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In this Update:
Shell Polymers Visit
It was a great experience joining the Erie County Economic Development Team and local plastics companies at the Shell Polymers Monaca facility. It was a fantastic opportunity to collaborate, learn from one another and focus on efficiently bringing more business to northwestern Pennsylvania. Here is a simple, easy-to-understand video walkthrough of the Polyethylene Manufacturing Process, which is only about a minute long. Check it out to see how product lines are being reinvented and improved right here in Pennsylvania. Erie Community College – Construction Trades Program
I had the pleasure of visiting Erie Community College to explore their Construction Trades Program, and it was an incredible experience! I am so proud of this initiative and what it represents for our community. This program was made possible by the Whole Homes Repairs Act, a piece of legislation that I was honored to sponsor. Seeing it come to fruition and positively impact our community fills me with immense pride. This program will play a crucial role in growing the workforce in Erie County, where there is a significant need for more skilled laborers. Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association
I had a productive and much-needed meeting with the Pennsylvania Corrections Officers Association. The work they do is incredibly challenging, and they have my utmost respect. I am committed to listening and learning how I can help make their jobs safer and more effective. There are always opportunities to explore better practices and innovative ways to run our facilities, often inspired by the experiences of their counterparts. This association exemplifies collaboration and mutual support, always looking out for one another. I’m grateful for the opportunity to speak with them, and I look forward to working together to address their needs. PennDOT Offers Winter Maintenance Jobs
Individuals seeking seasonal employment can apply for a variety of winter maintenance positions now open through the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The program runs September through April and includes positions for transportation equipment operators, diesel and construction equipment mechanics, radio dispatchers, auto mechanics, tradesman helpers, semi-skilled laborers and tunnel maintainers. Individuals in these positions supplement the permanent workforce and have the potential to lead to permanent full-time employment. Additional details about the positions, along with the job application, are available here and then go to “PennDOT Winter Maintenance Program.” Free Webinars Provide Helpful Financial Aid Info
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is holding free webinars to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process. On Tuesday, Aug. 20 at noon, speakers will discuss web resources for effective research before, during and after your student makes postsecondary decisions. On Thursday, Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m., speakers will focus on available loan programs, if there are costs not showing on the bill that must be paid and more. Register to attend the one-hour webinars. How Pennsylvanians with Disabilities Can Benefit From PA ABLE
PA ABLE gives individuals with disabilities a way to save money for the future without impacting important benefits like Medical Assistance (Medicaid) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Tax benefits for saving with PA ABLE include:
PA ABLE accounts can be used to pay for a wide variety of disability-related expenses including rent, groceries, health care, vehicle adaptations, assistive technology and more. Treasurer Stacy Garrity and PA ABLE professionals are hosting free webinars on how to start saving:
For more information, visit paable.gov or call 855-529-ABLE (2253). Keep Cool at the Pool or Lake
The dog days of summer are upon us. If you’re looking for a fun way to stay cool on a hot day, visit a Pennsylvania state park to go swimming. Many have pools and lakes. State park beaches are open and free to the public for swimming from before Memorial Day to after Labor Day, unless otherwise posted. The “open swim” policy allows people to swim at their own risk within the buoy line at designated beaches – 35 across the state – from 8 a.m. until sunset daily. Fifteen state parks have swimming pools for the public to enjoy. Pools are usually open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Admission fees vary based on the type of operation. Lifeguards are on duty when state park pools are open. Find a park with a pool and learn more. Recognizing National Financial Awareness Day
Wednesday, Aug. 14, marks National Financial Awareness Day. With recent estimates showing families in the United States have nearly $1 trillion in credit card debt and more than $15 trillion in debt overall, the day is a useful reminder of the impacts financial decisions can have for many years to come. Senate Republicans recognized that young adults face financial decisions that can come with long-term consequences and passed legislation to arm high school students with money management skills. The new law requires completion of a half-credit personal finance course to graduate high school. The course will give high school students the understanding they need about topics like credit and credit scores; savings and investments; college, home and auto loans; and planning for postsecondary education and retirement.
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