Senator Rothman E-Newsletter

View this email in a browser

In this Update:

  • Senate Passes Bill Benefitting Career and Technical Education
  • Program Increasing Digital Connectivity to Provide Laptops
  • Replace Damaged License Plates at Upcoming Events
  • Purple Star Schools Support Military Children
  • Around the District
  • Greek Independence and Culture Celebrated at the Capitol
  • Passover Begins April 12

Senate Passes Bill Benefitting Career and Technical Education

Career and technical education prepares students for rewarding, family-sustaining careers, often at a significantly reduced cost compared to attending a four-year college. Pennsylvania is in great need of people with this training, and there are many job openings waiting to be filled.

To ensure people have the training needed for these jobs, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 315. The legislation would provide more certainty regarding grant funding for career and technical education equipment by making funding calculations before the school year in which the allocation occurs.

Currently, schools are reimbursed after they have made purchases based on calculations made near the end of the school year. Read more about career and technical education opportunities in the commonwealth.

Program Increasing Digital Connectivity to Provide Laptops

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) is accepting applications for its Digital Connectivity Technology Program.

Through the program, the PBDA will purchase and distribute $20 million in devices such as laptops for eligible public-facing institutions including libraries, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, and other institutions that can offer internet access to individuals who lack the technology.

PBDA strongly encourages interested applicants to review the program FAQ before applying. The FAQ, pre-recorded webinar providing an overview of the program, guidelines and online application are available here. Applications must be submitted by Friday, May 30.

Replace Damaged License Plates at Upcoming Events

PennDOT-issued license plates that have: lost reflectivity, are peeling, blistering, or are discolored, and/or are unreadable from 50 feet away are eligible for FREE replacement. Stop by any of the events listed here to have your plate checked and have all necessary paperwork completed. There is no fee for this service. Once processed by PennDOT, replacement plates can be picked up at one of my offices or mailed directly to the applicant(s). Visit my website for more information.

Purple Star Schools Support Military Children

Military children face unique challenges as a result of frequent moves and parental deployments. To give them the best chance of success, the Senate passed Act 69 of 2022. The law created the Purple Star designation for schools that demonstrate their commitment to supporting military families.

Special thanks to Carlisle Area School District, Cumberland Valley School District, and St. Patrick Catholic School for joining me last week at the Capitol to promote the importance of the Purple Star program and the positive impact it has had in their schools. 

Many schools have embraced this program and stepped-up to help the children of our service members. Purple Star Schools go the extra mile to provide stability, resources and a welcoming community for military children, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive.

Pennsylvania has 37,000 children with parents serving in the military – and 80% of these children are in kindergarten through grade 12 and attend public schools. Learn more about Purple Star Schools.

Around the District

Congratulations to our newest Eagle Scout, Maxwell Meacock of Troop 174.  I was grateful for the opportunity to join him, his family, friends, and fellow scouts at his Court of Honor this week. Max is an inspiring young man with a heart for service. I expect that we’ll continue to see him leading, taking on challenges, and doing great things.  

Thanks to everyone who came out to our Identity Theft Prevention event on Saturday! Thanks, as well, to PA State Rep. Sheryl Delozier, PA State Rep. Thomas Kutz, Hampden Township and Silver Spring Township for partnering to help area residents to protect their personal information through document shredding and disposal.

Greek Independence and Culture Celebrated at the Capitol

It was a joy to welcome the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral to the Capitol this week, with Rep. Nate Davidson, PA State Rep. Sheryl Delozier, and Rep. Steve Malagari in belated celebration of Greek Independence Day! The church, its heritage, and its members are blessings to our community, reminding us all of the power of faith and the relentless pursuit of liberty.

Passover Begins April 12

Saturday marks the beginning of Passover, the eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites’ emancipation from slavery in ancient Egypt. Wishing all who observe a Happy Passover! Shalom!

divider

If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here.

Facebook Twitter/X Instagram Website

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorrothman.com | Privacy Policy