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Dear Friends,

I’m excited to share some great news—thanks to legislation we passed last session, the Pennsylvania Treasury Department is now reaching out to reunite people with their unclaimed property. The new PA Money Match law makes it easier than ever by allowing Treasury to automatically return certain funds to their rightful owners. Right now, more than $4.5 billion is waiting to be claimed—things like forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, rebates, and insurance payments. Take a moment to check below and see if any of it belongs to you, and please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office if you need any help. I’d love to assist you in reclaiming what’s yours!

Sincerely,

In this Update:

• Veterans’ Support Legislation Advances in Senate
• Federal Funding Secured for Pennsylvania’s Rape Kit Tracking System
• Montgomery County Secures State Grants for Community and Environmental Projects
• Continuing and Expanding My Mobile Office Hours
• New Law Conveniently Returns Money to Pennsylvanians
• Expanding Digital Access: PBDA’s Capital Projects Fund – Digital Connectivity Technology Program
• Lowe’s Hometowns Project Nomination Launch
• Pennsylvanians Deserve the Truth about Electricity Costs
• Senate Acts to Fight Waste, Fraud and Abuse in Public Assistance Programs
• Bill Enabling World Cup Team Doctors to Practice in PA Receives Senate Support
• Game Commission Provides Avian Influenza Information

Veterans’ Support Legislation Advances in Senate

The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, where I serve as Vice Chair, has unanimously passed Senate Bill 144  and Senate Bill 173, two important measures aimed at providing further support for our veterans.

I am honored to co-prime sponsor Senate Bill 144 alongside Senators Doug Mastriano and Lisa Baker. This legislation authorizes bonus payments for Pennsylvania military veterans who served in the Global War on Terror, including Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Recognizing the sacrifices of these service members is critical, and I am proud to support this initiative.

Additionally, my legislation, Senate Bill 173, will be considered on the Senate floor next week. This bill ensures that Korean Americans who served alongside U.S. forces in the Vietnam War receive the same state veterans’ benefits as their American counterparts. Their dedication and service deserve recognition, and this measure is an important step in honoring their contributions.

I remain committed to advocating for those who have served our nation, and I will continue to provide updates as these bills advance.

Federal Funding Secured for Pennsylvania’s Rape Kit Tracking System

This week, I had the honor of joining Lt. Governor Davis and Senator Wayne Langerholc to announce a critical investment in Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system—a $2.5 million federal grant to implement a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system. This funding, secured through the federal Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, is an important step forward in ensuring transparency, accountability, and support for survivors of sexual assault.

I was proud to play a role in strengthening this legislation by offering an amendment that ensures the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) has exclusive authority over the tracking system’s servers. The amendment also requires a secure data backup to protect critical information and guarantees that information in the tracking system cannot be used against victims in criminal proceedings. These provisions prevent the system from being misused by defense attorneys and help uphold justice for survivors.

This tracking system will allow survivors to monitor the status of their rape kits, providing greater transparency and helping to restore trust in the process. It is a long-overdue step in improving how Pennsylvania handles sexual assault cases, ensuring that evidence is properly tracked, and cases can move forward without unnecessary delays.

This funding marks real progress, but our work is not done. I remain committed to ensuring Pennsylvania continues to strengthen protection for survivors and improve our response to sexual violence.

Montgomery County Secures State Grants for Community and Environmental Projects

I’m excited to announce that Montgomery County will receive state funding for five important community projects through the Commonwealth Financing Authority and the Marcellus Legacy Fund Act 13 grant programs. Three of these projects will be supported by the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program. Green Lane Borough will receive $79,770 for its Route 29 pedestrian lighting project, Marlborough Township will be awarded $180,000 for improvements to Skymount Lake Park, and Provco, Pinegood, & Stowe, LLC will get $53,000 for crosswalk improvements at Grosstown Road/Schuylkill River Trail. Additionally, two projects will receive funding from the Watershed Restoration and Protection Program. Collegeville Borough will receive $85,881 for the Dornie Brook streambank restoration, and Towamencin Township will be awarded $50,000 for the Grist Mill Drive basin conversion project.

I’m thrilled to see these grants being awarded because they will directly benefit our communities. Three of the projects will enhance outdoor spaces and make it easier for residents to enjoy the outdoors, while the other two will focus on managing stormwater and restoring streambanks that have been eroded by runoff. These environmental efforts are crucial for maintaining a healthy and sustainable community. The Marcellus Legacy Fund, established by Act 13 of 2012, uses fees from unconventional gas wells to fund such initiatives, helping to improve quality of life across Pennsylvania. I’m proud to support these projects and look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have in our area.

Continuing and Expanding My Mobile Office Hours

I’m excited to continue my mobile office hours in the new year, with the addition of a new location in Skippack Township! This initiative is aimed at making it easier for residents across the 24th District to connect with my office and discuss the issues that matter most to them.

These mobile office hours provide a convenient way for constituents to get assistance with state agencies, learn about available state programs, and share their concerns directly. I’m dedicated to being accessible and responsive to the needs of my constituents, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of this opportunity.

For a complete list of mobile office hours and locations, please visit here. To schedule an appointment, call my office at (215) 541-2388 or visit my website at senatorpennycuick.com. I look forward to connecting with you soon!

New Law Conveniently Returns Money to Pennsylvanians

Money you weren’t expecting may soon be coming your way! The Pennsylvania Treasury Department sent the first batch of letters this week to people who have unclaimed property, thanks to legislation passed by Senate Republicans.

The new law, PA Money Match, allows the Pennsylvania Treasury to automatically return certain unclaimed property. Eligible properties must be valued at $500 or less and belong to a single owner. Those with eligible properties will receive a letter in the mail to confirm their address. After doing so, they will receive a check for their property in about 45 days.

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced this week that the first round of PA Money Match has the potential to return more than $2 million to more than 8,000 Pennsylvanians – and more will be coming later this year. Treasury is working to return more than $4.5 billion in unclaimed property, which includes things like dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, rebates, insurance payments and more. Check if you have unclaimed property, and contact my office if you need any assistance in filing a claim.

Expanding Digital Access: PBDA’s Capital Projects Fund – Digital Connectivity Technology Program

In June 2024, the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) launched the Capital Projects Fund – Digital Connectivity Technology Program, utilizing $20 million from the $279 million allocated to Pennsylvania through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021. This initiative is designed to improve digital access by providing essential technology to communities where affordability remains a barrier.

In November 2024, the PBDA distributed over 9,000 laptops to 117 applicants across 42 counties, including libraries, municipalities, workforce training organizations, nonprofit organizations, and other community anchor institutions. For details on the first round of approved applicants, please visit the Digital Connectivity Technology Program page.

A second round of the Technology Program will open on April 1, 2025, to distribute the remaining laptops. To assist potential applicants, PBDA will host two webinars covering program details, frequently asked questions, and updates to the guidelines. Additional information on these webinars is included in the above flyer.

For further inquiries, please contact the PBDA at pbda_capitalprojectsfund@pa.gov.

Lowe’s Hometowns Project Nomination Launch

As part of its commitment to enhancing communities, Lowe’s is excited to announce the fourth year of Lowe’s Hometowns, a five-year, $100-million impact program aimed at revitalizing community spaces. This year, Lowe’s will award $10 million in grants to fund 100 renovations.

Since its inception in 2022, the Lowe’s Hometowns program has positively impacted millions of people across the nation. In 2024 alone, Lowe’s Hometowns helped restore and revitalize spaces that serve as the heartbeats of communities in 44 states and Washington, DC. Projects included expanding a boxing club for at-risk youth in California, renovating a fire department in Connecticut, outfitting a children’s center in Tennessee with a new kitchen, and repairing a veterans fitness center in Montana.

Now through Tuesday, February 18, I encourage you to nominate Lowe’s.com/Hometowns projects. 

Grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations that support community improvements, safe and affordable housing, and many other causes. Any project involving a community space’s physical improvement or renovation is eligible. All grants must go to a local nonprofit that is willing and able to take on the project.

Eligible project types include rebuilding or renovating:

• Safe and affordable housing facilities such as shelters or transitional living facilities
• Community resources such as senior citizen centers, first responder facilities, food pantries or youth clubs
• Outdoor community spaces like parks, gardens, and playgrounds
• Cultural preservation such as theaters or memorials
• Facilities dedicated to skilled trades education

Helpful Links:

• Program Terms
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Past Projects

If you’re planning to apply, please let me know—I’d be happy to provide a letter of support for your project to strengthen your application. Should you have any questions or need additional information, please reach out to Community@Lowes.com.

Pennsylvanians Deserve the Truth about Electricity Costs

This week, Gov. Josh Shapiro made multiple announcements about the cost of electricity in Pennsylvania. One of those claims is that customers will save billions of dollars through an agreement he made with PJM, a regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or part of 13 states and the District of Columbia.

The reality is that none of the governor’s announcements will save any of us a single dollar on our electric bills. The truth is that his administration’s misguided policies have directly contributed to higher prices. Now, he’s trying to take credit for lower prices that won’t even happen.

Senate Republicans have prioritized advancement of meaningful legislation to help address rising costs for consumers of electricity. It is unfortunate that many of the measures were not supported by the Shapiro Administration during the last two years. We will continue working to enact energy policies which reduce costs for hardworking Pennsylvanians, ensure the future stability of our power grid, and help expand access to good, family sustaining jobs here in Pennsylvania.

Senate Acts to Fight Waste, Fraud and Abuse in Public Assistance Programs

This week, the Senate passed three bills to stop waste, fraud and abuse in Pennsylvania’s Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medical Assistance program (Medicaid). The bills will be sent to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Bill 155 would prevent deceased people from receiving benefits by requiring the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) to check death certificates at the Bureau of Vital Statistics against recipients of public assistance. A state audit previously found 2,324 deceased public assistance recipients received benefits totaling $700,000 in a 12-month period.

Senate Bill 156 would require DHS to compare wage records held by employers and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue with public assistance recipients quarterly to prevent fraud. From 2019-23, the Pennsylvania Office of State Inspector General filed more than 2,900 criminal complaints of welfare fraud, with more than $15 million owed in restitution.

Senate Bill 157 would update the Public Assistance Integrity Act to require DHS to issue a yearly report on its efforts to ensure lottery winners are not receiving cash benefits. The Public Assistance Integrity Act, a bipartisan initiative signed into law in 2018, closed a loophole that did not require lottery winnings to be considered as income when determining eligibility for benefits.

Bill Enabling World Cup Team Doctors to Practice in PA Receives Senate Support

With World Cup soccer set to come to Philadelphia, the Senate approved legislation enabling international team doctors to treat their players in the commonwealth. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Philadelphia will host the FIFA Club World Cup this summer and the FIFA World Cup in 2026. In both of those contests, athletes will be supported by their traveling team doctors. Under current law, each international doctor would be required to obtain a medical license from the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine to treat players, even for just a single match.

Senate Bill 184 would exempt international team doctors from needing to obtain a Pennsylvania medical license to care for their athletes. Much like how the law treats team physicians licensed in other states, international doctors would be limited to treatment of just their players and would be prohibited from practicing in all health care facilities in the commonwealth.

Game Commission Provides Avian Influenza Information

Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania Game Commission announced that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was the cause of death for wild waterfowl in northeastern Pennsylvania.

To best protect the health of wildlife, domestic animals and humans, the Game Commission asks the public to assist them by doing the following:

• Report sick or dead wild birds to the commission by calling 1-833-PGC-WILD (1-833-742-9453), emailing pgc-wildlifehealth@pa.gov or using the online Wildlife Health Survey tool.
• Dispose of a dead wild bird found on your property – if the commission hasn’t responded within 24 hours – by burial or commercial/residential trash. Both methods will protect scavenging wildlife. If electing to dispose of the carcass, the following guidance is provided:
  • Before picking up the wild bird carcass, put on disposable or washable gloves. If gloves are unavailable, a plastic bag can be used as a makeshift glove.
  • If performing on-site burial, a burial hole at least two feet deep will discourage scavenging. Do not bury the carcass in an area that could contaminate a water supply.
  • If disposing of the carcass in commercial/residential trash, place the carcass in a plastic bag along with any disposal gloves that were used. Then place everything in a second plastic bag before disposal.
  • Once disposal is complete, immediately wash your hands and any non-disposable gloves that were used.

Because HPAI impacts more than just wildlife, please also report any sick or dead domestic bird to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at 717-772-2852. Anyone who isn’t feeling well after having contact with sick or dead birds is encouraged to contact their primary care physician or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-724-3258.

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