Jul. 28, 2023

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#Listrak\DateStampLong# The latest news from the State Capitol

Record Return of Unclaimed Property in 2022-23 – Could You Be Next?
 
More than $273 million in unclaimed property was returned to taxpayers in the 2022-23 fiscal year, the highest return ever.

However, more than $4.5 billion remains, so if you haven’t checked for your name on Treasury’s Unclaimed Property database, click here now. Remember, if you find property that is yours, you do not need to pay anyone to claim it. You may go directly through the Office of the Treasury or contact my office for assistance.

One in 10 Pennsylvanians is owed unclaimed property, and the average claim is worth about $1,600. Unclaimed property can include dormant bank accounts, abandoned stocks, uncashed checks and more. Property is always available for the rightful owner to claim. Tangible property – often the contents of forgotten safe deposit boxes – may be auctioned after three years, but proceeds remain available to claim in perpetuity.

Military decorations and memorabilia – often turned over to Treasury from abandoned or forgotten safe deposit boxes – are never auctioned and remain in the vault for safekeeping until a veteran or their family is found.

  
Congratulations!
 
Congratulations to Jaime Hunter for opening her pediatric speech therapy business, Central PA Therapy Connections, in Hummelstown.

 
Also, congratulations to Melissa Weigle! I had the privilege to recognize her 18 years of work in the community with Mohler Senior Center and Leader Center for Active Life.

  
Sign Up Today for Active Shooter Safety Seminar
Learn the best techniques for reacting to an active shooter situation with a presentation by Derry Township Sgt. Anthony Clements. Join us on Thursday, Sept. 14, from 6-8 p.m. at Hummelstown Chemical Fire Co., 249 E. Main St. in Hummelstown. Please call 717-534-1323 to register or with any questions.

  
Measure to Boost Playground Accessibility
 
Working to ensure all kids and their families can enjoy the benefits of play, the state House recently approved legislation that would improve playground accessibility for children with disabilities.

House Bill 1173 would require the state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to prioritize grant funding to park and recreation construction projects that establish or upgrade playgrounds for the inclusion of children with disabilities.

Research shows play is crucial to a child’s physical, social, cognitive and emotional development; however, children with disabilities tend to be excluded from some forms of play because of structural barriers in typical playgrounds. The bill aims to address those barriers.

It now goes to the Senate for consideration.
                                
  
National Night Out
 
Tuesday, Aug. 1, is National Night Out, an annual event that promotes police and community partnerships. These events encourage neighbors to meet their local police officers and have fun while doing it. There are often games, interactive exhibits, food and entertainment at the various events.

Millions of people across the country will take part in National Night Out events, including block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and more.

Here are the local community events taking place in our area:

• Derry Township: First block of W. Caracas Ave., 6-8 p.m., hosted by the Derry Township Police Department.
• Hummelstown Borough: Schaffner Park, 7-9 p.m., hosted by the Hummelstown Borough Police Department.
• Lower Swatara Township: 1350 Fulling Mill Road, Middletown (Lower Swatara Fire Department), 6-8 p.m., hosted by the Lower Swatara Township Police Department.
• South Hanover Township: Patriot Park, 6-8 p.m., hosted by West, East and South Hanover townships.

Be sure to look for my table featuring kids literature, coloring books and other state-related materials, as well as water and treats for your pets! Come out to a night of great fun in our communities!
                              
               
Your Input is Needed for PA Master Plan for Older Adults
The Department of Aging is currently gathering input on Pennsylvania’s Master Plan for Older Adults, a 10-year, state-led and stakeholder-driven strategic plan designed to help transform the infrastructure and coordination of services for older Pennsylvanians.

The Department of Aging has created a webpage dedicated to the Master Plan for Older Adults, which provides information on why a master plan is needed, the core tenets, how the department will gather input for the plan, resources and more. 

Individuals who would like to submit input on the plan can either email AgingPlan@pa.gov, provide feedback through an online form or send mail to:

Pennsylvania Department of Aging

c/o Master Plan
555 Walnut St., 5th Floor
Harrisburg, PA 17101
 
Additionally, all Pennsylvanians will have an opportunity to participate in the development process. The Area Agencies on Aging and the Centers for Independent Living will host listening sessions where the public can learn about the plan and submit input. The stakeholder engagement process will involve outreach and requests for feedback from anyone or any group with a vested interest.
 
Learn more about the programs and services offered by the department on its website and its Facebook page.
            
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