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In this Update:
William Penn Day Celebration
On Wednesday, I hosted a William Penn Day Celebration at the State Museum of Pennsylvania, after touring the state Capitol with students and their families. Please visit the links below to view my remarks. https://vimeo.com/pasenategop/102324mastrianowilliampennremarks?share=copy To watch all of our William Penn Day speakers, use the following link. Mastriano Announces More Than $4.3 Million for Projects in Adams and Franklin Counties
This past week, Sen. Mastriano announced more than $4.3 million in state grants have been awarded for projects to benefit residents in Adams and Franklin counties. The grants were awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Local Share Account Program, which funds projects concerning the public interest, community improvement and economic development using gaming money generated by casinos. These grants provide essential funding for things like firetrucks, dump trucks, infrastructure improvements and other projects that benefit residents in our communities. These state dollars help local governments provide services without further burdening local taxpayers. I specifically want to thank Rep. Rob Kauffman for working with me to secure funding for the firetruck for Franklin Fire Co. No. 4. I also want to thank Rep. Dan Moul for the work we did together to secure funding for the Carroll Commons Park improvement project. You can find more information about the projects here in the press release I sent out earlier this week. Senate Bill 142, Abolishing the Funeral Directors Remarriage Penalty, Heads to the Governor’s Desk
This week, Senate Bill 142 was presented to the governor for his signature. This legislation will remove the prohibition on remarrying in the Pennsylvania funeral director’s law. Funeral homes are often family owned and passed down to the next generation. Current law allows the widow or widower of a deceased funeral director to be issued a special license to continue an existing funeral practice, provided they employ a licensed funeral director to supervise the practice. The law authorizes this special license only as long as the widow or widower remains unmarried. When the widow or widower remarries, they are prohibited from renewing their license required to sell their interest in the business. My legislation will remove the remarriage penalty language of the law to allow funeral directors to remarry without giving up their interest in the business. Mastriano Introduces Senate Bill 1339, Joshua’s Law, Fixing “Line of Duty” Death Benefits for Families
I have introduced Senate Bill 1139, “Joshua’s Law”, which seeks to amend Act 129 of 1998, known as the Police Officer, Firefighter, Correction Employee and National Guard Member Child Beneficiary Education Act. This proposal is named after Firefighter Joshua Laird who tragically lost his life in the line of duty. You can learn more about Joshua here. This legislation fixes an omission in the law that excludes the families of first responders who are residents of the commonwealth from receiving “Line of Duty” death benefits solely because they worked out of state. Pennsylvania shares a border with 6 states: New Jersey, Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland, Delaware and New York. At its closest point, Virginia is only 42 miles away. Hundreds of first responders, like Joshua Laird, are longtime residents of Pennsylvania but, for many reasons, perform their duties in other states. They live here, vote here, worship here, pay taxes here, their children go to school here – their lives are here. Like many of us, they drive to work. The only difference is they drive into another state, sometimes only a few miles away from their home in Pennsylvania. It’s time we correct this fault in the legislation and provide for the families of these brave men and women. Commemorating Veterans Day on the Senate Floor
Online Unclaimed Property Auction Oct. 30 to Nov. 1
More than 5,700 items will be up for sale in the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s largest unclaimed property auction from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. View the items and register to bid here. The auction will include coins, currency, jewelry and more. The Treasury’s auctions are not specifically marked as other items are mixed in, but Treasury items are in the Coins and Jewelry Auction on Oct. 30, the Online Only Decorative Arts – Session One on Oct. 31 and the Online Only Decorative Arts – Session Two on Nov. 1. When an item is sold at auction, the price is documented and the net proceeds remain with Treasury for the rightful owner to claim at any time. Auctions take place twice a year to make room in the vault for incoming property. The department works for at least three years to find the rightful owner of tangible property before an item is auctioned. Search to see if you have unclaimed property. PA Student Aid Guide Available Now
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency’s 2025-26 PA Student Aid Guide is available now. It is a complete overview of the financial aid process for high school students and families. There is information about the federal student aid process and Pennsylvania aid programs, as well as career and salary stats, timelines, applications and more. Learn more. Senate Republicans supported new laws to increase access to the education and training options students have after high school. Act 89 of 2024 creates scholarships for in-state students who attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree for a high-demand industry and agree to live and work in that industry in Pennsylvania after graduation. Act 56 of 2024 offers a tax credit to employers who match their employees’ contributions to PA 529 plans, tax-advantaged savings accounts to pay for education expenses. More Retirees to Be Eligible for Reduced Vehicle Registration Fee
Beginning Dec. 16, more retirees will be eligible for a reduced processing fee in lieu of the standard vehicle registration fee. Because of a new law passed by the General Assembly, the income cap will rise from $19,200 to $29,906. Eligible retirees pay an $11 processing fee instead of the normal $45 registration fee. Eligible applicants, regardless of age, must be retired and receiving Social Security, SSI payments, retirement benefits or other pensions and annuities. Find details about what is included in the income calculations here. The vehicle may be owned jointly, but the applicant must be the principal operator of the vehicle unless physically or mentally incapable of operating the vehicle. Only one vehicle per qualified applicant may be registered for the retired status processing fee. Learn more. How to Be Safe This Hunting Season
Hunting is a Pennsylvania tradition. Whether it’s your first season out or you’ve ventured into the woods for years, knowing how to hunt safely can help you avoid trouble. Tree stands have injured hundreds of Pennsylvania hunters. Remembering some simple STEPS can reduce your risk of falling and ensure you’re prepared to signal for help if you do. Also to prevent accidents, hunters are required to wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange that’s visible from 360 degrees on the head, chest and back. A hat and vest satisfy this requirement. Know Your Breast Cancer Risk
Understanding your breast cancer risk is vital for protecting your health. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can lower your risk. Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking are also important preventive steps. Regular screenings and self-exams are essential for early detection, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. Discussing your personal risk with a doctor can help you explore further preventive options, such as genetic testing or medications. By implementing these strategies and staying informed, you can take significant steps toward lowering your risk. Learn more about breast cancer risk here.
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