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Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram In this Update:
Free Fishing for Veterans in Therapeutic Programs Signed into Law
As a U.S. Army combat veteran and sports enthusiast, I pleased to let you know that legislation I have been working on with my Senate colleagues was recently signed into law by the Governor. The law exempts veterans and others to fish for free as part of their mental and physical recovery, by participating in therapeutic angling programs sponsored by various established service groups, such as Project Healing Waters and Wounded Warriors. Per the PA Fish and Boat Commission, more than 60 different service organizations and hundreds of unique one-day fishing opportunity events across the Commonwealth qualify for exemption under this measure. Fishing provides time connecting with the outdoors and nature and has been recommended by health care professionals to aid those with a wide range of diagnoses. Including mental and physical disabilities, cancer or other chronic diseases, recovery from addiction, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. You can read more about the legislation here. Pottstown Encampment Cleanup
On Saturday, I joined Rep. Joe Ciresi and 50 other volunteers along Keystone Boulevard to cleanup an abandoned homeless encampment near the Schuylkill River Trail. Helping our homeless and ensuring our communities remain clean, vibrant, and safe places to live, work and play must be top priorities for all levels of government. PCN Capitol Preview – Cybersecurity
With over 50,000 cybersecurity attacks a month, Pennsylvania state government and increasingly our municipalities, face threats from bad actors from around the world. As the Communications and Technology Committee Chair, I am working on legislation to help all levels of government safeguard our citizens and infrastructure from cyber threats. Grants for Infrastructure Improvements in Berks and Montgomery Counties
Investing in safe, modern, and efficient roads, bridges, parks, and water systems is a top priority for me. That’s why I’m committed to supporting our municipalities with funding for these critical local projects that improve the lives of our citizens. See the full list here. Luncheon Honoring Local Veterans
NAACP Book Project
Since October of last year, the Pottstown chapter of the NAACP has distributed over 7,000 new and like-new books to disadvantaged children in the borough thanks to an anonymous donor. The donor, who has supported similar initiatives in nearby towns, aims to improve children’s reading skills and pave the way for their future success. Focusing on children from birth to age eight, the donor partnered with the NAACP to ensure the books reach the intended audience. The NAACP identified over two dozen partners including the school district, pre-K programs, daycare centers, and even barbershops and salons – anyone who could connect the children with the books. Their goal is to make books a common presence in these children’s lives, not a rarity. Approximately 90% of the distributed books are brand new, purchased from online retailers specializing in children’s literature. While the NAACP welcomes donations of gently used books, buying new ones allows them to curate a collection featuring diverse characters. They’ve observed a strong connection between children and characters they can identify with. By introducing children to books, the NAACP hopes to spark their own interest in reading or encourage them to seek out reading time with parents or siblings. While this book distribution program is a significant step, the NAACP acknowledges it’s just the beginning of a much larger journey. For more information, please contact email Bob and Sandy Bauers or call them at (610) 327-1213. Youth Fishing Derby!
I am excited to announce I will be hosting my annual Youth Fishing Derby at Bergey Park (675 Bergeys Mill Road, Schwenksville, PA 19473) on Saturday, April 27, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. This free event is a fantastic opportunity for children (14 and under) to enjoy a fun morning of fishing in the park’s scenic stream while learning about Pennsylvania’s diverse wildlife and the importance of environmental conservation. Participants will have the chance to learn from experts, compete for prizes, and enjoy snacks/refreshments. Educational material will also be provided. Please find the event flyer here. Pre-registration is required and can be completed online or by calling my Red Hill office at (215) 541-2388. Senate Votes for Athletic Trainers to Provide Important Care
Two bills modernizing the capabilities of athletic trainers in Pennsylvania were passed by the Senate and moved to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 559 and Senate Bill 560 would allow athletic trainers to deliver a wider scope of health care services to more individuals. The bills would permit athletic trainers to practice specific invasive procedures under a written protocol with a licensed physician. Some of the procedures include medication injections, blister and nail care, administration of Naloxone and any other procedures authorized by the State Board of Medicine. Supporting Firefighters, Community Safety
Applications for the federal Fire Prevention and Safety Grant and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs will be accepted until Friday, April 12. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is offering webinars to assist in the process. The Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to reduce injury and prevent death among high-risk populations. SAFER Grants were created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, front-line firefighters available in their communities. SAFER’s goal is to enhance the local fire departments’ abilities to comply with staffing, response and operational standards. Voter Registration Deadline is April 8
The deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania’s April 23 primary election is Monday, April 8. Your county election board must receive your application for a mail-in or absentee ballot by Tuesday, April 16, at 5 p.m. To legally register, individuals must be a citizen of the United States, reside in their local voting precincts at least 30 days prior to the election and be at least age 18 on Election Day, Tuesday, April 23. Once registered to vote, you are not required to register again unless you change your residence, name or political party affiliation. Voter registration forms, mail-in ballot applications and absentee ballot applications are available here or from your local county’s Board of Elections. You can also use the site to check your registration status. Free Tax Resource for Pennsylvanians
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue myPATH site is a free resource all Pennsylvanians can use. Using the website, residents can file their PA personal income taxes, make a payment and check the status of their refund. There is also an option to verify your tax refund to expedite processing. Anyone who needs some extra help using myPATH can access video tutorials explaining how to create a profile, file a personal income tax return and use a smart device to access myPATH. Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8
On Monday, April 8, the continental United States will experience its last total solar eclipse until 2044. As it travels from the southwest to the northeast, the eclipse will cross through a portion of northwest Pennsylvania, including Erie, Crawford, Warren and Mercer counties. For nearly four minutes around 2:30 p.m., the afternoon sky will go dark. The sun will slowly reemerge, and by 4:30 p.m., it will be as if nothing happened. You must be in the path to see the sun totally eclipsed by the moon. Most of Pennsylvania lies within the 90% coverage range, so there will be excellent viewing across the state, weather permitting, even outside the path of totality. Before the total solar eclipse, many state parks have free eclipse educational programs. To safely view the eclipse, do not look directly at the sun with the naked eye, through an unfiltered camera lens or with any kind of standard sunglasses. Find more information about safety and what to expect here.
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