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Dear Friends, I’m pleased to announce that applications for Grow PA scholarship grants are now open! These grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so don’t wait to apply. Grow PA is a student-centered initiative that provides pathways for students to pursue job training and higher education here in Pennsylvania. This program addresses our state’s workforce needs while offering career training and educational opportunities with less financial burden for students. By requiring students to remain in PA after graduation, Grow PA is a powerful tool for tackling our economic and demographic challenges. It encourages young people to study here, pursue careers, buy homes, start families, and put down roots in our great state. You will find more information on the Grow PA Scholarship below. Sincerely,
In this Update:
Poll QuestionLast week we asked the question of, “Do you support taking action to permanently end Daylight Saving Time?” Below are the results. Yes: 70% Legislation has since been introduced in Pennsylvania urging Congress to end the practice of changing clocks twice a year and establish a stable, year-round time. This resolution highlights the health, safety, and economic impacts of the biannual time change and adds to the growing nationwide discussion on the issue. Similar federal legislation, including the Sunshine Protection Act (S.29 and H.R. 139), has also been introduced in Congress this session. Budget Hearings Reinforce Need for Greater Financial Accountability
After three weeks of detailed public hearings examining Gov. Josh Shapiro’s $51.5 billion budget plan – which would increase state spending by an eye-popping 7.5% compared to the current fiscal year – it is clear that there is still much more work to be done to craft a final responsible budget that moves Pennsylvania forward. If fully enacted, this unsustainable spending plan would quickly drain every dollar in the state’s bank accounts – including our entire $7.3 billion in emergency savings in the Rainy Day Fund – within two years. This is especially troubling at a time when respected, nonpartisan sources like the Independent Fiscal Office are warning that Pennsylvania faces serious financial challenges. Notably, not even Shapiro’s own team claims that the astronomical cost of his proposed budget can be paid for without higher taxes. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the Assembly and the Governor, to build a responsible state budget that promotes economic growth, job creation and fiscal stability for the commonwealth. Grow PA Scholarship Grant Applications Now Available
The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program, created by Senate Republicans as part of this year’s state budget, provides grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students pursuing a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation. The application period is now open, and grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. These grants were made possible through Grow PA legislation passed by the Senate last year. Included in that package was a measure I sponsored to expand the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program, making it easier for children in foster care and those who were adopted in Pennsylvania to attend Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) schools. Currently, children in the foster care system and those adopted in Pennsylvania are eligible for financial aid and tuition waivers. While this provision did not pass the House of Representatives last year, I plan to reintroduce it this year to further support these students. To qualify for the Grow PA grant, applicants must agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in the occupation they study after graduation. For every year they receive the grant, recipients will be required to live and work in Pennsylvania for 12 months. If they fail to meet this requirement, the grant will be converted to a loan requiring repayment. Eligible fields 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 (PHEAA). Learn more or apply here. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Assistance at Boyertown Area Multi-Service
My office will be providing in-person assistance for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program at the Boyertown Area Multi-Service (The Center at Spring Street), located at 200 W. Spring Street, Boyertown. This assistance will be available every Thursday from March 13 to April 10. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program helps eligible Pennsylvanians receive rebates on property taxes or rent they paid in the previous year. The program benefits seniors aged 65 and older, widows and widowers aged 50 and older, and individuals with disabilities aged 18 and older. In 2024, the income limits were raised to $46,520 per year for both homeowners and renters, which means more people may now qualify for this valuable assistance. Applications for 2024 Property Tax/Rent Rebates are due by June 30, 2025. To schedule an appointment, please call my Red Hill office at (215) 541-2388. For more information on the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, visit here. Scam Jam – March 20
Join me, along with PA Banking and Securities, Eastern Berks Regional Police, Berks County District Attorney’s Office, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and AARP Pennsylvania Office, on March 20 at 9:30 AM at Boyertown Area Multi-Service for yet another important Scam Jam event! Learn how to spot fraud, protect your finances, and keep yourself and your loved ones safe. We’ll have experts sharing the latest scam tactics and real tips to avoid becoming a victim. Don’t miss this chance to stay one step ahead! Register here. 4th Annual Youth Fishing Derby – April 12
I’m thrilled to invite you to my 4th Annual Youth Fishing Derby on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Camp Wawa Park in Schwenksville! This event promises to be a day of fun and learning for all ages, with activities designed to engage the community and educate participants about the rich diversity of Pennsylvania’s wildlife. You’ll have the chance to learn about our native birds, mammals, and the importance of environmental conservation, while enjoying some time on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to fishing, everyone is welcome to join in on the fun! Don’t forget to bring your own fishing poles and bait to make the most of the experience. This event is open to all youth, and I encourage families to come out, explore the outdoors, and connect with others in the community. For more information or to register, please visit my website or contact my Red Hill office at (215) 541-2388. I look forward to seeing you there for a morning of fishing, fun, and learning! Nonprofit Grant Seminar – April 24
I am pleased to announce my upcoming Nonprofit Grant Seminar, hosted in partnership with TriCounty Community Network (TCN), on April 24, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The event will take place at the Copperfield Inn at Lakeside, located at 594 W Ridge Pike, Limerick, PA. This seminar offers a valuable opportunity for regional nonprofit organizations to enhance their grant application skills for securing federal, state, and private funding resources. We are excited to offer this resource to help your organization succeed in navigating the grant process. I look forward to seeing you there and working together to strengthen our local nonprofits! To register, please visit here. Women Veterans Celebration – June 10, 2025
I am proud to announce that I’ll be hosting my third annual Women Veterans Celebration at the Capitol on June 10, 2025. This event, which began following the passage of my 2022 legislation designating June 12 as Women Veterans Day in Pennsylvania, is dedicated to honoring the service of women veterans across our great Commonwealth. I truly believe that the contributions of women in the military deserve the recognition they’ve earned, and I’m thrilled to provide a platform where we can celebrate the incredible women who have served our country. I hope all women veterans from every branch of the military will join us for this special tribute. The Women Veterans Celebration has grown year after year, and this time, we’re offering a digital display at the Capitol so that an even larger audience can experience and celebrate the stories of these remarkable women. The display will also be available online, and will go live on June 9, 2025, at www.senatorpennycuick.com. If you were featured in last year’s display, you can easily update your submission form here. For new participants, I encourage you to share your service story by completing the required submission form. The deadline for entries is May 9, 2025. This event is a chance to honor the extraordinary contributions of women throughout our history, and I can’t wait to continue recognizing their exceptional service and unwavering dedication. I look forward to seeing you there! Celebrating Mr. Woodland’s 100th Birthday and Service
It was an honor to present Mr. Woodland with a Senate citation to celebrate his incredible milestone—his 100th birthday! Mr. Woodland’s service in the U.S. Army during World War II, where he served with Company B, 101st Regiment, 26th Infantry Division, exemplifies extraordinary courage and selflessness. We honor Mr. Woodland’s unwavering commitment to our country and his legacy of service, which continues to inspire us all. Here’s to a century of life, strength, and patriotism. Happy 100th birthday, Mr. Woodland! Your story will continue to inspire generations to come. License Plates Support Women Veterans
You can support women veterans in Pennsylvania by purchasing a license plate recognizing the importance of the brave women who have served in our military. When you purchase the Honoring Our Women Veterans Registration Plate or the Honoring Our Women Veterans Motorcycle Registration Plate, a portion of the fee will be used to support programs assisting the approximately 63,000 female veterans in Pennsylvania. The motorcycle version of this registration plate is new, having been introduced in December. You do not need to be a veteran to purchase either of these plates. If you are a veteran, you may want to consider purchasing either the Women Veteran Registration Plate or the Women Veteran Motorcycle Registration Plate. Applicants for these plates must submit a legible photocopy of their Form DD-214 or the front and back of their DD2(RET). Learn more about these license plates and several other new plates available for veterans. Free Trees to Help Public Replace Invasive Plants
Non-native trees and shrubs can have negative ecological and economic impacts on nearby natural areas. Some of those plants include callery pear, tree-of-heaven, Norway maple, burning bush, Japanese barberry and butterfly bush. The Pennsylvania Invasive Replace-ive Program is a new initiative that will give homeowners and others the option to remove invasive trees and shrubs from their property and replace them with native trees. Doing so will reduce the likelihood of these species moving into neighboring properties, parks and forests. Property owners are encouraged to remove one or more invasive species and receive up to five free, healthy, native, young replacement trees. Learn more about how to participate. Please note that the Carlisle plant replacement program is already at capacity. Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
A celebration of country and heritage, St. Patrick’s Day became an official religious holiday in the early 17th century. It commemorates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. “May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.” – Irish blessing
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