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In this Update:
Spring Has Sprung!
Spring has finally sprung! I had a wonderful time last weekend helping to plant 108 trees to honor veterans and first responders at Gunny’s Ridge, which serves our nation’s heroes. Spring is a wonderful time to get outside, volunteer, and explore the beauty PA has to offer! The PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources reminds you that April 26 is Celebrate Trails Day. Pennsylvania has thousands of miles of trails to enjoy, including trails in state parks, trails in state forests and rail trails – former railway liens that were converted to path for foot and bicycle traffic. Trail lengths and difficulties vary. Some trails are scenic or leisurely, while others are self-guiding educational. Still others offer rigorous exercise. No matter the trail you choose, enjoy it safely by planning the route for your trip as cell phones and GPS units may not work in some areas. Bring a friend, monitor the weather and stay on the trail. It’s also important to share your route and the time you expect to return with someone who will not be on the trail with you. Bring Your Child to Work Day
It was great to have our office kids visit the Capitol for Bring Your Child to Work Day! Our caucus services department did an outstanding job organizing this fun-filled day, with animals brought in by the PA Fish and Boat Commission, delicious milkshakes provided by the PA Dairymen’s Association, activities with the PA Capitol Police, and many more! Thank you to everyone who made this day a tremendous success!
Robinson Speaks at Holocaust Remembrance Event
I had the honor of joining Governor Shapiro and fellow members of the General Assembly to remember the lives lost in the Holocaust and honor those who survived. Together we must condemn hatred and violence and stand up for justice. May we never forget. Robinson Honors Pittsburgh History
April 17th marked the 70th anniversary of Roberto Clemente’s MLB debut and first hit at Forbes Field. The date coincided with the dedication of plaques commemorating his 3,000th hit at Three Rivers Stadium. I was honored to join the Clemente family, the Pittsburgh Pirates, and Pittsburgh preservationists and historians to celebrate the milestones. Thank you to all who attended! Students: Apply Now for Grow PA Scholarships and Improve Access for Everyone
People across the state have felt the pain of industries with declining workforces, from the long waits to see a doctor or a skilled mechanic. The legislature took action to address those issues – and to reduce the loss of talent as young adults begin their careers in other states, rarely to return to Pennsylvania. As part of this year’s state budget, the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification for an in-demand occupation. Qualifying courses of study include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs approved by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. I also sponsored legislation to expand the Ready to Succeed Scholarship program, which awards up to $2,500 annually for full time students and $1,250 for part-time students who have demonstrated academic excellence and financial needs. Because the funding is being awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s important to apply as soon as possible. To qualify for the grant, applicants must agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation for 12 months for each year they receive the grant. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the grant converting to a loan requiring repayment. Learn more or apply here. Survey: How Did PennDOT Do This Winter?
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is offering a short survey so motorists can offer their feedback on the winter services PennDOT provided. Filling out the survey allows you to share your thoughts about where you get information about road conditions, how soon you can expect roads to be safe to travel following a winter storm event and what features you would find useful from 511PA.com. There is also an opportunity to share additional comments. The survey can be completed anonymously. PA Women Veterans: Register Now for Capitol Ceremony Honoring Your Service
Pennsylvania women who served in the armed forces have until May 9 to register for a state Capitol ceremony honoring their service on Tuesday, June 10. A virtual display will also be available online and will go live on June 9. The event will recognize the courage and dedication of Pennsylvania’s women veterans from World War II to the present. Women veterans from all branches of the military are encouraged to attend and take part. The first Women Veterans Day Capitol exhibit took place in 2023, after passage of legislation observing Women Veterans Day in Pennsylvania annually on June 12. New participants are encouraged to share their service stories by completing the required submission form. Veterans featured in last year’s display who wish to participate again may simply update their previous submission. How to Locate Lost Military Documents
A veteran’s DD214 is a vital document when it comes to receiving the benefits they deserve. It provides the member and the branch of service with a concise record of a period of time with the armed forces at the time of the member’s separation, discharge or change in military status. Veterans discharged from 2010 and after can access their own digital records by setting up an account through the VA e-Benefits portal. Veterans who were discharged before then may complete the Standard Form 180, which includes mailing instructions on the last page. They may also visit the National Archives and Records Administration site to submit a signed form electronically. My office continues to offer monthly appointments with a representative from the American Legion who can assist with obtaining veterans documents and benefits. Veterans can also call 1-800-547-2838, email RA-REQ@pg.gov or learn more online. Reminder: Real ID Deadline Approaching
Reminder: Beginning May 7, you will need a Real ID (or another federally-accepted form of ID) to board commercial flights and enter certain federal buildings. PennDOT is hosting two more Real ID Mondays before the deadline and one after. The Bridgeville Drivers License Center will be participating in the Real ID Mondays on April 28, May 5, and May 12. You can still obtain your Real ID after the May 7 enforcement begins. Find the complete list of participating locations and more information about Real ID requirements here.
I’m proud to represent you in Harrisburg. Please contact me if my team can assist you with any state-level issues or services, including PennDOT, PA Department of Revenue, PA Department of Aging, PA State Treasury, etc. I’m always happy to hear from constituents, but if you need assistance or have concerns regarding a federal issue, you may want to contact your U.S. Senators and/or your member in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thank you. For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive my e-newsletters, you can get on the mailing list here. |
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