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In this Update:
A Closer Look at Supporting Student Safety Initiatives
Families need to be able to trust their children will be protected from harm when they’re at school, and students deserve to focus on their learning. Continuing Senate Republicans’ leadership of efforts to provide safe learning environments for students, $100 million was included in this year’s state budget for all school districts to address school safety, security needs and mental health concerns. An additional $20 million for safety grants is also made available to nonpublic schools that apply by Thursday, Sept. 26. Applications for both grant programs are available online. Recently passed legislation calls for every school district in Pennsylvania to have a school security officer who has completed armed security training to protect students. The security presence will consist of at least one trained and vetted school security officer, which may be either a school police officer, school resource officer or school security guard. See what other steps Senate Republicans are taking in our work to strengthen Pennsylvania here. Senate Approves $75 Million to Expand Educational Opportunities for Students
Parents know best when it comes to the individual needs of their children, which is why Senate Republicans continue to stand up for parental empowerment and involvement in their children’s education. We’ve worked to dedicate an additional $75 million this year to the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC). The EITC program helps to provide students with the opportunity to learn in the environment that best meets their specific educational needs. Through a collaborative approach of providing tax credits to businesses making contributions to create additional educational opportunities for Pennsylvania families, more children are able to receive assistance. Eligible contributions are those made to scholarship organizations, educational improvement organizations and pre-kindergarten scholarship organizations. Learn more about the EITC program here. Customized Travel Alerts Available Through 511PA
We all want to avoid heavy traffic, road closures and anything else that may delay us on the road, and potential hassles will be different for motorists depending on where they live and where they are going. 511PA now offers the opportunity to sign up for personalized travel alerts based on specific areas and routes, days and times, and road issue (type of trouble and when cleared). On 511PA’s website, navigate to “My 511” at the top to set up an account and begin receiving alerts. Expanded Access to Benefits for PA Disabled Veterans
A new Pennsylvania law that went into effect this month exempts 100% of disabled veterans’ benefit payments from income calculations for any commonwealth program or benefit. Act 27 of 2024 ensures veterans who receive disability compensation will not have those payments counted against them when applying to programs such as the Real Estate Property Tax Exemption, the Educational Gratuity Program, the Veterans Temporary Assistance Program and the Military Family Relief Assistance Program. The exclusion also applies to unspent veterans’ benefit payments and is extended to the unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran upon that veteran’s death. Celebrating Back to School Month by Brushing Up on School Bus Safety
As students head back to school, school buses require additional caution from drivers. School districts are now permitted to use automated cameras on stop signal arms to enforce the school bus stopping law. Learn more and find parent safety tips and a reminder of other laws here. Pennsylvania law requires motorists to stop at least 10 feet away from school buses when their red lights are flashing and their stop arm is extended. Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn, and all children have reached safety. Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety. Penalties for failure to obey school bus safety laws can result in a $250 fine and a $35 surcharge to be deposited into the School Bus Safety Grant Program account, five points on a driving record and a 60-day license suspension. Around the District
Yesterday, I was pleased to join Congressman John Joyce, Rep. Perry Stambaugh, the Perry County Commissioners, the Perry County Chamber, representatives from Brightspeed, and others in New Bloomfield for a press conference announcing broadband expansions and upgrades in Perry County. These investments will significantly improve internet accessibility and reliability for residents in unserved and underserved areas, ultimately contributing to our quality of life and economic development.
It was inspiring to visit Join Hands Ministry this week and see the great work being done through community partnerships. Their programs help to meet the financial, educational, physical, and daily living needs of adults and children in Perry County. Those needing assistance and those interested in supporting this important mission are encouraged to reach out to Join Hands Ministry.
I had the opportunity to spend the afternoon at the New Bloomfield Senior Center this week. Helping to serve the meal was a lot of fun! I enjoyed sitting down afterwards to enjoy the food, the company, and some truly great conversations.
Congratulations to our newest Eagle Scout, Jacob Haney from Troop 168 in Carlisle! We were happy to celebrate his accomplishments with his family, friends, and fellow scouts this week.
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