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In this Update:
Senate Acts to Tighten Safety Standards for Operating Big Rigs
The Senate approved two bills to tighten commercial driver’s license (CDL) safety standards and close dangerous loopholes in Pennsylvania’s licensing and training systems. Senate Bill 1294 improves the training curriculum and strengthens penalties to shut down unqualified “CDL Mills.” Senate Bill 1295 requires English proficiency in all testing applications to operate an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle on public highways. The legislation was developed after a Senate hearing exposed alarming gaps in current laws, including instances where individuals without proper training or English proficiency have operated heavy commercial vehicles on U.S. highways. The bills were sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about these CDL improvement bills here. State Funding Awarded for Susquehanna County Projects
I was pleased to join Rep. Jonathan Fritz in announcing more than $2.9 million in PennDOT Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside funding for two projects in Susquehanna County. Lanesboro Borough will receive $1.5 million for sidewalk and curb improvements near Susquehanna High School to improve safety and accessibility for students and residents. The Rail-Trail Council of NEPA, Inc. will also receive nearly $1.49 million for improvements and expansion of the D&H Rail-Trail through Ararat and Thompson townships and Thompson Borough. These investments will improve safety, strengthen local infrastructure and expand outdoor recreational opportunities in Susquehanna County. New Medical and Health Professional Loans Support Graduate Students
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency has launched a new Medical and Health Professional Loan Program to support graduate students in medical, dental, veterinarian and health professional studies. The program features deferred repayment during residency, fellowship, internship, research and other clinical training, and the potential for reduced reliance on co-signers. This initiative helps fill critical, specialized positions to serve citizens across the commonwealth. Medical students can apply here. Other health-related students can apply here. Students pursuing advanced degrees in other areas of study can apply here. Local Groups Can Apply for Watershed Restoration Grants
Local governments, schools, nonprofits, watershed groups and other organizations have until June 22 to apply for Growing Greener Plus grants to help fund local projects that fix flooding problems and restore watersheds. Growing Greener Plus helps cover the cost of watershed protection, surface mining conservation and reclamation, and stormwater management planning. All proposals will be competitively reviewed for eligibility, environmental benefits and other criteria. Organizations can access eligibility guidelines and applications here. Explore Our Rivers and Lakes with Safe Boating
Waterways in our area and across the commonwealth provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy boating. During National Safe Boating Week, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers a checklist of basic safety guidelines including:
For more information on safe boating, to take a Boating Safety Education Course and to purchase launch permits, boat registration renewals and fishing licenses, visit the commission’s boating webpage. Back Mountain Police Association Fishing Day
The Back Mountain Police Association held its 18th annual Rusty Flack Memorial Kid’s Fishing Day. More than 200 children cast their rods at Frances Slocum State Park. In addition to fish, they reeled in some enjoyable activities while interacting with first responders and learning about health and safety. Mammo May: Questions to Ask Ahead of Your Mammogram
If you’re taking advantage of the new state law that covers diagnostic breast imaging at no cost for insured individuals, make your Mammo May complete by answering these key questions before you go:
Learn more about what you need to know before you go to your appointment here. Honoring Those Who Gave All
Memorial Day is a time to pause as a nation and honor the memory of Americans who left their hometowns and laid down their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is a debt we can never fully repay. We owe it to them to tell their stories and do our part as citizens of this great nation to ensure they did not die in vain. Summer Camp Month Celebrates a Cherished Tradition
May is Summer Camp Month, marking the beginning of preparations for another exciting camp season across Pennsylvania. I recently met with leaders from the Pennsylvania Camp Association to discuss the important role camps play in our communities. Summer camps in the Poconos generate more than $100 million annually, supporting local businesses, creating jobs and providing meaningful experiences for young people. Summer camp has long been special to my family as well. My mother attended Camp Netimus as a child and often shared fond memories of the friendships and experiences she had there. As families prepare for summer, I appreciate the camp leaders and staff who work hard to create safe and enriching opportunities for children throughout our region. Thank you to the following camp leaders for meeting with me: Matt Miller, Pine Forest Camp, Camp Timber Tops, Lake Owego Camp; Johhny & Rachel Waszczak, Camp Oneka; Dustin Hutton, Island Lake Camp; Matt Unger, Camp Canadensis; Howard Gordon, Camp Akiba
Please do not reply to this email. If you would like to contact Senator Baker, submit a web contact form here. |
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