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In this Update:
Texting Reminder
LSA Funding
This week, I proudly announced $7.7 million in funding from Harrisburg is returning to support our Erie County communities! Earlier this year, in February, I hosted a grant workshop at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center to help municipal leaders navigate the grant application process. We had an incredible turnout, with representatives from the City of Erie, 16 townships, and 8 boroughs joining us. This funding is here to strengthen our communities, and I remain committed to ensuring that Erie County always receives its fair share. You can read more about these projects here DOC Recruitment
A big thank you to Lt. Daryl S. Ellzy from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections for visiting this week to meet with my district director, Katie Nagle. Our office is committed to supporting recruitment and retention efforts here in Erie County, particularly at SCI Albion. Ensuring a fully staffed facility is critical for the safety of both workers and their families, and it’s a top priority for me in my district. Troyer Farms
Last week, I joined Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding to tour Troyer Farms in Waterford. This week, it was announced they received a $3 million grant. This funding will support capital expansion that will enable the only organic potato supplier on the East Coast to expand operations, transition more acreage to organic farming and begin producing a wider range of potato products. American Turned Products Visit
Recently, I toured American Turned Products and congratulated them on 40 years of success in machining complex, high-volume components for industries like automotive, oil and gas, and fluid power. Here’s to many more years of excellence! Rape Kit Tracking System Bill to Become Law
Legislation I supported to create a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system will soon become law. Senate Bill 920 allows survivors to track the status of their rape kits throughout the testing process, from collection to destruction. With the enactment of the bill, Pennsylvania will join 35 states and the District of Columbia that have already implemented rape kit tracking systems. In addition to creating the tracking system, the legislation brings Pennsylvania into compliance with the Fairness for Rape Kit Backlog Survivors provision of the recent federal Violence Against Women Act reauthorization. We in the legislature have been working for several years to improve and expand support for survivors of sexual assault, and this will add needed transparency and accountability to the investigation process. Online Unclaimed Property Auction Oct. 30 to Nov. 1
More than 5,700 items will be up for sale in the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s largest unclaimed property auction from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. View the items and register to bid here. The auction will include coins, currency, jewelry and more. The Treasury’s auctions are not specifically marked as other items are mixed in, but Treasury items are in the Coins and Jewelry Auction on Oct. 30, the Online Only Decorative Arts – Session One on Oct. 31 and the Online Only Decorative Arts – Session Two on Nov. 1. When an item is sold at auction, the price is documented and the net proceeds remain with Treasury for the rightful owner to claim at any time. Auctions take place twice a year to make room in the vault for incoming property. The department works for at least three years to find the rightful owner of tangible property before an item is auctioned. Search to see if you have unclaimed property. PA Student Aid Guide Available Now
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency’s 2025-26 PA Student Aid Guide is available now. It is a complete overview of the financial aid process for high school students and families. There is information about the federal student aid process and Pennsylvania aid programs, as well as career and salary stats, timelines, applications and more. Learn more. Senate Republicans supported new laws to increase access to the education and training options students have after high school. Act 89 of 2024 creates scholarships for in-state students who attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree for a high-demand industry and agree to live and work in that industry in Pennsylvania after graduation. Act 56 of 2024 offers a tax credit to employers who match their employees’ contributions to PA 529 plans, tax-advantaged savings accounts to pay for education expenses. More Retirees to Be Eligible for Reduced Vehicle Registration Fee
Beginning Dec. 16, more retirees will be eligible for a reduced processing fee in lieu of the standard vehicle registration fee. Because of a new law passed by the General Assembly, the income cap will rise from $19,200 to $29,906. Eligible retirees pay an $11 processing fee instead of the normal $45 registration fee. Eligible applicants, regardless of age, must be retired and receiving Social Security, SSI payments, retirement benefits or other pensions and annuities. Find details about what is included in the income calculations here. The vehicle may be owned jointly, but the applicant must be the principal operator of the vehicle unless physically or mentally incapable of operating the vehicle. Only one vehicle per qualified applicant may be registered for the retired status processing fee. Learn more. How to Be Safe This Hunting Season
Hunting is a Pennsylvania tradition. Whether it’s your first season out or you’ve ventured into the woods for years, knowing how to hunt safely can help you avoid trouble. Tree stands have injured hundreds of Pennsylvania hunters. Remembering some simple STEPS can reduce your risk of falling and ensure you’re prepared to signal for help if you do. Also to prevent accidents, hunters are required to wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange that’s visible from 360 degrees on the head, chest and back. A hat and vest satisfy this requirement. Know Your Breast Cancer Risk
Understanding your breast cancer risk is vital for protecting your health. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can lower your risk. Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking are also important preventive steps. Regular screenings and self-exams are essential for early detection, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. Discussing your personal risk with a doctor can help you explore further preventive options, such as genetic testing or medications. By implementing these strategies and staying informed, you can take significant steps toward lowering your risk. Learn more about breast cancer risk here.
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