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In this update:
State Budget Implementation Requires Action by the House of Representatives
A week after the Senate convened for session and passed legislation to take additional steps toward finalizing the new state budget, the House of Representatives has yet to come back to session and vote on budget implementation legislation which can help all communities throughout our commonwealth. Right now, the House is not scheduled to come back to Harrisburg for session until Sept. 26. The general appropriations bill was signed into law last month. However, code language passed by the Senate still needs to be advanced by the House in order to drive out critical funding. While the House is currently split at 101 to 101 with an even number of Republicans and Democrats, we cannot let politics stand in the way of doing the right thing for Pennsylvanians. We welcome our colleagues in the House of Representatives to join us in coming back to session immediately to complete the 2023-24 budget. The Senate has sent the House of Representatives a total of three code bills to drive out this funding. ICYMI: Exploring York County’s Outdoors, Upcoming Podcast Episode to Review Proposed Pump Storage Facility Along Susquehanna
My latest podcast episode is part one of two with Mark Platts, the president of the Susquehanna National Heritage Area (SNHA). In this episode, we discuss his recommendations for the top fall activities across York County. As the leader of the SNHA for more than two decades, he knows the ins and outs of outdoor, recreational opportunities in eastern and southern York County. Coming up soon, I sit down for a second conversation with Mark to talk about the proposed pump storage facility that would take 1,000 acres of preserved farmland and recreational areas along the Susquehanna River in Chanceford Township. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission sent a letter to York Energy Storage, LLC, this week rejecting its application for a preliminary permit for its massive hydropower facility along the Susquehanna River. York Energy Storage may reapply. You can listen to the first part of our discussion (about York County’s outdoor recreational opportunities) here and stay tuned for part two coming soon! You can listen to our conversation on Apple, Spotify, Google or wherever you get your podcasts. Grand Opening of Building Bridges for Brianna
It was inspiring to join Matt Dorgan and the rest of the Building Bridges for Brianna team for the grand opening of their new office space. The opening was an accumulation of hard work, dedication, determination, and love ensuring Matt’s daughters dream is fulfilled. Matt and his team have been working toward this goal since the creation of Building Bridges for Brianna. They wanted an office space to expand upon the critical services they already provide, including free and reduced mental health counseling and therapy. Building Bridges for Brianna has expanded to pay co-pays for therapy/counseling, medication, and coping skills. Matt has also used the organization to expand education in the community to break the stigma around mental health and train others in detection and education around warning signs. Congratulations again to a great organization on this major achievement. State Grants Available for Children’s Advocacy Centers
Help is available to children’s advocacy centers (CACs) for their crucial mission coordinating the investigation, treatment and prosecution of child abuse cases. The Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency says the funds can be used to help CACs expand, improve or continue the services provided to victims of child sexual abuse and child abuse. Applications and information are listed here under “2023 NCA Member Child Advocacy Centers.” The Senate Aging and Youth Committee held a hearing last month to gather information about the needs of CACs and the critical roles they play across Pennsylvania. Scam Threatens Suspension of Health License
Scammers pretending to be from the Pennsylvania Department of State’s health-related licensing boards are calling active and inactive licensees, claiming their licenses are suspended due to allegations of criminal activity. To trick people, the scammers spoof the state board’s phone number and name on caller ID. Someone who actually represents the state board will NOT contact you by phone to request a credit card payment, wire transfer or money order. They will never request any payment be made using gift card or that it be wired to a foreign country. If you receive one of these calls, please hang up and report it to the FBI Internet Crime Complaint Center. Shared Ride Services Available to the Public
People who do not drive can get where they need to go using shared ride services. Riders can travel to work, medical providers, grocery stores, shopping centers and more when fixed route services cannot meet their needs. While shared ride services are open to the public, riders must register in advance to use them. Each shared ride provider has its own fare structure. Various programs allow seniors, persons with disabilities and low-income individuals to access shared ride service at a reduced out-of-pocket cost or even for free. Find more information and the shared ride service provider near you here. Tax-Free Savings Accounts for People with Disabilities
Tax-free savings accounts to help people with disabilities save money for disability-related expenses are available through the Pennsylvania Treasury. PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) accounts are structured similar to tuition savings accounts. Family members and friends can contribute up to $17,000 per year; PA ABLE account owners who earn income may contribute additional funds beyond the annual contribution limit. Once the maximum account limit of $511,758 is reached, accounts continue to earn interest. Withdrawals from the account will be exempt from both state and federal income taxes as long as the funds are used for qualified disability expenses. These include education, housing, transportation, employment support, health prevention and assistive technology. Learn more here. Remembering the Sept. 11, 2001 Terrorist Attacks
Monday marks the 22nd anniversary of the Sept. 11 attacks on our country, including one that resulted in a plane crash in Somerset County, Pennsylvania. It is with a heavy heart that we remember the devastating attacks and wish peace for the families who lost a loved one on that fateful day. We also recognize the incredible heroes, including those who made the ultimate sacrifice, as they cared for the innocent victims. Emergency responders and military personnel deserve our deep gratitude. May we never forget the resolve of our nation in the face of unthinkable acts of terrorism. Local Job Openings
PA CareerLink shared with me its latest list of local job openings, which you can view here. You can also find job postings shared with the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA) here. Upcoming PennDOT Maintenance ProjectsYou can view PennDOT’s list of scheduled maintenance projects for next week below. If you have trouble viewing the schedule, please click here.
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