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In this Update:
A Closer Look at Energy Affordability and Reliability: Tour of Ironwood Power Plant
This week, I joined Rep. John Schlegel (R-101) to tour the Ironwood Energy Power Plant in South Lebanon Township. The 760MW plant uses natural gas to generate electricity through a process known as natural gas combined cycle (NGCC). Ironwood has 25 employees and is owned by LS Power, which operate 4.8 gigawatts of power generation in Pennsylvania. The natural gas industry is critical to maintain affordable and reliable energy. Unfortunately, rising costs and compromised reliability are worsened by a unilateral decision former Gov. Tom Wolf made to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). We must have a common-sense energy policy to use our natural resources and unlock our economic potential. Senate Republicans lent support to a lawsuit that would undo this decision and stand ready to pass legislation to repeal the RGGI Energy Tax that has already been introduced if the legal process doesn’t end it. The case is before the Pennsylvania Supreme Court as Gov. Josh Shapiro appealed the Commonwealth Court ruling that Wolf lacked necessary authority to join RGGI. We also passed bills that would ensure Pennsylvanians have options regarding fuel availability, help to secure the state’s future as a hub for carbon capture and sequestration and most effectively capitalize on the state’s abundant natural resources through the creation of the Independent Energy Office to provide impartial data. Remembering September 11th with Lebanon CTC Students
This week, I joined students from the Lebanon County Career and Technology Center to honor the nearly 3,000 lives lost on September 11, 2001. It was a beautiful ceremony that honored the bravery of first responders, service members, and citizens who acted in the face of tragedy. I was remined of the resilience and unity felt this day 23 years ago. Happy 100th Birthday to Frank Stellar
I had the honor of presenting Frank Stellar, a Lebanon County resident, a citation in recognition of his 100th Birthday. Frank served as a member of the United States Army Air Corps during World War II. Following his service, he worked in the coal mines for Bethlehem Steel for twenty-six years as well as the State Department of Transportation. Congratulations and thank you for your service. Hunting & Middle Creek Visitor Center Update
This fall, I plan to join the Pennsylvania Game Commission in hosting a Hunting & Visitor Center Update at Middle Creek Wildlife’s Visitor Center. The Pennsylvania Game Commission staff will present on the upcoming hunting season regulation changes, and general hunting information. The presentation will last about 1 hour and provide time for Q&A. Staff will also provide updates on recent activities occurring at the Middle Creek Wildlife Management Area and Visitor Center. There is no charge for the event, but seating is limited, and pre-registration is required. Please register for the event by October 1st by visiting https://senatorgebhard.com/hvcu-registration/ or by calling my district office at 717-274-6735. How to File a Banking Complaint
Consumers who have unsuccessfully attempted to resolve disputes with their financial institutions regarding services or products have options. Complaints may be submitted to the Department of Banking and Securities Consumer Services Office online or toll-free by calling 1-800-PA-BANKS (1-800-722-2657) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The department aims to provide responses to consumer complaints within 10 days of receipt. While the Consumer Services Office will make the effort to address consumer complaints, there is no guarantee the matter can or will be resolved. However, complaints are important because they allow the Department of Banking and Securities to identify patterns of unfair or deceptive practices that may result in further action. Applications Open: Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk Youth
The Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) is accepting applications for its class, which begins in January 2025. KSCA is designed to give academically challenged teens a second chance at obtaining their basic education, as well as learning leadership, self-discipline and responsibility. The program is open to 16- to 18-year-old Pennsylvania residents who are at risk of not graduating from high school, no longer attending any school or have not received a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Applicants must be willing to be drug free, free of felony convictions and voluntarily commit to the program. If selected, students will attend the 22-week residential phase at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. Learn more about eligibility requirements and begin the application process here. Anyone who prefers to have an application mailed or would like to talk with someone about the program may contact the academy by emailing RA-MVPAChallenge@pa.gov or calling 717-861-7767. Free Webinars Provide Useful College Financial Aid Info
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is holding free webinars to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process. On Tuesday, Sept. 24, at noon, speakers will discuss the financial aid timeline. On Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m., speakers will focus on how to search for scholarships and pay for any remaining costs. Register to attend the one-hour webinars. National Voter Registration Day is a Great Reminder
Tuesday, Sept. 17, is National Voter Registration Day. It’s a wonderful time to confirm that you are registered to vote at your current address or to register if you have moved or would be a first-time voter. The last day to register to vote in Pennsylvania before the Nov. 5 election is Monday, Oct. 21. You may submit your application online, by mail to your county voter registration office or in person at your county voter registration office. Active-duty military members or veterans who are hospitalized or bedridden may register at any time. Learn more about that option. Please note: if you are not a United States citizen and a resident of Pennsylvania at least 30 days before the election, you cannot register to vote. 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
Tuesday, September 10-14: 2024 Denver Fair Friday, September 13-15: Hinkelfest Friday, September 13-14: Boyertown Oktoberfest Saturday, September 14, 10am-3pm: Hilltop Playground Association Car Show Friday, September 13-14: Myerstown Community Library Book Sale Saturday, September 14-15, 10am-4:30pm: Fall Harvest Fair & Early American Craft Saturday, September 14, 1pm-5pm: South Lebanon Community Church Family Fall Fest Saturday, September 14, 9am-12pm: Family Fishing Day
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