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The latest news from the State Capitol |
In this Edition:
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Park, Open Space Grants to Support Recreation |
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New Law Aims to Boost Early Literacy |
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Heating Assistance Program Now Open |
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Apply Now for Senior Community Center Grants |
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DHS Warns of Potential EBT Cards Scam |
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Big Things Happening in 106th District |
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Park, Open Space Grants to Support Recreation
More than $450,000 in grant money awarded this week will be used to improve parks and walking trails in the 106th District.
Grants awarded by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ Community Conservation Partnerships Program include:
• $300,000 for Hummelstown Borough to make improvements to the Hummelstown Nature Trail, which will include renovations to the loop trail, boardwalk and parking area.
• $62,500 for Londonderry Township to rehabilitate Sunset Park with new play equipment and renovated walkways.
• $93,900 for South Hanover Township to improve Brinser Park with new walkways and play equipment.
We’re fortunate in the greater Hershey area to have high-quality parks and recreational opportunities. The latest round of grants will help municipalities tackle projects that will ensure those parks can be enjoyed by future generations.
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New Law Aims to Boost Early Literacy
Recognizing reading as the foundation of education success, I am pleased to report legislation I supported in the House to boost early literacy has been signed into law.
Statistics show half of Pennsylvania fourth graders are reading below their grade level. In fact, results of the Future Ready PA Index, released earlier this week, show a decrease from 54.5% to 53.9% proficiency in English Language Arts. Proficiency rates in math and science increased slightly.
Since childhood reading difficulties can produce long-term effects and limit our children’s chances at success, it is important we are proactive in advancing child literacy and intervening with students who may need additional help.
Act 135 of 2024 requires the Department of Education to develop and maintain a list of evidence-based reading curricula on its website that must be aligned with academic standards and the science of reading. It also requires the creation of a Reading Leadership Council to develop and maintain lists of approved reading instruction curricula, structured literacy professional development training programs, universal reading screeners and structured literacy intervention approaches.
The law takes effect in 90 days.
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Heating Assistance Program Now Open
With cold weather knocking at the door, residents who struggle with their home heating bills are reminded they can now apply for assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. It also provides crisis grants to help in the event of an emergency or if a resident is in danger of losing his or her heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel or termination of utility service.
The income eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP are set at 150% of the federal poverty income level. For example, the gross income limit for an individual is $22,590 and for a family of four it is $46,800.
Residents may apply for LIHEAP online at www.compass.state.pa.us, by phone at 1-866-550-4355 or by contacting the County Assistance Office in their county of residence.
Click here for additional information. The program runs through April 4, 2025.
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Apply Now for Senior Community Center Grants
The Pennsylvania Department of Aging (PDA) is now accepting applications for $2 million in new competitive grant funding opportunities for Pennsylvania’s Senior Community Centers (SCCs).
The grants are for projects aimed at increasing participation and programming, attracting a new generation of older adults, and enabling centers to provide a safe and healthy environment for local seniors.
All applications and required documentation must be submitted electronically by 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 13. To learn more about the grant program and how to apply, click here.
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DHS Warns of Potential EBT Cards Scam
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) is informing Pennsylvanians of a potential text message scam targeting individuals who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The text claims the user’s EBT card has been deactivated and directs the user to call a number to reactivate it. This is a scam. DHS will never text an individual to say that an EBT card has been deactivated.
Please report any texts or calls about DHS benefits that seem suspicious by calling the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).
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Big Things Happening in 106th District
Last weekend, I served as emcee for Feed the Need Hershey, an annual fundraiser for the Hershey Food Bank. This is an important event to help eliminate food insecurity in our region.
Dozens gathered in Chocolate Town Park on Monday to dedicate the new Veterans Memorial, which will serve as an ongoing tribute to the brave men and women of Derry Township for their service and sacrifice.
The House Environmental Resources & Energy Committee toured the nuclear power plant on Three Mile Island this week, so I joined the members to welcome them to Londonderry Township.
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