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In this Update:
Senate Hearing on Workforce Development
I was pleased to take part in a joint hearing with the Senate Labor & Industry Committee, and the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee, about regional workforce development initiatives in Northeastern Pennsylvania. The hearing highlighted some of the innovative workforce development initiatives being undertaken in northeastern Pennsylvania and explored the growing challenges employers are facing in attracting and training workers, as well as what resources are needed to help businesses prosper in a challenging economic environment. With employers in just about every sector coping with a lack of available or suitably skilled workers, we need to redouble our efforts to make sure that emerging workers and displaced workers have the education, training, & work ethic needed to fill the jobs of today & tomorrow. You can watch the recorded video from the hearing here. 🎥🌐 Pike County Association of Township Officials Annual Convention
This year’s Pike County Association of Township Officials Annual Convention highlighted many shared needs that have been voiced by residents from area communities. I appreciated the chance to talk with local leaders about current legislative issues receiving focus in Harrisburg, and how priorities across Pike County are being addressed. Transportation and infrastructure support, along with greater collaboration for public safety services, must certainly remain at the forefront of issues that we tackle moving forward. Voter Registration Deadline is Oct. 24
Monday, Oct. 24 is the last day to register for the Nov. 8 general election. You can submit your application:
If you are on active duty in the military, or you are a hospitalized or bedridden veteran, you can register at any time. See www.fvap.gov for more information. Polls are open on election day from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. The last day to request an absentee ballot is Nov. 1. If you have any questions, you can call 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772). McCarthy Tire Service Roundtable Discussion
Thank you to McCarthy Tire Service in Wilkes-Barre for hosting a recent roundtable discussion on workforce challenges and regulatory burdens post-COVID. As our economy continues to rebuild, it is vital that we hear from employers and employees alike, about the resources they need to ensure a robust workforce across our Commonwealth. I was pleased to take part in this important discussion, along with my colleagues Senator John Yudichak and Senator Camera Bartolotta, who chair the Senate Community, Economic & Recreational Development Committee and Senate Labor & Industry Committee, respectively. McCarthy Tire has been a family-owned business since 1926 and has over 70 service locations and 11 retread manufacturing plants in Pennsylvania and 8 other states, including, New York, New Jersey, Maryland, West Virginia, Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia. Families Can Begin Applying Now for 2023-24 College Aid
PA college students have left millions of dollars in aid on the table by not completing their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Families can get a head start on the 2023-24 FAFSA now. The FAFSA is an application required to apply for federal student aid such as federal grants, work-study and loans to help pay for college. To apply and qualify for a Pennsylvania state grant, learners must have their FAFSA on file as well. The high school class of 2021 left behind an estimated $3.75 billion in Pell grants nationwide by not completing the FAFSA – dollars that students do not have to repay. The General Assembly approved a $220 million increase in funding for higher education institutions in the 2022-23 state budget. Schools Have Until Friday to Apply for Farm-to-School Grants
Schools have until 5 p.m. Friday to apply for Farm-to-School Grants aimed at improving access to healthy, local foods and increasing hands-on learning experiences for children. The Pennsylvania Farm Bill Farm-to-School Grant Program strengthens the connection between families and local producers of fresh, healthy food, increases access to markets for local farms, and exposes children early to agriculture, agriculture careers and healthy food choices. Any school district, school, charter school, private school, or center with prekindergarten, kindergarten, elementary, or middle school classes through eighth grade that participates in a Federal Child Nutrition Program is eligible to apply. Projects should identify local farmers to supply fresh, in-season products to support educational programming, or cultivated their own school gardens. Statewide Litter Clean-up Efforts Underway
The annual Pick Up Pennsylvania fall campaign is underway and runs through Nov. 30. Individuals, families, neighbors, students, civic organizations and local governments are invited to participate in this anti-litter effort. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation spends nearly $14 million a year cleaning up litter along state roadways. This money could be better spent on maintaining and improving our transportation network. Residents can use this Events Calendar to join Pick Up Pennsylvania cleanup events in their community. Those who’d like to register their own local cleanup event can do so at Organize an Event. Registered events are provided with free trash bags and gloves. During the 2021 Pick Up Pennsylvania fall campaign, nearly 14,000 volunteers canvassed their communities to remove 745,380 pounds of trash and 99,200 pounds of tires from lands, waterways and coastal regions.
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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