Senator Phillips-Hill E-Newsletter

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In this update:

  • Talking Energy with Maryland Delegate Kathy Szeliga
  • You MAY Have Unclaimed Property!
  • Honoring Robin Kohler’s Service with the PA VFW Auxiliary
  • Hearing Explores Approaches to Expanding Access to Dental Care Across PA
  • Keeping Our Families and Communities Safe
  • Student Teachers Can Apply for Assistance Through PA Support Program
  • Evening with the Chesapeake Bay Commission Along the Susquehanna
  • Main Street in Shrewsbury Welcomes Gerrick & Co. Mercantile
  • New Specialty Plate Helps Preserve Pennsylvania’s Heritage
  • You Can Help Deliver Senior Services in Our Area
  • National Donate Life Month
  • On Deck
  • Upcoming PennDOT Maintenance Projects

Talking Energy with Maryland Delegate Kathy Szeliga

In the latest episode of Kristin’s Corner, I sat down with Maryland Delegate Kathy Szeliga to talk about energy demand, grid reliability, and what it means for Pennsylvania as part of the PJM Interconnection.

We discussed the growing demand for electricity, especially with the rise of data centers, and how that’s impacting states across the region. We also touched on how energy policies in neighboring states can affect Pennsylvania, particularly as we continue to play a major role in power generation.

It was an insightful conversation focused on understanding the challenges and where things may be headed. You can listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple or YouTube.

You MAY Have Unclaimed Property!

You may have unclaimed property waiting for you! Join my team at our May 7th mobile office in Springettsbury Township to find out.

A Treasury specialist will be onsite to help you search for unclaimed property, answer questions, and guide you through the process of filing a claim.

Come search for yourself and family at York Area United Fire & Rescue Station, located at 50 Commons Drive in York, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In addition to unclaimed property assistance, my team will be available to help with a variety of state-related services. Stop by and take a few minutes to see if money could be waiting to be returned to you. You can search for unclaimed property and find out more about the program here.

Honoring Robin Kohler’s Service with the PA VFW Auxiliary

It was a pleasure to join the Pennsylvania Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary for the Grand Highland Banquet as we celebrated and honored Auxiliary President Robin Kohler.

Robin’s dedication to our Veterans and their families is evident in everything she does from her leadership at the state level to her continued impact in local communities. I was proud to present a citation recognizing her service and the meaningful legacy she carries forward.

Thank you to the Pennsylvaia Veterans of Foreign Wars Auxiliary for the incredible work they do to support those who have served.

Hearing Explores Approaches to Expanding Access to Dental Care Across PA

Efforts to expand access to dental education and reduce barriers to entry to address severe workforce shortages in dentists, dental hygienists, and dental assistants were the focus of a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee.

Almost a third of Pennsylvanians already don’t receive regular dental care and more than 22% of the commonwealth’s dentists are age 65 and older and nearing retirement.

The hearing featured dental professionals, educators, insurance companies, and other advocates who gave their perspectives on how dental workforce shortages harm public health and shared successful strategies that encouraged more people to pursue these careers. Video of the hearing and written testimony can be found here.

Keeping Our Families and Communities Safe

A year ago this month, the Senate took decisive action on several bills to keep our families and communities safe. Among the bills we passed are Senate Bill 92, known as Tyler’s Law, to impose tougher penalties on drug dealers who sell fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose; Senate Bill 490 to prohibit non-monetary bail for the most dangerous individuals; and Senate Bill 347 to prohibit so-called “safe injection sites” – which endanger our neighborhoods in Pennsylvania.

I voted for these bills because there is a clear and urgent need to give our law enforcement community new tools to combat these serious issues. Unfortunately, although the Senate passed all three bills with bipartisan votes, they continue to sit in the state House of Representatives waiting for action. It’s time for the House Democrats to advance these bills, and I will continue pushing for strong legislation to make our communities safer.

Student Teachers Can Apply for Assistance Through PA Support Program

Planning to be a student teacher in 2026-27? The Student Teacher Support Program provides financial assistance in return for help alleviating Pennsylvania’s pressing teacher shortage.

It provides $10,000 to eligible student teachers and up to $2,500 to teachers who mentor them. Recipients must commit to teaching in Pennsylvania for three years following the completion of their teaching certification.

Selection will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis based on when the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency receives a completed student application. Learn more and apply here.

Evening with the Chesapeake Bay Commission Along the Susquehanna

I recently joined Sens. Gene Yaw and Scott Martin and PA Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding for an evening with the Chesapeake Bay Commission along the Susquehanna River.

It was a great conversation focused on protecting our natural resources and supporting Pennsylvania agriculture. And while we were taking it all in from the Lancaster side, I think we can all agree the better view is still York County.

Main Street in Shrewsbury Welcomes Gerrick & Co. Mercantile

It was a pleasure to join the ribbon cutting of Gerrick & Co. Mercantile at 2 N. Main Street in Shrewsbury!

This new shop is a great addition to Main Street, featuring antiques, collectibles, and vintage finds. Small businesses like this bring new life to our downtowns and strengthen our local economy.

Wishing them continued success! You can fine more photos from the ribbon cutting on my Facebook page.

New Specialty Plate Helps Preserve Pennsylvania’s Heritage

Pennsylvania drivers have another special fund license plate to put on the back of their vehicles: the Preserve Our Heritage plate featuring the Liberty Bell and Pennsylvania Bank Barn.

Built from about 1790 to 1900, these barns were banked and set on a hillside and became symbols of Pennsylvania’s agricultural roots.

The plates are available for cars or trucks with a registered gross weight of 14,000 pounds or less. Each plate costs $64, with $23 going directly to support the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s education and exhibit programs. You can find the plate and order it here.

You Can Help Deliver Senior Services in Our Area

Delivering meals, being a senior companion and other roles are open to volunteers of all ages and abilities with the state Aging Services Network.

You can learn new skills, make friends and help others through these programs:

  • Medicare Insurance Counseling
  • Ombudsman Program
  • Home-Delivered and Congregate Meals
  • Senior Companion Program
  • Foster Grandparent Program
  • Retired Senior Volunteer Program
  • Family Caregiver Support Program
  • Health and Wellness
  • Senior Community Centers

Find out more and apply online here or contact the local Area Agency on Aging to see where help is needed in our area. 

National Donate Life Month

You can save up to eight lives through organ donation, restore sight to two people through cornea donation and heal more than 75 people through tissue donation.

While the vast majority of Americans support donation, many overlook the important step of registering their decision to be a donor. Donate Life America has plenty of useful information on this lifesaving topic. Find out how to add the Organ Donor designation to your driver’s license or ID card here.

On Deck

The Senate of Pennsylvania reconvenes on Monday, April 20, at 1 p.m. Follow me on X for the latest updates on session convening times. You can watch 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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