State Senator Lindsey M. Williams, Your District 38
Update

*
[image =
[link removed]]*

*2024
Senate District 38 Wrapped!*

It's our favorite time of the year--
the SD38 Wrapped numbers are in! As we reach the end of 2024, I want
to share some highlights of my team's accomplishments this year. We
are proud of all we've achieved for the residents of the 38th District
this past year, and we look forward to continuing to serve you in
2025.

[image =
[link removed]]

*

*2024
Events Review!**

This year we were fortunate to hold two events for
seniors - a Senior Social at the Pittsburgh Mills in Frazer Township
and a Senior Fair in Ross Township!

[image =
[link removed]]

*Senior
Social at the Pittsburgh Mills*

On May23, we hosted our first
Senior Social at Pittsburgh Mills Mall as a chance for our residents
who are age 55+ to get together and socialize, share a meal, and learn
about resources available to them.

We had a great time talking with
new and old neighbors and enjoying delicious treats from the culinary
students at A.W. Beattie Career Center. Special thanks to Vintage
Center for Active Adults for helping attendees with smartphone and
tablet tech questions!

This was a great event and we're already
looking forward to next year!

[image =
[link removed]]

*Senior
Fair at the Ross Community Center*

A big thank you to everyone who
came out to our Senior Fair with Rep. Emily Kinkead on October 17th!
This annual event is one of the highlights of our year-- and I hope
it's one of the highlights of yours as well!

Thank you to Ross
Township for hosting us, to Deniz Mediterranean Cuisine for a
delicious breakfast, to Waltmire Pharmacy for providing vaccines, the
PA Fish and Boat Commission for delighting everyone with their rescued
iguana "Blue," and to all of our vendors!

[image =
[link removed]]

*

*Good
News**

*
[image =
[link removed]]*

*Intern
Participates in PA Mock House Committee Meeting*

We're all very
proud of our intern Campbell and her participation in the Pitt's
Institute of Politics Mock House Committee Meeting this past week!
We're excited that she's extending her internship into next semester
with our office and will continue to share her fresh perspective with
us and the D38 community.

[image =
[link removed]]

*School
Counselors Association Conference*

Thank you to the Pennsylvania
School Counselors Association (PSCA) for inviting me to speak at their
annual Conference last week in Hershey. I was glad to talk about the
School Counseling Services Act, legislation that will get more caring
adults into our school buildings and ensure that our school counselors
are spending the majority of their day focused on providing services
to students.

[image =
[link removed]]

*Peebles
VFC Receives $500K Grant*

I was proud to join Rep. Arvind Venkat at
Peebles District Volunteer Fire Company to celebrate the Company
receiving $500,000 in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program
funding! Peebles VFC will use the award to expand their station,
creating more space for their vehicles, as well as decontamination and
storage space for firefighting gear. Thank you to these volunteers who
work every day to protect the McCandless community!

[image =
[link removed]]

*Historically
Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program Announced*

My staff
attended the PA Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program
announcement at The Wilson Group in O'Hara Township on Wednesday. CEO
Derrick Wilson gave everyone and the Department of Community and
Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger an extensive tour of the
facility. This program will make $20 million available for investment
in our diverse businesses and spur economic development across PA!
[image =
[link removed]]

*

*Legislative
Update**

[image =
[link removed]]

*PA
Senate Rules Reform*

As we wrap up 2024 and begin the New Year, the
Senate is starting a new Session in Harrisburg, which brings another
opportunity to make the legislative process more open, accessible, and
bipartisan.

My colleague Senator Katie Muth and I are again
introducing Senate rules that would make Harrisburg work better for
Pennsylvanians. First, we want to take the guesswork out of what bills
are being voted on, giving people a chance to voice their opinions to
their State Senator on the bills before a vote takes place.

We are
also introducing reforms that would ensure popular, bipartisan
legislation passed by the State House receives a vote in the Senate.
It should not take years for the legislature to pass common-sense
solutions to address real problems that people are facing.
Finally, we are working to make sure that the voices of all
Pennsylvanians are heard. Currently, the majority party has sole
control over what bills receive a vote both in committee and on the
Senate floor. That means that Senators in the minority party, who
represent 5.5 million Pennsylvanians, are unable to bring up bills for
a vote. Other states have rules that allow more minority party
participation which fosters bipartisanship. Changing these rules would
give the 5.5 million Pennsylvanians represented by Senators in the
minority party a stronger voice in Harrisburg.

If you want to learn
more about our rules reforms efforts, please visit my website at
www.SenatorLindseyWilliams.com/rules [link 1].

[image =
[link removed]]

*

*News
You Can Use**

[image =
[link removed]]

*Eligibility
Expanded for $11 Retired Registration and Free Registration and Titles
for Some Vets *

More retired Pennsylvanians are now eligible for a
reduced vehicle registration fee! On Tuesday, Act 60 of 2024 went into
effect, increasing the annual income eligibility limit for retired
person's registration from $19,200 to $29,906. The Act also made some
Veterans eligible for free vehicle registration and titling
fees.

To receive reduced vehicle registration fee of $11:

-
You must be retired and receiving Social Security or other pension
payments regardless of age. Part-time employment is permitted if you
are retired from your principal occupation.

-
Submit Form MV-371,
"Application for a Retired Person's Processing Fee of a Vehicle
Registration [link 2]."

-
Customers should attach the completed
MV-371 form to their invitation to renew and return it to PennDOT to
be processed.

-
The $11 annual fee will be applied after the
application is processed. More information on eligibility requirements
can be found on PennDOT's Driver and Vehicle Services website [link
3].

For some Veterans, Act 60 also provides for the elimination of
registration and title fees for one passenger vehicle or truck
weighing 9,000 pounds or less. To qualify, military Veterans must meet
the following requirements (license plate fees still apply):

-
Vehicles registered to a Veteran who lost a limb or eye or who became
partially paralyzed while serving in the Armed Forces of the United
States.

-
Vehicles registered to a person who, as a member or the
Armed Forces of the United States, was captured by the enemy in any
armed conflict for which the Department of Defense authorizes a
campaign medal.

-
Vehicles registered to a person who has been
awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor.

-
Vehicles registered
to a person who has been awarded the Purple Heart.

For more
information about driver licensing and vehicle services for veterans,
visit PennDOT's driver and vehicle services website [link
4].

[image =
[link removed]]
[link 5]

*2025 PA Farm Show in Harrisburg*

*Saturday, January 4
- Saturday, January 11, 2025*

The Pennsylvania Department of
Agriculture's 2025 Farm Show is just two weeks away!

Head to
Harrisburg to discover what makes Pennsylvania agriculture
exceptional. From potatoes, flowers, hemp, and cows, to honey
production from urban rooftops and basil grown in vertical farms
inside repurposed warehouses--there's something for everyone. Explore
family-owned craft breweries, four-star farm-to-table restaurants,
wines, riding stables, creameries, and cultivated Christmas trees.
You can also learn how Pennsylvania is connecting farmers with
funding, technology, and know-how to innovate, thrive and continue
leading the nation and the world. You'll see up-close why Pennsylvania
is at the forefront of organic agriculture, conservation, young
farmers, and so much more.

Hours for the 2025 show are January 4-11
from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily except

-
Sunday, January 5, 8am to
8pm and Saturday, January 11, 8am to 5pm

-
Friday, January 5 the
Expo Hall Food Court will be open from 12pm
to 9pm. No other areas or
events are open to the public that day.

Admission is free. Parking
is $15 per vehicle.

Don't miss your chance to experience PA
agriculture up close and meet the hardworking farmers who make it all
happen!

For more information go to 2025 PA Farm Show | Pennsylvania
Farm Show | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania [link 6].

For the daily
schedule of events go to: Schedule of Events | Pennsylvania Farm Show
| Commonwealth of Pennsylvania [link 7]

[image =
[link removed]]
[link 8]

[image =
[link removed]]
[link 9]

*Property Tax Rent Rebate Deadline is December
31st!*

The deadline for older adults and Pennsylvania residents
with disabilities to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes paid
last year is a week away on *Tuesday, December 31*!

The SD38 team
is here to answer your questions, review the documents you need, and
help you apply for your rebate but will be limited to the following
schedule over the holidays:

-
District Offices closed Tuesday,
December 24, Wednesday 25, and Wednesday, January 1.

-
District
Offices closed for walk-in visits on Monday, December 23 and Thursday,
December 26 through Tuesday, December 31, but limited staff will be
working remotely. Call 412-364-0469 or 724-224-2131 for
assistance.

Remember, this program was recently expanded so that
thousands more Pennsylvanians are eligible.

Learn more or apply
online [link removed] [link 10].

[image =
[link removed]]
[link 11]

*Try a First Day Hike on New Year's Day!*

Mark your
calendar for Wednesday, January 1, 2025, to experience a First Day
Hike at a Pennsylvania state park or forest near you! These hikes are
the perfect way to start the year by immersing yourself in
Pennsylvania's natural spaces. A complete list of these guided
family-friendly hikes is below but note there is one right here in
Pittsburgh at Point State Park!

-
Bald Eagle State Park

-
Beltzville State Park

-
Big Elk Creek State Park

-
Black
Moshannon State Park

-
Blue Knob State Park

-
Buchanan State
Forest

-
Caledonia State Park

-
Canoe Creek State Park

-
Chapman State Park

-
Codorus State Park

-
Cook Forest State
Park

-
Cowans Gap State Park

-
Delaware Canal State
Park

-
French Creek State Park

-
Gifford Pinchot State
Park

-
Greenwood Furnace State Park

-
Hills Creek State
Park

-
Jacobsburg Environmental Education Center

-
Kings Gap
Environmental Education Center

-
Kinzua Bridge State Park

-
Lackawanna State Park

-
Laurel Hill State Park

-
Lehigh
Gorge State Park

-
Little Buffalo State Park

-
Lyman Run
State Park

-
Marsh Creek State Park

-
Maurice K. Goddard
State Park

-
Moraine State Park

-
Nescopeck State Park

-
Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center

-
Ohiopyle State
Park

-
Parker Dam State Park

-
Pine Grove Furnace State
Park

-
Point State Park

-
Prince Gallitzin State Park

-
Pymatuning State Park

-
Raccoon Creek State Park

-
RB Winter
State Park

-
Ridley Creek State Park

-
Sinnemahoning State
Park

-
Susquehannock State Park

-
Tyler State Park

-
Vosburg Neck State Park

-
Warriors Path State Park

-
Washington Crossing Historic Park

-
Whipple Dam State Park

-
White Clay Creek Preserve

For the complete schedule of First Day
Hikes and to register go to Events - DCNR Calendar of Events [link
12].

[image =
[link removed]]
[link 13]

*"I Voted!" Sticker Contest*

Calling all Allegheny
County 9th-12th graders! Get ready to show off your art skills and
hype up the democratic process.

The Allegheny County Government
Elections Division is hosting their first ever "I Voted" Sticker
Design Contest. The winning design will be printed and given to voters
in the 2025 Primary and General Elections!

All entries must be
submitted electronically no later than Friday, December 31, 2024, at
11:59 pm. Designs must contain the phrase "I Voted" on a 2-inch
circular design, be nonpartisan, and must not include copyright images
or trademarks. Students under 18 must have a parent or guardian's
consent.

For more information and to enter go to: "I Voted" Sticker
Contest - Allegheny County, PA [link 14].

[image =
[link removed]]
[link 15]

*Your Input on Housing in PA is Needed!*

The
Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED)
is developing a Housing Action Plan [link 16] to address housing
affordability and availability in Pennsylvania. They want to hear from
you!

We strongly encourage people in all different housing
situations, as well as those experiencing homelessness, to share their
thoughts on DCED's new housing survey. Your thoughts and feedback will
be used to better address the housing affordability and availability
challenges Pennsylvania faces.

To participate in the survey go to:
Pennsylvania Housing Action Plan Survey [link 17].

[image =
[link removed]]

*Mental
Health Resources from PEMA*

The holidays are tough for so many of
us. Don't suffer in silence, call one of the mental health support
lines from the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA). Help
is available!

[image =
[link removed]]

*Holiday
Office Hours*

Happiest of holidays -- My District & Harrisburg
Offices will be closed Tuesday, December 24, Wednesday 25, and
Wednesday, January 1.

We will be closed for walk-in visits on
December 23 and from December 26 through December 31, as limited staff
will be working remotely.

As 2024 winds down, I'm grateful for my
hardworking staff who've assisted thousands of constituents this year!
[image =
[link removed]]

As
always, please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have
by phone at 412-364-0469 [link 18] (Ross Office), 724-224-2131 [link
19] (Harrison Office) or by email at
[email protected] [link 20]. My staff will return
your call/email within 24 hours (Monday-Friday).

[image =
[link removed]]

Senator
Lindsey Williams

[image =
[link removed]]


----------------------
footnotes
----------------------
[link 1]
[link removed]
[link 2]
[link removed]
[link
3]
[link removed]
[link
4]
[link removed]
[link
5] [link removed]
[link 6]
[link removed]
[link 7]
[link removed]
[link
8]
[link removed]
[link
9]
[link removed]
[link
10] [link removed]
[link 11]
[link removed]
[link
12]
[link removed]
[link
13]
[link removed]
[link
14]
[link removed]
[link
15]
[link removed]
[link
16]
[link removed]
[link
17]
[link removed]
[link
18] tel:412-364-0469
[link 19] tel:724-224-2131
[link 20]
mailto:[email protected]

Contact
Information:

Website:
[link removed]

Office Location:
District
Office
5000 McKnight Road
Suite 405
Pittsburgh, PA 15237
Phone:
412-364-0469
Fax: 412-364-0928
Monday ? Friday 9-5

Harrison
Office
1826 Union Avenue
Natrona Heights, PA 15065
Phone:
724-224-2131
Fax: 724-224-2145
Monday ? Thursday 9-5

Harrisburg
Office
366 Capitol Building
Senate Box 203038
Harrisburg, PA
17120-3038
Phone: 717-787-6538
Fax: 717-787-8625
By appointment
only


Unsubscribe:
[link removed]
Privacy
Policy: [link removed]