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In this Update:
Community Homes of Lebanon County Complete Phase 1 of the Canal Street Homes Project to Support Seniors
This week, I attended the celebration of the completion of phase 1 of the Canal Street Affordable Housing Project. Over six years ago, Community Homes of Lebanon County sought to raise funds to address the need for more housing for the disadvantaged and the elderly in Lebanon County. With community support, one of the three-phase capital campaigns has allowed construction of 8 of the 23 homes. I was honored to be a part of the ribbon cutting ceremony and look forward to seeing more in the future. Projects like these showcase not only the compassionate and caring support of Lebanon Countians, but also what is possible when the private sector partners with the public sector to address housing issues. Senate Passes New Law Reducing Educational Challenges for Military Children
A new law passed unanimously by the Senate will help children of military families who face frequent reassignments with the challenges of moving between schools in different states. Children of National Guard and Reserve members now have the same help provided to those of active-duty military families through the Military Interstate Children’s Compact. The compact provides a consistent set of policies that make getting started in a new school, joining extracurricular activities, facilitating enrollment and meeting graduation requirements as easy as possible for military children. The law is designed to minimize educational disruption, making the relocation less stressful for parents and children. Lebanon Valley Sertoma Club Celebrates 50th Anniversary
Congratulations to Lebanon Valley Sertoma Club on celebrating 50 years of serving the community. I was honored to present a citation from the Senate to Vicki DeLoatch, who serves as their president. The Lebanon Valley Sertoma Club, a chapter of Sertoma International, has a service-oriented mission with a focus on individuals who are hard of hearing or deaf. Through fundraising events, grants, and member dues, they have been able to volunteer and donate to many local organizations. They have also helped with the construction of the pavilions at Stoever’s Dam Park and financial assistance to help hundreds of boys and girls attend summer Scout Camp. New Car Insurance After a Lapse? Remember to Notify PennDOT
Every month, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) suspends more than 15,000 vehicle registrations due to drivers cancelling or switching car insurance and forgetting to provide proof of new car insurance to PennDOT. Pennsylvania law requires all motor vehicle owners to maintain car insurance. A lapse in insurance coverage triggers a potential vehicle suspension for three months or a civil penalty of $500 in lieu of the registration suspension. An insurance provider is only required to notify PennDOT when car insurance is cancelled, not when it is initiated. The vehicle owner is responsible to update PennDOT to avoid a registration suspension and other penalties. PennDOT mails a letter to the registered vehicle owner explaining the lapse in insurance coverage, as well as the consequences for failing to provide new car insurance. To avoid being pulled over for not having car insurance even though your car is insured, remember to share your new car insurance information with PennDOT. Provide proof of insurance on PennDOT’s website, email your new insurance card to PennDOT at frinsurance@pa.gov or call PennDOT’s Financial Responsibility Unit at 717-412-5300. Law Enforcement to Connect with the Community on Aug. 6
To strengthen the community’s relationship with law enforcement, police departments across the country will host National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6. It’s a great way to show children that we are all responsible to work together to preserve the safety of our communities. Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and other events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and exhibits. Senate Republicans continue to work to support the brave men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to protect us. Act 10 of 2023 gave municipal police the statutory authority to conduct fingerprint-based criminal history checks on police applicants. Act 60 of 2023 expanded the list of law enforcement entities covered under the Heart and Lung Act, which provides for salary and medical expenses to be paid when an officer or firefighter is injured on the job. This year’s state budget awards nearly $5 million in new funding to the Attorney General’s Office to support law enforcement in tackling human trafficking ($1 million), organized retail theft ($2.7 million) and crimes on SEPTA properties ($1.2 million). Beware of PA Turnpike Scam
Random individuals have received text messages claiming to be from “Pennsylvania Turnpike Toll Services,” but it’s just a scam trying to obtain personal financial information to settle outstanding toll amounts. The texts center around urgent requests with the account that would result in additional charges if the overdue balance does not get settled. Similar scams have been reported by toll agencies across the country. People who receive an unsolicited text, email or similar message suggesting it is from the PA Turnpike or another toll agency should not click on the link. E-ZPass account holders and Toll By Plate customers can use approved safe methods to check their accounts such as the official PA Turnpike E-ZPass website or the PA Toll Pay app. Anyone who receives a fraudulent text can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Schedule Your Free State Capitol Tour
If you’re looking for a fun educational activity for your family this summer, you can tour the state Capitol for free. During a 30-minute guided tour, Capitol tour guides point out architectural and artistic highlights as they make the Capitol’s history come alive. There is also an Interactive Welcome Center and Capitol Gift Shop to enjoy during your visit. Guided tours are offered every half hour Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekends and most holidays, tours are offered at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Schedule a tour online or by calling the Tour Guide Office at 1-800-TOUR-N-PA (868-7672). Groups of 10 or more require advanced reservations. For your safety, group size is limited to 40. Grant and Resource Workshop for Non-Profit Organizations
Navigating the Commonwealth’s complex and convoluted Departmental system of grant funding is challenging to say the least. To that end, I will be organizing and hosting a Non-Profit Grant and Resource Workshop on September 24th at the Lebanon Valley Exposition Center. Doors open at 5:00 p.m., with the program beginning at 5:30 p.m. The workshop will feature Deputy Secretary Rick Vilello from the Department of Community and Economic Development, Joe Marsicano from the Senate Grants Team, Nicole Gray from the Community Health Council of Lebanon County, and Vicki DeLoatch from Lebanon Family Health. As part of the workshops, you will receive a state reference manual that contains a comprehensive listing of grant programs and important contact information. I believe you will find the manual to be a valuable reference for many years to come. There is no charge for the Seminar, but seating is limited, and pre-registration is required. Please register for the workshop by September 20th by visiting https://senatorgebhard.com/non-profit-workshop-reg/ or by calling my district office at 717-274-6735. Local Events
Friday, August 2,3, & 4: Middle Creek Wildlife Art Show 2024 Lebanon City National Night Out Hilltop Playground National Night Out Jackson Township National Night Out Cornwall National Night Out Palmyra National Night Out Sinking Spring & South Heidelberg National Night Out Northern Berks County National Night Out East Cocalico Township National Night Out Northern Lancaster County Regional Police Department National Night Out
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