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In this Update:
Gebhard to Host Workshop Discussion on Wasteful, Vacant, Unused State Properties
Next week, I will join the Senate Majority Policy Committee to host a workshop discussion along with Sen. Scott Hutchinson (R-21). This roundtable discussion will detail the significant statewide problem of vacant, unused state properties and how it affects the communities that host them. Many of these properties have remained vacant for far too long – at a very high cost to the taxpayers. Last session, I sponsored legislation to end wasteful spending at vacant state centers in White Haven, Hamburg, and Polk. Expected panelists for this conversation include officials from the PA Department of General Services, locally elected leaders, and local business groups. This event will take place on Thursday, January 9, 2025, from 2-4 PM at the Hamburg Strand Theater located at 6 South 4th St. in Hamburg, PA. You can also watch at Home – Majority Policy Committee. Congratulations to Officer Steven Bord on Retirement from the Lebanon City Police Department
It was my honor to thank Sgt. Steven Bord and present him with a citation to recognize his 39 years of public service with the Lebanon City Police Department. He began his career in 1985 and served 7 and a half years in the Patrol Division, 1 and a half years in the Traffic Safety Division, 1 and a half year in the Criminal Division, and 7 and a half years as a Forensic Specialist. After returning to the Patrol Division, he was quickly promoted to the Rank of Sergeant and Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Platoon for over 20 years. Sgt. Bord has performed as a vocalist for numerous concerts representing the City of Lebanon and its Police Department, with the Lebanon Community Concert Band during their 911 Concert series, 4th of July Concerts, the Hershey Symphony Orchestra, and the Harrisburg Symphony. He has made a lasting impact in our community and will leave some big shoes to fill. Thank you, Sgt. Bord, for your service and all the best in your retirement. Family-Sustaining Jobs Give Pennsylvanians Great Opportunity
Access to family-sustaining jobs give Pennsylvanians the opportunity to thrive, so Senate Republicans focused on creating an environment to attract and retain great employers. That’s why we worked to continue the phase-down of the jobs-killing Corporate Net Income Tax and began eliminating the start-up penalty that thwarts entrepreneurship. We also funded scholarships to encourage young people to fill high-demand job openings and enacted the Max Manufacturing Initiative so Pennsylvania can produce high-value products and create family-sustaining jobs. Because high energy prices mean fewer jobs, we fought the RGGI electricity tax and streamlined the permit-review process for job creators. The budget we passed ensures business sites are prepared to welcome new jobs and created new Keystone Opportunity Zones to bring new businesses to underutilized parcels of land. Read more about how we have protected PA jobs. Senate Republicans Vote for Healthy Communities
To support families, Senate Republicans passed bills in the 2023-24 legislative session that foster healthy communities. Landmark legislation eliminated out-of-pocket costs for breast cancer screening and testing for women at high risk – the first bill of its kind in the nation. Pennsylvanians also have greater access to licensed addiction treatment programs because of a bill we passed. From babies who are just a few days old to people who have lived a long life, new laws help Pennsylvanians with the medical care they need. Struggling babies now have critical access to life-saving care provided by medically prescribed pasteurized human donor milk. Another new law prevents senior citizens using Pennsylvania’s prescription drug programs from losing their benefits due to a Social Security cost-of-living increase. Learn more about our efforts to improve health care, including tackling health care staffing shortages, improving patient care options and reducing administrative burdens for health care providers. Home Heating Assistance Takes the Chill Out
Residents struggling with their home heating bills may apply for assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through April 4. LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. It also provides crisis grants to help in the event of an emergency or if a resident is in danger of losing his or her heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel or termination of utility service. The income eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP are $22,590 for an individual, $30,660 for a couple and $46,800 for a family of four. Find limits for other family sizes here. Residents may apply for LIHEAP online or by contacting their local county assistance office. Free Drug Overdose Prevention Supplies Available
Naloxone and drug-checking strips designed to detect xylazine and fentanyl are available at no cost through the Pennsylvania Overdose Prevention Program. The program’s goal is to improve community-based distribution and harm reduction efforts while focusing on individuals who face the greatest risk of experiencing overdose. Organizations can use an interactive map, which can be filtered by product, distribution methods and trainings offered. It will display contact information for getting supplies. If organizations aren’t able to get supplies using the map, they’re encouraged to use this form. PA Farm Show Runs Jan. 4-11
As a state where agriculture is one of the top industries, Pennsylvania is proud to host the largest indoor agricultural exposition under one roof in the nation. The Pennsylvania Farm Show runs from Jan. 4-11 in Harrisburg. The Farm Show features nearly 6,000 animals, competitive events and 250 commercial exhibits. There are also educational and entertaining events – and of course the famed Food Court. Admission is free, and parking is $15 per car. Agriculture in PA employs nearly half a million people and contributes $132.5 billion to the state’s economy annually. Local Events
Saturday, January 4-5: Drag Racing Showcase Saturday, January 4: War on Winter Veteran Ride Saturday, January 4, 8am-1pm: Winter Marketplace Saturday, January 4-11: 2025 PA Farm Show Saturday, January 4, 10am-5pm: Leesport Record Riot
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