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In this Update:
* Proposed Reuse of Scotland School Campus
* Honoring the Heroes of Flight 93
* EMS Memorial News Conference
* Pastor’s Day at the Capitol
* Latino Fun Fest
* National Hispanic Heritage Month
* A Closer Look at Energy Affordability and Reliability
* How to File a Banking Complaint
* Applications Open: Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk Youth
* Free Webinars Provide Useful College Financial Aid Info
* National Voter Registration Day is a Great Reminder
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** Proposed Reuse of Scotland School Campus
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On Tuesday night, over 100 people came to the Greene Township Supervisors meeting after an informal inquiry was made by group seeking to know if Scotland Campus could be used for a refugee transient camp – Rep. Kauffman and I lent our support ([link removed]) for opposing the campus for this use.
** Honoring the Heroes of Flight 93
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The Heroes of Flight 93 were honored at the Capitol on Tuesday.
** EMS Memorial News Conference
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Monday, September 9^th Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania and the EMS Provider Foundation held their annual PA EMS Memorial Service in the Capitol Rotunda. As Chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, I was pleased to share my remarks and honor the brave men and women who serve our communities.
The full EMS Memorial Service can be viewed here. 9/9/24 – EMS Memorial News Conference on Vimeo ([link removed])
** Pastor’s Day at the Capitol
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Monday, PA Family Institute hosted Pastor’s Day at the Capitol. It was a privilege to speak to these pastors.
** Latino Fun Fest
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We had an outstanding day last Saturday as we connected with our Latino community in Franklin County.
** National Hispanic Heritage Month
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September 15^th – October 15^th is observed as National Hispanic Heritage Month.
** A Closer Look at Energy Affordability and Reliability
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Pennsylvanians face rising energy costs. Grid reliability continues to be a threat that may cause devastating outages like the major power crisis Texas experienced in 2021 when more than 4.5 million homes and businesses were without power for days.
Rising costs and compromised reliability would be worsened by a unilateral decision former Gov. Tom Wolf made to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Joining RGGI will increase electricity rates for consumers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs, and lead to the closure of Pennsylvania power plants. Rolling blackouts will become commonplace when energy production cannot keep up with demand.
Senate Republicans are actively fighting against Pennsylvania’s entry into RGGI, obtaining a court order that prevents the commonwealth from implementing the program because the court agreed that Wolf lacked the authority to join RGGI. Gov. Josh Shapiro appealed that court order to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, where the case is pending and briefs were filed this week by the Senate Republicans to prevent RGGI implementation. Senate Republicans stand ready to pass legislation to repeal the RGGI Energy Tax ([link removed]) that has already been introduced if the legal process isn’t successful.
We also passed bills that would ensure Pennsylvanians have options regarding fuel availability ([link removed]) , help to secure the state’s future as a hub for carbon capture and sequestration ([link removed]) and most effectively capitalize on the state’s abundant natural resources ([link removed]) through the creation of the Independent Energy Office to provide impartial data.
** How to File a Banking Complaint
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Consumers who have unsuccessfully attempted to resolve disputes with their financial institutions regarding services or products have options.
Complaints may be submitted to the Department of Banking and Securities Consumer Services Office online ([link removed]) or toll-free by calling 1-800-PA-BANKS (1-800-722-2657) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The department aims to provide responses to consumer complaints within 10 days of receipt.
While the Consumer Services Office will make the effort to address consumer complaints, there is no guarantee the matter can or will be resolved. However, complaints are important because they allow the Department of Banking and Securities to identify patterns of unfair or deceptive practices that may result in further action.
** Applications Open: Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk Youth
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The Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy ([link removed]) (KSCA) is accepting applications for its class, which begins in January 2025. KSCA is designed to give academically challenged teens a second chance at obtaining their basic education, as well as learning leadership, self-discipline and responsibility.
The program is open to 16- to 18-year-old Pennsylvania residents who are at risk of not graduating from high school, no longer attending any school or have not received a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Applicants must be willing to be drug free, free of felony convictions and voluntarily commit to the program. If selected, students will attend the 22-week residential phase at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County.
Learn more about eligibility requirements and begin the application process here ([link removed]) . Anyone who prefers to have an application mailed or would like to talk with someone about the program may contact the academy by emailing
[email protected] (mailto:
[email protected]) or calling 717-861-7767.
** Free Webinars Provide Useful College Financial Aid Info
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The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is holding free webinars to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process.
On Tuesday, Sept. 24, at noon, speakers will discuss the financial aid timeline. On Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m., speakers will focus on how to search for scholarships and pay for any remaining costs.
Register to attend ([link removed]) the one-hour webinars.
** National Voter Registration Day is a Great Reminder
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Tuesday, Sept. 17, is National Voter Registration Day. It’s a wonderful time to confirm that you are registered to vote at your current address ([link removed]) or to register if you have moved or would be a first-time voter.
The last day to register to vote in Pennsylvania before the Nov. 5 election is Monday, Oct. 21. You may submit your application online ([link removed]) , by mail to your county voter registration office or in person at your county voter registration office. Active-duty military members or veterans who are hospitalized or bedridden may register at any time. Learn more ([link removed]) about that option.
Please note: if you are not a United States citizen and a resident of Pennsylvania at least 30 days before the election, you cannot register to vote.
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