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The Weekly Roundup
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#Listrak\DateStampLong#
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Local Projects Receive State Funding
Last week, Bowmanstown Borough was awarded $842,185 in state funding to assist with a street improvement project. The grant, which was made available through the Multimodal Transportation Fund Program, will be used to reconstruct Craig Street to allow for safer travel conditions for residents.
Infrastructure costs are rising for small municipalities across the Commonwealth. So, it’s important that programs like this are available to help ensure that projects are completed.
State grant funding in the amount of $174,000 was also awarded to East Penn Township for further development of the D&L Trail. The grant will go toward the construction of 0.8 miles of trail from State Route 895 to the East Penn Boat Launch and a road crossing.
The D&L Trail has proven to be a tremendous asset for our region. I am happy to see the Commonwealth’s continued investment in the trail and the recreational and tourism opportunities it provides.
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Focusing on the Opioid Epidemic
I recently had the opportunity to take part in a panel discussion on opioids during the Pennsylvania Orthopaedic Society’s Fall Meeting and Symposium in Philadelphia. Our discussion focused on what the Legislature has done to curb the over-prescribing of opioids and address the state’s drug crisis.
It was a pleasure to also meet one of the guest speakers, Sam Quinones, author of “Dreamland,” an excellent book that that examines the opioid epidemic and its devastating impact.
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Security Grant Program for Nonprofits Now Law
Faith-based institutions and nonprofit organizations will be eligible for grants to boost security at their facilities under a new law approved by the General Assembly and signed by the governor.
Act 83 of 2019 will make funding available to faith-based institutions and nonprofits that serve individuals, groups or institutions listed by the FBI as at risk for hate crime incidents.
Grant awards will range from $5,000 to $150,000. Faith-based institutions and nonprofits could use the money for a variety of security planning, equipment and technology needs, including surveillance cameras, emergency communications equipment, electronic locksets, threat assessments and building upgrades.
The program is similar to the School Safety Security Grant Program, which helps schools meet a variety of security needs. It will be administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. Applications are expected to become available early next year.
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New Education Benefit for PA National Guard Families Available
Members of the Pennsylvania National Guard are encouraged to take advantage of the new Military Family Education Program, or PA GI Bill, which is now open for enrollment.
Under Act 32 of 2019, Guard members who commit to an additional six years of service can receive five years of higher education benefits for their spouses and children. The program will provide 10 semesters of tuition-free education for family member(s).
Interested Guard members can apply through their unit to the PA National Guard Education Office. Tuition benefits will begin for the 2020-21 academic year.
Learn more here.
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Showcasing Student Skills
Last week, I had the pleasure of attending the Carbon Career & Technical Institute’s (CCTI) Third Annual Precision Machining Contest. It was great to see the machining skills of these outstanding students on display. Events like this help to showcase the benefits of a technical education and its employment opportunities.
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Grant Program to Boost Ag Industry’s Future
A grant program aimed at securing the future of the state’s agriculture industry is now accepting applications.
The Ag and Youth Grant Program, created by the General Assembly under Act 40 of 2019, provides direct and matching grants to help fund eligible projects, programs and equipment purchases conducted or made by organizations composed mainly of youth and organized to promote development in agriculture, community leadership, vocational training and peer fellowship.
Eligible projects include education or workforce development seminars or field trips; agricultural safety training programs; and capital projects or equipment purchases.
The deadline to apply is Nov. 29. Click here for additional information.
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Congratulations!
I recently had the privilege of presenting a House citation to Slatington Masonic Lodge No. 440 in recognition of its 150th anniversary during the group’s gala at Blue Mountain Resort.
I made the presentation on behalf of Rep. Zach Mako, who is currently serving in the Middle East with the Pennsylvania National Guard. Pictured with me (from left) are Worshipful Master Bo Rodrigues, Slatington Lodge No. 440; Delina Rodrigues, Bo's sister; and Right Worshipful Grand Master Eugene Herritt, Grand Lodge of Pennsylvania.
I had the great pleasure of presenting a House citation to Robert and Donna Horn of Palmerton in recognition of their 50th wedding anniversary. I know Donna very well because she works with me at our district office in Weissport.
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| Office Locations |
| 204B Bridge St., Weissport, PA 18235 | (610) 377-6363 |
| 2681 State Route 903, Unit 3, Albrightsville, PA 18210 | (570) 722-8700 |
| Room 420 Irvis Office Building, PO Box 202122, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2122 | (717) 260-6139 |
| Email: dheffley@pahousegop.com |
| TTY: 855-282-0614 |
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