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Dear Friends, With increasing costs and changing attitudes about higher ed, a growing number of Gen-Zer’s are choosing trade schools over college. In fact, from 2022 to 2023, enrollment in vocational-focused schools increased 16 percent, the highest level since the National Student Clearinghouse began tracking data in 2018. And it’s no wonder why, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects robust growth rates for several jobs in the trade sector, including: plumbers and pipefitters (14%), HVAC technicians and installers (13%), and electricians (10%). In addition, Gen Z is prioritizing financial security and practical skills with some 74 percent of high school students noting that a tech education program makes sense for their interests and career goals. Check out my recent OPED here highlighting this interesting trend and what the state is doing to help students interested in alternative career pathways. Sincerely,
In this Update:
Poll QuestionOur last poll question asked the question of, “What’s your favorite Thanksgiving side dish?” Below are the results: Sweet Potatoes – 10% This week’s poll question: Do you find the financial aid process for higher education to be difficult to navigate? Take the survey here. Holiday Cheer Fills the Capitol
The holiday season has arrived at the Pennsylvania State Capitol! Our beautiful Christmas tree is now on display, filling our halls with holiday cheer! 2024 Veterans Appreciation Breakfast
A wave of gratitude washed over the room as we honored our veterans at my second annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast. It was a privilege to share in this moment and express our deepest thanks to those who have selflessly defended our freedoms. We can never truly repay their sacrifice, but this event is a small token of our gratitude. Thank you to everyone who attended and those that worked to make this such a great event! Full release here. Inspiring the Next Generation of TriCounty Leaders
It was great to speak with the TriCounty Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class of 2025 this morning, along with Rep. Joe Ciresi. This talented group of 20+ leaders are going through a 10-month program covering Leadership Development, Community Awareness, and Community Engagement. We discussed our political journey and the importance of bipartisan cooperation. New Veterans Center Opens in Berks County
Proud to have attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Etchberger Veterans Center! This new facility will provide essential services to over 23,000 Berks County veterans and their loved ones. A huge thank you to the Berks County Department of Veterans Affairs for their commitment to our heroes. Keep up the great work! The Open Link Honors Volunteers, Seeks More
It was an honor to attend The Open Link’s Community Partnership breakfast at the Perkiomen School, to recognize the dedication and passion of the volunteers and donors. Their tireless efforts are instrumental in strengthening our community and I look forward to continuing to support Open Link’s mission. The Open Link is seeking volunteers for the Code Blue Shelter during the 2024-25 season. No prior experience is necessary – training will be provided! Here are the available volunteer shifts: 7:30 PM to 11:00 PM (3 volunteers) As a volunteer, you’ll be making a real difference: greeting guests, serving dinner, overseeing the shelter during rest periods, cleaning up, taking inventory, and interacting with individuals experiencing homelessness. Clearances are required for participation. Ready to sign up? Fill out the volunteer interest sheet on The Open Link website. PHEAA Financial Aid Webinar – December 10
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and I are jointly hosting a virtual event to provide an overview of the new process to apply for financial aid beginning with the 2025-26 academic year. The presentation will be made on December 10 from 6:30 – 7:30 PM, with additional time following the event for questions. The event is open to anyone interested in pursuing higher education, regardless of grade or age. Michael Burke, PHEAA Higher Education Access Partner, will provide in-depth information on college planning, available programs, and the necessary steps to applying for aid. Register to attend this event here. If you have questions about this event, please call my office at (215) 541-2388. Scam Jam – December 13
Don’t get scammed this holiday season! Join me, Skippack Township, PA Banking and Securities, PA State Police, Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and AARP Pennsylvania Office for our Scam Jam event on December 13 from 10 AM – 12 PM. Scammers are especially active during the holidays, as spending, online shopping, and charitable giving increase. Remaining vigilant and knowing the warning signs is so important! Register here. Boyertown Community Perception Survey 2024
Help shape Boyertown’s future! Take a few minutes to complete this community survey. Take the survey here. Senate Accomplishments: Improving Community Safety
To improve safety in Pennsylvania communities, Senate Republicans passed laws in the 2023-24 legislative session to prevent and better respond to crime. Twenty-eight new safety laws include ones that target looting and organized retail theft, prevent the exploitation of older Pennsylvanians, establish a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system and outlaw deepfake child sexual abuse materials generated by artificial intelligence. The laws also amend the Protection from Abuse Act to give judges the ability to order the defendant to refrain from abusing the victim’s pets and crack down on the unchecked crime crisis plaguing Philadelphia’s mass transit system. You can view the complete list of approved legislation to enhance community safety here. Advancing initiatives to reduce crime and foster greater safety will continue to be our focus in the new legislative session. $1.16 Billion in Broadband Funding to Help Close the Digital Divide
Grants are available for projects that increase access to reliable internet for education, health care, businesses and everyday life. Internet service providers, nonprofits and local governments may apply for Pennsylvania through the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding through Jan. 21, 2025. Projects must expand high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved communities across the commonwealth. Apply online. For support, visit the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority website. Public Meeting Regarding State Rail Plan Updates on Dec. 10
The public is invited to attend a virtual public informational meeting to discuss an update to the Pennsylvania State Rail Plan on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 4-5:30 p.m. Feedback can be shared via an online survey through Thursday, Dec. 19. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is developing the 2025 Pennsylvania State Rail Plan, which was last updated in 2020. Input from the public and stakeholders on safety, passenger and freight rail, funding, policy, the environment and economic development is key to developing the State Rail Plan. The plan will also evaluate and document passenger and freight rail needs throughout the next 20 years to guide investments. Project staff will provide an introduction of the PA State Rail Plan update process and background on freight and passenger rail. There will also be an interactive question-and-answer session. Presentation materials and an online survey will be available here through Dec. 19. Questions or comments can be directed to RA-PDPASRP@pa.gov. Milk Testing Implemented to Protect PA Milk Prices
Influenza A, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), has been detected in dairy cattle in several other states. While there are no concerns about food safety or pasteurized milk or meat, mandatory milk testing performed by processors will prevent widespread disease that would result in higher prices for consumers. There won’t be any cost to processors as all necessary supplies will be provided. Farmers are also encouraged to develop a biosecurity plan and report suspected cases by calling 717-772-2852. Because Pennsylvania has many farms that have both poultry and dairy operations, the state is more susceptible to Influenza A as the virus can spread quickly between animals and farms. Consistently following biosecurity practices and testing products will minimize huge outbreaks. Learn more. Grants Available for Senior Community Centers
Grants are available to increase participation and programming at senior community centers. Funding can also be used to attract a new generation of older adults and provide a safe and healthy environment for all participants. Senior community centers may apply for the $2 million in grants until Friday, Dec. 13, at 5 p.m. using the Commonwealth’s Electronic Single Application system. Learn more. For questions, email SCCgrants@pa.gov or call 717-772-2551. Remembering the Attack on Pearl Harbor
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii led to the United States declaring war on Japan and ultimately winning World War II. Sadly, the attack cost the lives of thousands of service members and civilians. Even more were injured. It also sank two U.S. Navy battleships and destroyed 188 aircraft. On Saturday, Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor survivors, veterans and others will honor and remember the people who gave their lives during the attack. The atrocities of war remind us of the incredible value of the American rights we hold dear.
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