Senator Gebhard E-Newsletter

View this email in a browser

In this Update:

  • Gebhard Bill Providing Support to Military Community Passes Committee
  • Senate Votes to Strengthen Crime Prevention, Keep Communities Safe
  • April is Financial Literacy Month
  • Career and Technical Education (CTE) Day
  • Purple Star Schools
  • Senate Acts Against False Emergency Threats at Schools
  • May 7 is the REAL ID Deadline
  • Free Tax Prep Services Available for Qualified Individuals
  • April is National Donate Life Month
  • Local Events

Gebhard Bill Providing Support to Military Community Passes Committee

This week, my legislation to allow the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs to lease real estate at Fort Indiantown Gap and use the proceeds to fund quality of life programs for service members, veterans, and their families advanced out of the Veteran Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee with unanimous support.

Last session, I worked collaboratively with the DMVA on this legislation which would promote a private-public partnership (P3) that would result in a win-win for residents and our service members and their families. The fund would support programs such as physical fitness, personal growth, social interaction, and recreation activities aimed at supporting readiness and the well-being of our service members.

Currently, there is land around Fort Indiantown Gap that is outside the base and will never be utilized for training purposes, so allowing the land to be leased to fund this important program makes sense.

Senate Bill 417 now moves to the full Senate for consideration.

Senate Votes to Strengthen Crime Prevention, Keep Communities Safe

Pennsylvania families deserve to be safe. The Senate took decisive action this week to hold dangerous criminals accountable and approved three key bills to protect Pennsylvania communities.

Senate Bill 92 would impose a mandatory minimum 25-year sentence on drug dealers who sell fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose. Known as Tyler’s Law, after Tyler Shanafelter, who tragically died at the age of 18 after purchasing pills he didn’t realize were laced with fentanyl, SB 92 sends a strong message that those fueling the opioid crisis will face severe consequences.

Senate Bill 471 would require prosecutors to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a criminal defendant is identified as unlawfully present in the United States. The bill would ensure that individuals who commit serious crimes are transferred to federal custody for removal proceedings. It also would prohibit sanctuary policies that obstruct communication between local law enforcement and federal agencies.

Senate Bill 490 would prohibit non-monetary bail for the most threatening individuals, including those who possess 10 grams or more of fentanyl, have a history of violent crime or assault a law enforcement officer.

These bills reflect Senate Republicans’ commitment to fighting crime, protecting Pennsylvania families and ensuring that our law enforcement officials have the tools they need to uphold justice. Each measure builds upon broader efforts to make Pennsylvania a safer place to live, work and raise a family.

April is Financial Literacy Month

As we mark the beginning of April, and financial literacy month, I am proud that beginning next school year, Act 35 of 2023, which I championed will require students to complete a half-credit course in financial literacy prior to graduation. Studies have demonstrated that students who take financial literacy courses prior to college are more likely to have higher savings and lower levels of debt.

As Chairman of the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee, I will continue working to ensure Pennsylvanians are given every tool available to make smart financial decisions and improve their overall financial well-being.

Career and Technical Education (CTE) Day

This week, we had Career and Technical Education (CTE) Day at the Capitol. I was able to meet some impressive students from the Berks Career and Technology Center and learn about satellite components they are building for Space X.

I was also able to meet with students from the Lancaster County Career and Technology Center to discuss the demand for technical education, which I strongly believe in supporting. Our business community needs students with these skills, and they will have the opportunity to get in-demand jobs right out of school.

Thank you for making the trip to Harrisburg to advocate for this important issue.

Purple Star Schools

This week, Sen. Devlin Robinson (R-37) and Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) highlighted the Purple Star School Program, a program they championed that allows schools to be designated as a purple star school by supporting the unique educational and social-emotional needs of military-connected students.

Many students that are military-connected must relocate to multiple schools due to a parent’s change in duty station. I was happy to stand with my colleagues to help promote this important program.

To learn more or apply for the Purple Star School designation, schools can visit the PDE’s website.

Senate Acts Against False Emergency Threats at Schools

The Senate this week approved legislation to crack down on false emergency threats targeting schools, a move aimed at enhancing public safety and reducing the strain on emergency responders. The bill, which also passed the Senate in the previous legislative session, now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Bill 96 would establish new felony penalties for individuals who make hoax emergency reports involving educational institutions. If signed into law, making a false report of an emergency threat to a school would be classified as a third-degree felony, and courts would be allowed to impose financial penalties to recover the costs incurred by taxpayers for emergency response efforts.

The legislation comes in response to a troubling rise in hoax threats made against schools across Pennsylvania, causing fear among students and parents while diverting law enforcement and emergency personnel from real emergencies. Senate Bill 96 is part of a broader effort to safeguard schools and hold bad actors accountable.

May 7 is the REAL ID Deadline

Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/photo ID card or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID. Only about 26% of Pennsylvania drivers have replaced their standard driver’s license with a REAL ID.

REAL IDs are available now and will continue to be available to Pennsylvanians after the May 7 enforcement deadline. Learn more about REAL ID documentation requirements and find a printable checklist for required REAL ID documents here.

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is offering dedicated times at specific driver license centers to help Pennsylvanians get their REAL ID. Some centers will be able to process and issue a REAL ID at the time of service. Others will be able to verify and image your documents. You will then receive your REAL ID by mail within 15 business days. Dates for these REAL ID Days include April 7, April 14, April 28 and May 5 – all Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Customers who want a REAL ID but aren’t able to attend a REAL ID Day may visit any REAL ID Center to receive a REAL ID at the time of service, visit any PennDOT Driver License Center to have documents verified and then receive REAL ID within 15 business days or apply online (pre-verified customers only).

Free Tax Prep Services Available for Qualified Individuals

Free tax preparation services are available to individuals and families who qualify through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The IRS-sponsored initiative serves households earning approximately $60,000 or less, those with disabilities, the elderly and individuals with limited English proficiency.

To find a VITA site near you, dial 211, visit the PA 211 website or use the IRS’s VITA locator tool. It’s essential to make an appointment in advance, as many VITA sites operate on a seasonal basis and appointments can fill quickly. Be sure to bring necessary documents.

Households with an annual income of $73,000 or less can file their federal and state tax forms online for free through MyFreeTaxes.com. The user-friendly platform allows filers to easily navigate the tax preparation process at their own pace and features live support from IRS-certified specialists. MyFreeTaxes.com uses secure, IRS-approved software to protect your personal information and data.

April is National Donate Life Month

For the 23rd year, we recognize April as an opportunity to raise awareness about organ donation. In the season that represents new beginnings, we honor donors, recipients, their families, caregivers and the clinical teams that make it all possible.

More than 6,000 Pennsylvanians are awaiting organ transplants. Organ donation can save up to eight lives, and tissue donation can enhance the lives of 75 others by helping them recover from trauma, spinal injuries, burns and vision loss.

If you aren’t an organ or tissue donor yet but would like to be, there’s no need to wait until you get or renew your driver’s license, learner’s permit or photo ID. It’s easy to register online to donate. There are no costs to the donor’s family for donation. Paramedics, doctors and nurses remain committed to doing everything possible to save donors’ lives. Learn more.

Local Events

Saturday, April 5, 8am-4pm: Rummage Sale for Used Clothing and Household Items
200 S. White Oak St, Annville (Lebanon, PA)
Click here

Saturday, April 5, 10am-12pm: License Plate Replacement Event
347 Penn Ave, Robesonia (Berks, PA)
Click here

Saturday, April 5, 12-7pm: Spaghetti Dinner and Silent Auction/ On Fire Youth Ministries
19 W Main Ave, Myerstown (Lebanon, PA)
Click here

Saturday, April 5-13: Boscov’s Berks Jazz Fest
Various Locations, Berks (Berks, PA)
Click here

Thursday, April 3-6: Lancaster City Restaurant Week
Various Locations, Lancaster (Lancaster, PA)
Click here

divider

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/

Facebook Twitter/X Website

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorgebhard.com | Privacy Policy