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In this Update:
Veterans Appreciation BreakfastVeterans and their spouses are invited to attend a free breakfast on Saturday, October 26. Reservations are required and can be made HERE. We look forward to seeing you and honoring all who have served! A Closer Look at Energy Affordability and ReliabilityEnergy costs are on the rise. Grid reliability continues to be a threat. Increased costs and compromised reliability would be worsened by a unilateral decision former Gov. Tom Wolf made to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Joining RGGI will increase electricity rates for consumers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs, and lead to the closure of Pennsylvania power plants. Rolling blackouts will become commonplace when energy production cannot keep up with demand. Senate Republicans are actively fighting against Pennsylvania’s entry into RGGI, obtaining a court order that prevents the commonwealth from implementing the program because the court agreed that Wolf lacked the authority to join RGGI. Gov. Josh Shapiro appealed that court order to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, where the case is pending and briefs were filed this week by the Senate Republicans to prevent RGGI implementation. Senate Republicans stand ready to pass legislation to repeal the RGGI Energy Tax that has already been introduced if the legal process isn’t successful. We also passed bills that would ensure Pennsylvanians have options regarding fuel availability, help to secure the state’s future as a hub for carbon capture and sequestration and most effectively capitalize on the state’s abundant natural resources through the creation of the Independent Energy Office to provide impartial data. How to File a Banking ComplaintConsumers who have unsuccessfully attempted to resolve disputes with their financial institutions regarding services or products have options. Complaints may be submitted to the Department of Banking and Securities Consumer Services Office online or toll-free by calling 1-800-PA-BANKS (1-800-722-2657) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The department aims to provide responses to consumer complaints within 10 days of receipt. While the Consumer Services Office will make the effort to address consumer complaints, there is no guarantee the matter can or will be resolved. However, complaints are important because they allow the Department of Banking and Securities to identify patterns of unfair or deceptive practices that may result in further action. Applications Open: Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk YouthThe Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) is accepting applications for its class, which begins in January 2025. KSCA is designed to give academically challenged teens a second chance at obtaining their basic education, as well as learning leadership, self-discipline and responsibility. 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 22-week residential phase at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. Learn more about eligibility requirements and begin the application process here. 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. Free Webinars Provide Useful College Financial Aid InfoThe Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is holding free webinars to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process. On Tuesday, Sept. 24, at noon, speakers will discuss the financial aid timeline. On Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m., speakers will focus on how to search for scholarships and pay for any remaining costs. Register to attend the one-hour webinars. Around the District9/11 Remembrance Ceremony 23 years ago, we vowed to NEVER FORGET. I spent yesterday morning in solemn remembrance of the 2,977 innocent lives lost on September 11, 2001, and reflecting on the exceptional heroism demonstrated that day and in the days, weeks, and months the followed. I was humbled to participate in Patriot Day Ceremony hosted by Naval Support Activity installation in Hampden Township. Village of Eshcol Recovery In response to extensive flood damage that occurred in the Village of Eshcol, Saville Township, Perry County, we organized a meeting of state, county, and local officials to discuss the ongoing emergency response as well as how we can work together to expedite permits, deploy resources and get this great community back on its feet. Thanks to Saville Township for hosting and everyone who came out this week, including Rep. Perry Stambaugh, the Perry County Commissioners, PennDOT District 8, Department of Environmental Protection, Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency, Perry County Emergency Management, and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Millersburg Elementary Congratulations to the administrators, teachers, board members, parents and students of Millersburg Elementary on your new elementary building. The recent ribbon cutting ceremony was a testament to the strength and bond of this great community. We were honored to celebrate with you! County Commissioners Breakfast It’s always great to connect with County Commissioners from the 34th Senatorial District! I appreciated the opportunity to catch up with Frank Campbell from Perry County and Kelly Neiderer from Cumberland County at the Greater Harrisburg Association of Realtors County Commissioners’ Breakfast this week.
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