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In this Update:
Prepare Now for the Nov. 5 Election
Election Day on Nov. 5 is approaching. Make sure you’re able to participate by registering to vote no later than Oct. 21. If you’ve moved, this is also a great time to double check that you’re registered to vote at your current address. Anyone who wishes to vote by mail must apply by Oct. 29. You must be a registered voter to submit an application to vote by mail. If you are looking for a way to help your community, learn more about becoming a poll worker here. Thousands of Pennsylvanians are needed to run elections, and poll workers are needed in all 67 counties. Focus on the 46th
This week California Academy of Learning Charter School, California Area School District, Fort Cherry School District, and Washington School District were awarded grant funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture PA Farm Bill Farm-to-School program. The goal is to fund projects aimed at improving access to healthy, local food and increasing hands-on agriculture learning for children in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. ▸ California Academy of Learning [$13,631] – This project will teach K-5 students about sunflowers and apiary agriculture in PA. ▸ California Area School District [$8,590] – This program immerses elementary students in the world of honeybees, teaching them about their essential role. Middle school students will explore honeybee genetics, gaining advanced knowledge of these vital pollinators. ▸ Fort Cherry School District [$2,679] – The Community Garden aims to foster hands-on learning, community engagement, and environmental stewardship. Key activities include student planting and harvesting, integration of science curriculum, and collaboration with high school students. ▸ Washington School District [$3,200] – This project includes a field trip to a local dairy farm for 139 first-graders. Students will learn about farm work, animals, lifestyle and products. Project will include purchasing local produce to serve in the cafeteria and promote in taste-testing events.
It was a great autumn morning and wonderful turnout last weekend for the Houston Pumpkin Festival Parade.
It was a pleasure hitting the Montour Trail this week at Mile 0 in Moon Township to connect with the folks who are putting in the incredibly hard work maintaining the integrity of this public jewel. The focus of this discussion was on streambank stabilization of not only the 10-12 miles of trail that travel alongside the Montour Run creek but other sections across the region. There are erosion issues that are a real threat to the longevity of the trail and safety of its users. I would like to thank Brad Barkdoll of We Conserve PA for coordinating with Hollow Oak Land Trust and the Montour Trail Council (MTC), who have been steadfast in their efforts for 35 years. Thank you to Julian Wolfe [MTC President], Dave Wright [MTC Chief Engineer & Founding Father], and Ned Williams [Former MTC President] for your continued service to the trail.
This week I also had the privilege of attending the Morris Township (Washington County) Supervisors meeting. The Supervisors and community members present had great questions and it was an opportunity to provide updates from Harrisburg. This part of the 46th Senatorial District is the true epicenter of both Coal and Oil & Gas production – indeed we are providing energy for the globe, right here in Southwestern Pennsylvania. We talked about the importance of the Act 13 Impact Fee Tax and how vital it is in supporting our municipalities where the most activity is happening. I was very excited to learn that the leadership in Morris Township are working diligently on long-term infrastructure needs for their community – a true testament of looking ahead to the future. I was also pleased to lend my support for their 2025 Washington County LSA grant application. Thank you to Supervisor Patrick Bracey for inviting me. Engaging your county, state and federal representation is great way to build bridges and lift our corner of the Commonwealth up, together. Bill to Improve Early Literacy Poised for Enactment
The Senate and House unanimously passed and sent to the governor legislation to give students the best chance at lifelong success through a strong, evidence-based reading program. Senate Bill 801 would provide schools with resources to dramatically improve early literacy in Pennsylvania. First, it would bolster reading instruction by giving schools a comprehensive list of evidence-based reading curricula. Second, it would help schools identify struggling readers early via universal screening by providing a list of high-quality screeners. Third, it would ensure educators are properly trained to use the structured literacy curriculum and screeners by creating a list of high-quality professional development programs. Low literacy scores are a problem that spans the geographic and demographic spectrum, with urban cities and rural communities struggling to help their students read proficiently at their age level. Studies show that childhood reading difficulties can produce long-term effects and dramatically impact someone’s chances of success. Senate Passes Bill to Extend Lemon Law Protections to Motorcycles
The Senate unanimously approved legislation that would extend Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law protections to cover motorcycles. Senate Bill 155 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law provides protections for customers who purchase or lease a car that is registered in the commonwealth. The law protects customers who experience defects with their car during the first year or 12,000 miles of leasing or ownership. Manufacturers are given three opportunities within a year to repair the defect. If the problem still cannot be corrected, the customer is eligible for a replacement or refund. The state Lemon Law currently only applies to cars. Bill to Improve Elevator Safety Standards Passes Senate
The Senate unanimously passed legislation to improve elevator safety standards in Pennsylvania. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Following the deaths of a correctional officer and an inmate who plunged down an elevator shaft in a violent confrontation, the Elevator Safety Board was established to address critical issues surrounding elevator construction, maintenance and inspection. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has revised the national elevator code seven times since 2002, yet Pennsylvania still adheres to outdated standards that don’t reflect current safety practices. The board submitted its recommendations to update these codes to the Department of Labor and Industry in 2020, but the agency has not acted. Senate Bill 1230 requires the Department of Labor and Industry to adopt an updated safety code, effective July 1, 2025. Prior to adoption, the Elevator Safety Board may recommend modifications based upon its professional expertise and industry experience. The legislation would establish timely benchmarks, making sure necessary upgrades will not be delayed further. Know Your Breast Cancer Risk
Understanding 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.
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