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In this Update:
A Closer Look at Supporting Student Safety Initiatives
Families need to be able to trust their children will be protected from harm when they’re at school, and students deserve to focus on their learning. Continuing Senate Republicans’ leadership of efforts to provide safe learning environments for students, $100 million was included in this year’s state budget for all school districts to address school safety, security needs and mental health concerns. An additional $20 million for safety grants is also made available to nonpublic schools that apply by Thursday, Sept. 26. Applications for both grant programs are available online. New this year, schools may use their funding for the purchase of lockable cellphone bags to benefit students’ mental health by giving them a much-needed break from their mobile devices while in school. Over the last decade there has been a sharp drop in children’s mental health, which directly correlates to the increased use of cellphones and social media apps. The cellphone bags are another tool schools may choose to use if they feel it’s appropriate based on their area, school board and parents’ perspective. Recently passed legislation calls for every school district in Pennsylvania to have a school security officer who has completed armed security training to protect students. The security presence will consist of at least one trained and vetted school security officer, which may be either a school police officer, school resource officer or school security guard. See what other steps Senate Republicans are taking in our work to strengthen Pennsylvania here. Senate Approves $75 Million to Expand Educational Opportunities for Students
Parents know best when it comes to the individual needs of their children, which is why Senate Republicans continue to stand up for parental empowerment and involvement in their children’s education. We’ve worked to dedicate an additional $75 million this year to the Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC). The EITC program helps to provide students with the opportunity to learn in the environment that best meets their specific educational needs. Through a collaborative approach of providing tax credits to businesses making contributions to create additional educational opportunities for Pennsylvania families, more children are able to receive assistance. Eligible contributions are those made to scholarship organizations, educational improvement organizations and pre-kindergarten scholarship organizations. Students are eligible to receive a scholarship if their household’s annual income is no greater than $112,348 plus $19,775 for each dependent member of the household. Learn more about the EITC program here. Econo-Pak in Milford Serves Companies Across the Globe
Located in Milford, Econo-Pak packages food products for companies all over the world, shipping 1,400,000 cases each month. It was impressive to see such an efficient operation utilizing state-of-the-art technology executed by a highly trained workforce. The business is hoping to add 300 new jobs through a 100,000 square foot facility expansion. Another Successful Season at the Harford Fair
It was another successful season at the 166th Harford Fair. Between the funnel cakes, Ferris wheel, and farm exhibits, it’s always a week of family-friendly fun. You Can Now Get Customized Travel Alerts with 511PA
We all want to avoid heavy traffic, road closures and anything else that will delay us on the road, and potential hassles will be different for motorists depending on where they live and where they are going. 511PA now offers the opportunity to sign up for personalized travel alerts based on specific areas and routes, days and times, and road issue (type of trouble and when cleared). On 511PA’s website, navigate to “My 511” at the top to set up an account to begin receiving alerts. Expanded Access to Benefits for PA Disabled Veterans
A new Pennsylvania law that went into effect this month exempts 100% of disabled veterans’ benefit payments from income calculations for any commonwealth program or benefit. Act 27 of 2024 ensures veterans who receive disability compensation will not have those payments counted against them when applying to programs such as the Real Estate Property Tax Exemption, the Educational Gratuity Program, the Veterans Temporary Assistance Program and the Military Family Relief Assistance Program. The exclusion also applies to unspent veterans’ benefit payments and is extended to the unmarried surviving spouse of a veteran upon that veteran’s death. 2024 Hawley Borough National Night Out Focuses on Safety
Hawley Borough’s National Night Out celebrates the partnership between the police and community. Focused on the theme of safety, this year’s event offered an opportunity for businesses and organizations to inform the public about how they contribute to the protection of others. Celebrating Back to School Month by Brushing Up on School Bus Safety
As students head back to school, school buses require additional caution from drivers. School districts are now permitted to use automated cameras on stop signal arms to enforce the school bus stopping law. Learn more and find parent safety tips and a reminder of other laws here. Pennsylvania law requires motorists to stop at least 10 feet away from school buses when their red lights are flashing and their stop arm is extended. 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. Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety. Penalties for failure to obey school bus safety laws can result in a $250 fine and a $35 surcharge to be deposited into the School Bus Safety Grant Program account, five points on a driving record and a 60-day license suspension. These laws are important. However, I also believe there’s room for improvement and have introduced Senate Bill 897 to enhance the safety of children and school bus drivers alike. Specifically, my bill will increase the required stopping distance as a motorist approaches a stopped school bus with red lights flashing and a deployed stop arm. In addition, repeat offenders would face stiffer penalties. Flagrant abuse of these basic driving laws jeopardizes children of all ages and is entirely preventable. Senate Bill 897 unanimously passed the Senate and is awaiting consideration by the House of Representatives. Teeter Family Celebrates 175 Years in Business Founded in 1849 by cabinetmaker Richard Adam Teeter, Teeters’ Furniture and Teeters’ Funeral Chapel have been serving the Hawley and the surrounding area for 175 years. Owned and operated by Richard Adam Teeter and his daughter, Julia Teeter-Seiler, both businesses have earned a strong reputation for the highest quality of service and have become an integral part of the community. Cutting the Ribbon at The Players Pub at The Greens at Shadowbrook
The Players Pub restaurant and bar at The Greens at Shadowbrook is now open to the public! The Wyoming County Chamber celebrated with a ribbon cutting and silent auction to benefit Victims Resource Center. Scenes from the 20th District Featured Photo: Delaware Aqueduct/Roebling Bridge, Lackawaxen
This week’s featured photo from the Scenes from the 20th District Photo Gallery was submitted by Eileen Chorba of Wayne County. “Delaware Aqueduct/Roebling Bridge, Lackawaxen” captures the natural beauty and historical landmarks we are so lucky to be able to enjoy in this area. Use the online submission form to showcase your photography skills and submit your best photographs.
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