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Dear Friends, We often hear in the news about how elected officials don’t work across the political aisle anymore. I’m pleased to report that this week, my legislation to help Korean veterans who have become naturalized U.S. citizens and served in Vietnam was supported by both Republican and Democratic members of the state House of Representatives. I’m hopeful this bipartisan bill will be considered on the House floor this fall. You can read more about the legislation below. Sincerely,
Tracy Pennycuick, MPA In this Update:
Recognizing America’s Brave Korean Allies
This week, I testified before the PA House Subcommittee on Military and Veterans Facilities regarding my legislation, Senate Bill 973. This bill seeks to extend the same rights, benefits, and privileges granted to United States military veterans to eligible Korean War veterans who have become naturalized U.S. citizens. Over 3,000 Korean American citizens served with tremendous valor in the Vietnam War as part of the Korean Armed Forces. Hundreds of these brave allies now call Pennsylvania home. It is unconscionable that they, who fought alongside our own troops, do not receive the same respect and benefits as their American counterparts. My legislation, modeled after the federal VALOR Act, would provide Pennsylvania residents who served honorably in the Republic of Korea Armed Forces during the Vietnam War with the same state-level benefits as U.S. military veterans. It is time we recognize these unsung heroes and offer them the gratitude they deserve. BHASD Feeds Over 400 Students Through Summer Grant Program
Brandywine Heights Area School District (BHASD) made history this summer by launching a successful Summer Food Program, thanks to a $28,000 grant from the No Kid Hungry Foundation, which my office helped secure. The program provided over 400 students with 10 meals per week (breakfast and lunch) for nine weeks, totaling over 20,000 meals distributed. Remarkably, BHASD was the only school district in Pennsylvania to receive this grant, out of just three recipients statewide. A dedicated team of student volunteers and staff worked tirelessly to prepare meals, which were distributed to hundreds of families every Thursday from 1-4 PM. As the program wraps up, BHASD is committed to applying for the grant again next year to continue providing essential nutrition to its students during the summer months! New Pedestrian Bridge Opens in Pottstown Memorial Park
Congratulations to the Borough of Pottstown Parks and Recreation Dept. on the opening of the new pedestrian bridge in Memorial Park. Thanks to the combined efforts of state, county, local, and non-profit partners, as well as the dedication of Michael Lenhart and his team, the park now offers improved accessibility for all to enjoy! PUC Hearings on Proposed Water, Wastewater Rate Increases
Recently, the Pennsylvania Utility Commission (PUC) held public input hearings at Spring-Ford Area High School on the proposed rate increases by Aqua for water and wastewater. The intent of the PUC is to balance the needs of consumers and utilities and ensure safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates. Aqua is proposing to increase its annual operating revenue for water by 18.7% or $112 million and its annual operating revenue for wastewater by 20.1% or $126.7 million. For the average residential taxpayer, the water rate would go up by $16.10 a month for a total bill of $97.01 per month. For the average residential wastewater taxpayer, the rate would go up by $14.92 a month for a total bill of $96.10 per month. The hearing board will make its decision by February 22, 2025. Many residents expressed concern about the proposed rate increases. A representative from Limerick Township discussed the importance of the sale of the township sewer authority in 2018 stating that water rates had not increased since 2014 and if the sale had not occurred to Aqua, rates would have likely had to be increased by 50%. They noted that the sale of the system has allowed Limerick Township to offset other taxes such as property taxes and address the increasing costs of EMS. For additional information, please visit here. Free Potassium Iodide Tablets to Pennsylvanians Living and Working Near Active Nuclear Power Plants
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) will offer free potassium iodide, or KI, tablets on August 22 to Pennsylvanians who live or work within 10 miles of the state’s four active nuclear power plants, as part of routine preventive efforts in case of future emergencies. The DOH hosts an annual distribution event every summer. Chester and Montgomery counties will also hold distributions on August 23 and 24. Potassium Iodide (KI) can add another layer of protection when instructed to be used. It helps protect the thyroid gland against harmful radioactive iodine and can be taken by anyone if they are not allergic. The tablets are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, people on thyroid medication, and children and infants. Individuals who are unsure if they should take potassium iodide should ask a health care provider and only take if instructed to do so by state health officials. Residents who already have KI tablets should check the expiration date of their doses and replace any expired medications. Expired tablets may be thrown into the regular trash but should not be flushed down the toilet or sink drain. The state’s four active nuclear facilities are closely regulated, secured, and well-maintained. The Commonwealth’s active nuclear facilities are Beaver Valley Power Station, Limerick Generating Station, Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station, and Susquehanna Steam Electric Station. The KI tablets are available to all Pennsylvanians who live or work within 10 miles of the state’s active nuclear power plants by visiting a distribution center listed on the dates below, calling the Department of Health at 1-877-PA-HEALTH, or visiting a local department office or state health center. Individuals requesting KI tablets may do so for other family members or people who are unable to get the tablets on their own. School districts and employers within a 10-mile radius can also arrange to obtain their supply of KI tablets. KI tablets will be distributed at the locations below at the listed dates and times. No appointment is necessary. August 22 | 2:00 to 7:00 PM Beaver Valley Power Station
Limerick Generating Station
Peach Bottom Atomic Power Station
Susquehanna Steam Electric Station
August 23 and August 24 | 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM (Chester County only):
August 24 | 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (Montgomery County only):
Information sheets explaining how many KI tablets should be taken, when to take the tablets, and how to store them are provided with the packages. Public health nurses can answer questions about the process over the phone. Additional information on potassium iodide (KI) tablets and nuclear power plant safety can be found on the Department of Health’s website. A Closer Look at Farm Conservation Efforts
Farmers play a critical role in Pennsylvania as agriculture is the state’s top industry. They also improve our food security by reducing our dependence on food supplied by other countries. This week, the Senate and House Agriculture and Rural Affairs committees led discussions about on-farm conservation efforts. Farmers across the state are focused on addressing food waste, pursuing manure management and, most importantly, ensuring the long-term sustainability of vital resources like our water and soil that will allow them to preserve our agricultural heritage. To support these important initiatives, Senate Republicans voted to dedicate $10 million in the state budget for conservation efforts among Pennsylvania farmers through the new Agriculture Innovation and Development Program. The program is focused on providing farmers and agribusinesses with the resources to adopt new technological practices. Bad Airline Experience? Report It
Individuals who have flown for work or pleasure and had a bad experience with their airline have a new method of recourse. Whether there were problems with baggage fees, flight scheduling or a refund due to a flight cancellation, you can use a new complaint form. Simply provide information about yourself, the airline, your complaint and how you would like the issue to be resolved. The Pennsylvania Attorney General could refer violations to the United States Department of Transportation. You are encouraged to upload your contract, proof of payment and other documentation to better explain your complaint. Accepted file types include jpg, gif, png and pdf. PennDOT to Replace Otter License Plate
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is replacing the otter license plate – which remains valid – with the Eastern hellbender plate to raise wildlife resource management funds. Previous donations have helped to re-establish the river otter, reintroduce osprey and research endangered species of Pennsylvania. The Eastern hellbender is the largest salamander in the country. It can weigh more than two pounds and exceed two feet in length. Since it was named the state amphibian in 2019, the Eastern hellbender serves as a reminder of the need to restore water quality and preserve suitable habitats. To get one of the remaining otter plates, write OTTER on top of the application before returning it. Unclaimed Property is Available for Nonprofits
The Pennsylvania State Treasury is safeguarding $4.5 billion of unclaimed property, and it’s not just for individuals. Many nonprofits also have money available to claim. Unclaimed property includes things like dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, rebates, insurance payments and more. Every dollar returned to a nonprofit can help to fulfill its core mission. Volunteer fire departments, service organizations and libraries should see if any money is available for them to claim. Search online using these tips to help nonprofits search for unclaimed property. Protect Against Mosquito-Borne Viruses
Pennsylvania boasts so many opportunities for outdoor recreation, especially in the summer. To safely enjoy all nature has to offer, it’s important to know about potential risks and how to minimize them. The leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States is West Nile Virus (WNV), which can cause inflammation of the brain. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection tracks cases of WNV and Jamestown Canyon Virus by county. Since 2000, Pennsylvania’s state budget has included funding to monitor and control WNV. There is no treatment or vaccine for WNV, but people can protect themselves by wearing shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Consider the use of mosquito repellent and wash all treated skin and clothing when returning indoors. Honoring the Elders of Our Communities
National Senior Citizens’ Day – Wednesday, Aug. 21 – is the perfect opportunity to spend time with older men and women. Whether you take time to help them with chores or listen to their stories, they will certainly appreciate the extra attention. Seniors made incredible contributions to our society and continue to be valued members of our communities. To support them, Senate Republicans passed bills that are now law to prevent the exploitation of older Pennsylvanians, ensure Pennsylvanians receive access to health care services at nursing homes, preserve prescription drug benefits for seniors and assure nursing homes continue to serve Medical Assistance (MA) recipients by requiring timely MA payments.
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