Senator Gebhard E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Auditor General DeFoor Applauds Passage of Financial Literacy
  • Bill to Combat Package Thefts Signed into Law
  • Sharing the Holiday Spirit with PA Veterans
  • Drive Safely During Inclement Weather
  • Merry Christmas to You and Yours
  • Local Events

Auditor General DeFoor Applauds Passage of Financial Literacy Education Requirement for PA Students

My legislation to provide students with basic money management skills was recently signed into law. Specifically, it requires completion of a half-credit personal finance course to graduate high school.

Auditor General Timothy L. DeFoor applauded the passage of the first-ever financial literacy education requirement for Pennsylvania high school students in a recent press release.

“It has long been a goal of mine to have financial literacy taught in our public schools,” Auditor General DeFoor said. “I want to congratulate Sen. Chris Gebhard for championing this legislation and getting it across the finish line. Knowing how to Be Money Smart is one of the best lessons a student can learn to set themselves up for future financial success.”

Recent estimates calculate there are more than 350 million American-owned credit card accounts, and, on average, credit card owners have about four cards apiece. Families in the United States are approaching approximately $1 trillion dollars in credit card debt and more than $15 trillion dollars in debt overall.

The course will give high school students the understanding they need about topics like credit and credit scores; savings and investments; college, home and auto loans; and planning for postsecondary education and retirement.

Bill to Combat Package Thefts Signed into Law

The Senate passed legislation to combat porch pirating – the theft of packages delivered to people’s homes – and it was recently signed into law.

Senate Bill 527, now Act 41 of 2023, implements specific penalties for theft of mail, which includes a package, bag or letter. In Pennsylvania, theft of mail is currently charged based solely on the value of the item taken.

According to Forbes, Americans spent $1.7 trillion shopping online since 2020 and nearly eight in 10 Americans have had a package stolen in 2022. Pennsylvania now joins eight other states ­that have already made porch pirating a felony.

Sharing the Holiday Spirit with PA Veterans

If you would like to support our veterans and military families this holiday season, making a monetary donation goes a long way toward helping the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs provide members, veterans and their families with essential programs and services that would not be available otherwise.

Donations can be made by mail or online. They are tax-deductible, and gifts of any amount are appreciated. Learn more about making a donation.

Driving Safely During Inclement Weather

Pennsylvania has nearly 40,000 miles of roads – which translates to 96,000 snow-lane miles – that must be maintained during inclement weather so people can travel safely.

The approximately 2,200 PennDOT-owned and rented plow trucks have in-truck technology that logs and shares data in real time so the public can monitor the routes of their interstate and expressway travels on www.511PA.com.

Of course, drivers should avoid the roads until they have been cleared, if possible. Anyone who must travel is urged to use extra caution by slowing down, increasing their following distance and avoiding distractions. Read more winter driving tips here.

Merry Christmas to You and Yours

This holiday season, I would like to wish you and your family a very Merry Christmas. May you enjoy the real gifts of love, peace and happiness.

My district office hours may be limited due to the holidays. Please call ahead to be sure my offices are open.

Also, PennDOT Driver License Centers will be closed on Dec. 23 and 25 for Christmas, and on Dec. 30 and Jan. 1 for New Year’s. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website.

Local Events

Friday, December 22, 5pm-7:30pm CLA Carriage Rides
CLA Carriage Rides
Click here

Friday, December 22, Womelsdorf Santa on the Fire Truck
Womelsdorf
Click here

Thursday, December 21-30, Yuletide at Wheatland
230 North President Avenue, Lancaster
Click here

Thursday, December 21-23, 5:30pm-8:30pm Gring’s Mill Holiday Lights
Gring’s Mill Recreation Area
Click here

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