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In this Update:
Rehrig Pacific Visit
I recently visited Rehrig Pacific Company, a leader in practical manufacturing solutions across North America. With expertise in material handling, AI technology and a network of over 100 recycling facilities, Rehrig Pacific is advancing the use of alternative recycled materials, such as ocean-bound plastics, to promote a closed-loop system for its products. I’m proud to have helped secure funding for their recent expansion, which added approximately 50 new jobs in Erie County. It’s encouraging to see local businesses making strides toward a more sustainable future. Erie Bluffs State Park Joins the Old-Growth Forest Network
I was honored to be there for the announcement that Erie Bluffs State Park has officially been inducted into the Old-Growth Forest Network! Spanning nearly 430 acres along Lake Erie, this remarkable park features old-growth woodlands, a rare black oak savanna and diverse ecosystems, including forested wetlands and 90-foot bluffs overlooking the shoreline. Erie Bluffs is now the thirty-third forest in Pennsylvania to receive this recognition, underscoring its importance in preserving natural beauty and supporting clean water in our region. It’s wonderful to see this local gem receive the recognition it truly deserves! Multi-Cultural Health Evaluation Delivery Systems
Last week, Erie took an exciting step forward in healthcare with the opening of the Multi-Cultural Health Evaluation Delivery System’s (MHEDS) third facility at 826 Parade St. I was thrilled to be there as this new location aims to address the unmet medical needs of underserved communities and refugees, particularly in the 16503 zip code, by reducing barriers like transportation. MHEDS has long been a vital resource for Erie’s diverse population, and with this new facility, they anticipate serving up to 8,000 individuals annually. This expansion strengthens access to essential healthcare services in our community, helping everyone feel supported and well-cared-for. PA Families to Receive More Support Saving for the Future
Because of a bill Senate Republicans passed, families saving for educational expenses and costs for those with disabilities could soon have more support from their employers. A tax credit will encourage employers to contribute to their employees’ PA 529 College and Career Savings Program accounts and PA ABLE accounts. Beginning January 2025, employers will receive a 25% tax credit on matching employer contributions of up to $500 per employee per year. The law helps employers offer their employees a significant benefit so they can attract the best workers while receiving a financial incentive themselves. It supports Senate Republicans’ priorities of empowering Pennsylvania families and protecting Pennsylvania jobs. New Law Creates Rape Kit Tracking System
Having received unanimous support from the General Assembly, a bill to establish a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system is now law. Act 122 of 2024 allows survivors to track the status of their rape kits throughout the testing process, from collection to destruction. With this legislation, Pennsylvania joins 35 states and the District of Columbia that have already implemented rape kit tracking systems. It brings Pennsylvania into compliance with the Fairness for Rape Kit Backlog Survivors provision of the recent Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization. To comply with VAWA, the law provides a waiver for survivors who file untimely claims for compensation due to delays in rape kit testing. Survivors would not need to undergo an appeal process for consideration of this waiver. Bill Giving Parents Info About Student Tick Removal Now Law
Legislation giving parents the opportunity to access important information about their child’s health was approved by the Senate and is now law. It requires schools to notify a parent or guardian if a tick is removed from a student and provide the tick to them for testing. When discovering a tick on yourself, a family member or a pet, it’s important to send it to the Pennsylvania Tick Research Lab at East Stroudsburg University. For free, the tick can be tested for common illnesses to provide you and your health care provider with valuable information about potential exposure. For more than a decade, Pennsylvania has had more cases of Lyme disease than any other state in the nation. While Lyme disease is reason enough to take precautions, ticks also carry a host of other illnesses with undesirable symptoms. Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5
Election Day is on Tuesday, Nov. 5, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are in line by 8 p.m., you will be able to vote. If you would like to vote with a mail-in or absentee ballot, your county election office must receive it by Tuesday, Nov. 5, at 8 p.m. Track your ballot to confirm it was received. Any voter who requested to vote using a mail-in or absentee ballot but would prefer to vote in person may do so. Bring the ballot and the envelope to surrender at the polls. If you don’t have those materials, you may vote using a provisional ballot. Call 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772) if you experience any issues. Time to Turn Clocks Back This Weekend
Daylight saving time will end at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, so Pennsylvania residents should turn their clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night. Biannual time changes can be a great reminder to check or change the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced every 10 years and located near bedrooms and on each level of the residence.
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