|
||
|
Dear Friends, As your state senator, it’s my duty to support local projects that improve the lives of those living in our communities. I’m thrilled to announce that, together with my colleagues, we’ve successfully secured significant funding for dozens of important initiatives that will directly benefit the neighborhoods of Berks and Montgomery Counties. Below, you’ll find details on the new projects set to make a meaningful difference in our area. Sincerely,
In this Update:
Senate Honors Alyssa Pennycuick’s Deployment to Iraq
Honored to introduce my husband, Rick Pennycuick (Ret. Colonel) and daughter, Captain Alyssa Pennycuick, on the Senate floor. Alyssa is currently serving as a Captain in the U.S. Army and has been assigned as an Intelligence Officer to the 1-10th Mountain Light Infantry Division, where she will aid and oversee the coordination, analysis, and dissemination of information across American and Allied forces stationed in the Middle East. As she prepares for deployment to Iraq, we’re sending her off with our love and support. Watch here. Op-Ed: Addressing the Dangers of AI-Generated Deepfakes in Pennsylvania
AI-generated deepfakes are a serious threat to our children. A recent Pennsylvania incident showcases its grave dangers. Read my most recent op-ed here. Pennycuick Bill to Modernize Workers’ Compensation Payments Set to Become Law
Legislation sponsored by myself and Sen. Frank Farry (R-6) to make the Workers’ Compensation system more efficient by moving more benefit payments from paper checks to direct deposit received final legislative approval Tuesday. Senate Bill 1232 would allow individuals entitled to compensation to request funds be deposited to an account of their choosing. It will also allow insurers to no longer offer paper checks as a payment option as long as the individual has a bank account that can accept direct deposit. Read more here. Grants Awarded for Multiple Projects in Montgomery County
Rep. Milou Mackenzie (R-Montgomery) and I announced that multiple projects across Montgomery County have received grant funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Local Share Account (LSA) Statewide program. We advocated for and worked together to secure funding for the following projects:
Read more here. 14 Community Projects to see $3.7 Million in Funding Secured by Pennycuick
Multiple projects across Berks and Montgomery County have received grant funding from the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Local Share Account (LSA) Statewide program. I advocated and secured funding for the following projects: Berks County
Montgomery County
Read more here. Grants Awarded for Multiple Projects in Montgomery County
Rep. Donna Scheuren (R-147) and I announced that multiple projects across Montgomery County have received grant funding from the Pennsylvania Local Share Account (LSA) program. Working together to obtain funding, we advocated for each of the below projects:
Pennycuick Secures $3.6 Million for Major School Building Upgrades
This week, I announced the approval of more than $3.6 million in assistance to help pay for major school building upgrades in Perkiomen Valley, Pottstown and Souderton Area school districts. The grants were awarded through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Public School Facilities Improvement Grant Program, which provides grants to public school districts and area career and technical schools for eligible facility improvement projects. Perkiomen Valley School District will receive $1.1 million for safety upgrades at Perkiomen Valley High School, Perkiomen Valley Middle School West, Schwenksville Elementary School, Skippack Elementary School, and South Elementary School. The district will replace outdated fire alarm systems to reduce the risk of fire-related incidents and improve overall emergency preparedness. The total project cost is $2.4 million. Pottstown School District will receive $500,000 to replace heating, ventilating and air conditioning equipment at Pottstown Middle School and Pottstown High School. The total project cost is $4.5 million. Souderton Area School District will receive $1 million for HVAC projects at Souderton Area Senior High School, Oak Ridge Elementary School, and Vernfield Elementary School. These grants will help pay for significant upgrades at multiple schools, improving fire safety and replacing outdated HVAC systems. I am extremely pleased to announce this funding, which will result in significant school facility improvements while easing the burden on school taxpayers. Read more here. Certificate of Appreciation from Blue Comet Motorcycle Club
I’m deeply honored to receive this award and certificate of appreciation from the Blue Comet Motorcycle Club. Their unwavering support for Gold Star Families is commendable. Thank you for recognizing my work to our veterans. Pennsylvania Capitol Hosts Diwali Celebration
Thrilled to announce that members of the Hindu community across Pennsylvania joined us in Harrisburg to celebrate Diwali, the Festival of Lights. It was a privilege to host this special event at the Capitol Building and celebrate this joyous occasion together. Online Unclaimed Property Auction Oct. 30 to Nov. 1
More than 5,700 items will be up for sale in the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s largest unclaimed property auction from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. View the items and register to bid here. The auction will include coins, currency, jewelry and more. The Treasury’s auctions are not specifically marked as other items are mixed in, but Treasury items are in the Coins and Jewelry Auction on Oct. 30, the Online Only Decorative Arts – Session One on Oct. 31 and the Online Only Decorative Arts – Session Two on Nov. 1. When an item is sold at auction, the price is documented and the net proceeds remain with Treasury for the rightful owner to claim at any time. Auctions take place twice a year to make room in the vault for incoming property. The department works for at least three years to find the rightful owner of tangible property before an item is auctioned. Search to see if you have unclaimed property. PA Student Aid Guide Available Now
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency’s 2025-26 PA Student Aid Guide is available now. It is a complete overview of the financial aid process for high school students and families. There is information about the federal student aid process and Pennsylvania aid programs, as well as career and salary stats, timelines, applications and more. Learn more. Senate Republicans supported new laws to increase access to the education and training options students have after high school. Act 89 of 2024 creates scholarships for in-state students who attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree for a high-demand industry and agree to live and work in that industry in Pennsylvania after graduation. Act 56 of 2024 offers a tax credit to employers who match their employees’ contributions to PA 529 plans, tax-advantaged savings accounts to pay for education expenses. More Retirees to Be Eligible for Reduced Vehicle Registration Fee
Beginning Dec. 16, more retirees will be eligible for a reduced processing fee in lieu of the standard vehicle registration fee. Because of a new law passed by the General Assembly, the income cap will rise from $19,200 to $29,906. Eligible retirees pay an $11 processing fee instead of the normal $45 registration fee. Eligible applicants, regardless of age, must be retired and receiving Social Security, SSI payments, retirement benefits or other pensions and annuities. Find details about what is included in the income calculations here. The vehicle may be owned jointly, but the applicant must be the principal operator of the vehicle unless physically or mentally incapable of operating the vehicle. Only one vehicle per qualified applicant may be registered for the retired status processing fee. Learn more. How to Be Safe This Hunting Season
Hunting is a Pennsylvania tradition. Whether it’s your first season out or you’ve ventured into the woods for years, knowing how to hunt safely can help you avoid trouble. Tree stands have injured hundreds of Pennsylvania hunters. Remembering some simple STEPS can reduce your risk of falling and ensure you’re prepared to signal for help if you do. Also to prevent accidents, hunters are required to wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange that’s visible from 360 degrees on the head, chest and back. A hat and vest satisfy this requirement. 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.
If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here. |
||
|
||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2024 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorpennycuick.com | Privacy Policy |
