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In this Update:
Open Government: Tracking How Your Tax Dollars are SpentGovernment is funded with money paid by taxpayers, and resources are available to shed light on how those dollars are being spent by the commonwealth. The PennWATCH website allows citizens to keep tabs on the state budget, spending and revenue. Pennsylvania also makes it easy for people to review state purchases, lobbyist registrations and reports and campaign finance reports. Announced earlier this year by state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, OpenBookPA is a vast resource of data and information related to state finances. It includes the Fiscal Health Scorecard, the daily balance of every state fund and the Contracts e-Library, which allows people to search all state contracts valued at $5,000 or more. Give Your Feedback on PennDOT Construction, Maintenance ServicesThrough Oct. 21, motorists can take an online survey to give their feedback on Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) construction and maintenance services. The 22-question survey asks participants how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations in construction and maintenance activities. Respondents are also asked about experiences with reporting concerns to the department, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. PennDOT is directly responsible for nearly 40,000 miles of highway and 25,400 bridges. A summary of recent projects and funds spent can be found in the 2024 Annual Report. Senate Passes Bill to Equip Law Enforcement, Deter TheftUnfortunately, theft of catalytic converters, copper pipe and wire, even railroad equipment is on the rise, with thieves selling the stolen goods as scrap metal. These crimes leave families and businesses to deal with the costly aftermath. We passed legislation to strengthen regulations and equip law enforcement with better tools to track and prosecute offenders. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 914 repeals the Scrap Metal Theft Prevention Act and moves the requirements to Title 18, the Crimes Code. Title 18 requires scrap processors and recycling facilities to collect buyer information, set commercial-account rules, restrict purchases of certain materials and create penalties. Veterans Invited to Attend Appreciation BreakfastVeterans and a guest are invited to attend a free breakfast on Saturday, November 8 in Carlisle. Registration for the event is 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, Oct. 25PennDOT-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! Game Commission Stocks for Pheasant SeasonI had a great time stocking pheasants with the Pennsylvania Game Commission this week, at State Game Land 230 in North Middleton Twp. The agency anticipates releasing between 215,000 and 220,000 pheasants statewide for youth season (Oct. 11-18), the general season (Oct. 25-Nov. 28), and the late season (Dec. 15-24 and Dec. 26-Feb. 28). For more information about the season, pheasant management, and regional allocations, visit the Game Commission’s page HERE. Need a license? Purchase one online or find a license issuing agent HERE. Sign-Up to Receive my Monthly Funding and Resource NewsletterMunicipalities, non-profits, first responders, and community organizations can learn about a wide variety of both public and private grant/funding opportunities through my monthly newsletter. If you’re not already receiving it, complete the form HERE and note: Monthly Funding Newsletter. I’ll be glad to add you to future email distributions. Expanding Coverage of Breast Cancer ScreeningsEarlier this year, the Senate passed a bill to expand insurance coverage for breast cancer screenings, including MRIs and ultrasounds, with no out-of-pocket costs. It was another major step forward in early detection and access to care. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’m hopeful the House of Representatives will pass this legislation, so more Pennsylvanians have access to these lifesaving screenings. Read more about breast cancer risk and new resources available for early detection here.
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