|
||||
|
Dear Friend, Thank you for taking the time to read my e-newsletter. These periodic updates allow me to keep constituents informed about state and local issues through email without burdening taxpayers with printing and mailing costs. If you find this information to be useful, I also invite you to visit my website at www.senatorlangerholc.com and on Facebook or Instagram. If you do not wish to receive these e-newsletters, please click the unsubscribe button at the bottom of the page. If you would like to contact my office, please go to my web page and click the contact button. Please do not reply directly to this e-mail. Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr
Session SpotlightIt’s been a busy couple of weeks in Harrisburg and I am excited to shine the spotlight on some legislation that I am proud to have supported. I believe these pieces of legislation will have a great impact on my constituents in the 35th Senatorial District and citizens of Pennsylvania. Establishment of Veterans Courts I was proud to support SB 976, sponsored by Senator Mike Regan and Senator Doug Mastriano, out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. SB 976 would establish a statewide veterans’ court system in Pennsylvania. These courts emphasize a team-focused approach. Veterans come before judges on a regular basis, receive mentorship from fellow veterans, are supervised by specialized probation officers, and receive treatment and support from the Veterans Administration to address underlying problems often caused by post-traumatic stress injuries (PTSI).
Deana’s Law (Senate Bill 773) Named in memory of Deana Eckman, a Delaware County woman who was killed by a drunk driver who had five previous DUI convictions, this bill brings harsher penalties for Repeat DUI Drivers and a way to more strictly monitor those repeat offenders. The legislation now moves to the full House for consideration. Fair Access to Cancer Treatment Act, Improved Breast Cancer Screening Coverage House Bill 427, the Fair Access to Cancer Treatment Act ensures that insurance policies will not be able to limit or exclude innovative drugs for patients with stage four metastatic cancer if the drugs have been approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The legislation was amended in the Senate and returned to the House for concurrence. Senate Bill 595 includes important changes regarding breast cancer screenings by amending the Insurance Company Law to extend mandated insurance coverage to include Ultrasound screening and MRIs if a mammogram shows dense breast tissue. Along with this important change, insurance will be extended for women who are believed to be at increased risk for breast cancer. I believe both of these bills could save lives. The legislation is now in the House for consideration. Presidential Primary Election Date Change Senate Bill 779 would help Pennsylvania play a more prominent role in future Presidential primary elections by moving the primary date to the third Tuesday in March. The legislation was sent to the House for consideration. Fire and EMS Grant Program Reauthorization and Fire Relief Administration Senate Bill 910 enhances the existing $30 million grant program and prevents this program from expiring in June. Volunteer fire companies simply cannot operate without the support of this program. This year over $1.1 million was awarded to Fire and EMS providers in the 35th Senatorial District. I was pleased to support SB 910 to continue this program. Senate Bill 908 not only increases the maximum loan amounts allowed by the program but would expand the use of Fire Relief Funding and review the current funding formula. It also creates a voter referendum to expand the Volunteer Fire Company, Ambulance Service and Rescue Squad program to include career fire and EMS companies. Both bills have been sent to the House for consideration. Harrisburg HappeningsMichaela Musselman joined me in Harrisburg It’s always an honor to have constituents visit me at the Capitol and Monday was no exception. Michaela Musselman from New Paris, a student at Juniata College, my alma – mater, was at the capitol to job shadow and I had the distinct honor of introducing her as my guest. Michaela is a bright, energetic and already accomplished young lady. I have no doubt she has a bright future ahead. In case you missed it, here is Michaela being introduced as my guest.
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources DCNR’s Community Recreation and Conservation (C2P2) Grant application period is now open until April 22, 2020. Community Parks and Conservation grants are awarded to municipalities and authorized nonprofit organizations for community recreation, park and conservation projects. These include planning for comprehensive recreation, park open space and greenway plans; land conservation and stewardship plans; swimming pool and indoor recreation facility feasibility studies; master site development plans; land acquisition for active or passive parks and conservation purposes; and new development and rehabilitation of parks and recreation facilities. Farm Vitality Planning Grants Farmers and prospective farmers have until April 3 to apply for Farm Vitality Planning Grants to help fund professional services necessary for planning for the future of a farm. Funds can be used for business plans, management strategies, ownership transition plans, etc. The amount of reimbursement is based on actual eligible costs submitted by an approved applicant for an approved project. https://www.agriculture.pa.gov/Pages/Farm-Vitality-Planning-Program.aspx Property/Rent Rebate Program The application period is open for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program for income-eligible and citizens with disabilities to receive rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2019. The deadline to apply is June 30, 2020. Claimants must reapply for rebates every year because rebates are based on annual income and property taxes or rent paid in each year. Please contact one of my offices for more information: Richland: 814-266-2277 Guidelines & applications here:https://www.revenue.pa.gov/GeneralTaxInformation/PropertyTaxRentRebateProgram/Pages/default.aspx District HappeningsCambria County Drug Coalition This week, I also visited the Cambria County Drug Coalition along with Representative Jim Rigby and Johnstown Police Chief Robert Johnson. I want to thank Executive Director Ronna Yablonski for the invite and conversation. Together we can make a difference.
35th Annual Interfaith Remembrance Program I was honored to attend the Johnstown Branch 35th Annual Interfaith Remembrance Program for The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. at Pilgrim Church of God In Christ, Johnstown with PA State Rep. Jim Rigby.
Retirement with 34 years of service Congratulations to Karen Michael on her retirement from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) for 34 years of service. When asked what she will do in her retirement, Karen replied with a smile, “whatever I want!” Wishing Karen much happiness and relaxation in her retirement.
(l-r George McAuley, Executive Deputy Secretary, Karen Michael, Andrea Schickling of my Clearfield office) Richland High School Football Team – District 6 Class AA Champions I presented Pennsylvania Senate Citations to the Richland High School football team. The Rams won the 2019 PIAA District VI Class AA Championship by defeating Ligonier Valley High School 34 to 6. The team also advanced to the semi-final round of the PA State championships. Congratulations to Head Coach Brandon Bailey, his staff and all the players on yet another outstanding season.
Mount Aloysius College It was a pleasure to meet with Dr. Mills, President of Mount Aloysius College and CFO Mike Baker today. It is always nice to discuss higher education topics, projects and ideas. Thank you for the tour of your beautiful campus and the opportunity to meet with some of your outstanding students.
Johnstown Featured in Landscape Architecture Magazine Johnstown is featured nationally with an article in the Landscape Architecture Magazine. Last fall a group of students from Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation visited Johnstown as part of their studies. Take a moment to read this article that highlights the findings from their visit. https://landscapearchitecturemagazine.org/2020/01/28/looking-in-on-johnstowns-way-out/ City of Johnstown Satellite Office My satellite office located inside PA CareerLink – Cambria County will be open on February 5th from 10am – 2pm. My staff can assist with preparing and filing your Property Tax/Rent Rebate forms. The deadline to file is June 30, 2020. If you are in need of assistance with any state-related issue, stop in and speak with my staff.
Grants AnnouncedLocal Schools Awarded Grants to Purchase New Cafeteria Equipment Five schools in the 35th Senatorial District have been awarded almost $50,000 in state grants to purchase new food service equipment for their cafeterias.
Funding for the grants is made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture and is awarded to schools which participate in the National School Lunch Program and have 50 percent or more of students eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Schools often use the grants to purchase new refrigerators, freezers, stoves and dishwashers. Lower Yoder to Receive $4 Million in Grants and Loans for Sewer System Upgrade Lower Yoder Township, Cambria County, has been awarded $4 million in state grants and low interest loans through the state’s PENNVEST Program to complete a major rehabilitation to its current sewage collection system. PENNVEST is not supported by the state’s General Fund budget, which covers the daily operations and services of the Commonwealth. Financing is provided through the use of federal funding and prior bond issues by the state as well as proceeds from Act 13 of 2012, the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee. Upcoming EventSenior Expo March 26, 2020
Visitors to HarrisburgI would like to remind constituents, to please feel free to stop in my office, Room 187, when you are visiting the capitol. My staff and I welcome the opportunity to say hello to you. If you are visiting on a session day, I can also introduce you as my guest during session. Feel free to call 717-787-5400 if you know in advance that you will be visiting the capitol. If you are interested in a capitol tour, you can schedule your visit online: http://www.pacapitol.com/plan-a-visit/tours.cfm How We Can Help You?Here are some of the ways that my office can assist you:
Reminder to Follow Me on Social MediaMy Facebook page provides not only legislative updates but those all-important PennDOT construction updates for our district. I post pictures of constituents that I meet and information on other local events happening in our neighborhoods and communities. You can also follow me on Twitter and Instagram – my handle is @SenLangerholc. If you haven’t already, check out my social media pages. |
||||
|
||||
2024 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://www.senatorlangerholc.com | Privacy Policy |
