Senator Pittman E-Newsletter

View this email in a browser

In this Update:

  • Ribbon Cutting in Indiana County
  • Kittanning Senior Expo
  • Improving Health Care
  • New Law Streamlines Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
  • 2026-27 PA Student Aid Guide Available
  • Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law
  • Happy Labor Day

Ribbon Cutting in Indiana County

Congratulations to Luxenberg’s Jewelers on the ribbon cutting for their new location in downtown Indiana! The new location came about due to unfortunate water damage incurred at their long-time previous location.

Luxenberg’s has been a fixture in the Borough since 1916 and offers a second location at the Indiana Mall. While ownership has changed over the years, I am certain they will continue to be a part of Indiana’s viable shopping area for many years to come. Best wishes for continued success!

Kittanning Senior Expo

It was a pleasure to once again co-host our Annual Senior Expo in Kittanning, with my colleagues, Rep. Josh Bashline and Rep. Abby Major.

Thank you to all who attended as well as the vendors who provided information about their services, offered many great giveaways and donated wonderful door prizes.

I enjoyed seeing a lot of familiar faces and chatting with many folks! A special thank you to the Kittanning Twp. VFD for use of their facilities.

Improving Health Care

The Senate approved several measures this year to improve the delivery of health care in our communities.

Among the new laws we passed was a measure establishing a statewide stroke registry to deliver vital information to EMS providers and hospitals, ensuring the best treatment possible. Other laws aim to reduce overdose deaths by incorporating real-time reporting by EMS providers into the statewide overdose mapping system, and giving EMS personnel permanent authority to leave behind a dose of naloxone at overdose scenes, placing this lifesaving medication in the hands of a caregiver or loved one.

Critical measures passed by the Senate and awaiting action in the House of Representatives include bills to strengthen Pennsylvania’s no-cost breast cancer screening law by ensuring diagnostic imaging is fully covered, and preserving prescription drug coverage for more than 10,000 seniors.

You can review other measures we passed to improve health care and address other subjects here.

New Law Streamlines Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans

A new law we passed earlier this year is now in effect removing the annual fishing license fee and application for veterans with 100% disability.

Previously, only those disabled veterans with a 100% permanent disability determination from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs could receive free lifetime fishing licenses. Disabled veterans with a 100% disability determination also receive free licenses but must apply for them on an annual basis.

Act 21 of 2025 takes away the annual fee and application part of the process and allows all disabled veterans with a 100% disability determination, whether or not it is a permanent determination, to purchase free lifetime fishing licenses.

2026-27 PA Student Aid Guide Available

For parents and students planning for college, the new Student Aid Guide from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) provides a complete overview of the financial aid process.

The guide can help you:

  • Estimate costs
  • Access state and federal aid
  • Fill out applications
  • Set up a timeline to make the process manageable

For more help planning for college, check out PHEAA webinars and EducationPlanner.org.

Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law

Students are heading back to class, so we all need to be on the lookout for children around school buses and bus stops.

Some reminders about Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law:

  • Motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arm activated.
  • Motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped.
  • Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn and all children have reached safety.

School districts are permitted to install automated camera systems on buses to enforce the law. You can find more information about the law and penalties, and safety tips for children, here.  

Happy Labor Day

Labor Day is a time to celebrate the workers who make our communities thrive while providing for their families. No matter what your vocation or whether you’re an active employee or a retiree, I hope you enter this last stretch of summer with a wonderful holiday weekend.

divider

If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here.

Facebook Twitter/X Instagram Website

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorpittman.com | Privacy Policy