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In this Update:
- Honoring Local Tow Operator’s Contribution to New State Law
- Vietnam Veteran Honored
- Traffic Remedies Discussed with Shippensburg Area School District Officials
- Grant and Funding Workshop in Adams County
- Veteran Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee Year in Review
- Shielding Pennsylvanians from Cybersecurity Attacks
- Budget Hearings Begin Next Week Examining Massive Shapiro Spending Plan
- PA Parks Offer Free Events for People of All Ages
- Protect Your Money by Investing Wisely
- Student Art Contest Raises Lyme Disease Awareness
- Happy Presidents Day!
Honoring Local Tow Operator’s Contribution to New State Law
Many of you know from previous newsletters about the new state law I sponsored to improve safety for tow operators by enabling them to use blue lights. Local tow operator Tom Bricker was the person who approached me with the idea for this new law. I visited Abe’s Auto Serving Towing this week in Chambersburg to present Tom with one of the pens used by the governor to sign my bill into law.
Vietnam Veteran Honored
I was honored to present Richard Horst with a Senate certificate and a Vietnam pin in recognition of his service during the Vietnam War. Thank you to Richard and all of our Vietnam War veterans for answering our country’s call to service.
Traffic Remedies Discussed with Shippensburg Area School District Officials
I met this week with Shippensburg Area School District officials to discuss current traffic challenges and potential remedies.
Grant and Funding Workshop in Adams County
The inclement weather on Tuesday couldn’t keep people away from the grant and funding workshop we hosted in Adams County. Thank you to Adams County Emergency Services Center for allowing us to use one of its classroom and to Joe Marsicano for leading the workshop.
Veteran Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee 2023 Year in Review
Shielding Pennsylvanians from Cybersecurity Attacks
The Senate approved legislation to improve cybersecurity defenses by setting cybersecurity standards for IT procurement within state government.
Cyberattacks and data breaches – experienced by multiple state agencies – highlight the need for increased cybersecurity measures to protect the valuable data of every Pennsylvanian.
The bill would require any acquisition of computer hardware by the state to adhere to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines for computer security. NIST’s comprehensive approach includes standards, guidelines and best practices to effectively manage cybersecurity-related risks.
Budget Hearings Begin Next Week Examining Massive Shapiro Spending Plan
State spending would increase by more than $3.2 billion, or about 7.1%, under Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new budget plan. This level of increase will make it virtually impossible to balance future budgets without deep spending cuts and massive tax increases within the five-year planning period.
The process of finding ways to rein in this spending includes three weeks of budget hearings held by the Senate Appropriations Committee. Hearings begin Tuesday with appearances by the Independent Fiscal Office, Department of Corrections and Pennsylvania Parole Board, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Department of Community and Economic Development, Department of Labor and Industry and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Livestreams of the hearings and daily recaps will be available here, and I will share updates on this important process each week.
The hearings will be used to review Gov. Josh Shapiro’s spending plan and ask administration officials about the need for any proposed expenses. From there, a budget that more appropriately reflects the needs of taxpayers can be developed before the constitutional deadline of June 30.
PA Parks Offer Free Events for People of All Ages
As people start to feel a bit of cabin fever this time of year, it can be a great time to take advantage of recreational opportunities offered at Pennsylvania state parks.
There are free or low-cost seminars to interest people of all ages. Some examples include a winter photography walk, an introduction to cross country skiing, make and take tree cookie crafts, a cast iron cooking lesson and even a full moon hike.
Find a full calendar of events, including some that are virtual, and sign up here.
Protect Your Money by Investing Wisely
Trying to research financial services, products or companies can be confusing, but investing without first investigating can be a costly mistake.
The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) offers free information about how to research people, companies and investments. If you’re not sure where to start, call the department at 1-800-600-0007.
Learn more about the free and confidential help DoBS provides.
Student Art Contest Raises Lyme Disease Awareness
Pennsylvania has one of the highest counts of Lyme disease cases in the nation. Symptoms often initially include fever, headache and extreme tiredness. If the disease is untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system.
First- through sixth-graders can help spread the word about preventing this tick-borne illness by entering the Pennsylvania Department of Health Lyme Art Contest. They are encouraged to submit a poster or video showing how to avoid exposure to ticks, check for ticks and/or remove ticks safely by March 15 at 5 p.m.
Find more information, including how to apply, here.
Happy Presidents Day!
On Monday, Feb. 19, we recognize Presidents Day and reflect on the effort it takes to guide our country in the right direction. Originally, the holiday was to honor our first president – George Washington – but it has since been expanded.
Because of the holiday, my offices will be closed with normal business hours resuming on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive e-newsletters, you can get on the e-newsletter mailing list here.
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