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In this Update:
Senate Majority Policy Committee Hearing
I was glad to participate in a productive hearing with the Senate Majority Policy Committee this week to discuss challenges surrounding rural health care. Thank you to Senator Dan Laughlin, Senator Michele Brooks, Senator Camera Bartolotta, Senator Scott Hutchinson, Senator Cris Dush, President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, and our guest panelists for your time and collaboration. Office Hours at Bradford Woods Borough
My office will host monthly office hours at the Bradford Woods Borough Building beginning Thursday, February 22nd. My staff will be onsite to answer any state-related questions and assist with the range of services we provide. Please call my office if you would like to make an appointment. Upcoming Property Tax/Rent Rebate Clinic
Our first rebate clinic of the season was a tremendous success. Thank you to everyone who came to the Bethel Park Community Center on Monday. We were able to process over thirty applications to the PA Dept. Of Revenue’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program. Our next public clinic will be on Wednesday, February 21st at the Collier Township Community Center from 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. My office will be able to assist with the application process and answer any questions about the program, which is open to state residents 65 or older, widows and widowers over 50, or anyone over the age of 18 who is 100% disabled. The income limit has been raised this year for both renters and homeowners to $45,000 annually. Please contact my offices for more information or to schedule an appointment. Shielding Pennsylvanians from Cybersecurity Attacks
The Senate approved legislation to improve cybersecurity defenses by setting cybersecurity standards for IT procurement within state government. Cyberattacks and data breaches – experienced by multiple state agencies – highlight the need for increased cybersecurity measures to protect the valuable data of every Pennsylvanian. The bill would require any acquisition of computer hardware by the state to adhere to the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) guidelines for computer security. NIST’s comprehensive approach includes standards, guidelines and best practices to effectively manage cybersecurity-related risks. Budget Hearings Begin Next Week
The Senate Appropriations Committee will begin three weeks of budget hearings to review Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed fiscal plan. Hearings begin Tuesday with appearances by the Independent Fiscal Office, Department of Corrections and Pennsylvania Parole Board, Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, Department of Community and Economic Development, Department of Labor and Industry and Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Livestreams of the hearings and daily recaps will be available here, and I will share updates on this important process each week. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I look forward to reviewing the Governor’s plan with my colleagues to ensure that we create a fiscally responsible budget before the constitutional deadline of June 30th. PA Parks Offer Free Events for People of All Ages
As people start to feel a bit of cabin fever this time of year, it can be a great time to take advantage of recreational opportunities offered at Pennsylvania state parks. There are free or low-cost seminars to interest people of all ages. Some examples include a winter photography walk, an introduction to cross country skiing, make and take tree cookie crafts, a cast iron cooking lesson and even a full moon hike. Find a full calendar of events, including some that are virtual, and sign up here. Protect Your Money by Investing Wisely
Trying to research financial services, products or companies can be confusing, but investing without first investigating can be a costly mistake. The Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities (DoBS) offers free information about how to research people, companies and investments. If you’re not sure where to start, call the department at 1-800-600-0007. Learn more about the free and confidential help DoBS provides. Student Art Contest Raises Lyme Disease Awareness
Pennsylvania has one of the highest counts of Lyme disease cases in the nation. Symptoms often initially include fever, headache and extreme tiredness. If the disease is untreated, the infection can spread to joints, the heart and the nervous system. First- through sixth-graders can help spread the word about preventing this tick-borne illness by entering the Pennsylvania Department of Health Lyme Art Contest. They are encouraged to submit a poster or video showing how to avoid exposure to ticks, check for ticks and/or remove ticks safely by March 15 at 5 p.m. Find more information, including how to apply, here. Happy Presidents Day!
On Monday, Feb. 19, we recognize Presidents Day and reflect on the effort it takes to guide our country in the right direction. Originally, the holiday was to honor our first president – George Washington – but it has since been expanded. Because of the holiday, my offices will be closed with normal business hours resuming on Tuesday, Feb. 20.
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