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In this Update:
Join Us for the 2025 Veterans Recognition Ceremony and Expo I am proud to join Congressman Rob Bresnahan and Representative Brenda Pugh in inviting you to our 2025 Veterans Recognition Ceremony and Expo on Saturday, Oct. 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Friedman Jewish Community Center, 613 SJ Strauss Lane, Kingston. Retired US Air Force Lt. Col. John “Slick” Baum will serve as our master of ceremonies and will be joined by WBRE/WYOU Meteorologist and fellow veteran Valerie Smock, as well as Pennsylvania Army National Guard Assistant Adjutant General, Brigadier General Francis R. Montgomery. This event is an opportunity to honor our local veterans for their service and sacrifice. We will begin with a pinning ceremony to recognize those who have worn the uniform with pride, followed by an expo featuring government agencies and organizations with valuable information about programs, services and benefits available to veterans and their families. There will also be refreshments and giveaways for attendees. If you plan to attend, please RSVP by calling my office at 570-740-2432. Bill Targeting Catalytic Converter Thefts Passed by Senate
Pennsylvania is one of the top states in the country for catalytic converter thefts, with thieves targeting the car part for its precious metals – leaving families and businesses to deal with the costly aftermath. We passed legislation to strengthen regulations and equip law enforcement with better tools to track and prosecute offenders. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 914 repeals the Scrap Metal Theft Prevention Act and moves the requirements to Title 18, the Crimes Code. Title 18 requires scrap processors and recycling facilities to collect buyer information, set commercial-account rules, restrict purchases of certain materials and create penalties. Honoring Wayne County’s Voter Hall of Fame Inductees
I was proud to join in celebrating the 24 Wayne County residents recently inducted into Pennsylvania’s Voter Hall of Fame. Each of these individuals has voted in 50 consecutive general elections, a truly remarkable record of civic participation and dedication. Their commitment reminds us how much our voices matter and how strong our communities become when citizens stay engaged. I deeply appreciate their example — they show that our system thrives when people take their responsibility to vote seriously, year after year. Senate Votes to Expand College Aid for Foster Children
The Senate approved legislation to expand tuition aid for foster children and adopted youth to cover those from other states, attracting talented students to help fill in-demand jobs and boost the commonwealth’s weak population growth. Senate Bill 432 would expand the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program, which waives higher education tuition and fees for children in the foster care system and those who were adopted. The program is currently available only to state residents and the legislation would expand it to eligible nonresident students for undergraduate courses at Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education schools. The measure builds on the GROW PA plan I supported last year to improve Pennsylvania’s competitiveness by, among other steps, attracting and retaining students to pursue college degrees. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Open Government: Tracking How Your Tax Dollars are Spent
Government is funded by money paid by taxpayers, and these resources are available to shed light on how those dollars are being spent by the commonwealth. The PennWATCH website allows citizens to keep tabs on the state budget, spending and revenue. Pennsylvania also makes it easy for people to review state purchases, lobbyist registrations and reports and campaign finance reports. Announced earlier this year by state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, OpenBookPA is a vast resource of data and information related to state finances. It includes the Fiscal Health Scorecard, the daily balance of every state fund and the Contracts e-Library, which allows people to search all state contracts valued at $5,000 or more. Lower South Valley COG Dedicates Fueling Station
The Lower South Valley Council of Governments dedicated its new regional fueling station in honor of Joe Yudichak, recognizing his leadership and dedication to public service, as well as his ability to pull people together and keep them working in the same direction. For all of us who work on and with government budgets, we have a keen appreciation for groups like the Lower South Valley COG, devoted to providing real efficiency in services and saving dollars that count. The project was made possible through a donation of land from the Earth Conservancy and state grant funding. The fueling station is functional, consumer friendly, an energy saver and an environmental protection piece. Give Your Feedback on PennDOT Construction, Maintenance Services
Through Oct. 21, motorists can take an online survey to give their feedback on Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) construction and maintenance services. The 22-question survey asks participants how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations in construction and maintenance activities. Respondents are also asked about experiences with reporting concerns to the department, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. PennDOT is directly responsible for nearly 40,000 miles of highway and 25,400 bridges. A summary of recent projects and funds spent can be found in the 2024 Annual Report. Celebrating Freedom at Wyoming County’s America250PA Bell Unveiling
It was a privilege to take part in the America250PA Bells Across Pennsylvania unveiling ceremony in Wyoming County, as we prepare to mark the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. The Liberty Bell has always been a powerful symbol of American freedom. I shared with those gathered that “even after it cracked, people found ways to bring forth its echoing tones. It continues to inspire us and thus serves as a perfect centerpiece for the 250th anniversary.” Special thanks to the Wright Center for Community Health for sponsoring Wyoming County’s bell and Allison LaRussa for her creative design. Each bell across Pennsylvania tells a story — of our shared history, our perseverance and the enduring spirit of liberty that continues to unite us. A Wonderful Turnout for Our 2025 Senior Expo
Our 2025 Senior Expo was a tremendous success, with more than 500 attendees joining us for a day filled with resources, health information and friendly faces. It was heartwarming to see so many seniors, families and caregivers come together to connect with local organizations, enjoy a few giveaways and learn about the many services available to them. Thank you to all our exhibitors, partners, and volunteers, like the members of the Wyoming Valley West Student Council, who helped make our expo such an enjoyable and informative event. We’re already looking forward to next year! Expanding Coverage of Breast Cancer Screenings
Earlier this year, the Senate passed a bill to expand insurance coverage for breast cancer screenings, including MRIs and ultrasounds, with no out-of-pocket costs. It was another major step forward in early detection and access to care. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’m hopeful the House of Representatives will pass this legislation, so more Pennsylvanians have access to these lifesaving screenings. Read more about breast cancer risk and new resources available for early detection here.
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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