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In this Update:

• PA Voters Return Senate Republican Majority
• New Law Makes Workers’ Comp More Efficient
• Shooting Ranges Open to the Public
• Fish and Boat Commission is Accepting Boating Facility Grant Applications
• Recognizing the Selfless Sacrifice of Veterans

PA Voters Return Senate Republican Majority

Pennsylvania voters returned a Republican majority to the state Senate in Tuesday’s General Election, re-electing all Republican incumbents and sending new Republican senators to Harrisburg.

Senate Republicans will hold the majority in the 2025-26 legislative session. Newly and re-elected senators will be sworn into office to begin their four-year term on Jan. 7, 2025.

Working together, Senate Republicans will continue to be steadfast in our work to empower Pennsylvanians by standing against executive and judicial overreach, rejecting Democrats’ massive tax increases, and ensuring the fundamental rights of our Commonwealth’s citizens remain safely guarded.

New Law Makes Workers’ Comp More Efficient

The Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation system will be more efficient because of legislation unanimously passed by Senate Republicans that is now law.

Act 126 of 2024 moves more benefit payments from paper checks to direct deposit. Individuals entitled to compensation may request funds be deposited into an account of their choosing. The law also allows insurers to no longer have to offer paper checks as a payment as long as the individual has a bank account that accepts direct deposit.

The reforms, which are also more cost-effective, were unanimously recommended by the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council.

Shooting Ranges Open to the Public

Whether you’re a hunter preparing for rifle season or would simply like to maintain your shooting skills for self-defense, you can take aim at a public shooting range.

The Pennsylvania Game Commission offers recreation opportunities at public rifle, pistol, archery and shotgun ranges on 40 state game lands throughout the state. It constructed or renovated more than a dozen public shooting ranges this year alone, with plans to upgrade more.

You must possess an annual shooting range permit or a current general hunting or furtaker license to use the public shooting ranges. Find a shooting range near you.

Fish and Boat Commission is Accepting Boating Facility Grant Applications

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has two grant opportunities for qualifying organizations to capitalize on the surge in new boating activity.

The Boating Facility Grant Program provides grants for planning, acquisition, development, expansion and rehabilitation of public boating facilities on PA waterways. Townships, boroughs and municipal and county governments can learn more and apply online by Nov. 30.

The Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) Grant Program will reimburse up to $25,000 for eligible expenses that support R3-related educational programs and increase learning opportunities for anglers and boaters. Learn more and apply online by Dec. 6.

Recognizing the Selfless Sacrifice of Veterans

Last weekend, I joined Rep. Mike Cabell, Rep. Aaron Kaufer and Misericordia University in kicking off Veterans Day with an appreciation event to connect veterans with available programs, services, and opportunities, and to recognize them for their contributions to ensuring we can enjoy life in a free nation. It was inspiring to hear their stories of service and sacrifice and to see how welcoming and supporting our communities are.

It is always a special moment when local schools give students and teachers the chance to interact with veterans. I was pleased to join Wyoming Area School District for a luncheon honoring those who serve in our armed forces. Northwest Area School District held a special assembly recognizing the brave men and women who have selflessly dedicated their time to preserving our beloved American freedoms. These events are important. Just as veterans are special in our eyes, young people are special in their eyes, for they represent the future they helped to ensure. When they see them using their freedom in productive ways, when they see them participating in community and civic life, it reaffirms that what they did mattered.

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