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In this Update:
Fair Season is Back!
Earlier this week, I had the pleasure of kicking off another fantastic year at the Wattsburg Erie County Fair! There’s nothing like the sights, sounds and spirit of our community coming together to celebrate tradition and joy. One of my favorite traditions is the “milk toast”—a unique experience you won’t find anywhere else! Here’s to a week filled with fun, friends, and unforgettable memories at the 139th Erie County Fair! Back to School
On Monday morning, McKinley Elementary School rolled out the red carpet to welcome students back, and I was thrilled to be there to see all their smiling faces and share some high-fives with the Erie School District kids! Wishing all the students, teachers, and parents a safe and successful school year—let’s make it a great one! Second Harvest Food Bank – Legislative Challenge
The Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania recently hosted its 9th Legislative Challenge, and Team Laughlin proudly took home the trophy! This year’s challenge focused on packing bags for the BackPack Program, which provides children with nutritious, child-friendly food when other resources, like school lunches and after-school meals or snacks, are not available. Supporting Services in Our Local Communities
Providing Pennsylvanians increased access to important health care and emergency services from birth to older age was a key priority of Senate Republicans as we worked to implement the 2024-25 state budget. I am pleased that, because of our efforts, neonatal and obstetric services provided through the Medical Assistance Program are receiving an additional $7 million to help support mothers and their babies. In addition, the enacted budget also includes a $134 million increase for nursing home facilities. To benefit people of all ages, an additional $47 million was dedicated to emergency medical services (EMS) rates. Quality and reliable health care must reach every corner of our commonwealth, which is why we worked to ensure the final budget agreement also included a $10 million supplemental payment for rural hospitals and $17.5 million for rural health redesign and distressed hospitals. We believe in the promise of Pennsylvania and strengthening our local communities through these substantial investments. A Closer Look at Efforts to Improve Water Quality
Senate Republicans have led efforts in Pennsylvania to ensure access to clean water now, and to preserve this critical resource for future generations. Supporting clean water in Pennsylvania communities benefits our downstream neighbors as well. This year’s state budget includes $50 million in recurring funding for the Clean Streams Fund, which helps farmers reduce sediment in waterways through the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program. To date, the program has supported more than 700 projects to reduce sediment in waterways throughout the state. Because of the initiative, water quality has improved in Pennsylvania and downstream. In fact, the Chesapeake Bay recently earned its best rating in more than 20 years in the University of Maryland’s Center for Environmental Science Chesapeake Bay Report Card. See what else Senate Republicans are doing to make Pennsylvania a great place to live and work here. Financial Assistance is Available to Struggling Veterans
Sometimes the people who defended our country fall on hard times and need a little help. Veterans who are experiencing unforeseen circumstances causing a financial burden can benefit from the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Program. The VTA provides temporary financial assistance of up to $1,600 in a 12-month period to veterans or their surviving spouses who reside in Pennsylvania for basic necessities like food, shelter, fuel and clothing. Eligibility guidelines are available here. Veterans interested in applying for a VTA grant should contact their county director of Veterans Affairs. Wondering How to Check the Status of a PTRR Rebate?
Checks and direct deposit payments from the state’s 2023 Property Tax/Rent Rebate program went out July 1 and will be mailed on a rolling basis through the Dec. 31 deadline. If you filed for a property tax or rent rebate and would like to know the status of it, check online or call 1-888-PATAXES (728-2937). The Property Tax/Rent Rebate is available to senior citizens and people with disabilities who meet income guidelines. Claim forms are available by contacting my district office, where assistance in applying for the program is also available at no charge. Find more information, including eligibility guidelines, here. Celebrating Pennsylvania’s Workforce on Labor Day
Millions of men and women who are members of Pennsylvania’s workforce keep our economy chugging along. Their hard work benefits communities all across the state and even country. On Labor Day, I recognize their accomplishments and wish them some well-deserved relaxation.
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