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In this Update:
Beagles and Bagels Legislative Briefing, May 6th
Join us on Tuesday, May 6th, at 10:00 a.m. in the Media Center of the State Capitol for an impactful event dedicated to championing the Beagle Bills—essential legislation that safeguards dogs, cats, and other animals subjected to experimentation. I, along with Senator Comitta and Representatives Bizzarro, Shusterman, and McNeill, will hold a legislative briefing on Senate Bill 381 and House Bills 294, 295, and 296. This event is a great opportunity to meet our shelter partners, connect with adopted Envigo beagles, and engage in meaningful conversations about this session’s animal protection legislation. Michaux State Forest Wildfires
On Saturday, I visited the site of the wildfires in Michaux State Forest to assess the situation firsthand. I have been in contact with local authorities to provide updates on the status of the fires. I extend my appreciation to our dedicated firefighters for their efforts in combating the flames and bringing the situation under control. Thank you for your service to our community! North Carolina Hurricane Relief Thank You Dinner
It was an honor to be at the Shady Grove Community Center to join in thanking the many faithful donors and volunteers from Franklin County who have given sacrificially of their time and resources over the past six months to assist in the Hurricane Helene Relief efforts in North Carolina. The outstanding work of these folks makes me so proud to represent Franklin County. Visit to U.S. Army War College
The U.S. Army War College holds a special place in my heart, as I was both a student and a faculty member there. The institution is vital to our nation, with a mission to train the next generation of leaders to effectively fight and win our nation’s wars. During my visit to the new building this week, I was greatly impressed by the facility, which provides an excellent environment for our leaders to hone their skills. I am grateful for the leadership of the War College, as well as my colleagues, who have dedicated their lives to equipping our nation’s rising leaders with what they need to defend our country. Honoring 50th Anniversary of the End of the Vietnam War with Passage of Act 124
This week, I honored the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War by recognizing the brave men and women who served with valor and sacrifice during one of the most difficult chapters in American history. Fifty years may have passed, but our gratitude remains as strong as ever. The men and women who served in Vietnam did so with courage, conviction and an unwavering commitment to our nation. Many did not return home. Others came back to a country still divided by war. It was important that we, as a state, take formal steps to honor them. I also highlighted Act 124 of 2024, which I sponsored to formally recognize Vietnam veterans across the state and ensure that their stories, service and sacrifice are preserved and appreciated for generations to come. For more information on Act 124 or to find out how to participate in local Vietnam War 50th anniversary commemorations, please contact Don Beishl in my office at dbeishl@pasen.gov. Federal ID Requirements Change on May 7: Get REAL ID Now
Beginning May 7, standard driver’s licenses will no longer permit you to board flights, visit military bases and enter certain federal facilities. Then, acceptable options will be a passport, military ID or a REAL ID. If you’re not sure whether a REAL ID is right for you, this REAL ID online wizard may be able to help. You do not need to wait until your driver’s license renews to get a REAL ID. To get one, you must provide documents proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Pennsylvania residency. All acceptable documents must be original versions or certified copies (if applicable). While documents can be verified for customers who want a REAL ID at any of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) driver license centers, only certain locations can provide your REAL ID the same day. Otherwise, expect to receive your REAL ID within 15 business days after successful document verification. To make it more convenient for Pennsylvanians to get a REAL ID, PennDOT is offering dedicated time at specific driver license centers on May 5 and 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Beat Breast Cancer with Early Detection
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of women ages 50-74 have not received a mammogram in the past two years. May is Mammography Month in Pennsylvania – a great time to remind the women in your life to schedule a screening or make your own appointment. When diagnosed at its earliest stages, breast cancer has a survival rate exceeding 90%. Anyone who is uninsured or underinsured can get a free mammogram through the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. All women at high risk of developing breast cancer can also access genetic testing of hereditary cancer syndromes and supplemental breast screenings without any out-of-pocket costs because of landmark legislation Senate Republicans passed in 2023. May 4-10 is Small Business Week
More than 1 million Pennsylvania small businesses provide jobs for 2.4 million people, and they have a tremendous impact on state and local economies. When you spend $100 at a small business, $48 goes back into the local community. If you spend $100 at a big box store, only $14 stays local. Shopping at local businesses supports those around us. In addition to shopping and dining local, you can support small businesses by leaving a review and liking and sharing their content on social media. If you have or would like to start a small business, resources are available for every stage. The PA Business One-Stop Shop offers comprehensive support, personalized guidance and an extensive partner network. Learn more. State Parks Offer Amazing Outdoor Recreation
According to the 2024 Outdoor Industry Participation Trends Report, participation in outdoor recreation across the country grew by more than 4% to a record 175.8 million Americans in one year. Pennsylvania is a wonderful place to enjoy nature and all it has to offer. Our state parks and forests offer affordable options for families to take day trips or full vacations. For those who don’t have a recreational vehicle or feel comfortable tenting, parks also offer modern cabins and yurts. Make a reservation for one of the state’s 7,100 campsites. Parks offer all sorts of fun activities including disc golfing, kayaking, whitewater boating and even hang gliding. While enjoying the great outdoors, don’t miss scenic features like waterfalls, vistas and historic places. PA Law Protects Patients from Surprise Medical Bills
The No Surprises Act protects patients from surprise medical bills in situations where they have little to no control over who provides their care. A surprise medical bill is an unexpected medical cost incurred when a patient unknowingly obtains health care services by an out-of-network provider. The No Surprises Act protects patients who receive emergency and non-emergency services from being billed for more than they would have paid if the providers were in-network. Learn more and submit a bill for review here. Applications Open: Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk Youth
Since 2022, the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) has been transforming the lives of teenagers using a military academy style training model to provide structure and discipline. KSCA is a joint effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the National Guard Bureau, in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Applications may be submitted now through July 12 for the 22-week class that begins in July. 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 residential phase at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. Learn more about eligibility requirements and begin the application process. 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.
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