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In this Update:
Senate Republicans Kick Off 2025-26 Session with New Members, Leadership Team
The Pennsylvania Senate convened on Tuesday for the start of the 2025-26 legislative session, highlighted by the swearing in of new and reelected members. The proceedings also included the formal reelection of Sen. Kim Ward (R-39) as senate president pro tempore, as well as a vote on rules to govern the body for the next two years. I was honored to offer the opening prayer on this special day. Voters gave Senate Republicans a 28-22 majority in the November 2024 General Election. Learn which members took the oath of office for the first time, who was sworn in following reelection and who I will once again be joining in serving as part of the leadership team here. Still to come are member committee assignments for the 2025-26 legislative session. Scholarships Available Soon for Students Earning Degrees in In-Demand Jobs
Pennsylvania students pursuing a degree for an in-demand occupation will soon be able to apply for a $5,000 scholarship through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) because of a law passed by Senate Republicans. To bolster industries with lots of open positions, the law requires them to agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in an in-demand occupation for at least one year for each year they accept the scholarship. Those occupations include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs approved by PHEAA. The list of in-demand occupations will be adjusted regularly to reflect Pennsylvania’s workforce needs. Out-of-state students are eligible for scholarships that allow them to pay in-state tuition rates. If a student receives a scholarship but does not complete the educational program or fails to meet other terms of the agreement, the scholarship will be converted to a loan and must be repaid by the student. The application is expected to be available on PHEAA’s website in the coming weeks, and more information will be shared then. Online Resource Tracks State Plows
Winter weather can impact safety on the roads, particularly before snow is cleared and salt is spread to mitigate icy spots. As the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) crews work to keep roads passable, you may be wondering where the plow is in your area. All of PennDOT’s roughly 2,200 owned and rented plow trucks are equipped with automated vehicle location systems, which use in-truck technology to log and share data in real time for that truck. View the routes of these interstate and expressway trucks here. PennDOT maintains nearly 40,000 miles of roads and 25,400 bridges statewide, which translates to more than 95,000 snow-lane miles. Baker Named to City and State PA’s 2024 Power of Diversity: Women 100
I am grateful to have been honored by City and State Pennsylvania as one of the commonwealth’s most influential women in their 2024 Power of Diversity: Women 100 list. This recognition celebrates those effecting significant change across Pennsylvania, highlighting various sectors, including government, business, nonprofit and advocacy, who have made substantial contributions to their fields and communities. I am deeply honored to be included among such a distinguished group of leaders. This recognition reflects the collective efforts of my colleagues, constituents and community partners who work tirelessly to improve our commonwealth. Together, we strive to make Pennsylvania a better place for all. Schedule Your Free State Capitol Tour
If you’re looking for a fun educational activity for your family, you can tour the state Capitol for free. During a 30-minute guided tour, Capitol tour guides point out architectural and artistic highlights as they make the Capitol’s history come alive. There is also an Interactive Welcome Center and Capitol Gift Shop to enjoy during your visit. Guided tours are offered every half hour Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekends and most holidays, tours are offered at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Schedule a tour online or by calling the Tour Guide Office at 1-800-TOUR-N-PA (868-7672). Groups of 10 or more require advanced reservations. For your safety, group size is limited to 40.
Please do not reply to this email. If you would like to contact Senator Baker, submit a web contact form here: https://www.senatorbaker.com/contact-me-2/ |
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