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In This Update:

• Vote on November 3
• Senate Passes Package of Bills to Support Veterans, Military Families
• Additional Funding Approved to Help Schools Meet Health and Safety Needs
• Senate Votes to Protect Insurance Coverage for Mental Health Issues, Substance Use Disorder
• Applications for Community Violence Prevention Grants Due November 10
• Energy Efficiency Grants Available for Farmers, Small Businesses

Vote on November 3

Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.

The state Polling Place Search tool will help you locate your polling place.

Voters who are voting for the first time in their election district will be required to show an ID. Acceptable IDs for first-time voters:

• Driver’s license.
• U.S. passport.
• Military, student, or employee ID.
• Voter registration card.
• Firearm permit.
• Current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck or government check.
• Any ID issued by the Commonwealth or federal government.

Senate Passes Package of Bills to Support Veterans, Military Families

Throughout our nation’s history, Pennsylvania’s military veterans and their families have been called on to make extraordinary sacrifices on behalf of a grateful nation. I supported a package of bills last week designed to boost support for veterans and military families and honor their incredible efforts to protect their fellow citizens.

The package includes bills that would permanently establish the Military Family Relief Assistance Program in state law; update the Veterans’ Preference Law to ensure veterans receive proper credit for their skills and experience; create Veterans Courts to provide mentorship and treatment for underlying problems; help more veterans qualify for prescription drug assistance; and ensure the POW/MIA flag is flown on any ground or building owned by the Commonwealth and at all roadside rest stops and welcome centers operated by PennDOT, as well as PA Turnpike service plazas.

All of the bills were sent to the governor’s desk to be signed into law in advance of Veterans Day on November 11. 

Additional Funding Approved to Help Schools Meet Health and Safety Needs

Local schools will be able to apply soon for additional grant funding to protect the health and safety of students, teachers and school employees during the COVID-19 pandemic. The grants were approved as part of the $200 million COVID-19 Disaster Emergency School Health and Safety Grant program created by lawmakers in May as part of Act 30 of 2020.

Eligible uses of the funding include:

• The purchase of cleaning and sanitizing products.
• Training and professional development of staff on sanitation and infection prevention.
• Equipment purchases.
• Modifying school facilities to support appropriate social distancing of students and staff.
• Mental health services and supports.
• Educational technology for distance learning.
• Other health and safety programs, items or services.

The grant program is expected to open no later than Monday, November 2. Grant applications can be submitted on the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Egrants website.

Senate Votes to Protect Insurance Coverage for Mental Health Issues, Substance Use Disorder

Millions of Pennsylvanians struggle with mental health issues and substance use disorder, and many state residents report challenges in receiving the care they need. The Senate approved two bills last week to ensure mental health and substance use disorder receive the same level of insurance coverage as other health issues.

The bills will strengthen enforcement of a federal law that mandates equal access to care and coverage for these health issues. House Bill 1696 and House Bill 1439 would require insurers to annually attest the steps they have taken to comply with this law.

Applications for Community Violence Prevention Grants Due November 10

Local municipalities, counties, colleges and community groups are encouraged to apply for grants to boost community safety and reduce the risk of violence. Applications for the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Community Violence Prevention/Reduction Initiative must be completed and returned by November 10.

The program was created by lawmakers two years ago as part of a broad package of reforms to make our schools and communities safer. Eligible uses for the grants include mentoring services and other intervention services for at-risk children and families; promoting communication between school entities and law enforcement; linking the community with local trauma support and behavioral health systems; and other programs designed to reduce community violence.

Energy Efficiency Grants Available for Farmers, Small Businesses

Farmers and other small business owners can apply now for grants to support energy efficiency and pollution prevention projects. Applications for the Small Business Advantage Grant program are available now, and grants will be considered on a first-come, first-served basis through April 12, 2021.

The program covers up to 50 percent of the project costs up to $7,000. Grants are available to small businesses with 100 or fewer full-time employees who undertake projects that would save the business 25 percent ($500 minimum) on energy costs annually.

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