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The latest news from the State Capitol |
In this Edition:
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Protect Yourself from Scams |
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Active Shooter Safety Seminar |
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Attention First-Time Hunters! |
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Bills Proposed to Protect PA Kids |
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State Services for Older Pennsylvanians: |
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Summer Isn’t Over Yet! |
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PennDOT Safety Assessment for Cyclists, Pedestrians |
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Out and About Photos – CATRA |
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Protect Yourself from Scams
In the wake of recent arrests involving scams against older Pennsylvanians, the Office of Attorney General (OAG) is again reminding people of all ages to be on the lookout for someone trying to cheat them out of their hard-earned money.
Some tips to keep in mind:
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Never send money or gift cards to someone you do not know. Also, gift cards are for gifts, not for paying debts or bills. |
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If you are suspicious or have concerns about a solicitation, call your local police or the OAG hotline at 800-441-2555. |
Additionally, the OAG recommends an acronym to evaluate unsolicited phone calls or emails:
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S: Sudden – The call or email is unexpected. |
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C: Contact – Scammers will contact you by phone, email or in-person. |
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A: Act Now – The request will be urgent and assert penalties if you do not act quickly. |
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M: Money or Information – The scammer will request money or personal information. |
Pennsylvanians who believe they have been victims of a scam should file a complaint with the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection by calling 800-441-2555 or emailing scams@attorneygeneral.gov.
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Active Shooter Safety Seminar
On Thursday Sept. 14, from 6-8p.m. at the Hummelstown Chemical Fire Co. (249 E. Main St., Hummelstown), Derry Township Sgt. Anthony Clements will be presenting a seminar on best practices in an active shooter situation. Please call 717-534-1323 to register or with any questions.
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Attention First-Time Hunters!
Hunter-Trapper Education courses are required for all first-time hunters and trappers before they can buy a license in the Commonwealth. The Pennsylvania Game Commission offers both in-person and online options.
Participants, whether in-person or online, will receive a training certificate recognized throughout North America when they pass a test at the end of the course. The course covers responsible hunting behavior, firearms basics and safety, basic shooting, wildlife conservation and management, outdoor safety and survival, hunting techniques, trapping and furtaking basics, and hunting safety.
Free in-person training is offered in various locations across the Commonwealth and is open to anyone age 11 or older. To find and register for a course near you, click here.
There are several online options.
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The Game Commission’s official online course is available to anyone age 16 and older and costs $34.95 to complete. |
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The Interactive Pennsylvania Hunter-Trapper Education course is open to anyone age 11 and older and costs $50 to complete. |
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The National Rifle Association offers a free online hunter education course open to anyone age 11 and older. |
Learn more about hunter-trapper education here.
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Bills Proposed to Protect PA Kids
Two bills aimed at protecting kids in today’s social-media-focused society are in the works.
House Bill 1501, the Protection of Minors from Unfiltered Devices Act, would ensure children are protected from accessing pornography on mobile devices. Specifically, it would require new smart phones and tablets activated in the Commonwealth to have a filter enabled that would protect children from finding harmful material online such as pornography.
A second bill, not yet formally introduced, would intend to update the state’s Child Labor Law to protect children who earn money as influencers and content-makers, or whose likeness, name or photograph is substantially featured in a parent’s or guardian’s content that generates income for that person.
Both measures are important steps toward protecting the Commonwealth’s children.
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State Services for Older Pennsylvanians
The following is information on a couple of programs available to assist Pennsylvania’s older adult community:
PACE and PACENET: Prescription drug benefits through the Pharmaceutical Assistance Contract for the Elderly (PACE) and PACENET are available for residents who are 65 or older. Income (from the previous year) limits are: PACE - $14,500or less for a single person and $17,700 or less for a married couple; and PACENET - $14,500 to $27,500 for a single person and $17,700 to $35,500 for a married couple. Participants pay a modest co-payment for each prescription. Enrollment applications are available at Area Agency on Aging offices, pharmacies, legislative offices and senior centers. Information and applications are also available by calling 800-225-7223 or by visiting aging.pa.gov.
Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing: The Office of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (ODHH) provides information, referrals and advocacy services to people who are deaf or hard of hearing, as well as individuals who come into contact with a deaf or hard of hearing person. The office refers individuals to the proper agencies for services, serves as an advocate for individuals not receiving proper services from public and private agencies, and provides information on hearing loss and deaf issues. Contact ODHH at 717-783-4912 (TTY); 800-233-3008 (PA only TTY); or visit dli.pa.gov.
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Summer Isn’t Over Yet!
While many kids across the state have returned to school, that doesn’t mean summer weather is behind us. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is offering these tips to stay cool and save money during any late summer surges in temperatures.
Some low and no-cost hints stay cooler include:
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Fan Yourself – Fans circulate the air, keeping you feeling cooler, even at higher temps. Circulating air with a fan can help you feel up to 4 degrees cooler, without needing to lower your thermostat. |
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Follow the Shade – Relax in rooms that do not receive direct sunlight. |
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Block the Heat – Use window blinds and coverings at the sunniest time of day to reduce unwanted heat buildup. |
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Don’t Add Extra Heat – Postpone using heat-producing appliances, such as clothes dryers, dishwashers and stoves until it is cooler. |
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Cookout, Anyone? – Consider cooking with outdoor barbecue grills or microwaves, rather than stoves or ovens, which add indoor heat. |
The PUC also offers these tips to save on energy bills:
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Check your Thermostat – The smaller the difference between the indoor and outdoor temperatures, the lower your overall cooling bill. Every degree you raise your air conditioning thermostat above 72 degrees can save up to 3% on cooling expenses. |
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Clean is “Green” – Clean and replace air conditioner filters regularly and make sure air circulation paths are clear. |
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Power Off – Turn off non-essential appliances and lights to reduce power use and unwanted heat. |
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Don’t Cool Unneeded Space – Close off unused rooms and adjust air vents or thermostats to avoid unnecessary cooling expenses. |
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Keep the Heat Outside – Seal cracks and openings to prevent warm air from leaking into your home. |
If you’re struggling with utility bills, contact your providers for information on customer assistance programs that may benefit you.
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PennDOT Safety Assessment for Cyclists, Pedestrians
PennDOT is seeking feedback to help evaluate the state’s safety performance for pedestrians and cyclists, and to develop a plan to improve safety. Specifically, the department is seeking input on what the Federal Highway Administration terms “high-risk areas” for vulnerable road users across Pennsylvania. Click here to participate.
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Out and About Photos – CATRA
Earlier this month, CATRA founder Ben Nolt and board member Mark Dietrich showed me around the therapeutic riding center in Grantville. The center works with youths and adults with intellectual disabilities, allowing them to gain physical strength, interpersonal skills and a sense of independence when riding horses, reading aloud to therapy animals and doing barn chores.
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