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In this Update:
Remembering Sept. 11th
The weather this past Wednesday was beautiful, just like it was 23 years ago, on Sept. 11, 2001. This year, I had the privilege of joining our community in honoring and remembering the nearly 3,000 lives lost, as well as the countless heroes who responded with unmatched courage and compassion. As we reflect on the strength, resilience, and unity that arose from one of the darkest moments in U.S. history, let us carry forward the legacy of those we lost. We will never forget. Nonprofit Grant Seminar
Thank you to everyone who attended my Nonprofit Grant Seminar! I hope the insights and information shared were valuable to all the organizations dedicated to uplifting our community. For those who couldn’t join us but are interested in guidance on state grant opportunities, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office. We’re here to help you navigate the process and support your important work! Emergency Abandoned Well Plugging
Earlier this week, I witnessed an emergency gas well plugging operation on 11th Street, between Parade and German Streets in Erie. The rapid response to this environmental hazard is critical for ensuring the safety of our community and mitigating the risks posed by abandoned or improperly sealed wells. It’s important that we continue to prioritize the safe management and decommissioning of these old wells to prevent any long-term damage. A Closer Look at Energy Affordability and Reliability
Pennsylvanians face rising energy costs. Grid reliability continues to be a threat that may cause devastating outages like the major power crisis Texas experienced in 2021 when more than 4.5 million homes and businesses were without power for days. Rising costs and compromised reliability would be worsened by a unilateral decision former Gov. Tom Wolf made to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Joining RGGI will increase electricity rates for consumers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs, and lead to the closure of Pennsylvania power plants. Rolling blackouts will become commonplace when energy production cannot keep up with demand. Senate Republicans are actively fighting against Pennsylvania’s entry into RGGI, obtaining a court order that prevents the commonwealth from implementing the program because the court agreed that Wolf lacked the authority to join RGGI. Gov. Josh Shapiro appealed that court order to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, where the case is pending and briefs were filed this week by the Senate Republicans to prevent RGGI implementation. Senate Republicans stand ready to pass legislation to repeal the RGGI Energy Tax that has already been introduced if the legal process isn’t successful. We also passed bills that would ensure Pennsylvanians have options regarding fuel availability, help to secure the state’s future as a hub for carbon capture and sequestration and most effectively capitalize on the state’s abundant natural resources through the creation of the Independent Energy Office to provide impartial data. How to File a Banking Complaint
Consumers who have unsuccessfully attempted to resolve disputes with their financial institutions regarding services or products have options. Complaints may be submitted to the Department of Banking and Securities Consumer Services Office online or toll-free by calling 1-800-PA-BANKS (1-800-722-2657) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The department aims to provide responses to consumer complaints within 10 days of receipt. While the Consumer Services Office will make the effort to address consumer complaints, there is no guarantee the matter can or will be resolved. However, complaints are important because they allow the Department of Banking and Securities to identify patterns of unfair or deceptive practices that may result in further action. Applications Open: Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk Youth
The Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) is accepting applications for its class, which begins in January 2025. KSCA is designed to give academically challenged teens a second chance at obtaining their basic education, as well as learning leadership, self-discipline and responsibility. The program is open to 16- to 18-year-old Pennsylvania residents who are at risk of not graduating from high school, no longer attending any school or have not received a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Applicants must be willing to be drug free, free of felony convictions and voluntarily commit to the program. If selected, students will attend the 22-week residential phase at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. Learn more about eligibility requirements and begin the application process here. Anyone who prefers to have an application mailed or would like to talk with someone about the program may contact the academy by emailing RA-MVPAChallenge@pa.gov or calling 717-861-7767. Free Webinars Provide Useful College Financial Aid Info
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is holding free webinars to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process. On Tuesday, Sept. 24, at noon, speakers will discuss the financial aid timeline. On Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m., speakers will focus on how to search for scholarships and pay for any remaining costs. Register to attend the one-hour webinars. National Voter Registration Day is a Great Reminder
Tuesday, Sept. 17, is National Voter Registration Day. It’s a wonderful time to confirm that you are registered to vote at your current address or to register if you have moved or would be a first-time voter. The last day to register to vote in Pennsylvania before the Nov. 5 election is Monday, Oct. 21. You may submit your application online, by mail to your county voter registration office or in person at your county voter registration office. Active-duty military members or veterans who are hospitalized or bedridden may register at any time. Learn more about that option. Please note: if you are not a United States citizen and a resident of Pennsylvania at least 30 days before the election, you cannot register to vote.
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