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In this Update:
Honoring a Hero on Purple Heart Day
This week, I had the incredible honor of joining PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity and Representative JoAnne Stehr (R-107) at Fort Indiantown Gap to return a Purple Heart Medal to the son of the late Private First-Class Ray Alvin Morgan, a Vietnam War veteran. Private Morgan earned the Purple Heart after being wounded in service to our nation. The Purple Heart Medal came to Treasury as part of the 2023 unclaimed property report and has been safeguarded in Treasury’s vault until this week. The medal was returned to his son, James Morgan. Purple Heart Day was August 7th. We remember the more than two million veterans who have received this distinction for their sacrifice. Events like this remind us that honoring our veterans is not just about history, it’s about making sure their legacies live on in the hearts of their families and our communities. Thank you to Treasurer Garrity and her team for their tireless work to reunite families with these treasured pieces of service. Farmers Markets: A Great Source of Fresh, Healthy Food
This is National Farmers Market Week. Now’s a great time to visit a farmers’ market for fresh fruits, vegetables and specialty products. The 48th Senatorial District is blessed to have so many great locally sourced markets. My intern, Crystal Bomgardner even had the opportunity to attend the Great American Farmers Market in Washington, D.C. this week, where she met the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins and Deputy Under Secretary of Food, Nutrition and Consumer Services Patrick A. Penn. These markets support farmers and provide access to healthy food and flavors you may have never before experienced. Find the best farmers markets near and far at VisitPA or the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Amazing Turnout Across the 48th District for National Night Out
National Night Out was an evening full of connection and community spirit. Our office was proud to be represented at many of the events across the district. It was inspiring to see the tremendous community support of our local police, firefighters and first responders. It was heartwarming to see neighbors catching up, kids exploring emergency vehicles and people coming together to celebrate what makes our communities strong. Thank you to everyone who made it such a special night! New Law Extends PA Guard Family Education Benefit
The Military Family Education Program (MFEP) covers the cost of a state college education for dependents of Pennsylvania National Guard members in return for a six-year service obligation. We passed a new law ensuring additional dependents are covered each time the member commits to an additional service obligation. The benefit is an incentive to encourage talented Guard members to continue their service to the commonwealth and nation. Many Guard members who benefited from the MFEP are deciding whether to commit to another six years. Act 32 of 2025 clarifies that a Guard member can receive a new MFEP assistance grant – helping an additional dependent – with each new service obligation. I was proud to support this family benefit for our men and women in uniform. Senate Acts to Ensure More Efficient Government Spending
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission would be able to spend funds more efficiently under legislation passed by the Senate. The aim is to keep costs as low as possible for anglers and boaters. Currently, commission revenues are directed into either the Fish Fund or the Boat Fund, with no crossover permitted. This rigidity has led to inefficiencies and higher costs. Senate Bill 800 permits Fish Fund dollars to be used for expenditures and programs that benefit boaters and Boat Fund dollars to be used for expenditures and programs that benefit anglers, as long as they also benefit the original intent of the respective funds. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. How to Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses
Summer is the time for outdoor fun, but heat can cause serious and potentially fatal health problems such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke. When it’s sweltering out, avoid heat-related illnesses by limiting activity to mornings and evenings when possible, drinking plenty of fluids and getting out of the sun when necessary. You can learn about spotting symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion here. Planning a PA Capitol Visit
Your Pennsylvania Capitol is not only the seat of state government, it’s also an architectural and artistic treasure to be experienced by citizens from across the commonwealth. Visitors are welcome to explore the building at their leisure on regular weekdays. You can also schedule a tour with a guide. Tours take about 30 to 45 minutes. You can plan a visit and book a tour of this 119-year-old National Historic Landmark here. Concealed Carry Seminar on Sep 25 at Cabela’s
I will be hosting a Concealed Carry Seminar with Rep. Jamie Barton (R-124) on Sep. 25, 6-8 p.m. at Cabela’s, 100 Cabela Dr, Hamburg. The event will feature information about Pennsylvania’s concealed carry laws, the Castle Doctrine, reciprocity laws, and how to safely interact with law enforcement while carrying a firearm. Berks County Sheriff, Mandy Miller, will lead the discussion and answer questions about Pennsylvania’s concealed carry laws. This is a great opportunity to become better informed and ask questions in an educational setting. We hope to see you there! You can RSVP online at https://senatorgebhard.com/psrc-events/ccs-092525/ or call 717-274-6735. Local Events
Saturday, August 9, 11am-2pm: Makers Market Sunday, August 10, 8am-11am: PA Breast Cancer Coalition Car Show Friday, August 8, 6-8:30pm: Summer Concert Series Saturday, August 9, 8-10am: 5th Annual James Biever Memorial Run Saturday, August 16-17: 51st Annual Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show Saturday, August 24, 11am-3pm: Den Tech 9th Annual Car & Bike Show Tuesday, September 9-13: The Denver Fair
*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 email cgebhard@pasen.gov if you would like to send me a message. If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or visit https://senatorgebhard.com/ |
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