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In this Update:
Thank you, First Responders! UPDATE on Michaux State Forest Fires
Two active wildfires –Thompson Hollow Fire and Hammonds Rocks fire—are currently burning in Michaux State Forest in Cumberland County. The Thompson Hollow Fire started around 5 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon, April 23, and the Hammonds Rocks Fire started around 2 p.m. on Thursday afternoon, April 24. The cause of these fires is currently under investigation. As of the publication of this ENews Update:
Initially, communities and infrastructure were threatened on Thompson Hollow Road and Three Turn Road. Over the last several days, firefighters have worked tirelessly to protect lives, property and our natural resources. Thanks to the courageous and collaborative efforts of many emergency responders, including several volunteer fire companies from the 34th Senate District, no structures or lives have been lost. I continue to stay in regular communication with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Cumberland County. I thank them for keeping us informed of the progress being made and for allowing me to see some of the response firsthand. For the latest information, visit www.pa.gov/cumberland-county-wildfires. Federal ID Requirements Change on May 7: Get REAL ID Now
Beginning May 7, standard driver’s licenses will no longer permit you to board flights, visit military bases and enter certain federal facilities. Then, acceptable options will be a passport, military ID or a REAL ID. If you’re not sure whether a REAL ID is right for you, this REAL ID online wizard may be able to help. You do not need to wait until your driver’s license renews to get a REAL ID. To get one, you must provide documents proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Pennsylvania residency. All acceptable documents must be original versions or certified copies (if applicable).
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. May 10, 2025 9:00 am – 11:00 am May 17, 2025 9:00 am – 11:00 am June 14, 2025 9:00 am – 11:00 am COMING SOON: We are working to reschedule our Shippensburg license plate replacement event, originally scheduled for April 26, which was postponed In response to wildfire emergency management needs. 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. PA Law Protects Patients from Surprise Medical Bills
The No Surprises Act protects patients from surprise medical bills in situations where they have little to no control over who provides their care. A surprise medical bill is defined in the law as an unexpected medical cost incurred when a patient unknowingly obtains health care services by an out-of-network provider. The No Surprises Act protects patients who receive emergency and non-emergency services from being billed for more than they would have paid if the providers were in-network. Learn more and request review of an unexpected medical bill here. Applications Open: Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk Youth
Since 2022, the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) has been transforming the lives of teenagers using a military academy style training model to provide structure and discipline. KSCA is a joint effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the National Guard Bureau, in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Applications may be submitted now through July 12 for the 22-week class that begins in July. The program is open to 16- to 18-year-old Pennsylvania residents who are at risk of not graduating from high school, no longer attending any school or have not received a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Applicants must be willing to be drug free, free of felony convictions and voluntarily commit to the program. If selected, students will attend the residential phase at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. Learn more about eligibility requirements and begin the application process. Anyone who prefers to have an application mailed or would like to talk with someone about the program may contact the academy by emailing RA-MVPAChallenge@pa.gov or calling (717) 861–7767. Greeting the Next Generation of Public Servants
Last week, I had the great pleasure of welcoming 785 participants for the Commonwealth’s Bring Your Child to Work Day! I hope parents and children alike had a great time engaging with Pennsylvania’s state government. I hope many were inspired to become future public servants themselves. May 4-10 is Small Business Week
More than 1 million Pennsylvania small businesses provide jobs for 2.4 million people, and they have a tremendous impact on state and local economies. When you spend $100 at a small business, $48 goes back into the local economy. If you spend $100 at a big box store, only $14 stays local. Shopping at local businesses supports our friends, neighbors, and communities. Those who have or would like to start a small business can find resources at the PA Business One-Stop Shop, including comprehensive support, personalized guidance and an extensive partner network. Beat Breast Cancer with Early Detection
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of women ages 50-74 have not received a mammogram in the past two years. May is Mammography Month in Pennsylvania – a great time to remind the women in your life to schedule a screening or make your own appointment. When diagnosed at its earliest stages, breast cancer has a survival rate exceeding 90%. Anyone who is uninsured or underinsured can get a free mammogram through the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. All women at high risk of developing breast cancer can also access genetic testing of hereditary cancer syndromes and supplemental breast screenings without any out-of-pocket costs because of landmark legislation Senate Republicans passed in 2023.
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