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In this Update:
Gebhard Announces More Than $8.3 Million in Grants for the 48th DistrictThis week, I was pleased to announce state grants totaling more than $8.3 million have been awarded to the 48th District by the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA). Being able to purchase lifesaving equipment and enhance recreational opportunities in Lebanon, Lancaster, and Berks counties without using taxpayer money is a serious win. Because of the gaming proceeds, important purchases to improve the lives of county residents won’t be delayed. The first portion of the grants were awarded through the CFA’s Local Share Account (LSA) Program, which funds projects concerning the public interest, community improvement and economic development using gaming money generated by casinos. The full list of awardees can be found here. The final grant was awarded through the CFA’s Public School Facilities Improvement Grant (PSFIG) Program, which provides grants to public school districts and area career and technical schools for eligible facility improvement projects. Eastern Lebanon County School District received $1.5 million for a roof repair project at Eastern Lebanon County Middle School in Jackson Township. Veterans Appreciation Lunch on Nov. 9 at CabelasI will be joining with Rep. Jamie Barton (R-124) to host a veterans appreciation lunch on Saturday, Nov. 9, at Cabela’s, 100 Cabela Drive, Hamburg. Check-in begins at 11:30 a.m. with lunch and the program commencing at noon. The men and women who have defended the American ideals we hold dear have influenced the history of the country, ensuring that we can continue to enjoy our many freedoms. I look forward to personally thanking the veterans who are able to attend the lunch we are hosting. Col. Frank Ryan, UMCR-retired, former state representative and Iraq War veteran will be the keynote speaker. Veterans are welcome to bring one guest. Space is limited for the lunch, so veterans are required to RSVP to my district office by calling 610-562-3411 or signing up online at SenatorGebhard.com/veterans-lunch-reg. Online Unclaimed Property Auction Oct. 30 to Nov. 1More than 5,700 items will be up for sale in the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s largest unclaimed property auction from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. View the items and register to bid here. The auction will include coins, currency, jewelry and more. The Treasury’s auctions are not specifically marked as other items are mixed in, but Treasury items are in the Coins and Jewelry Auction on Oct. 30, the Online Only Decorative Arts – Session One on Oct. 31 and the Online Only Decorative Arts – Session Two on Nov. 1. When an item is sold at auction, the price is documented and the net proceeds remain with Treasury for the rightful owner to claim at any time. Auctions take place twice a year to make room in the vault for incoming property. The department works for at least three years to find the rightful owner of tangible property before an item is auctioned. Search to see if you have unclaimed property. PA Student Aid Guide Available NowThe Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency’s 2025-26 PA Student Aid Guide is available now. It is a complete overview of the financial aid process for high school students and families. There is information about the federal student aid process and Pennsylvania aid programs, as well as career and salary stats, timelines, applications and more. Learn more. Senate Republicans supported new laws to increase access to the education and training options students have after high school. Act 89 of 2024 creates scholarships for in-state students who attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree for a high-demand industry and agree to live and work in that industry in Pennsylvania after graduation. Act 56 of 2024 offers a tax credit to employers who match their employees’ contributions to PA 529 plans, tax-advantaged savings accounts to pay for education expenses. More Retirees to Be Eligible for Reduced Vehicle Registration FeeBeginning Dec. 16, more retirees will be eligible for a reduced processing fee in lieu of the standard vehicle registration fee. Because of a new law passed by the General Assembly, the income cap will rise from $19,200 to $29,906. Eligible retirees pay an $11 processing fee instead of the normal $45 registration fee. Eligible applicants, regardless of age, must be retired and receiving Social Security, SSI payments, retirement benefits or other pensions and annuities. Find details about what is included in the income calculations here. The vehicle may be owned jointly, but the applicant must be the principal operator of the vehicle unless physically or mentally incapable of operating the vehicle. Only one vehicle per qualified applicant may be registered for the retired status processing fee. Learn more. How to Be Safe This Hunting SeasonHunting is a Pennsylvania tradition. Whether it’s your first season out or you’ve ventured into the woods for years, knowing how to hunt safely can help you avoid trouble. Tree stands have injured hundreds of Pennsylvania hunters. Remembering some simple STEPS can reduce your risk of falling and ensure you’re prepared to signal for help if you do. Also to prevent accidents, hunters are required to wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange that’s visible from 360 degrees on the head, chest and back. A hat and vest satisfy this requirement. Know Your Breast Cancer RiskUnderstanding your breast cancer risk is vital for protecting your health. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can lower your risk. Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking are also important preventive steps. Regular screenings and self-exams are essential for early detection, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. Discussing your personal risk with a doctor can help you explore further preventive options, such as genetic testing or medications. By implementing these strategies and staying informed, you can take significant steps toward lowering your risk. Learn more about breast cancer risk here. Local EventsFriday, October 25-26: Downtown Lebanon Ghost Tours Saturday, October 26, 5pm-8pm: Fall Block Party Saturday, October 26, 8am: Quittapahilla Audubon Society Seed Distribution Saturday, October 26, 9am-11:30am: Halloween Cookie Decorating Saturday, October 26, 9am-4pm: Living History Event: Civil War Engineers Saturday, October 26, 12:30pm-2:30pm: Halloween Movie Afternoon Monday, October 28, 7pm-9pm: 2024 Lititz Lions Halloween Parade Tuesday, October 29, 8am: Lebanon County College and Career Fair Tuesday, October 29, 6pm-8pm: Adamstown YMCA Trunk or Treat Thursday, October 31, 5pm-7pm: Halloween at Hilltop Thursday, October 31, 9:30am-8pm: Bethel Tulpehocken Public Library Trick or Treat Day Thursday, October 31, 5pm-8pm: Trick or Treat Night at Berks History Center
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