Senator Rothman E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Newburg Remembers the Fallen
  • Fish for Free This Sunday
  • Senate Acts to Tighten Safety Standards for Operating Big Rigs
  • New Medical and Health Professional Loans Support Graduate Students
  • Local Groups Can Apply for Watershed Restoration Grants
  • Explore Our Rivers and Lakes with Safe Boating
  • Questions to Ask Ahead of Your Mammogram
  • Marine Corps League: Service and Camaraderie
  • Honoring Those Who Gave All

Newburg Remembers the Fallen

Collage of photos from the Newburg Memorial Day Event with Sen. Rothman.

Newburg hosted its 96th annual Memorial Day Observance this past weekend. It was humbling to participate and honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. The rifle salute was especially meaningful; each shot fired was a solemn reminder of the selflessness, bravery, and heroism of our fallen service members. Freedom is NOT free!

Fish for Free This Sunday

man fishing in a boat on a large lake

This Sunday, May 24, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will host a Fish for Free day, allowing anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish on all Pennsylvania waterways. No license is required, but all other fishing regulations still apply.

This is the first of two dates set by the PFBC to enhance fishing opportunities, expose the next generation of anglers to the sport, and encourage enjoyment of our waterways. The next “Fish for Free” day is Saturday, July 4. More information is available here.

Senate Acts to Tighten Safety Standards for Operating Big Rigs

White tractor trailer rig driving under highway underpass with red car on its right.

The Senate approved two bills to tighten commercial driver’s license (CDL) safety standards and close dangerous loopholes in Pennsylvania’s licensing and training systems.

Senate Bill 1294 improves the training curriculum and strengthens penalties to shut down unqualified “CDL Mills.” Senate Bill 1295 requires English proficiency in all testing applications to operate an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle on public highways.

The legislation was developed after a Senate hearing exposed alarming gaps in current laws, including instances where individuals without proper training or English proficiency have operated heavy commercial vehicles on U.S. highways. The bills were sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about these CDL improvement bills here

New Medical and Health Professional Loans Support Graduate Students

Female healthcare professional standing in blue scrubs and stethoscope around her neck

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency has launched a new Medical and Health Professional Loan Program to support graduate students in medical, dental, veterinarian and health professional studies.

The program features deferred repayment during residency, fellowship, internship, research and other clinical training, and the potential for reduced reliance on co-signers. This initiative helps fill critical, specialized positions to serve citizens across the commonwealth.

Medical students can apply here. Other health-related students can apply here.

Students pursuing advanced degrees in other areas of study can apply here.

Local Groups Can Apply for Watershed Restoration Grants

Large, flowing stream with trees and greenery on either side

Local governments, schools, nonprofits, watershed groups and other organizations have until June 22 to apply for Growing Greener Plus grants to help fund local projects that fix flooding problems and restore watersheds.

Growing Greener Plus helps cover the cost of watershed protection, surface mining conservation and reclamation, and stormwater management planning.

All proposals will be competitively reviewed for eligibility, environmental benefits and other criteria. Organizations can access eligibility guidelines and applications here.

Explore Our Rivers and Lakes with Safe Boating

Midsized boat traveling through the middle of a lake with trees and mountains in the background.

Waterways in our area and across the commonwealth provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy boating.  

During National Safe Boating Week, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers a checklist of basic safety guidelines including:

  • Always wear a life jacket.
  • Never boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Have a float plan to let someone know when and where you will be boating.
  • Check the weather forecast for storms and high-water conditions.
  • Take a Boating Safety Education Course.

For more information on safe boating, to take a Boating Safety Education Course and to purchase launch permits, boat registration renewals and fishing licenses, visit the commission’s boating webpage.

Questions to Ask Ahead of Your Mammogram

White text on pick background reading “Know before you go. Questions to answer before you schedule your diagnostic mammogram, breast MRI or ultrasound.

If you’re taking advantage of the new state law that covers diagnostic breast imaging at no cost for insured individuals, make your Mammo May complete by answering these key questions before you go:

  • Is this imaging considered screening or diagnostic?
  • Am I insured under PA law / is my plan state-regulated?
  • If yes, when will Act 52 take effect for me?
  • If yes, have I confirmed coverage with my insurer?

Learn more about what you need to know before you go to your appointment here.

Marine Corps League: Service and Camaraderie

Collage of photos from West Pennsboro Park for their annual family picnic with Sen. Rothman

The Marine Corps League, Lewis B. Puller Jr, Detachment 524 does great work throughout the year.  They serve our veterans, military and Gold Star families as well as the community at large through extensive volunteerism and engagement. In addition to their many impactful service projects, the group is known for its camaraderie. This week they gathered at the West Pennsboro Park for their annual family picnic. The company, food and weather simply couldn’t be beat! It was an honor to attend and spend some time with my fellow Marines.

Honoring Those Who Gave All

Rows of white grave markers on green grass with small U.S. flags planted near each and flowers planted at grave marker in foreground.

Memorial Day is a time to pause as a nation and honor the memory of Americans who left their hometowns and laid down their lives in service to our country. Their sacrifice is a debt we can never fully repay. We vow to always remember them and cherish the freedoms for which they fought.

There are a number of Memorial Day services, parades, and other events scheduled across Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties in the coming days. I hope all are able to find a way to honor the heroes who have given the last full measure of devotion.

“Heroes never die. They live on forever in the hearts and minds of those who would follow in their footsteps.” – Emily Potter.

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