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In this Update:
Ox Hill Fair – Youth Livestock Sale
I had a lot of fun participating in the Ox Hill Community Agricultural Fair Junior Livestock sale last week. It was a pleasure meeting the youth to commend them for their commitment and hard work in raising and showing their animals. Kudos to everyone on a job well done. Click here to check out more photos from the fair! Visit to Howard Hanna in New Kensington
It was great to stop by Howard Hanna – Allegheny Valley Office last week to discuss current legislative issues and impacts on our region. I didn’t have to travel far for this meeting, as this Howard Hanna office in New Kensington is right across the hall from my district office. I appreciated hearing perspectives on how we can continue to make Pennsylvania a place where homebuyers want to put down roots. Thank you for the warm welcome and thoughtful conversation! IRMC & IUP Sign Clinical Training Affiliation Agreement
Indiana University of Pennsylvania and IRMC signed a clinical training affiliation agreement for students in IUP’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine. IUP and IRMC are building a strong partnership that is serving as a catalyst for change which will have a tremendous and positive impact on rural healthcare not just locally, but for Pennsylvania and beyond. Studies show graduates from osteopathic medicine programs are more likely to pursue primary care in rural and underserved areas. This is great news for our region as there are only three colleges of osteopathic medicine in Pennsylvania, all at private universities. IUP’s proposed College of Osteopathic Medicine would be the only college of osteopathic medicine at a public university. Upcoming Shredding Event in Westmoreland County
As a free service to the community, I am co-hosting a shredding event with Rep. Jill Cooper to give area residents an opportunity to safeguard against identity theft by having personal documents securely destroyed. The event will be held on Monday, Sept. 16, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Parnassus Professional Building, 356 Freeport Street, New Kensington. Please stay in your vehicle while staff unloads your items to be shredded. Acceptable items include all paper and manila folders. No more than two bags or boxes per household are permitted, and no businesses, please. Staples do not need to be removed. We hope to see you there! Indiana County Chamber Roundtable
Indiana County Chamber of Commerce recently hosted a business/education roundtable in Leonard Hall on the IUP campus. This important gathering to discuss current successes and challenges related to education and workforce development included individuals from local businesses, officials from Indiana County’s public school districts, Indiana County Technology Center, Lenape Technical School, Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Westmoreland County Community College, along with community leaders. When we collaborate on workforce development initiatives and career opportunities within our region, we build a strong and stable environment for students to have access to a variety of tools for learning and growth in a career path of their choice. A Closer Look at Energy Affordability and Reliability
Pennsylvanians face rising energy costs. Grid reliability continues to be a threat that may cause devastating outages like the major power crisis Texas experienced in 2021 when more than 4.5 million homes and businesses were without power for days. Rising costs and compromised reliability would be worsened by a unilateral decision former Gov. Tom Wolf made to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Joining RGGI would increase electricity rates for consumers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs, and lead to the closure of Pennsylvania power plants. Rolling blackouts become commonplace when energy production cannot keep up with demand. Senate Republicans continue to actively fight against Pennsylvania’s entry into RGGI. We’ve also worked to pass bills to ensure Pennsylvanians have options regarding fuel availability, help to secure the state’s future as a hub for carbon capture and sequestration and most effectively capitalize on the state’s abundant natural resources through the creation of the Independent Energy Office to provide impartial data. How to File a Banking Complaint
Consumers who have unsuccessfully attempted to resolve disputes with their financial institutions regarding services or products have options. Complaints may be submitted to the Department of Banking and Securities Consumer Services Office online or toll-free by calling 1-800-PA-BANKS (1-800-722-2657) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The department aims to provide responses to consumer complaints within 10 days of receipt. While the Consumer Services Office will make the effort to address consumer complaints, there is no guarantee the matter can or will be resolved. However, complaints are important because they allow the Department of Banking and Securities to identify patterns of unfair or deceptive practices that may result in further action. Applications Open: Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk Youth
The Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) is accepting applications for its class, which begins in January 2025. KSCA is designed to give academically challenged teens a second chance at obtaining their basic education, as well as learning leadership, self-discipline and responsibility. The program is open to 16- to 18-year-old Pennsylvania residents who are at risk of not graduating from high school, no longer attending any school or have not received a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Applicants must be willing to be drug free, free of felony convictions and voluntarily commit to the program. If selected, students will attend the 22-week residential phase at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. Learn more about eligibility requirements and begin the application process here. Anyone who prefers to have an application mailed or would like to talk with someone about the program may contact the academy by emailing RA-MVPAChallenge@pa.gov or calling 717-861-7767. Free Webinars Provide Useful College Financial Aid Info
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is holding free webinars to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process. On Tuesday, Sept. 24, at noon, speakers will discuss the financial aid timeline. On Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m., speakers will focus on how to search for scholarships and pay for any remaining costs. Register to attend the one-hour webinars. National Voter Registration Day is a Great Reminder
Tuesday, Sept. 17, is National Voter Registration Day. It’s a great time to confirm that you are registered to vote at your current address or to register if you have moved or would be a first-time voter. The last day to register to vote in Pennsylvania before the Nov. 5 election is Monday, Oct. 21. You may submit your application online, by mail to your county voter registration office or in person at your county voter registration office. Active-duty military members or veterans who are hospitalized or bedridden may register at any time. Learn more about that option. Please note: if you are not a United States citizen and a resident of Pennsylvania at least 30 days before the election, you cannot register to vote.
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