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In this Update:

• Rescue Ready Program Will Strengthen Local Emergency Care
• Protecting Home-Based Businesses from Over Regulation
• Significant Investment In Perry County Fairgrounds
• Bill Protecting Fairness in Women’s Sports Awaits House Action
• Treasury Launches New Financial Education Hub
• Avoiding Student Loan Forgiveness Scams
• Job Opportunities for Nurses at PA Veterans Homes
• Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Accepting Applications for 2027
• In the District!

Rescue Ready Program Will Strengthen Local Emergency Care

The need for trained emergency medical professionals is real, and nearing crisis across our Commonwealth. Since 2012, Pennsylvania has seen a loss of more than 6,000 EMTs and 4,000 paramedics.

This week brought good news and real momentum to address this challenge locally. On Tuesday, I joined Cumberland Goodwill EMS to announce a new program to prepare the next generation of emergency medical professionals.

Carlisle EMS Academy launched Rescue Ready, a workforce development program that I was proud to support with state funding. Rescue Ready will strengthen emergency care in our community and help address the ongoing EMS staffing shortage for years to come.

Through Rescue Ready, at least ten current providers will advance their training, and fifteen new community members will earn their EMT certification at NO COST.  Interested participants can learn more here.

Protecting Home-Based Businesses from Over Regulation

I recently introduced legislation to protect Pennsylvanians from regulations that can be barriers to starting and operating small, home-based businesses.

An increasing number of people support their families by operating small businesses out of their homes, and while technological advancements have made these businesses more viable than ever, ordinances have often failed to keep pace.

I believe everyone should have the freedom to provide for their families and contribute to their communities. Click here to learn more about this legislation.

Significant Investment in Perry County Community Fairgrounds

Last week, Rep. Perry Stambaugh and I were thrilled to announce that nearly $2.14 million in state funding has been secured for the Perry County Community fairgrounds. The grant funds will be used for the construction of a new building, which will include restrooms, a conference area and a commercial kitchen.

This project is not just a renovation; it’s a reinvestment in Perry County that will serve our community for generations. Thank you to the Perry County Fairground Board of Directors, Perry County Commissioners and Perry County Economic Development Authority. The future of the fair is bright!

Bill Protecting Fairness in Women’s Sports Awaits House Action

It is past time for the commonwealth to ensure fairness for women and girls taking part in collegiate and high school sports.

Earlier this year, at the urging of students and parents, the Senate approved bipartisan legislation – twice – to preserve opportunities for female athletes at public schools and colleges by requiring scholastic sports teams to be designated based on biological sex. Senate Bill 1293 would also allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule.

Month after month, the House of Representatives has avoided voting on this reasonable legislation grounded in fairness. The bill has been moved to multiple House committees in a series of parliamentary maneuvers to avoid a vote.

The longer the House delays, the more female athletes are at risk of being unfairly forced off the field or the winner’s podium. We must enact the Save Women’s Sports Act to restore common sense to scholastic sports.

Treasury Launches New Financial Education Hub

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced the launch of the department’s online Financial Education Hub, a one-stop-shop of resources designed to help Pennsylvanians improve their financial literacy and make informed financial decisions.

The new hub brings together state and federal resources covering topics such as budgeting, saving, retirement planning, digital assets and cryptocurrencies. It also includes information on Treasury programs, like the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program, Keystone Scholars and PA ABLE.

Resources are organized for specific audiences including students, teachers, active military members, veterans and older adults. Visit the Financial Education Hub here.

Avoiding Student Loan Forgiveness Scams

Students and families that have taken out loans to pay for higher education are at risk of being targeted by loan forgiveness scams.

“Act immediately to qualify for student loan forgiveness” is just one of the high-pressure loan forgiveness pitches used to trick borrowers into sharing personal information. Scammers will frequently request an up-front or monthly fee while promising immediate and total student loan cancellation. Most government forgiveness programs require years of qualifying payments or employment in certain fields before forgiving loans.

Be wary of aggressive language and check the source before clicking. Learn more about avoiding these scams here.

Job Opportunities for Nurses at PA Veterans Homes

Pennsylvania’s six veterans homes care for our neighbors who answered the call to serve. The homes offer levels of care tailored to the specific health needs of residents and are supplemented with an array of clinical services.

Pennsylvania veterans homes are looking to hire registered nurses and license practical nurses to provide the kind of care that will allow veterans to live an active and healthy life with as much independence as possible.

Learn more about these opportunities and apply here.

Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Accepting Applications for 2027

Teenagers in jeopardy of not graduating on time or dropping out of school have a chance at obtaining their basic education through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy.

Applications are being accepted for its first class of 2027, which begins in January at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. There is no tuition cost to attend, and meals, housing, uniforms and school supplies are provided at no charge.

The program lasts for five-and-a-half months as a residential phase and 24 months of mentorship by academy staff back in home communities. Learn more about the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy and apply here.

In the District!