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In this update:
Unmask Your Hidden Treasure This Halloween
This Halloween season, my team is partnering with the Pennsylvania Treasury Department to help residents uncover unclaimed property that may be waiting for them. Unclaimed property can include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance policies, stocks, and more. It’s real money and it might have your name on it! Event Details: Representatives from the Treasury Department and my team will be on-site to help you search for any unclaimed property and guide you through the simple process to claim it. There’s no cost to search or claim what’s yours. No tricks, just treats and maybe a little hidden treasure! ICYMI: It is Time to Act on Permitting Reform
Alex Halper from the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry joined me on my podcast, “Kristin’s Corner,” for a conversation about how Pennsylvania can strengthen its competitive edge in economic development. At the center of this work is my legislation, Senate Bill 6, a critical measure to bring transparency, accountability, and certainty to Pennsylvania’s outdated permitting system. Delays in permitting is stalling projects, but it is also stalling progress, jobs, and opportunity. This follows my bipartisan conversation I had with Rep. Paul Friel of Chester County earlier this month on ABC27’s “This Week in Pennsylvania” which starts at the 11:30 minute mark. Now is the time to take up meaningful permitting reform to make Pennsylvania more competitive and deliver real results for our communities. Listen now on your favorite platform: Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. Bill Targeting Catalytic Converter Thefts Passed by Senate
Pennsylvania is one of the top states in the country for catalytic converter thefts, with thieves targeting the car part for its precious metals – leaving families and businesses to deal with the costly aftermath. My colleagues and I passed legislation to strengthen regulations and equip law enforcement with better tools to track and prosecute offenders. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 914 repeals the Scrap Metal Theft Prevention Act and moves the requirements to Title 18, the Crimes Code. Title 18 requires scrap processors and recycling facilities to collect buyer information, set commercial-account rules, restrict purchases of certain materials and create penalties. York County Shows Up to Support K9 Unit
The York County Sheriff’s Office hosted its annual spaghetti dinner fundraiser to support its K9 unit and once again, our community showed up in full force. This event is always a highlight, bringing together neighbors for good food, good company, and strong support for those who keep us safe. It was especially great to see Lt. David Godfrey out and about and in good spirits. Moments like this are what York County does best: showing up for each other. You can find more photos from the dinner on my Facebook page. Senate Votes to Expand College Aid for Foster Children
The Senate approved legislation to expand tuition aid for foster children and adopted youth from other states. This step aims to attract talented students to help fill in-demand jobs and boost the commonwealth’s weak population growth. Senate Bill 432 would expand the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program, which waives higher education tuition and fees for children in the foster care system and those who were adopted. The program is currently available only to state residents and the legislation would expand it to eligible nonresident students for undergraduate courses at Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education schools. The measure builds on the GROW PA plan I supported last year to improve Pennsylvania’s competitiveness by, among other steps, attracting and retaining students to pursue college degrees. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Open Government: Tracking How Your Tax Dollars are Spent
Government is funded by money paid by taxpayers, and these resources are available to shed light on how those dollars are being spent by the commonwealth. The PennWATCH website allows citizens to keep tabs on the state budget, spending and revenue. Pennsylvania also makes it easy for people to review state purchases, lobbyist registrations and reports and campaign finance reports. Announced earlier this year by state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, OpenBookPA is a vast resource of data and information related to state finances. It includes the Fiscal Health Scorecard, the daily balance of every state fund and the Contracts e-Library, which allows people to search all state contracts valued at $5,000 or more. Pheasant Season Opens Oct. 25
Earlier this month, I joined the Pennsylvania Game Commission to help stock pheasants ahead of junior season. Now, as junior season wraps up, hunters across the commonwealth are gearing up for the regular pheasant season, which begins Saturday, Oct. 25. More than 215,000 birds will be released statewide through early January, with expanded Sunday hunting dates adding more opportunities for hunters. For stocking locations, hunt dates, and regulations, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s website here. Celebrating New Community Pavilion at Union Park
I was glad to join the Borough of Hanover Parks and Recreation and the Hanover Kiwanis Club to celebrate the ribbon cutting of the new Kiwanis Pavilion at Union Park. This project is a wonderful example of what happens when a community comes together to create something special for families and neighbors. You can find more photos of the pavilion and park here. Honoring Eagle Scout Irma Henz
Congratulations to Irma Henz of Troop 809 G in Jarrettsville, Maryland, on earning the rank of Eagle Scout. Living in Stewartstown, she is the daughter of Brian and Donna Henz. For her Eagle Scout project, Irma renovated the volleyball court at the Norrisville Recreation Complex in White Hall. It was an honor to present her with a congratulatory citation from the Senate of Pennsylvania in recognition of this achievement. Well done, Irma! Give Your Feedback on PennDOT Construction, Maintenance Services
Through Oct. 21, motorists can take an online survey to give their feedback on Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) construction and maintenance services. The 22-question survey asks participants how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations in construction and maintenance activities. Respondents are also asked about experiences with reporting concerns to the department, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. PennDOT is directly responsible for nearly 40,000 miles of highway and 25,400 bridges. A summary of recent projects and funds spent can be found in the 2024 Annual Report. Coroners Association Hosts Annual Conference
I recently joined the Pennsylvania State Coroners’ Association for their annual conference and had the opportunity to thank these dedicated professionals for their critical work serving communities across the Commonwealth. Expanding Coverage of Breast Cancer Screenings
Earlier this year, the Senate passed a bill to expand insurance coverage for breast cancer screenings, including MRIs and ultrasounds, with no out-of-pocket costs. It was another major step forward in early detection and access to care. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’m hopeful the House of Representatives will pass this legislation, so more Pennsylvanians have access to these lifesaving screenings. Read more about breast cancer risk and new resources available for early detection here. On Deck
The Senate of Pennsylvania reconvenes Monday, Oct. 20. Follow me on X for all of the latest updates on session convening times. You can watch all of the Senate votes and view our agenda here. Upcoming PennDOT Maintenance Projects
Most weeks, PennDOT provides me with its upcoming maintenance schedule. While my team and I aim to keep this information up to date, please note that the page may not always reflect the latest changes. For the most accurate details, I recommend checking back on Friday afternoons or over the weekend, as we usually receive updates from PennDOT on Fridays. You can view the full list here to see if any roadwork might impact you and your family.
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