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In this Update:
* Event: Victory over Japan Day 80^th Anniversary
* Book Donations Needed
* Fort Indiantown Gap Tour
* Improving Public Safety
* Senate Acts to Help Charitable Organizations Raise Funds
* Social Media Safety and Parental Awareness Week in Pennsylvania
* Summer Boating Safety: Life Jackets Save Lives
* August is Back to School Month
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** Event: Victory over Japan Day 80th Anniversary
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Senator Dush and I invite you to join us in celebrating the 80th Anniversary of Victory over Japan Day on Tuesday, September 2nd, at 11 AM. This event will take place at the Eldred World War II Museum, located at 201 Main St. Eldred, PA. Join us as we remember the end of World War II and pay tribute to the enduring legacy of peace.
Please register at: Victory in Japan Day (80th Anniversary) – Senator Mastriano ([link removed])
** Book Donations Needed
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My office is supporting the Keystone State Challenge Academy at Fort Indiantown Gap, a life-changing program helping at-risk youth ages 16–18 find discipline, purpose, and new opportunities.
You can be part of this mission by donating age-appropriate books (14–18 years old) that inspire, educate, and encourage.
Drop-off Locations:
* Chambersburg District Office
37 South Main Street, Suite 200
Chambersburg, PA 17201
* Gettysburg District Office
33 York Street
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Every book donated is an investment in the future of a young life. Thank you for helping us give these teens the tools to succeed!
** Fort Indiantown Gap Tour
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On Tuesday, I had the privilege of touring the aviation facilities at Fort Indiantown Gap. The work being done there is nothing short of top notch. From maintaining and flying advanced rotary-wing aircraft to ensuring our Guard and aviation crews are mission-ready, the professionalism and skill of these men and women are second to none.
Fort Indiantown Gap’s aviation program plays a critical role not only in the defense of our Commonwealth and nation but also in supporting emergency response, disaster relief, and community safety here at home.
Proud to see the dedication, precision, and excellence of Pennsylvania’s aviation teams. They truly represent the very best of service and commitment! 🇺s.
** Improving Public Safety
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Public safety is one of my top priorities, and the Senate has taken many important steps this year. We passed new laws closing a legal loophole ([link removed]) to require sports officials and nonprofit volunteers and employees convicted of sexual assault to register as sexual offenders, and improving the enforcement ([link removed]) of Protection from Abuse petitions.
To boost fire protection, we enacted measures targeting Pennsylvania’s volunteer firefighter shortage ([link removed]) , fixing issues with emergency services funding and making it less cumbersome for firefighters ([link removed]) to obtain their certification.
Legislation passed by the Senate and awaiting action in the House of Representatives includes a bill prohibiting non-monetary bail ([link removed]) for the most dangerous individuals and cracking down on thieves ([link removed]) using new technology to steal vehicles by spoofing key fobs.
I’ll keep working hard to make our communities safe. You can review other measures we passed to increase public safety and address other subjects here ([link removed]) .
** Senate Acts to Help Charitable Organizations Raise Funds
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More Pennsylvanians are using cashless payments for transactions, so we approved legislation to allow charitable organizations to accept electronic payments ([link removed]) , such as credit cards and Venmo, to raise funds.
Senate Bill 416 ([link removed]) would allow nonprofits such as volunteer fire companies, youth sports leagues, churches and veterans’ groups to accept electronic payments for raffle tickets. Under current law, nonprofits are limited to accepting only cash or checks for these transactions, which has made it harder to raise funds in today’s increasingly cashless society.
The legislation also adds safeguards to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of digital payment methods. Organizations must still comply with the Small Games of Chance Act. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.
** Social Media Safety and Parental Awareness Week in Pennsylvania
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It’s Social Media Safety and Parental Awareness Week in Pennsylvania – the first initiative of its kind in the U.S.
A Senate resolution ([link removed]) would address the alarming rise in online child exploitation and help schools, parents and community leaders promote education and prevention of internet dangers to children. Some resources include:
* State Attorney General Dave Sunday Protect Your Kids Online ([link removed])
* National Center for Missing and Exploited Children CyberTipline ([link removed])
* U.S. Department of Homeland Security Know to Protect ([link removed])
The resolution builds on recent legislative efforts to protect children from threats online. Act 125 of 2024 ([link removed]) criminalized the creation and distribution of an intimate or sexual deepfake of a person and classified explicit deepfakes of minors as child sexual abuse material. Act 35 of 2025 ([link removed]) classified digital impersonation and deepfakes as a form of criminal forgery giving law enforcement new tools to combat online abuse.
** Summer Boating Safety: Life Jackets Save Lives
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Boating is a popular pastime across Pennsylvania, particularly in the summer. While it comes with some risk, there is one step we can take to help keep the danger away from the fun.
Approximately 80% of boating fatalities happen to boaters who are not wearing a life jacket. Under state law, all boats must have a regulation life jacket on board for each person. Children ages 12 and younger must wear a life jacket in all canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and boats 20 feet long.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission lists detailed information ([link removed]) about proper use of life jackets, and what state law requires, to help you enjoy the waterways safely.
** August is Back to School Month
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As we head into the late stretch of summer, children and parents across our area are preparing for the return to school. It’s a time filled with lots of excitement and more than a little nervousness.
Please keep an eye out for more child pedestrians along the roads, particularly around bus stops. Here’s to a new year of learning and making memories!
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