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In this Update:
Enhancing Programs For Service Member Veterans And Their Families
This week, the Senate Veteran Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee advanced legislation I sponsored to allow Fort Indiantown Gap to lease real estate and use the proceeds to fund quality of life programs for service members, veterans, and their families. Senate Bill 1192 would create the Service Member, Veterans and their Families Fund (SMVF Fund), which is a non-lapsing fund to enhance the quality of life for service members, veterans, 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. It would allow the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs to lease real estate at Fort Indiantown Gap and use the proceeds to fund these programs. Currently, there is land around Fort Indiantown Gap that’s outside the base and will never be utilized for training purposes. By giving Fort Indiantown Gap the ability to raise these funds, we are supporting the wellness of our Pennsylvania National Guard and Veterans who served our country with honor and distinction. “Grow PA” Bills to Support Affordable Pathways to Higher Ed, Career Prep Passes Senate
Tens of thousands of students would have more opportunities to pursue affordable post-secondary education and career preparations programs under a package of bills approved with bipartisan support in the Senate. The Grow PA initiative would create and expand programs to connect students to high-demand careers in Pennsylvania. The bills would not only make education and career training more affordable, but also provide strong incentives for students to stay and work in the state after completing their degrees and certifications. Grow PA Scholarships would be established for in-state students who attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree in a high-demand industry, and agree to live and work in that industry in Pennsylvania after graduation. Grow PA Merit Scholarships would be created to allow high-performing, out-of-state students pursuing in-demand occupations to pay lower, in-state tuition at Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) schools. Ready to Succeed Scholarships would be expanded to help as many as 24,000 additional students cover post-secondary education costs. Fostering Independence Tuition Waivers would be expanded to nonresident students, waiving PASSHE tuition and fees for children in the foster care system and children who were adopted. Performance-based metrics would be added to funding for state-related universities, including the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State University and Temple University to provide added accountability to taxpayers. A Higher Education Task Force would be created to improve higher education and career preparation programs. Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) completion would be required for high school seniors, ensuring families have access to vital information on higher education aid, career and technical education, certificate programs and more. The Grow PA plan also includes historic investments in career and technical education and dual enrollment. Lebanon Valley College Student, Connor Grow Visits the PA Senate
I had the pleasure of introducing Connor Grow to the Pennsylvania Senate this week. Connor is currently interning in the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections for Deputy Secretary of reentry, community corrections, and parole; Kelly Evans. Connor is a student at Lebanon Valley College majoring in criminal justice and sociology. He is a member of Alpha Kappa Delta which is the college’s chapter of the national honor society for sociology. He plans to become a parole agent for the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections while furthering his education to obtain a master’s degree in sociology. Connor lives with his parents, Jason and Patti Grow, in Annville. He would love one day to become a federal agent. I wish him the best and continued success as he furthers his education and career! Bill to Protect Property Owners from Squatters Receives Senate Support
The Senate approved legislation to establish more certainty for homeowners, landlords and law enforcement who encounter squatters. It respects the rights of all parties involved, ensuring legitimate tenants are protected while closing the door to those who exploit our system to occupy homes illegally. Under current Pennsylvania law, squatters are considered trespassers after the property owner warns them they are not welcome and instructs them to vacate the property. Should the squatters remain where they are not licensed or privileged to be, they commit the offense of defiant trespass. However, reclaiming property from squatters requires a “notice to quit” be issued to individuals who have no legal right to the property. It imposes financial burdens and significant emotional strain on property owners. Given the inconsistencies and lack of clarity in how states address squatter concerns, Pennsylvania must establish clear, uniform guidelines. Senate Bill 1236 defines what constitutes a “tenant,” simplifies the reclamation process – by eliminating the need for a “notice to quit” to be provided to a non-tenant – and offers a practical solution to a deeply distressing problem. Senate Approves Legislation Combatting AI “Deepfake” Images of Minors
Legislation to combat “deepfake” images of minors and child sexual abuse materials generated by artificial intelligence (AI) was approved by the Senate. The bill will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. The unauthorized dissemination of an intimate image is against the law in Pennsylvania. However, the law does not specifically address the use of AI deepfake technology to create and disseminate an intimate image of a non-consenting person. Some websites have published realistic AI-generated sexual images of non-consenting adults, as well as children. The images may be artificial but are created by using data and images from real individuals and children. Senate Bill 1213 would make it clear that the use of AI deepfake technology to create pornographic images of an individual without his or her consent is prohibited. It would also prohibit the use of deepfake technology to create child sexual abuse materials. Bill to Extend Grant Program for Fire, EMS and Rescue Organizations Passes Senate
The Senate approved Senate Bill 1099 to extend the state Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program for an additional five years. The program is scheduled to expire June 30. Grants are provided through the program to help volunteer and professional fire companies, emergency medical services (EMS) organizations and volunteer rescue squads construct or renovate facilities, purchase or repair equipment, reduce debt and provide training. The grant program allocates up to $30 million, with fire companies eligible for grants of up to $20,000 and EMS companies eligible for grants of up to $15,000. Damaged License Plate? Replace It For Free At Our Drive-Thru Event
Damaged plates have loss of reflectivity, peeling, blistering, or discoloration, and are unreadable from 50 feet away. Stop by our drive-thru event on July 9th from 4:30-6:30pm at the Lebanon Valley Exposition Center & Fairgrounds to have your license plate checked. The police will determine if the plate needs replacement and help with appropriate paperwork. There is no fee for this service. Once submitted to PennDOT, the new replacement plate will arrive to our district office for pick up. Please contact our District Office at 717-274-6735 for more details or to pre-register. Please bring your vehicle registration card. Free Webinars Provide Helpful Financial Aid Info
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is holding free webinars to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process. On Tuesday, June 25, at noon, speakers will discuss how to cover the gap between awarded loans and the actual amount due. On Thursday, June 27, at 6:30 p.m., speakers will focus on how to compare financial aid offers to choose the right loan for the borrower. Register to attend the one-hour webinars. Happy Father’s Day
Father’s Day is a time to reflect on the amazing men in our lives and let them know how much their dedication means to us. They show their love and guidance in so many ways, big and small, that make our lives better. Wishing all of the dads a wonderful day with their families! Local Events
Thursday, June 13-15: PA Gourd Art Festival Saturday, June 15, 8am: Berks County Open Horse Show Saturday, June 15, June 16: St. Paul the Apostle Church Summer Bazaar Saturday, June 15, 11am-6pm: JDM Carshow Saturday, June 15, 7pm-8pm: Milo the Magnificent! A Free Puppet Show Saturday, June 15, 1pm: Kids Fest Sunday, June 16, 7am-11am: Father’s Day Biker Breakfast
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