Senator Laughlin E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • LECOM Breaks Ground on New Pharmacy
  • Find What’s Yours!
  • Meeting with Park Leadership at Presque Isle
  • American History in Our Own Backyard
  • Pop-Up Office in Edinboro
  • A Reminder That Could Save a Life
  • See What’s Been Happening
  • New Law Extends PA Guard Family Education Benefit
  • Senate Acts to Ensure More Efficient Government Spending
  • How to Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses
  • Planning a PA Capitol Visit
  • Farmers Markets: A Great Source of Fresh, Healthy Food

LECOM Breaks Ground on New Pharmacy

A member of my staff recently joined local leaders and health care professionals to help mark the groundbreaking of LECOM’s newest Colonial Family Pharmacy, located next to their Rural Health Clinic on Wattsburg Road in Greene Township.

With many retail pharmacies closing across the region, this new site will provide a much-needed option for residents to access prescriptions, immunizations, and personalized pharmacy care, right in their own community.

LECOM Health continues to invest in expanding access to high-quality, community-based care, and this project is another strong example of their patient-first approach to health services.

Find What’s Yours!

Do you have unclaimed money waiting for you?

On Thursday, August 21, from 10 AM to 2 PM, I’m hosting an Unclaimed Property Event at the Erie County Public Library (160 E Front St, Erie). Representatives from the Pennsylvania Treasury will be on hand to help attendees search for unclaimed funds or assets in their name.

No appointment is needed, and the entire service is offered at no cost. Whether it’s an old bank account, a forgotten rebate, or an uncashed check, these types of assets often go unnoticed. In fact, one in ten Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property — and it could include you or someone you know.

If you’ve never checked before, now’s the perfect time. Stop by the library on August 21 and see if there’s money waiting for you.

Meeting with Park Leadership at Presque Isle

I recently visited Presque Isle to meet with park leadership and discuss long-term goals and opportunities for improvement. While conversations are still in the early stages, the focus remains on enhancing the visitor experience and supporting the park’s role in the community.

Presque Isle is a regional treasure, and thoughtful planning today will help ensure it continues to thrive for years to come.

American History in Our Own Backyard

We stopped by Lake City to visit the site of a new historical marker commemorating President Abraham Lincoln’s 1861 stop at Girard Station during his journey to his first inauguration.

It’s remarkable to reflect on the fact that, in the midst of one of the most defining periods in our nation’s history, Lincoln greeted well-wishers right here in our community.

This marker serves as a powerful reminder that even small towns can have a place in the story of America.

Pop-Up Office in Edinboro

I’ll be holding a pop-up office at 124 Meadville Street in Edinboro on August 14th from 11 AM to 3 PM. Stop by if you have questions, need assistance, or just want to say hello. My staff looks forward to connecting with you!

A Reminder That Could Save a Life

This summer, Lake Erie has seen a heartbreaking number of water-related tragedies—many of which could have been prevented with a simple safety measure: wearing a life jacket.

No matter how calm the water may seem or how experienced you are, accidents can happen in an instant. Whether you’re kayaking, boating, or paddleboarding, a life jacket dramatically increases your chances of survival if something goes wrong.

It’s a small decision that can make a life-saving difference.

Please make safety a priority. Life jackets save lives.

Learn more: https://buff.ly/fb6WBXq

See What’s Been Happening

Curious about the work I’ve been doing lately? I invite you to explore a full list of my recent accomplishments and ongoing initiatives that are making a difference in our community. From legislation to local projects, you can learn more about how I’m working to serve you by visiting:
https://www.senatorlaughlin.com/accomplishments/

Stay informed and see how your voice is being represented.

New Law Extends PA Guard Family Education Benefit

The Military Family Education Program (MFEP) covers the cost of a state college education for dependents of Pennsylvania National Guard members in return for a six-year service obligation. We passed a new law ensuring additional dependents are covered each time the member commits to an additional service obligation.

The benefit is an incentive to encourage talented Guard members to continue their service to the commonwealth and nation. Many Guard members who benefited from the MFEP are deciding whether to commit to another six years.

Act 32 of 2025 clarifies that a Guard member can receive a new MFEP assistance grant – helping an additional dependent – with each new service obligation. I was proud to support this family benefit for our men and women in uniform.

Senate Acts to Ensure More Efficient Government Spending

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission would be able to spend funds more efficiently under legislation passed by the Senate. The aim is to keep costs as low as possible for anglers and boaters.

Currently, commission revenues are directed into either the Fish Fund or the Boat Fund, with no crossover permitted. This rigidity has led to inefficiencies and higher costs.

Senate Bill 800 permits Fish Fund dollars to be used for expenditures and programs that benefit boaters and Boat Fund dollars to be used for expenditures and programs that benefit anglers, as long as they also benefit the original intent of the respective funds. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

How to Avoid Heat-Related Illnesses

Summer is the time for outdoor fun, but heat can cause serious and potentially fatal health problems such as heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

When it’s sweltering out, avoid heat-related illnesses by limiting activity to mornings and evenings when possible, drinking plenty of fluids and getting out of the sun when necessary.

You can learn about spotting symptoms of heat stroke and heat exhaustion here.

Planning a PA Capitol Visit

Your Pennsylvania Capitol is not only the seat of state government, it’s also an architectural and artistic treasure to be experienced by citizens from across the commonwealth.

Visitors are welcome to explore the building at their leisure on regular weekdays. You can also schedule a tour with a guide. Tours take about 30 to 45 minutes.

You can plan a visit and book a tour of this 119-year-old National Historic Landmark here.

Farmers Markets: A Great Source of Fresh, Healthy Food

This is National Farmers Market Week. Now’s a great time to visit a farmers market for fresh fruits, vegetables and specialty products.

These markets support farmers and provide access to healthy food and flavors you may have never before experienced. Find the best farmers markets near and far at VisitPA or the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

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