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In this Update:
Winter Storm in the Northwest
Winter is back, and precipitation – snow and ice – become regular occurrences. Whenever winter weather comes, it can make things difficult for our neighbors in our community. Erie County is looking for volunteers who can help with simple but critical recovery efforts after winter weather events. It could be as simple as shoveling doorways and walkways, navigating snow-covered driveways, or delivering food, water, medication or oxygen. If you’re interested in volunteering, call Elizabeth Vasquez at 814-823-6690. With so many calls to the county for assistance, the county is trying to match volunteers with nearby neighbors in need. Taking Stock of Legislative Accomplishments
As the calendar year comes to a close and our thoughts turn to the holiday season, it’s also the time of year when we look back at what we did, and maybe didn’t, do with our time during the past year. The Pennsylvania General Assembly’s most recent two-year legislative session ended with the start of December, which also makes it a good time to take stock of some legislative accomplishments. Click here to read about my legislative accomplishments during the 2023-24 legislative session. Edinboro Office Next Week
A member of my staff will be available on Dec. 12 at the Edinboro Borough Building from 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. to help with any state-related issues. Stop in and say “hi”! Senate Accomplishments: Improving Community Safety
To improve safety in Pennsylvania communities, Senate Republicans passed laws in the 2023-24 legislative session to prevent and better respond to crime. Twenty-eight new safety laws include ones that target looting and organized retail theft, prevent the exploitation of older Pennsylvanians, establish a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system and outlaw deepfake child sexual abuse materials generated by artificial intelligence. The laws also amend the Protection from Abuse Act to give judges the ability to order the defendant to refrain from abusing the victim’s pets and crack down on the unchecked crime crisis plaguing Philadelphia’s mass transit system. You can view the complete list of approved legislation to enhance community safety here. Advancing initiatives to reduce crime and foster greater safety will continue to be our focus in the new legislative session. $1.16 Billion in Broadband Funding to Help Close the Digital Divide
Grants are available for projects that increase access to reliable internet for education, health care, businesses and everyday life. Internet service providers, nonprofits and local governments may apply for Pennsylvania through the Broadband, Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program funding through Jan. 21, 2025. Projects must expand high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved communities across the commonwealth. Apply online. For support, visit the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority website. Public Meeting Regarding State Rail Plan Updates on Dec. 10
The public is invited to attend a virtual public informational meeting to discuss an update to the Pennsylvania State Rail Plan on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 4-5:30 p.m. Feedback can be shared via an online survey through Thursday, Dec. 19. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is developing the 2025 Pennsylvania State Rail Plan, which was last updated in 2020. Input from the public and stakeholders on safety, passenger and freight rail, funding, policy, the environment and economic development is key to developing the State Rail Plan. The plan will also evaluate and document passenger and freight rail needs throughout the next 20 years to guide investments. Project staff will provide an introduction of the PA State Rail Plan update process and background on freight and passenger rail. There will also be an interactive question-and-answer session. Presentation materials and an online survey will be available here through Dec. 19. Questions or comments can be directed to RA-PDPASRP@pa.gov. Milk Testing Implemented to Protect PA Milk Prices
Influenza A, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), has been detected in dairy cattle in several other states. While there are no concerns about food safety or pasteurized milk or meat, mandatory milk testing performed by processors will prevent widespread disease that would result in higher prices for consumers. There won’t be any cost to processors as all necessary supplies will be provided. Farmers are also encouraged to develop a biosecurity plan and report suspected cases by calling 717-772-2852. Because Pennsylvania has many farms that have both poultry and dairy operations, the state is more susceptible to Influenza A as the virus can spread quickly between animals and farms. Consistently following biosecurity practices and testing products will minimize huge outbreaks. Learn more. Grants Available for Senior Community Centers
Grants are available to increase participation and programming at senior community centers. Funding can also be used to attract a new generation of older adults and provide a safe and healthy environment for all participants. Senior community centers may apply for the $2 million in grants until Friday, Dec. 13, at 5 p.m. using the Commonwealth’s Electronic Single Application system. Learn more. For questions, email SCCgrants@pa.gov or call 717-772-2551. Remembering the Attack on Pearl Harbor
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii led to the United States declaring war on Japan and ultimately winning World War II. Sadly, the attack cost the lives of thousands of service members and civilians. Even more were injured. It also sank two U.S. Navy battleships and destroyed 188 aircraft. On Saturday, Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor survivors, veterans and others will honor and remember the people who gave their lives during the attack. The atrocities of war remind us of the incredible value of the American rights we hold dear.
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