Senator Gebhard E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Happy Labor Day
  • Concealed Carry Seminar on Sep 25 at Cabela’s
  • Wellspan Annual Health Policy Discussion & Improving Health Care
  • New Law Streamlines Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
  • September Food Drive During Hunger Action Month
  • 2026-27 PA Student Aid Guide Available
  • Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law
  • Local Events

Happy Labor Day

Labor Day is a time to celebrate the workers who make our communities thrive while providing for their families. No matter what your vocation or whether you’re an active employee or a retiree, I hope you enter this last stretch of summer with a wonderful holiday weekend.

Concealed Carry Seminar on Sep 25 at Cabela’s

There’s still time to sign up for my 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.

Wellspan Annual Health Policy Discussion & Improving Healthcare

This week, I had the opportunity to attend WellSpan’s annual health policy discussion with other leaders in the 48th District. It was a pleasure to meet Tina Citro, the new president of WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital.

The Senate approved several important measures this year to improve the delivery of health care in our communities.

Among the new laws we passed was a measure establishing a statewide stroke registry to deliver vital information to EMS providers and hospitals, ensuring the best treatment possible. Other laws aim to reduce overdose deaths by incorporating real-time reporting by EMS providers into the statewide overdose mapping system, and giving EMS personnel permanent authority to leave behind a dose of naloxone at overdose scenes, placing this lifesaving medication in the hands of a caregiver or loved one.

Critical measures passed by the Senate and awaiting action in the House of Representatives include bills to strengthen Pennsylvania’s no-cost breast cancer screening law by ensuring diagnostic imaging is fully covered, and preserving prescription drug coverage for more than 10,000 seniors.

You can review other measures we passed to improve health care and address other subjects here.

New Law Streamlines Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans

A new law we passed earlier this year is now in effect removing the annual fishing license fee and application for veterans with 100% disability.

Previously, only those disabled veterans with a 100% permanent disability determination from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs could receive free lifetime fishing licenses. Disabled veterans with a 100% disability determination also receive free licenses but must apply for them on an annual basis.

Act 21 of 2025 takes away the annual fee and application part of the process and allows all disabled veterans with a 100% disability determination, whether or not it is a permanent determination, to purchase free lifetime fishing licenses.

September Food Drive During Hunger Action Month

September is Hunger Action Month. I will be hosting a food drive at my district offices through the month of September.

You can donate unexpired, non-perishable food items from September 1 through September 30 at my district offices in Lebanon and Wernersville. At the end of the month, the items will be donated to an area food bank.

2026-27 PA Student Aid Guide Available

For parents and students planning for college, the new Student Aid Guide from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) provides a complete overview of the financial aid process.

The guide can help you:

  • Estimate costs
  • Access state and federal aid
  • Fill out applications
  • Set up a timeline to make the process manageable

For more help planning for college, check out PHEAA webinars and EducationPlanner.org.

Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law

Students are heading back to class, so we all need to be on the lookout for children around school buses and bus stops.

Some reminders about Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law:

  • Motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arm activated.
  • Motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped.
  • Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn and all children have reached safety.

School districts are permitted to install automated camera systems on buses to enforce the law. You can find more information about the law and penalties, and safety tips for children, here.

Local Events

Monday, September 1, 10am-6pm: Cars & Coffee
254 Gravel Pit Rd, Bethel (Berks, PA)
Click here

Saturday, August 30, 8am: Pickleball Tournament at Coleman Memorial Park
1400 W Maple St, Lebanon (Lebanon, PA)
Click here

Saturday, August 30, 6-9pm: Quentin Volunteer Fire Company Fundraiser
30 Alden Ln, Lebanon (Lebanon, PA)
Click here

Saturday, August 30-September 1: Kipona Festival 2025
Riverfront Park (Dauphin, PA)
Click here

Sunday, August 31, 12-3pm: Robesonia Car Show
Robesonia Park (Berks, PA)
Click here

Saturday, September 6, 9am-3pm: Lebanon Valley Fall Fair
Lebanon Valley Expo Center (Lebanon, PA)
Click here

Tuesday, September 9-13: The Denver Fair
800 Main St, Denver (Lancaster, PA)
Click here

Wednesday, September 10, 6:30-9:30am: United Way 2025/26 Campaign Kick-Off Breakfast
80 Rocherty Rd, Lebanon (Lebanon, PA)
Click here

Friday, September 12-14: Hinkelfest
Fireman’s Park, Fredericksburg (Lebanon, PA)
Click here

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*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.

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