Driving
Last winter, there were more than 8,320 vehicle crashes statewide, with 2,959 injuries on snowy, slushy or ice-covered roadways and 29 fatalities – 17 of those fatalities were attributed to crashes where a driver was going too fast for conditions and drove out of their lane. For safe travels this winter, check out the Winter Driving Guide and other suggestions from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, such as keeping an emergency kit handy. Motorists can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles, including color-coded winter conditions on 2,900 miles, by visiting www.511PA.com. Free and available 24 hours a day, 511PA provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 1,200 traffic cameras. Dec. 7: Remembering a Day of Infamy
Each year on Dec. 7, we remember the 2,403 service members and civilians killed during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, Hawaii in 1941. A further 1,178 people were injured in the attack, which permanently sank two U.S. Navy battleships and destroyed 188 aircraft. We remember not just the surprise attack, but the steely resolve of Americans to do whatever it took to defeat the Axis forces of World War II. Look Out for Scams, Fraud and Theft During the Holiday Season
The holiday shopping season is prime opportunity for scams, fraud and theft. Some of the most common scams to be on the lookout for include bait-and-switch scams, skimming devices and fraudulent “cybersquatting” websites. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday offered several tips to prevent scammers from taking advantage when shopping online:
The Attorney General’s Office has set up a Scams Complaint Form residents can fill out should they encounter any scams. The FBI also provides tips on how to avoid holiday scams and identify skimming devices, which are estimated to cost consumers and financial institutions more than $1 billion per year. LIHEAP is Now Available
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) can help you keep your home warm and safe during the coldest seasons. From December 3, 2025, to April 10, 2026, 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. Are you experiencing an emergency related to your household’s heat? You may be eligible to receive additional funds through a crisis grant. For more information on LIHEAP or to apply, click here. Fishing Gift Vouchers, Licenses on Sale
Gift vouchers for your favorite angler, along with Pennsylvania fishing licenses and launch permits, are now available from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Items for the upcoming 2026 season can be purchased at HuntFish.pa.gov or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents. Licenses, permits and vouchers purchased now are valid immediately for up to 13 months, from Dec. 1, 2025, through Dec. 31, 2026. While in-person retail purchases remain popular, online purchases can save time and help you avoid long lines, especially right before the spring trout season, which begins statewide on Sat., April 4, 2026. Customers can choose an auto-renew option at the time of purchase. College Application Period is Open
The application period for most colleges is now open. If the process is new to you, you can find plenty of resources for the college planning and application process here. Find out which colleges have your major, as well as information for students with disabilities, veterans and adult students. The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency can help you access student financial aid services, including grants, loans and other funding opportunities, including the new Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program. Wreaths Across America EventsWreaths Across America and Sen. Devlin Robinson will host an event in the Main Rotunda of the Pennsylvania State Capitol on Wednesday, Dec. 10 at 10 a.m. to honor those who serve and remember those who gave their lives in service. The event will launch hundreds of Wreaths Across America ceremonies across the commonwealth to remember and honor veterans by laying wreaths on their headstones on Dec. 13. For more details and a map with all of the Wreaths Across America ceremonies, click here. Out and About in the 30th DistrictHollidaysburg Borough Winterfest Hollidaysburg Borough kicks off the holiday season with its annual Winterfest celebration, featuring festive songs by the Hollidaysburg Area Community Chorus and the Altoona Brass Collective, all leading up to a countdown to the lighting of the town tree!
Community Thanksgiving Dinner in Tyrone My husband, Bill and I were honored to be asked to help serve a Community Thanksgiving dinner at the Armory in Tyrone. Nathan and Tracy Verilla head a team of dedicated volunteers and donors every year to provide this meal to the community.
Treasurer Garrity Visits Fulton County Treasurer Stacy Garrity made stops at two small businesses in my district in Fulton County – Wild Annie’s restaurant and All Things Automotive in McConnellsburg. At Wild Annie’s, owner Ann Marie Hollinshead made us feel right at home, as she always does. Her hospitality is unmatched, and she serves some of the best food around! Afterward, we stopped by All Things Automotive, where Trent Sowers, Marketing Manager, gave us a great tour of their impressive one-stop shop offering sales, parts, service, and auto body repair. What a dedicated, hard-working team! I truly appreciated the warm welcome from everyone we met today. Fulton County is fortunate to have such strong small businesses supporting our local community.
Choices Pregnancy Services Tour The Senate Maternal and Infant Health Caucus, which I chair, toured Choices Pregnancy Services in Pittsburgh to learn about how they are improving the health and quality of life for mothers and their babies in the community. It was amazing to hear about all the free and confidential services they offer and hear testimonials from former clients. Congratulations to Executive Director Keri Muir on her retirement after more than 30 years of dedicated service! Also on the tour were Sen. Kim Ward, Reps. Marla Brown and Valerie Gaydos.
If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here. |
|||||
|
|||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorjudyward.com | Privacy Policy |
