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In this Update:
Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
Eligible Pennsylvanians can now apply for a Grow PA Scholarship Grant for the 2026-27 academic year. Applications are available at pheaa.org/growpa. This program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation and administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Courses of study that qualify for the grant include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs as approved by PHEAA. The full list is available here. To qualify, applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation for 12 months for each year they received the grant. Please note: Applicants who received this grant last year MUST reapply to receive the grant again for the upcoming academic year. Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Economy and Creating More Jobs
As we prepare to examine Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new state budget proposal, one of the things I’ll be most focused on is improving our state’s economy and laying the groundwork to allow businesses to create more family-sustaining jobs. Over the past several years, we’ve steadily improved the tax climate in Pennsylvania by, for example, reducing the corporate net income tax, which used to be second-highest in the nation. We’ve also positioned Pennsylvania to be a national leader in the emerging field of drone research and deployment, protected seasonal workers from unemployment compensation benefit cuts (UC), improved the systems for training barbers and cosmetologists, and much more. One of the most important things we can do to make our state’s economy work better is to enact a state budget that includes responsible state spending. We must also take steps to make Pennsylvania a better place for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses, bringing more jobs to the commonwealth and strengthening our communities. Concerned About Winter Energy Bills? Call Utilities Now
January and February are usually the months when home energy bills tend to peak, due largely to increased heating demand. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission encourages consumers who are concerned about their utility bills to call their utility company to discuss available options. Utilities can help customers explore payment arrangements, budget billing and assistance programs that may help manage winter energy costs before a bill becomes unmanageable. Utility representatives can also help direct consumers to additional state and local resources. Read more about reducing energy use and how to find help with bills here. What Do You Have in Common with a State Senator?
I recently visited fourth graders at Lake-Noxen Elementary and fifth graders at Dallas Intermediate to share one of my favorite programs with students. We explored what they have in common with a state Senator. Assigned seats, daily roll call, and reciting the Pledge of Allegiance are just a few similarities. Being an effective legislator also requires many skills learned at an early age, from math for budgets, reading for bills, and teamwork to get things done! Students at both schools researched legislation and presented oral arguments in support of the class cookie and voted on their favorite. This exercise is a fun way for kids to learn how government works and hopefully inspires some future leaders. Celebrating Our Volunteer Firefighters
Silver Lake Township Volunteer Fire Company held its Annual Awards Dinner, where we recognized the incredible service of our local volunteers. These men and women dedicate countless hours to keeping our communities safe, and it was a privilege to celebrate their years of commitment. Please join me in thanking them for all they do! The Dangers of Walking on Frozen Bodies of Water
Cold weather means more frozen bodies of water and the risk that comes with walking on them, especially rivers and streams. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers this safety advice:
Look for new ice, which is clear or has a blue tint, and remember that ice thickness is not consistent across the surface of a lake or pond. Learn more about ice fishing and ice safety, including an ice thickness and safety chart, here. February is American Heart Month
February is American Heart Month, a national call to take charge of our heart health. Go Red for Women is an awareness campaign encouraging us to make an impact and support the fight against heart disease and stroke. Cardiovascular disease is the #1 killer of women. Be aware of the risks and remedies and if you can, I encourage you to get involved in helping others through advocacy or financial support. Celebrating Presidents’ Day
Monday is Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday that began as a celebration of George Washington’s Feb. 22 birthday and was expanded to cover Abraham Lincoln’s on Feb. 12. While it’s now considered an occasion to honor all the nation’s chief executives, the first and 16th presidents hold a special place in the hearts of Americans. General George Washington led the Continental Army and became the nation’s first president, stepping aside after two terms. President Lincoln guided the country through a horrific Civil War, holding the United States together when victory was not assured, and setting the tone for unity by declaring “malice toward none.”
Please do not reply to this email. If you would like to contact Senator Baker, submit a web contact form here: https://www.senatorbaker.com/contact-me-2/ |
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