From Senator Doug Mastriano <[email protected]>
Subject Senator Mastriano Newsletter 8/16/24
Date August 16, 2024 6:29 PM
  Links have been removed from this email. Learn more in the FAQ.
  Links have been removed from this email. Learn more in the FAQ.
[link removed]

View this email in a browser ([link removed])

In this Update:
* House V.A.E.P. Subcommittee on Military & Veterans Facilities Response – SB933
* Visit of Letterkenny Army Depot
* Latino Fun Fest
* Do You Have Unclaimed Property?
* A Closer Look at Farm Conservation Efforts
* Bad Airline Experience? Report It
* PennDOT to Replace Otter License Plate
* Unclaimed Property is Available for Nonprofits
* Protect Against Mosquito-Borne Viruses
* Honoring the Elders of Our Communities

------------------------------------------------------------


** House V.A.E.P. Subcommittee on Military & Veterans Facilities Response – SB933
------------------------------------------------------------

[link removed]

[link removed]

Wednesday, the House V.A.E.P. Subcommittee on Military & Veterans Facilities met and took up my bill, SB933. This bill would modify the composition of each State Veterans Home’s Advisory Council, providing for open meetings and would require a report. The House V.A.E.P. Subcommittee voted to send it back to full committee with an amendment.


** Visit of Letterkenny Army Depot
------------------------------------------------------------

[link removed]

This week I had the pleasure of visiting Letterkenny Army Depot where base personnel & Commander, Col. Donald Santillo, provided my staff & I an informative & extensive tour of the depot’s ground support equipment facility.


** Latino Fun Fest
------------------------------------------------------------

[link removed]


** Do You Have Unclaimed Property?
------------------------------------------------------------

[link removed]


** A Closer Look at Farm Conservation Efforts
------------------------------------------------------------

Farmers play a critical role in Pennsylvania as agriculture is the state’s top industry. They also improve our food security by reducing our dependence on food supplied by other countries.

This week, the Senate and House Agriculture and Rural Affairs committees led discussions ([link removed]) about on-farm conservation efforts. Farmers across the state are focused on addressing food waste, pursuing manure management and, most importantly, ensuring the long-term sustainability of vital resources like our water and soil that will allow them to preserve our agricultural heritage.

To support these important initiatives, Senate Republicans voted to dedicate $10 million in the state budget for conservation efforts among Pennsylvania farmers through the new Agriculture Innovation and Development Program. The program is focused on providing farmers and agribusinesses with the resources to adopt new technological practices.


** Bad Airline Experience? Report It
------------------------------------------------------------

Individuals who have flown for work or pleasure and had a bad experience with their airline have a new method of recourse.

Whether there were problems with baggage fees, flight scheduling or a refund due to a flight cancellation, you can use a new complaint form ([link removed]) . Simply provide information about yourself, the airline, your complaint and how you would like the issue to be resolved. The Pennsylvania Attorney General could refer violations to the United States Department of Transportation.

You are encouraged to upload your contract, proof of payment and other documentation to better explain your complaint. Accepted file types include jpg, gif, png and pdf.


** PennDOT to Replace Otter License Plate
------------------------------------------------------------

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is replacing the otter license plate – which remains valid – with the Eastern hellbender plate to raise wildlife resource management funds. Previous donations have helped to re-establish the river otter, reintroduce osprey and research endangered species of Pennsylvania.

The Eastern hellbender is the largest salamander in the country. It can weigh more than two pounds and exceed two feet in length. Since it was named the state amphibian in 2019, the Eastern hellbender serves as a reminder of the need to restore water quality and preserve suitable habitats.

To get one of the remaining otter plates, write OTTER on top of the application ([link removed]) before returning it.


** Unclaimed Property is Available for Nonprofits
------------------------------------------------------------

The Pennsylvania State Treasury is safeguarding $4.5 billion of unclaimed property, and it’s not just for individuals. Many nonprofits also have money available to claim.

Unclaimed property includes things like dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, rebates, insurance payments and more. Every dollar returned to a nonprofit can help to fulfill its core mission.

Volunteer fire departments, service organizations and libraries should see if any money is available for them to claim. Search online ([link removed]) using these tips to help nonprofits ([link removed]) search for unclaimed property.


** Protect Against Mosquito-Borne Viruses
------------------------------------------------------------

Pennsylvania boasts so many opportunities for outdoor recreation, especially in the summer. To safely enjoy all nature has to offer, it’s important to know about potential risks and how to minimize them.

The leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States is West Nile Virus (WNV), which can cause inflammation of the brain. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection tracks cases of WNV and Jamestown Canyon Virus ([link removed]) by county.

Since 2000, Pennsylvania’s state budget has included funding to monitor and control WNV. There is no treatment or vaccine for WNV, but people can protect themselves by wearing shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Consider the use of mosquito repellent and wash all treated skin and clothing when returning indoors.


** Honoring the Elders of Our Communities
------------------------------------------------------------

National Senior Citizens’ Day – Wednesday, Aug. 21 – is the perfect opportunity to spend time with older men and women. Whether you take time to help them with chores or listen to their stories, they will certainly appreciate the extra attention.

Seniors made incredible contributions to our society and continue to be valued members of our communities.

To support them, Senate Republicans passed bills that are now law to prevent the exploitation ([link removed]) of older Pennsylvanians, ensure Pennsylvanians receive access to health care services ([link removed]) at nursing homes, preserve prescription drug benefits ([link removed]) for seniors and assure nursing homes continue to serve Medical Assistance (MA) recipients ([link removed]) by requiring timely MA payments.

divider

For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive e-newsletters, you can get on the e-newsletter mailing list here ([link removed]) .

HARRISBURG OFFICE
Phone: tel:7177874651(717) 787-4651 (tel:(717) 787-4651)

CHAMBERSBURG OFFICE
Phone: tel:7172646100(717) 264-6100 (tel:(717) 264-6100)

GETTYSBURG OFFICE
Phone: tel:7173344169(717) 334-4169 (tel:(717) 334-4169)
[link removed] [link removed] [link removed] [link removed]

2024 © Senate of Pennsylvania | [link removed] | Privacy Policy ([link removed])

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences ([link removed]) or unsubscribe ([link removed])
Screenshot of the email generated on import

Message Analysis