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In this Update:
* Senate Approves Bill to Improve Workforce Development Programs
* Bill to Improve Early Literacy Receives Senate Support
* Senate Votes to Expand Access to Benefits for Disabled Veterans
* Jumpstart Your Child’s Education Savings
* Antlerless Deer Licenses for Sale Starting June 24
* June is Pet Preparedness Month
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** Senate Approves Bill to Improve Workforce Development Programs
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The Senate passed legislation to make Pennsylvania more attractive to employers ([link removed]) and improve workforce development programs.
Senate Bill 761 ([link removed]) would require the Department of Labor and Industry and the Center for Workforce Information and Analysis to share data that is already collected with local workforce development boards in a timely fashion. Delayed information and data sharing limit these boards in efficiently analyzing programs and policy. Having access to workforce data on wages, new hires and unemployment claimants enables programs to be modified so Pennsylvanians can succeed professionally.
The bill also calls for technical assistance and support for the improved data sharing model so local workforce development boards can use the information.
** Bill to Improve Early Literacy Receives Senate Support
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To give students the best chance of success, the Senate passed a bill that would improve early literacy ([link removed]) using a three-pronged approach.
Senate Bill 801 ([link removed]) would:
* Bolster reading instruction with evidence-based reading curricula,
* Identify struggling readers via universal screening within the first 30 days of school and
* Use screening data to implement intervention plans to prevent children from falling behind.
Half of Pennsylvania’s fourth grade students read below their grade level. Studies show that childhood reading difficulties can produce long-term effects and dramatically impact someone’s ability to succeed.
** Senate Votes to Expand Access to Benefits for Disabled Veterans
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Legislation to exempt 100% of disabled veterans’ benefit payment ([link removed]) s from income calculations for any commonwealth programs or benefits received Senate support.
Senate Bill 126 ([link removed]) would ensure veterans who receive disability compensation would not have those payments counted against them when applying to programs such as the Real Estate Property Tax Exemption, Education Gratuity Program, Veterans Temporary Assistance Program and Military Relief Assistance Program.
The bill would also extend the exclusion of the veterans’ compensation benefits to their unmarried surviving spouses.
** Jumpstart Your Child’s Education Savings
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Saving for your child’s education can be daunting, but Keystone Scholars can jumpstart education savings for Pennsylvania children.
The first program of its kind in the country, Keystone Scholars provides a $100 investment for post-high school education for every child born in Pennsylvania since Jan. 1, 2019. It can be used to pay for collegiate studies, technical school training and apprenticeship programs. Claim your child’s money ([link removed]) , which is funded by surplus investment earnings from the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan.
Opening a companion PA 529 College and Career Savings Program ([link removed]) account can also help to save for education-related expenses. PA 529 accounts have tax advantages and do not impact eligibility for Pennsylvania state financial aid.
** Antlerless Deer Licenses for Sale Starting June 24
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For wildlife management units (WMUs) 1B, 2G and 3A, antlerless deer licenses go on sale for residents Monday, June 24, at 8 a.m. Licenses for residents of all other WMUs go on sale Thursday, June 27, at 8 a.m. They will be guaranteed until July 7. Unsold licenses will be available for nonresidents on July 8 at 8 a.m.
One tag will be available per hunter in the first round of sales. The second round of sales begins July 22 at 8 a.m. for residents and nonresidents alike on a first come, first served basis. Read more ([link removed]) about all four rounds of license purchase.
Resident antlerless deer licenses cost $6.97, and nonresident antlerless deer licenses cost $26.97. Purchase a license online ([link removed]) or in-store at a license issuing agent.
** June is Pet Preparedness Month
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Just as it’s important to have an emergency plan for our family, it’s also smart to think ahead for our pets so they can be safe even in unforeseen circumstances. Here are some steps to take:
* Make a plan. Have an evacuation plan because many shelters and hotels do not allow pets. Have your pet microchipped, and make sure to keep your address and phone number up-to-date.
* Build a pet emergency kit. Think about the basics for survival, such as food and water. Have two kits: one larger kit if you’re sheltering in place and a lightweight version if you need to evacuate.
* Stay informed. Bring pets indoors at the first sign or warning of a storm or disaster. Pay attention to wireless emergency alerts for local alerts and warnings. Evacuate or shelter in place when recommended.
Learn more ([link removed]) about how to make sure your pets are prepared and protected.
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