Senator Rothman E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Students: Apply Now for Grow PA Scholarships
  • Replace Damaged License Plates for FREE This Saturday
  • Survey: How Did PennDOT Do This Winter?
  • PA Women Veterans: Register Now for Capitol Ceremony Honoring Your Service
  • How to Locate Lost Military Documents
  • Around the District
  • April 26 is Celebrate Trails Day

Students: Apply Now for Grow PA Scholarships

As our young people often leave the Commonwealth for employment elsewhere, PA’s fastest-growing age demographic is adults aged 85 and above. We passed the Grow PA package to provide scholarships to help young Pennsylvanians pay for college, remain in the Commonwealth, and fill good-paying, in-demand jobs.  The Grow PA scholarship program aims to retain talent and encourage graduates to begin their careers in Pennsylvania, benefitting students, employers, consumers, and the commonwealth’s economy.

As part of this year’s state budget, the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification for an in-demand occupation. Qualifying courses of study include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs approved by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

Because the funding is being awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s important to apply as soon as possible. To qualify for the grant, applicants must agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation for 12 months for each year they receive the grant. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the grant converting to a loan requiring repayment. Learn more or apply here.

Replace Damaged License Plates for FREE This Saturday

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 our first replacement event in Shippensburg this Saturday, or any of the events listed here to have your plate checked and have all necessary paperwork completed.

April 26, 2025 9:00 am – 11:00 am
First Assembly of God Church
420 Baltimore Road Shippensburg

May 10, 2025 9:00 am – 11:00 am
River of God Church
747 Wertzville Road Enola

May 17, 2025 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Perry County Fairgrounds
248 Fairground Road Newport

June 14, 2025 9:00 am – 11:00 am
Grace United Methodist Church
982 Medical Road Millersburg

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.

Survey: How Did PennDOT Do This Winter?

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is offering a short survey so motorists can offer their feedback on the winter services PennDOT provided.

Filling out the survey allows you to share your thoughts about where you get information about road conditions, how soon you can expect roads to be safe to travel following a winter storm event and what features you would find useful from 511PA.com.

There is also an opportunity to share additional comments. The survey can be completed anonymously.

PA Women Veterans: Register Now for Capitol Ceremony Honoring Your Service

Pennsylvania women who served in the armed forces have until May 9 to register for a state Capitol ceremony honoring their service on Tuesday, June 10. A virtual display will also be available online and will go live on June 9.

The event will recognize the courage and dedication of Pennsylvania’s women veterans from World War II to the present. Women veterans from all branches of the military are encouraged to attend and take part.

The first Women Veterans Day Capitol exhibit took place in 2023, after passage of legislation observing Women Veterans Day in Pennsylvania annually on June 12. New participants are encouraged to share their service stories by completing the required submission form. Veterans featured in last year’s display who wish to participate again may simply update their previous submission.

How to Locate Lost Military Documents

In order to access certain benefits, veterans often need to provide documentation of their service to our Nation.

While my office and our county Veterans Affairs Offices are always eager to help, some veterans may find it more convenient to access their own digital records, including their DD214, by setting up an account through the VA e-Benefits portal. Those discharged before 2010 can directly request their records by completing the Standard Form 180, which includes mailing instructions on the last page. They may also visit the National Archives and Records Administration site to submit a signed form electronically.

Those needing assistance with the e-Benefits portal is are encouraged to call 1-800-547-2838, email RA-REQ@pg.gov or learn more online.

Around the District

Built in 1798, the Peace Church is believed to be the oldest church in Cumberland County that remains in its original condition. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places, has a state historical marker and played a pivotal role in the Civil War. A white ash tree on the church grounds is estimated to be between 350 and 400 years old. This tree can be considered a “witness tree” like those on the grounds of the Gettysburg Battlefield, as it witnessed Civil War action – with four cannons placed on the church’s lawn by the Confederate Army. The church property is the northernmost point of battle in the Civil War and it can be said that if General Jenkins troops had not been called back to Gettysburg to participate in the famous battle, they would have taken Harrisburg.

I was honored to attend Good Friday services at Peace Church.  The music played on the 1807 Conrad Doll organ was timeless and Rev. Moyer’s message was moving. Thanks to the Friends of Peace Church for the invitation to observe the holiday with them and especially for all they’ve done to preserve the structure and grounds for future generations!

April 26 is Celebrate Trails Day

Hiking is good for the mind, body, and soul. It’s a great way to experience and connect with nature.  Including trails in state parks, trails in state forests and rail trails – former railway lines that were converted to paths for foot and bicycle traffic – Pennsylvania has thousands of miles of trails to explore.

Trail lengths and difficulties vary. Some trails are scenic or leisurely, while others are self-guiding educational. Still others offer rigorous exercise.

No matter the trail you choose, enjoy it safely by planning the route for your trip as cell phones and GPS units may not work in some areas. Bring a friend, monitor the weather and stay on the trail. It’s also important to share your route and the time you expect to return with someone who will not be on the trail with you.

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