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In this Update:
Honoring Three Local Heroes from Lebanon County
I joined Rep. Russ Diamond (R-102) to recognize the extraordinary actions of three local heroes from Lebanon County with legislative citations on Tuesday at the Richland Borough meeting. In the early morning hours of Aug. 1, Daulton Faust and Kevin Kepley, members of the Neptune Fire Company, and Rory Righter witnessed a construction truck stuck on the railroad tracks in Richland Borough. As the train quickly approached, the three bystanders sprang into action and pulled the driver from the truck just sixteen seconds before the train struck the vehicle, effectively saving his life. Kevin has served with the Neptune Fire Company for more than eight years and is its current president. Dalton joined the Neptune Fire Company in 2022 as a junior firefighter. Rory is a former Boy Scout with the rank of Life Scout and is also a member of the FFA at ELCO High School. All three showed extraordinary bravery and selflessness, stepping in and putting themselves in potential danger. It was my honor to be able to recognize their heroism. Nearly 300 Acres of Farmland Preserved in the 48th District
I’m happy to announce that the Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board recently approved the preservation of three more farms in the 48th Senatorial District, protecting nearly 300 acres of farmland for future generations.
Preserving productive farmland helps protect our agricultural heritage and ensures farming remains a strong part of Pennsylvania’s economy and way of life for generations to come. Learn more about Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program. Bill Protecting Fairness in Women’s Sports Awaits House Action
As students across Pennsylvania return to school, it is past time for the commonwealth to ensure fairness for women and girls taking part in collegiate and high school sports. Earlier this year, at the urging of students and parents, the Senate approved bipartisan legislation – twice – to preserve opportunities for female athletes at public schools and colleges by requiring scholastic sports teams to be designated based on biological sex. Senate Bill 1293 would also allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule. Month after month, the House of Representatives has avoided voting on this reasonable legislation grounded in fairness. The bill has been moved to multiple House committees in a series of parliamentary maneuvers to avoid a vote. The longer the House delays, the more female athletes are at risk of being unfairly forced off the field or the winner’s podium. We must enact the Save Women’s Sports Act to restore common sense to scholastic sports. Thanks for Attending our Sportsman Expo
Thank you to everyone who joined us at this past weekend’s Sportsman Expo with Rep. Jamie Barton (R-124) and Rep. Eric Weaknecht (R-5). It was a great event celebrating and supporting the sportsmen and women who make our outdoor community so strong. Treasury Launches New Financial Education Hub
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced the launch of the department’s online Financial Education Hub, a one-stop-shop of resources designed to help Pennsylvanians improve their financial literacy and make informed financial decisions. The new hub brings together state and federal resources covering topics such as budgeting, saving, retirement planning, digital assets and cryptocurrencies. It also includes information on Treasury programs, like the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program, Keystone Scholars and PA ABLE. Resources are organized for specific audiences including students, teachers, active military members, veterans and older adults. Visit the Financial Education Hub here. Avoiding Student Loan Forgiveness Scams
Students and families take out significant loans to pay for higher education, which attracts scammers looking to exploit the situation. “Act immediately to qualify for student loan forgiveness” is just one of the high-pressure loan forgiveness pitches used to trick borrowers into sharing personal information. Scammers will frequently request an up-front or monthly fee while promising immediate and total student loan cancellation. Most government forgiveness programs require years of qualifying payments or employment in certain fields before forgiving loans. Be wary of aggressive language and check the source before clicking. Learn more about avoiding these scams here. Job Opportunities for Nurses at PA Veterans Homes
Pennsylvania’s six veterans homes care for our neighbors who answered the call to serve. The homes offer levels of care tailored to the specific health needs of residents and are supplemented with an array of clinical services. Pennsylvania veterans homes are looking to hire registered nurses and license practical nurses to provide the kind of care that will allow veterans to live an active and healthy life with as much independence as possible. Learn more about these opportunities and apply here. Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Accepting Applications for 2027
Teenagers in jeopardy of not graduating on time or dropping out of school have a chance at obtaining their basic education through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy. Applications are being accepted for its first class of 2027, which begins in January at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. There is no tuition cost to attend, and meals, housing, uniforms and school supplies are provided at no charge. The program lasts for five-and-a-half months as a residential phase and 24 months of mentorship by academy staff back in home communities. Learn more about the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy and apply here. Local Events
Friday, August 28, 5:30-8pm: Berks County Parks Free Concert Saturday, August 29: Pickleball Tournament at Coleman Memorial Park Saturday, August 29, 9am: Wild Goose Chase 5k Run/Walk Saturday, August 29, 6-9pm: Quentin Volunteer Fire Company Summer Music Festival Sunday, August 30, 9am-4pm: Annual Forever 18 Memorial Car Show Wednesday, September 2-4: The Wall That Heals in Campbelltown Monday, September 7, 9am-1pm: Cars & Coffee Friday, September 11-12, Reamstown Days Saturday, September 12, 9am-3pm: Lebanon Valley Fall Fair/ Craft Show Tuesday, September 15-19: The Denver Fair
*Please do not reply to this email, as that mailbox is unattended. To better serve the constituents of the 48th District, I have set up a contact form on my website. Please email cgebhard@pasen.gov if you would like to send me a message. If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or visit https://senatorgebhard.com/ |
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