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In this Update:
Gebhard to Serve as Banking and Insurance Committee Chair for 2025-26 Legislative Session
This week I was assigned to seven standing Senate committees for the 2025-26 legislative session: Banking and Insurance as chair; Community, Economic and Recreational Development as vice chair; Appropriations; Aging and Youth; Communications and Technology; Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure; and Institutional Sustainability and Innovation. Having worked nearly three decades in the insurance field, I look forward to using my business knowledge as the Chairman of the Banking and Insurance Committee to benefit Pennsylvanians interacting with these critical sectors of our economy. Committees provide legislative oversight and help shape the language in bills that fall under their areas of responsibility. The Banking and Insurance Committee reviews legislation ensuring financial institutions and insurers are compliant with fiscally sound practices, as well as promoting fair and healthy market competition. The Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee supports business growth and development by working closely with the Department of Community and Economic Development on issues pertaining to the state’s various grant and loan programs. The Appropriations Committee considers legislation for its fiscal impact and plays a crucial role in negotiating and developing the state budget. The Aging and Youth Committee oversees the Department of Aging and reviews legislation that affects the programs and services dedicated to senior citizens and younger Pennsylvanians. The Communications and Technology Committee assesses ways to improve access to high-speed internet, protect and secure personal information in state government and create state information technology efficiencies. The Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee protects the health and safety of the public by handing bills, rules and regulations on consumer affairs; regulated public utility services; and the 29 professional and occupational licensing boards in the state. The Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee evaluates legislation concerning the current and future sustainability of institutional facilities such as hospitals, educational facilities and nursing homes. It also oversees impacts to emerging and innovative technologies that could aid in the sustainability of these institutions. Gebhard Invites Community to Ceremony Honoring Public Servant Dave Arnold on Jan. 29
I will be holding a public ceremony naming the newly constructed bridge on State Route 72 over Swatara Creek in honor of the late Sen. David J. Arnold Jr. It will be held roadside on Wednesday, Jan. 29, at 2 p.m. at 2309 PA-72, Jonestown. I authored the legislative language that received unanimous support making the designation possible. Act 63 of 2024, amended to include my provision, designates the bridge officially as the Sen. David J. Arnold Jr. Memorial Bridge. The naming recognizes his years of public service to the commonwealth, Lebanon County. Sen. Arnold made an indelible mark on our community. His legacy should be remembered and serve as an inspiration for us all. He served in multiple roles that helped Pennsylvanians of all ages, including those who were victims of heinous crimes. Sen. Arnold truly made Lebanon County a safer and better place to live. Before being elected to the Senate in 2019, Arnold served as district attorney for Lebanon County for 14 years. As district attorney, he advocated for victims and justice throughout Pennsylvania. Arnold was a member of former Gov. Tom Corbett’s elder abuse task force and served as president of the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association. While Arnold served as a member of the Pennsylvania Senate, he was dedicated to advancing causes to protect the commonwealth’s children. His noteworthy legislation increased penalties on those convicted of possession of child sexual abuse materials and established a task force to combat the crime. In 2021, Arnold passed away after battling brain cancer at 49 years old. PennDOT Announces Online Plans Display for Improvement of Hill Church Road Intersection
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation invites the public to an online plan display regarding the Route 4004 (Hill Church Road) safety improvement project in North Annville Township, Lebanon County. The purpose of this project is to improve safety and address future traffic demands for the Hill Church Road intersection with Thompson Avenue. The project will consist of roadway reconstruction and widening along Route 4004 and Thompson Avenue, drainage improvements, as well as realigning Route 4004 and adding left turn lanes to impose traffic flow. The project is currently in design and construction work is anticipated to begin during the 2026 construction season. Information, including bridge plans and an interactive comment form can be found here. PennDOT Contest for Students to Improve Roadway Safety
Students are invited to participate in the Innovations Challenge to help the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) increase awareness for seatbelt safety and improve driver behavior for the benefit of our roads. The challenge, which has an award of $6,000 for the winning team, encourages ninth- through twelfth-grade students to use their problem-solving, creative and strategic-thinking abilities to resolve real-world transportation challenges. Regional winners will be invited to present their solutions to the PennDOT secretary and a panel of judges, who will determine the statewide cash prize winner. The submission deadline is Jan. 31. Free Winter Activities at State Parks
Staff at Pennsylvania state parks and forests host free events throughout the year for people of all ages. During winter, snow walks, bird watching, night owl hikes and more are among the activities available. The event listing can be sorted by in-person or virtual events. It can also be filtered by region and date. To make it even more convenient, a personalized list of events can be emailed to you weekly if you build an event digest email to your liking. The email can be customized for your event preferences and when you wish to be notified. REAL ID to be In Effect on May 7
Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant license/identification card or other federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board domestic commercial flights or enter a military installation or federal facility that requires ID. To get a REAL ID, you must bring your documents to a driver licensing center for verification in person. Learn about the specific items that are required to be issued a REAL ID. The website also offers the option to pre-verify online if your documents are already on file with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. REAL ID is optional. It is not required to drive, vote, access hospitals, visit the post office, access federal courts or apply for or receive federal benefits. Help is Available for People Who Want to Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking is difficult, and not just because of the addictive properties of nicotine. Different people experience unique challenges, and personalized resources are available for veterans, women, teens, those who are age 60 and older and others. People can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669), text QUIT to 47848 or use the live chat feature on SmokeFree.gov. The website has lots of practical articles, including ones about how to make a plan to quit, manage cravings, cope with stress without smoking and much more. There are resources for people who want to stop using dip and vapes, as well as information about how to support a loved one who is quitting. Jan. 20 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for peace, even while he worked to instill change. As our country has faced various transitions in the past few years, I hope all Americans can celebrate his commitment to treating each other with decency – even when perspectives may differ. President Ronald Reagan signed legislation into law that made the third Monday in January a federal holiday honoring the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Local Events
Friday, January 17-18, 8am-5pm: 28th Annual Cabin Fever Expo Friday, January 17, 5pm: Imagination Station at Wernersville Public Library Friday, January 17, 7-9pm: Collage Lounge Saturday, January 18, 10am-3pm: Touch a Heart Event at Art of Recycle Saturday, January 18, 11am-1pm: Chicken Pot Pie Fundraiser Tuesday, January 21, 10am: Tech Help at Palmyra Public Library
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 click here if you would like to send me a message. To subscribe to Senator Gebhard’s newsletter click here. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, or visit https://senatorgebhard48.com/ |
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