The Mehaffie Message 9/15/23 - Emailed Newsletter
9/15/2023
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Mehaffie Message
#Listrak\DateStampLong# The latest news from the State Capitol
 
In this Edition:
  •   Free Eye Examinations
  •   Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee Hearing
  •   DEP Agriculture Energy Efficiency Rebate Program
  •   DEP Awards Derry Township School District $70,000
  •   DMVA Reminds Veterans in Crisis That They Are Not Alone, Help is Available
  •   Tea with Tom
  •   Out and About Photos
 
 
Free Eye Examinations

Friday, Sept. 29, and Saturday, Sept. 30, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Pennsylvania Optometric Association, in conjunction with the VSP Eyes of Hope Mobile Clinics, and with the support of the Salvation Army Harrisburg Capital City Region will offer no-cost eye examinations for underserved children and adults will be available at the Salvation Army, located at 506 S. 29th St., Harrisburg, PA 17104. For more information, you can visit their website.
   
 
Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee Hearing

On Tuesday, Sept. 12, the Consumer Protection, Technology and Utilities Committee, (CPTUC), of which I am a member hosted a hearing on House Bill 1578, about how the Commonwealth can protect energy consumers from fraud and unauthorized switches, as well as encouraging PA consumers to shop for the best energy plan for you and your needs. You can watch part of the hearing here.
   
 
DEP Agriculture Energy Efficiency Rebate Program

The Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Agriculture Energy Efficiency Rebate program can help defray the costs of LED lighting, ventilation equipment, or dairy equipment upgrades for your farm. Vouchers are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, and applications are being received until Dec. 31, 2023.

Applicants must meet the definition of a normal farming operation under Pennsylvania's Right to Farm Law: production of agricultural crops and commodities that takes place on not less than 10 contiguous acres in area, or on less than 10 contiguous acres in an area with an anticipated yearly gross income of at least $10,000.

Farm owners can apply for a rebate in more than one technology category, for a total rebate funding not exceeding $7,500.

Installation costs up to $500 for qualified contractors/vendors may be included in the total project cost for each technology category.

For complete program guidelines, eligibility requirements, application instructions and a link to the online application, click here.
   
 
DEP Awards Derry Township School District $70,000

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) awarded the Derry Township School District a $70,000 grant for seven propane school buses as part of their Propane School Bus Conversion Project.

This is part of a $2.9 million project by the DEP through its 2022 Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant funding to municipalities, schools, and businesses around the state to switch to zero- or low-emission vehicles.

The DEP Alternative Fuels Incentive Grant (AFIG) program supports projects to replace older gasoline or diesel fueled vehicles with cleaner fuel vehicles and install related fueling infrastructure to improve air quality in Pennsylvania as well as to create a bold, comprehensive climate and energy plan that will grow Pennsylvania’s economy, protect and create jobs, and address climate change.
   
 
DMVA Reminds Veterans in Crisis That They Are Not Alone, Help is Available


September is National Suicide Prevention Month. The Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) wants to remind Pennsylvania veterans that they are not alone, and help is available.

“One veteran suicide a day is too many, and the national average of 17 a day is alarming. We need to focus all our resources on assisting our veterans in crisis,” said Maj. Gen. Mark Schindler, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general and head of the DMVA. “If you are a veteran facing a difficult time, you are not alone – DMVA can assist with a network of resources to guide you through life’s challenges. Please don’t hesitate to reach out.”

If you are a veteran in crisis — or you are concerned about one — free, confidential support is available 24/7. Call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and then pressing 1, send a text message to 838255, or chat online.

Another resource available to veterans facing challenging times is DMVA’s PA VETConnect, an outreach program that enables the DMVA to concentrate services from within communities where our veterans live. This initiative allows the DMVA to utilize community-based providers to fill gaps in services for homelessness, employment, mental health, addiction and more. Click here for more information.

To learn more about the DMVA, visit online at www.dmva.pa.gov or follow the DMVA at www.facebook.com/padmva or www.twitter.com/padmva.
   
 
You’re Invited to Tea with Tom



Couples who have been together for 30 years or longer are invited to join me on Thursday, Nov. 16, from 10 a.m. to noon at the South Hanover Township municipal building, 161 Patriot Way in Hershey. During the event we will enjoy tea and other light refreshments, celebrate your marital milestones, and discuss state programs and services available to those in attendance. Reservations are required due to limited seating. Please call 717-534-1323.
   
 
Out and About Photos

PA EMS Memorial Service



I had the privilege of participating in the annual PA EMS Memorial Service ceremony. Cyclists rode from Carbondale to the Capitol over three days, honoring deaths in the line of duty.

The PA EMS Provider Foundation and this event began in response to the EMS staffing crisis facing both Pennsylvania and the nation, as well as to honor the important work that all too often goes unnoticed.

More information on the PA EMS Provider Foundation can be found at www.aa-pa.org/foundation.

Rutherford Fire 100th Anniversary



I recently had the opportunity to join Rep. Dave Madsen in celebrating the hundredth anniversary of the Rutherford Volunteer Fire Company with a House Citation. It was a privilege to honor this great fire company.

UPS Ribbon Cutting


On Wednesday, I had the honor of joining UPS for the grand opening ceremony of their new 775,000 square foot facility located on N. Union Street in Lower Swatara Township – the fourth largest in the country!

Hummelstown Fire 9-11 Remembrance



I had the great privilege of joining the Hummelstown Chemical Fire Co. for a beautiful 9-11 remembrance ceremony. Thank you for inviting me and allowing me to share some brief remarks during an encouraging moment of solidarity.

Hershey Company Capitol Tour



On Monday, I had the privilege of meeting with employees of the Hershey Company in the Capitol to present House Resolution 160 during their tour of the Capitol building.