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In this Update:

• Legislative Review: Pandemic Response
• Senate Hearing Explores the Impact of the PA Workforce Shortage
• Don’t Miss My Identity Theft Prevention Event
• DMVA: Important to Safeguard DD-214 Military Paperwork
• Unclaimed Property Waiting for PA Residents
• Plenty of PA Trip Ideas Available

Legislative Review: Pandemic Response

When Pennsylvania voters chose overwhelmingly this year to amend the state Constitution and limit the length of a governor’s unchecked emergency powers, they were weighing in on ballot questions created through Senate legislation.

Other measures passed by the Senate this year to safely respond to the COVID-19 pandemic include:

Act 1 of 2021 amending the state Fiscal Code to allocate $569.8 million for Rental and Utility Assistance, $197 million for education programs, and $145 million to support Pennsylvania’s struggling restaurants and taverns as they cope with the devastation created by the COVID-19 pandemic and the governor’s mandated closings and restrictions. 

Act 21 of 2021 ensuring all waivers previously effective under the COVID-19 emergency will remain in effect until Sept. 30, 2021, unless sooner terminated by the authority which initially authorized the waiver.

Act 67 of 2021 allowing family members to safely visit long-term care facilities during a pandemic as essential caregivers. 

Senate Resolution 90 extending the emergency temporary rules adopted to maintain continuity of operations of the Senate during the COVID-19 disaster emergency.

House Resolution 106 terminating the pandemic emergency declaration and ending the governor’s power to close employers, limit occupancy, suspend state statutes or issue stay-at-home orders due to COVID-19.

You can find a full list of bills of note passed by the Senate in 2021 here.

Senate Hearing Explores the Impact of the PA Workforce Shortage

The economic impact of the workforce shortage facing Pennsylvania employers was the topic of a public hearing Wednesday by the Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee.

Pennsylvania is facing a serious workforce crisis that is threatening our employers and slowing our economic recovery. Businesses across the Commonwealth have been forced to curtail their hours of operation or even close because of a workforce shortage. The panel heard from the PA Chamber of Business and Industry, local employers and the PA Restaurant and Lodging Association in order to fully identify the employers’ needs and the role the General Assembly can play in creating an environment for economic growth and job creation.

You can view hearing video and more here.

Don’t Miss My Identity Theft Prevention Event

To help households of the 46th District protect themselves against identity theft, I will be hosting a free Identity Theft Prevention Event on Saturday, Aug. 7, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at the Hopewell Township Municipal Building parking lot, 1700 Clark Blvd., Aliquippa.

It will be a drive-through event for individuals only, not businesses. An industrial shredder truck will be on site, and up to two bags or boxes will be accepted per vehicle. Identity theft information will be provided.

Phonebooks, newspapers and bound books cannot be accepted. Please remove any binder or paper clips.

It is not necessary to register for the event, but residents who have questions are asked to call the district office at 724-225-4380.

DMVA: Important to Safeguard DD-214 Military Paperwork

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs urges veterans to safeguard their DD-214. For veterans who have lost this important document, or family members who cannot locate it on a veteran’s behalf, the DMVA can assist in retrieving an official copy.  

The DD-214 is issued by the U.S. Department of Defense upon a military servicemember’s retirement, separation or discharge from active duty. It contains information needed to verify military service for benefits, retirement, employment and membership in veterans’ organizations. Without this key document, there could be a big delay when veterans seek benefits earned through their service to our nation.

The DMVA can also assist with locating the DD-215, which is used to correct errors or make additions to a DD-214, helping to assure that veterans have accurate discharge documentation.

Anyone needing assistance from the DMVA to locate their DD-214/215, or other military documentation, can call toll-free 1-800-547-2838 or email RA-REQ@pa.gov. More information about locating military documents can be found by visiting the Records Request Program.  

Unclaimed Property Waiting for PA Residents

Millions in unclaimed property is secured in the Pennsylvania Treasury vault. An updated website has been launched to help residents look for and retrieve their unclaimed property. 

Dormant accounts from financial institutions and other entities must be reported to the PA Treasury by April 15 each year. The vault includes tangibles such as jewelry, coins, collector cards and war medals previously abandoned in safe deposit boxes. In fact, one in 10 state residents have unclaimed property waiting for them.

Whether your search yields enough for a latte or a steak dinner or more, take a few minutes to enter into the Treasury’s database your name and the name of family members. For additional assistance, you may contact the Bureau of Unclaimed Property at 800-222-2046.  

Plenty of PA Trip Ideas Available

There’s plenty of summer left and plenty of ideas for getting away in our beautiful Commonwealth.

VisitPA.com can help you find day trips and more to lakes and beaches, experience hiking and camping, sample city life or explore our rich history.

Resources are available to help you plan your trip. You can also order a Happy Traveler Guide or view it online.

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