Senator Pennycuick E-Newsletter

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Dear Friends,

Election Day is Tuesday, November 5. While many have already casted their ballots, some still need to register to vote. The deadline to register is this Monday, October 21. To help answer your questions about voting, my office has created a FAQ page on my website. I hope you find it helpful. For more information, please see the story below. Remember to exercise your right to vote!

Sincerely,

In this Update:

  • State Services Day – October 24
  • Pennsylvania Elections: Frequently Asked Questions
  • Veterans’ Island Celebrates 9th Annual Community Day
  • Remembering Bearianne: A Tribute to Marianne Deery
  • Bill to Improve Early Literacy Poised for Enactment
  • Senate Passes Bill to Extend Lemon Law Protections to Motorcycles
  • Bill to Improve Elevator Safety Standards Passes Senate
  • Prepare Now for the Nov. 5 Election
  • Know Your Breast Cancer Risk

State Services Day – October 24

You’re invited! I will be hosting a State Services Day to connect Pennsylvanians to various state departments on Thursday, October 24. To accommodate attendees, the event will be held in two locations on the same day.

In Berks County from 9-11 a.m. at the Eastern Berks Fire Department, 1817 N. Main St. in Bechtelsville.

In Montgomery County from 1-3 p.m. at the Schwenksville Borough Hall, 300 Main St. in Schwenksville.

The following will be at both locations:

  • Find Unclaimed Property and submit claims with the assistance of PA Treasury staff.
  • Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, along with county veteran agencies, will be available to aid and inform veterans.
  • PA State Police will provide information on public safety.
  • Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) (PennDOT) will answer questions, provide information, and process license plate renewals.
  • Berks County Area Agency on Aging and Montgomery County Senior Services will offer assistance and education for local seniors.

Interested in attending? Register here.

Pennsylvania Elections: Frequently Asked Questions

As your state Senator, I have taken an oath to support and defend the Pennsylvania and United States Constitutions. Ensuring our elections are free and fair is a priority. I often get questions from constituents about the election process and voting. As such, here are answers to some of the questions we receive. As always, if I can be of assistance in any way please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Veterans’ Island Celebrates 9th Annual Community Day

On September 28th the Veterans’ Island Project celebrated their 9th Annual Pottstown Community Veterans Day! This event honored three local veterans for their exemplary service to our country both during and after their military careers. It was my privilege to present them with a Senate citation.

The Veterans’ Island Project, a dedicated organization that supports the Pottstown Parks & Rec Department, works to maintain, and enhance Veterans’ Island at Memorial Park in honor of all local veterans. Thank you to the Veterans’ Island Project for their commitment to honoring our veterans.

Bottom row left to right – Honorees: Christopher Swenda, Charles “Chuck” Schnaubelt, Richard “Dick” Hurter.

Back row – Veterans’ Island Board Members: Len Giesiler, Cathy Paretti, Chuck Harders, Jamie Sanchez.

Remembering Bearianne: A Tribute to Marianne Deery

Let’s pay tribute to the beloved ‘Bearianne’ of Boyertown! Dressed in her iconic Oktoberfest attire, Marianne Deery’s legacy continues to live on through this statue, a testament to her love for the town and the community’s support.

Bill to Improve Early Literacy Poised for Enactment

The Senate and House unanimously passed and sent to the governor legislation to give students the best chance at lifelong success through a strong, evidence-based reading program.

Senate Bill 801 would provide schools with resources to dramatically improve early literacy in Pennsylvania. First, it would bolster reading instruction by giving schools a comprehensive list of evidence-based reading curricula. Second, it would help schools identify struggling readers early via universal screening by providing a list of high-quality screeners. Third, it would ensure educators are properly trained to use the structured literacy curriculum and screeners by creating a list of high-quality professional development programs.

Low literacy scores are a problem that spans the geographic and demographic spectrum, with urban cities and rural communities struggling to help their students read proficiently at their age level. Studies show that childhood reading difficulties can produce long-term effects and dramatically impact someone’s chances of success.

Senate Passes Bill to Extend Lemon Law Protections to Motorcycles

The Senate unanimously approved legislation that would extend Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law protections to cover motorcycles. Senate Bill 155 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law provides protections for customers who purchase or lease a car that is registered in the commonwealth. The law protects customers who experience defects with their car during the first year or 12,000 miles of leasing or ownership. Manufacturers are given three opportunities within a year to repair the defect. If the problem still cannot be corrected, the customer is eligible for a replacement or refund.

The state Lemon Law currently only applies to cars.

Bill to Improve Elevator Safety Standards Passes Senate

The Senate unanimously passed legislation to improve elevator safety standards in Pennsylvania. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Following the deaths of a correctional officer and an inmate who plunged down an elevator shaft in a violent confrontation, the Elevator Safety Board was established to address critical issues surrounding elevator construction, maintenance and inspection. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has revised the national elevator code seven times since 2002, yet Pennsylvania still adheres to outdated standards that don’t reflect current safety practices. The board submitted its recommendations to update these codes to the Department of Labor and Industry in 2020, but the agency has not acted.

Senate Bill 1230 requires the Department of Labor and Industry to adopt an updated safety code, effective July 1, 2025. Prior to adoption, the Elevator Safety Board may recommend modifications based upon its professional expertise and industry experience. The legislation would establish timely benchmarks, making sure necessary upgrades will not be delayed further. 

Prepare Now for the Nov. 5 Election

Election Day on Nov. 5 is approaching. Make sure you’re able to participate by registering to vote no later than Oct. 21. If you’ve moved, this is also a great time to double check that you’re registered to vote at your current address.

Anyone who wishes to vote by mail must apply by Oct. 29. You must be a registered voter to submit an application to vote by mail.

If you are looking for a way to help your community, learn more about becoming a poll worker here. Thousands of Pennsylvanians are needed to run elections, and poll workers are needed in all 67 counties.

Know Your Breast Cancer Risk

Understanding your breast cancer risk is vital for protecting your health. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can lower your risk. Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking are also important preventive steps.

Regular screenings and self-exams are essential for early detection, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. Discussing your personal risk with a doctor can help you explore further preventive options, such as genetic testing or medications. By implementing these strategies and staying informed, you can take significant steps toward lowering your risk.

Learn more about breast cancer risk here.

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