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In this Update:

• Bipartisan Special Committee Will Review Election, Offer Reforms
• Funding Available for Organizations Serving PA Veterans
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Grants Available
• Have a Merry Christmas

Bipartisan Special Committee Will Review Election, Offer Reforms

A bipartisan Special Committee on Election Integrity and Reform will conduct an exhaustive review of all aspects of the 2020 General Election.

Under a Senate Resolution being introduced by Senate President Pro Tempore Jake Corman, the committee will focus on:

• the security of the vote before, during and after Election Day;
• the accuracy and security of the election process, particularly during the pre-canvassing and canvassing stages;
• the uniformity of the election processes across the Commonwealth;
• the impact and role of the judiciary in the election process;
• the impact and role of the Secretary of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in issuing interpretations, guidance and instructions regarding the election process and the conduct of the election as a whole; and
• other election related issues that may come before the Committee.

The panel will be composed of four Republican members and four Democrat members, with the President Pro Tempore serving as an ex-officio member.  It is anticipated to produce a report that will be presented to the General Assembly and standing committees and will cover areas of legislative recommendations.

It is critical that every Pennsylvanian have confidence in the electoral process. I’ve heard from too many constituents who are deeply troubled by the issues that arose during the 2020 election. This bipartisan effort will help provide assurance of the integrity of our elections.

Funding Available for Organizations Serving PA Veterans

Veterans’ service organizations, counties and other groups have until January 27, 2021 to apply for competitive grant funding from the Pennsylvania Veterans’ Trust Fund.

The PA Department of Military and Veterans Affairs announced the availability of a total of $800,000 in funding. Up to $650,000 is available for veterans’ service organizations and non-profit organizations that have a mission of serving Pennsylvania veterans. Funding priorities for the 2020-21 grant year are programs that address homelessness, behavioral health initiatives or veterans’ courts. The maximum grant request in this category is $50,000.

Up to $150,000 is available for grants to the Pennsylvania Association of County Directors of Veterans Affairs or grants to counties. The maximum grant request is $20,000 per county. Information and applications can be found here.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Grants Available

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is accepting applications for the Enhancement and Expansion of Treatment and Recovery Services for Adolescents, Transitional Aged Youth, and their Families grant program.

Grants of up to $545,000 are available for state and local governments, universities, non-profit health care systems, and community and faith-based organizations.

The grants should be used to enhance and expand comprehensive treatment, early intervention, and recovery support services for adolescents (ages 12-18) and transitional aged youth (ages 16-25) with substance use disorders, and their families. The deadline to apply is February 8, 2021.

Have a Merry Christmas

I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas. So many families have been impacted by the pandemic this year, either directly or as a result of the economic fallout. I pray this holiday brings you and our troubled world some much-needed comfort. 

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