Senator Rothman E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Register for Veterans Appreciation Breakfast
  • Replace Damaged License Plates in Shippensburg
  • Expanding Government Transparency with OpenBookPA
  • Senate Votes to Help Relieve Long-Term Care Worker Shortage
  • Measure to Help Veteran-Owned Businesses Approved by Senate
  • Grieving with our York County Neighbors, Supporting Law Enforcement
  • Fire and EMS Funding Assistance Available
  • Celebrating the U.S. Constitution
  • Happy Rosh Hashanah

Register for Veterans Appreciation Breakfast

Veterans and their spouses are invited to attend a free breakfast on Saturday, November 8 in Carlisle.  Registration for the event is now open! Please complete the form on my website if you’re planning to attend as registration is required.  We look forward to seeing you and honoring all who have served!

Replace Damaged License Plates in Shippensburg

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 license plate replacement event Saturday, October 25 in Shippensburg, to have your plate checked and have all necessary paperwork completed. There is no fee for this service.

View answers to Frequently Asked Questions and register here. Please note: registration for the event is recommended, in case of event updates, but is not required.  We hope to see you there!

Expanding Government Transparency with OpenBookPA

The Pennsylvania Treasury has launched an expanded portal for state government transparency, providing taxpayers with more tools to explore state finance details.

OpenBookPA’s new features include:

  • An updated dashboard interface with quicker access to state fiscal information including state and federal financial information.
  • A new Local Resources section which shares local government financial reports, school district expenditure and revenue metrics and other local financial metrics with data from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget.
  • Upgraded charts with enhanced security.

Announced by Treasurer Stacy Garrity earlier this month, OpenBookPA also links to the Treasury Checkbook, which includes payments made by Treasury to vendors and the Contracts e-Library, which makes available state contracts, purchase orders and amendments valued at $5,000 or more for public review.

Senate Votes to Help Relieve Long-Term Care Worker Shortage

The number of Pennsylvania residents ages 65 and over is expected to nearly double by 2040, but even now many nursing facilities are forced to take beds out of service because they can’t fill direct care positions.

The Senate recently passed legislation to tackle this critical problem by making it easier for those seeking employment at long-term care centers while still ensuring employees are well-qualified.

Senate Bill 114 would encourage more employees to join the long-term care workforce by expanding the availability of training courses for nurse aides and the eligibility for individuals to take the nurse aide competency exam. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Measure to Help Veteran-Owned Businesses Approved by Senate

Beyond serving our nation in the military, many veterans create jobs through their entrepreneurial spirit. We approved legislation to promote these veteran-owned businesses.

Senate Bill 64 would authorize the creation of a special logo to promote veteran-owned businesses. To be eligible, a business must be registered with the Department of State and at least 51% of the ownership interest must be held by a veteran, reservist or member of the National Guard.

To discourage the logo from being used fraudulently, anyone who falsely claims to be a veteran to obtain this designation would face a misdemeanor of the third degree. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Grieving with our York County Neighbors, Supporting Law Enforcement

The tragic events yesterday in Northern York County have shaken our region and our commonwealth. The loss of three heroes and the wounding of two in the line of duty is heartbreaking.  We mourn with everyone impacted by this heinous act.  We grieve the devastating loss of those who selflessly committed to serving and protecting their community. We will honor their memory and support their loved ones, now and in the coming days, weeks, months, and years.  It is our prayer that all would be given divine comfort and strength.  We’ll continue to pray for the complete healing and full recovery of the wounded.

Those who dedicate their lives to shielding others from danger deserve our deepest gratitude, utmost respect, and our full support every day.  Let’s make sure we’re demonstrating our support for law enforcement officers and first responders on a regular basis. A small gesture can go a long way. 

Fire and EMS Funding Assistance Available

Our local fire and EMS companies save lives, protect property, and provide assistance in our times of need.  I’m grateful for all they do and the sacrifices they make in service to our communities. I’m pleased to announce they can apply now for assistance through the state Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grants program.

The funding is available to volunteer or career fire, rescue and EMS organizations and can be used for facility improvements, equipment purchase and repair, debt reduction, training and certification, and more.

The deadline to apply is Oct. 20. More information, important dates and the online application can be found here.

Celebrating the U.S. Constitution

National Constitution Week runs through Sept. 23, commemorating the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, nine years after the Pennsylvania Constitution.

Our nation’s most important document, the U.S. Constitution has provided Americans throughout history the power to maintain their liberties, freedoms and inalienable rights. Its stature is evident in the fact that every Pennsylvania legislator takes a solemn oath to “support, obey and defend” both constitutions as a condition for holding public office.  I took a similar oath to “support and defend” the U.S. Constitution when I joined the Marine Corps; it’s a commitment that continues to guide my service. 

Check out the resources available from the National Constitution Center, including the signer’s biographies and founders’ library of important primary source documents–speeches, essays, books, and writings–that influenced the drafting of our U.S. Constitution.

Happy Rosh Hashanah

Rosh Hashanah begins Monday at sundown. To everyone celebrating the Jewish New Year, I hope it brings thoughtful reflection, personal growth and renewed hope.

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