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In this Update:
Congratulations to East Cocalico Police Chief Steve Savage for 25 Years
This week, I joined Rep. Dave Zimmerman at the East Cocalico Township meeting to recognize Police Chief Steve Savage for 25 years of dedicated service to the Township. Hired in 2000, Chief Savage has risen through the ranks and continues to demonstrate outstanding leadership. He was recently presented a Certificate of Appreciation from the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania for his quick action in intercepting bank robbery suspects, an effort that recovered over $117,000 in stolen cash and a handgun. Congratulations, Chief Savage, and thank you for your commitment to keeping our communities safe. Gebhard Introduces New Bill to Expand Disabled Veterans Hunting License Discounts
I introduced legislation that would close an unintended gap in Pennsylvania’s existing free hunting license program for disabled veterans. Under current law, only veterans who suffered injuries during combat and were deemed 100% disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible for free hunting licenses. Partially disabled veterans may purchase discounted licenses. Those who suffered service-connected injuries outside of combat – in training, non-combat operations, peacetime duties or other hazardous activities – are not currently eligible for a discount. Senate Bill 1020 would expand eligibility so that all 100% disabled veterans qualify for a free hunting license, regardless of how or where their service-connected injuries occurred. It would also maintain discounted licenses for partially disabled veterans. Whether their injuries occurred in combat, in training, or in service during peacetime, our disabled veterans all carry the weight of sacrifice. This legislation ensures that every veteran with a service-connected disability is recognized equally for their service to our nation. Rock the Ribbon During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I hope you’ll join me in supporting those affected by breast cancer by raising awareness and encouraging early detection. You can find plenty of useful information to share at this resource page. As Chairman of the Banking and Insurance Committee, I was proud the first bill I passed out of the Committee was to strengthen Pennsylvania’s no-cost breast cancer screening law by ensuring diagnostic imaging is fully covered. The measure awaits action in the House of Representatives. I also introduced legislation this week to recognize October 13th, 2025 as Metastatic Breast Cancer Awareness Day, which emphasizes the importance and the need for increased research, funding, and support for those affected. This idea was inspired by a constituent, Danield Shuman, whose daughter tragically died from this fatal stage of cancer. Aging Your Way Festival Next Week at the Lebanon Valley Expo Center
On Thursday, Oct. 9, my staff and I will be hosting a booth at the Aging Your Way Festival at the Lebanon Valley Expo Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Formerly known as the Lebanon 50+ Festival, this annual event is a wonderful opportunity for seniors to connect with important resources from across the state and county. Be sure to stop by our booth to learn more about the services and assistance available to you. Veterans Appreciation Breakfast
Join me along with State Representatives Russ Diamond, Tom Jones, and John Schlegel for a special breakfast honoring our veterans. The event is free and will be hosted at the Campbelltown Fire Hall on Saturday, November 15 at 9 a.m. Veterans may register themselves and one guest by calling 717-274-6735 or online at: https://senatorgebhard.com/psrc-events/veterans-breakfast-111525/. Unclaimed Property and State Resource Expo
Join me along with State Representatives Dave Zimmerman and the office of State Treasurer Stacy Garrity for an Unclaimed Property and State Resource Expo. The event will be hosted at the Reinholds Fire Company on Saturday, October 25 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. We will be able to assist with processing unclaimed property request and a variety of state-related issues such as birth certificates, property tax/rent rebate applications, handicap placards, and answer state-related questions. Please register by calling 717-274-6735 or online at: https://senatorgebhard.com/psrc-events/veterans-breakfast-111525/. Providing Loan Interest Forgiveness to Counties and Head Start
As work continues on finalizing a state budget for 2025-26, my priority remains enacting a budget that respects taxpayers and does not spend beyond our means. Spending too much this year would set Pennsylvania on a course of fiscal uncertainty and tax increases, and we cannot allow that to happen. It’s important to get a budget finished as soon as possible – but it’s more important to get it done right. Recognizing the impact of the incomplete budget, the Senate is expected to advance legislation providing loan interest forgiveness to counties and Head Start early childhood education programs that receive state Treasury loans to keep their services available while budget discussions continue. I’ll update you on the status of this legislation as it moves forward. Applications Accepted for Keystone ChalleNGe Academy January Class
Teens between the ages of 16 and 18 can apply now for the Jan. 2026 class of the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. A National Guard program, the academy uses a military academy training model to provide structure and discipline for youth. Classes begin in mid-January and mid-July each year. The residential portion of the program runs for 22 weeks. All meals, housing, uniforms and school supplies are provided at no cost. You can learn more and apply here. Find the Best Fall Foliage Nearby and Statewide
Pennsylvania offers one of the longest and most varied fall foliage seasons in the world. You can find the best spots to view these vibrant displays with the fall foliage map from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. In addition, the department’s weekly Fall Foliage Reports offer regional updates, photos and expert tips to help you experience these seasonal landscapes. Local Events
Friday, October 3-4; 8am-4pm: Antique & Artisan Show Friday, October 3; 6-8pm: Kids Night Out at Adamstown YMCA Saturday, October 4; 9am-3pm: Country Fair at Issac Meier Homestead Saturday, October 4; 6pm: Farm Country Shindig Thursday, October 9; 10am: Aging Your Way Festival Saturday, October 11; 11am: Coleman Memorial Park Harvest Festival Sunday, October 12; 10am-4pm: Palmyra Sportsmen’s Association Family Fun Field Day Thursday, October 16; 6pm-4pm: Book Fairs Forever Saturday, October 18; 4pm-7pm: 2nd Annual Jonestown Fall Fest Tuesday, October 21; 9-10:30pm: YMCA Trunk or Treat
*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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