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Dear Friends, As you know, my legislation to strengthen data breach notification requirements and provide free credit monitoring to affected citizens is now law. The surge in cyberattacks has made identity theft and financial loss a terrifying reality for millions of Americans. Victims face immediate financial hardship and the constant fear of further harm. This new law offers crucial relief by providing free credit reports and a year of credit monitoring to help them recover. Last year alone, a staggering 3,122 data breaches impacted hundreds of millions of Americans, a 72% increase from the previous record. These breaches cost our nation billions of dollars. I’m proud to have helped protect consumers from the devastating consequences of these attacks.
In this Update:
Budget Prioritizes Education and Growth
Education is a cornerstone of our state’s future, and our recently approved $47.59 billion state budget reflects this commitment. By investing $1 billion in our schools, we are prioritizing safety, mental health support, and career training for our young people. These initiatives are crucial to ensuring Pennsylvania’s prosperity. Additional funding is also included for special education, career and technical schools, and CTE equipment grants. Roughly $100 million is included in the budget to address school safety and security needs as well as mental health concerns. The budget also addressed the need to change the way we manage cyber charter funding by providing a $100 million cyber charter reimbursement for school districts. The plan also increases K-12 education funding by more than $1 billion. The Tax Credit (EITC) Program also provides significant resources to empower parents and families to make the best decisions possible on how to meet their children’s unique educational needs. The program offers scholarships through the highly successful Educational Improvement initiative to help families attend schools that best meet student needs. To complement our education investments, the Grow PA initiative addresses the urgent challenge of population decline. By creating a thriving environment for families and students, we can attract and retain residents, fostering a stronger Pennsylvania for generations to come.
Bill Ensuring Educational Opportunities for Children of National Guard and Reserve Members Signed into Law
My legislation that looks to reduce the educational challenges faced by children of National Guard and Reserve members was recently signed into law. Senate Bill 209 was unanimously approved by the Senate in June. I raised young children during my military service and know firsthand the challenges military families can face. Military families often move, and children of National Guard and Reserve members can have a difficult time adjusting to new schools and new rules. By extending the benefits of the Military Interstate Children’s Compact, we will minimize educational disruption and help these families make the challenge of relocating a little less stressful. Full release here. Free Credit Monitoring for Data Breach Victims Set Signed into Law
Bipartisan legislation sponsored by myself and Senator Jimmy Dillon (D-5) to strengthen notification requirements for data breaches and provide affected citizens with free credit monitoring and a credit report is now Act 33 of 2024. The law provides citizens affected by a data breach a free credit report and a year of credit monitoring while they recover. It also strengthens state notification requirements and mandates Attorney General notification if a data breach occurs in the commonwealth. Full release here. Senate Approves Measure Modernizing Workers’ Compensation Payments
The Senate unanimously approved legislation sponsored by myself and Senator Frank Farry (R-6) to make the Workers’ Compensation system more efficient by moving more benefit payments from paper checks to direct deposit. Senate Bill 1232 would allow individuals entitled to compensation to request funds be deposited to an account of their choosing. This legislation would help injured workers get their benefits in a faster, more convenient way that will also benefit insurers by reducing processing time and mailing costs. Full release here. Local Property Tax/Tent Rebate Assistance Continues in July
My office will be holding more workshops in July to provide assistance to residents applying for the state Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and urges interested area seniors to make an appointment. The deadline has been extended to December 31, 2024. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is open to residents age 65 or older, widows and widowers age 50 or older, or anyone age 18 and older who is 100% disabled, with a household income of $45,000 or less, counting only half of Social Security. Rebate amounts are calculated based on 2023 income and the amount of property tax or rent paid in 2023, with rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000. Residents can call Senator Pennycuick’s office at 215-541-2388 or visit online to schedule an appointment for one of the following dates: July 23, 9AM – 12PM July 23, 1PM – 4PM July 22, 24 & 29, 1PM – 4PM July 22, 1PM – 4PM July 24, 9AM – 12PM July 24, 1PM – 4PM The following documents are required to complete the process:
Property owners will need proof of taxes paid, either stamped or signed by their local tax collector. Renters need a rent certificate filled out and signed by their landlord. More information on the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program can be found at www.revenue.pa.gov. New Law Aims to Limit Student Smartphone Use in Schools
Legislation to improve student mental health, academic performance and social skills by limiting student smartphone use in schools has been signed into law. The measure allows schools the option of using dedicated school safety funding for secure, lockable smartphone bags in which students deposit their mobile devices until the end of the school day. Senate Bill 700, now Act 55 of 2024, amended the School Safety and Mental Health Grant Program to allow for the purchase of these smartphone bags as an eligible use of funding. As part of the grant program, school districts receive an automatic base grant of $100,000 and each intermediate unit, area career and technical school, charter school, regional charter school or cyber charter school is provided an automatic base grant of $70,000. Senate Approves Bill Providing Support to Military Community
The Senate unanimously passed legislation to improve the quality of life for service members, veterans and their families by creating and operating the Service Member Veterans and Their Families Fund (SMVF Fund). Senate Bill 1192 would allow the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to lease real estate at Fort Indiantown Gap and use the proceeds to support the SMVF Fund. To ensure transparency and accountability in the fund’s operations, the bill also includes provisions for annual reporting on the revenues, expenditures and activities financed by the SMVF Fund. The fund would be dedicated to paying for quality-of-life programs – including physical fitness, personal growth, social interaction and recreational activities – for the military community. The programs would be designed to support the readiness and well-being of the service members, veterans and their families. Bill Increasing Access to Qualified Barber Teachers Passes Senate
The Senate unanimously passed legislation to address the scarcity of qualified barber teachers. It is now before the governor to be signed into law. House Bill 327 would also reduce age and training requirements for a barber-teacher applicant from 23 to 18 years of age and 1,250 to 500 hours of supervised training. It would only apply to people who pay the associated fee and have no record of disciplinary action. The legislation would also allow barber-teachers licensed in other states to obtain a Pennsylvania barber-teacher license. TriCounty Active Adult Center Visit
My recent visit to TriCounty Active Adult Center focused on empowering seniors. I provided updates on relevant legislation and connected them with valuable state programs like the PA Property Tax Rent Rebate and the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Pennsylvania offers a wealth of senior programs, and ensuring our seniors are aware of them is crucial. Leadership Academy with North Penn School District
This week, I had a productive meeting with North Penn School District Superintendent Todd M. Bauer, his administrative team, and other state legislators as part of the district’s annual “Leadership Academy”. We discussed the current state of North Penn School District and explored ways to work together for the betterment of our community. This is just the beginning of our work together to ensure a bright future for NPSD. Easy Ways to Lower Your Energy Costs
Rising energy costs are compounded by the hot temperatures we have been experiencing. If you’ve been shocked by your energy bill and are looking for ways to lower costs, here are some helpful tips from the Public Utility Commission:
Learn more about how to stay cool while keeping your summer power bills manageable. New PA License Plate Coming in 2025
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) has unveiled a new standard license plate for vehicles. The new plate, showcasing Pennsylvania as the birthplace of America, will be available in 2025. It features the Liberty Bell and the text, “Let Freedom Ring.” Military, special organization, special fund and specialty plates without legislatively mandated designs will also be updated with the new design. If you would like to be one of the first to get the new license plate, sign up for updates. You will be notified when the license plate is ready to order. When the plates become available, fee information will be included with replacement instructions on PennDOT’s website and will vary based on plate type and any optional personalization. The department and its partners will use all existing standard issue license plate inventory before transitioning to the new plate design. Recognizing National Hire a Veteran Day
Thursday, July 25, marks National Hire a Veteran Day. The men and women who served our country have many skillsets and experiences – in addition to a high level of dedication – that can benefit employers. Employers who would like to hire veterans and guard members can list their job opening for free on the Pennsylvania National Guard Associations’ Job Board. Veterans can search the board here. National Hire a Veteran Day also serves as a reminder for employers that it’s important to support veterans by providing resources to them as they transition from military life to the civilian workforce.
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