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In this Update:
A Life Well Lived
It is with a heavy heart that I share the passing of my good friend and mentor, Representative Jerry Stern. Jerry will always be remembered for his faith, kindness and thoughtful legislation. Jerry encouraged and believed in me and I am forever grateful. I send my prayers and love to his family and friends during this time, knowing that Jerry is in the arms of our Lord. PHCA 2023-24 Legislative Champion
What an honor to be given the Pennsylvania Health Care Association’s 2023-2024 Legislative Champion Award! We have had much success working together in my capacity as Senate Aging and Youth chair, and I look forward to seeing what we can accomplish this upcoming session. Pictured with me is the President and CEO, Zach Shamberg. Fostering Greater Educational Opportunities for Students
Throughout the 2023-24 legislative session, Senate Republicans advanced numerous initiatives to expand educational opportunities and dedicate record-breaking levels of funding for our students. A newly implemented law now gives schools the option to use funding for resources to limit student smartphone use during school hours to improve students’ mental health and academic performance. Another measure is now working to improve early literacy rates – critical to lifelong success – by bolstering reading instruction, identifying struggling readers and properly training educators. We know skilled and dedicated teachers are vital to providing students with a strong educational foundation. To attract and keep passionate educators in our commonwealth, Grow PA Scholarships are available to in-state students who attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree in a high-demand industry, and agree to live and work here after graduation. Another new law created is the PA Student Teacher Support Program, to provide student teachers with a stipend to alleviate the financial strain caused by student teaching requirements, thereby increasing the likelihood for degree completion. The new program will assist with the goal of reducing teacher shortages in Pennsylvania. Empowering parents when it comes to the education of their children has been and will remain a focus of our caucus. Read more about our efforts to strengthen educational opportunities here. Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Accepting Applications
The Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) is a tuition-free program geared towards 16-18 years old Pennsylvania students who are disengaged in school, behind in credits or at risk of dropping out. The academy is located at Fort Indiantown Gap in Annville, where cadets can enjoy learning in a rural setting. During the 22-week residential phase cadets can work towards passing their GED or towards earning credits or recovering high school credits through adaptive credit recovery. The KSCA’s vision is to be a life changing opportunity for every Cadet, supported by a Cadet-focused team. They provide a fresh opportunity for students to find renewed success outside of their current school setting, to improve their academic standing, and to increase their potential for future employment or further education. A professional, mutually supporting team is unified in the collective goal of improving the lives of teens who are seeking direction, purpose and understanding. There is no tuition cost to attend. Meals, housing, uniforms and school supplies are provided at no charge. While it is not unusual for students to take a great interest in pursuing a military career, there is no military obligation requirement after completing the program. The KSCA is a joint effort between the PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the National Guard Bureau in consultation with the PA Department of Education. The next class begins on January 12, 2025 and applications are currently being accepted for the program. More information and how to apply can be found here. 2025 Fishing Licenses, Permits and Gift Vouchers on Sale
Fishing licenses, permits and vouchers for 2025 purchased now from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission are valid immediately through Dec. 31, 2025. They can be purchased online, through the FishBoatPA mobile app or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents. Customers can choose from annual or multi-year licenses and permits with three-, five- and 10-year options. All documents can be printed immediately after purchase or saved digitally to a smart device which serves as proof of possession. People may also purchase vouchers to be given as gifts and redeemed by recipients. Tips to Stay Safe Throughout the Holiday Season
The holiday season is a special time when many of us spend time with loved ones enjoying long-loved traditions. Because these special activities can come with extra risks, taking some precautions is wise. Candles, which cause the most fires on Christmas day, should be kept at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. Trees should be at least three feet from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles and heat vents. It’s best to dispose of the tree when it’s dry or after the holiday season. Discarding string lights that are worn or damaged also protects against fires. Read more about winter fire prevention. Help Wanted: Qualified Professionals Needed to Improve DEP Permit Process
To help Pennsylvanians who are tied up by bureaucratic red tape, Senate Republicans passed legislation as part of this year’s state budget that created the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) Program. The program allows permit applicants to have a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)-verified professional conduct the initial review of the application, with DEP making its decision based on the qualified professional’s recommendation. Applicants for eligible permits must pay any review fees incurred by the professional in addition to their permit application fees. Qualified professionals who would like to review permits on an expedited basis are encouraged to apply for the specific permits that interest them by Dec. 31. Permits eligible for the SPEED program include air quality plan approvals (state-only) (Chapter 127), earth disturbance permits (Chapter 102), individual water obstruction and encroachment permits (Chapter 105) and dam safety permits (Chapter 105). Please email brfranklin@pa.gov or call 717-787-2471 with any questions. Wreaths Across America to Honor Veterans on Dec. 14
Each December, Wreaths Across America helps communities remember the fallen, honor those who served in the military and teach the next generation about the value of freedom by laying wreaths on the graves of heroes. These acts of remembrance take place at Arlington National Cemetery, and more than 4,600 locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad. Ceremonies take place on Saturday, Dec. 14. You can help by sponsoring a veteran’s wreath at a cemetery near you, volunteering or donating to programs. Search for the nearest participating cemetery here. Out and About in the 30th DistrictEagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony It was an honor to sponsor a Senate Citation for Scott Jansen in recognition of his remarkable achievement of earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Scott is a member of Troop 45 in Needmore. For his community service project, Scott constructed a gaga ball pit and solar light fixture at the Needmore Community Center. Scott was also presented a House Citation sponsored by Representative Jesse Topper. Congratulations, Scott!
America250PA Keystone Classroom Initiative My staff participated in the America250PA Keystone Classroom Initiative at the Lewistown Elementary School. John Breneman from my Lewistown Office is pictured with Mayor Debbie Bargo in front of the logo for this initiative. The Keystone Classroom Initiative is a storytelling and visitation program for pre-K through 4th grade classrooms, children’s hospitals and youth camps across the Commonwealth. America250PA will continue visiting children across PA to educate them about our shared PA story as well as distribute an originally designed America250PA coloring book and related materials. Visit America250PA for more information.
Bells Gap and Logan Valley Trails Ribbon Cutting This week the ribbon was cut for the Bells Gap and Logan Valley Trails. This is the first phase for the trail, which will one day connect Bellwood to Hollidaysburg. This phase begins at the Route 865 Bridge, then crosses at the Bellwood Pedestrian Bridge and meets the lower end of the Bells Gap Trail. It parallels the path of the trolley line that connected Hollidaysburg, Altoona, Bellwood and Tyrone. The Bellwood-Tyrone portion of the trolley ceased operation in 1938.
Christmas Time in Tyrone! Last Friday was a frigid night in Tyrone, but the community still came together for the annual tree lighting ceremony, where I was honored to light the tree with Mayor Latchford. Also, as part of the festivities, Tyrone resident Cummins McNitt was presented with the 2024 Tyrone Hometown Hero Award.
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