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In this Update:
Warmongering and Foreign Interference in PA?
By Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) Never one to miss a staged photo opportunity with the media, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro recently joined Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Sen. Bob Casey in Scranton. While there, in an unprecedented and disturbing manner, Shapiro was pictured signing an artillery round that will be used to kill people with whom the United States is not at war. To view my recent interview on this subject, click here. For me, as a combat veteran and chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, Shapiro’s photo opportunity is disturbing. It brings thoughts of yet another elite politician eagerly displaying a willingness to send other people’s children to fight and die in another losing war. It is the height of arrogance to watch this sort of warmongering from Shapiro, especially considering he has never served in the military. Every day I honor Pennsylvanians who gave the “last full measure of devotion.” It is heartbreaking to see how young these precious men and women were when they died. I knew some of them and their families. When I reflect on the outcomes of Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan, all I can think about is the grief these families have endured and are still enduring over the loss of their loved ones in wars guided by politics. It’s disturbing to witness the arrogance of Casey and Shapiro, using their official office to signal an interest in sending our young men and women off to fight in another losing war. I guarantee none of their kids will see combat should that happen. It sadly didn’t end with warmongering. The photo opportunity crossed into political campaigning. Zelensky went into a tirade, attacking the Republican presidential ticket. He said former President Donald Trump doesn’t know how to end war and J.D. Vance is too radical. “My feeling is that Trump doesn’t really know how to stop the war even if he might think he knows how,” Zelensky said. Is this not foreign interference and meddling in our election? Remember the cry of “foreign influence” in the 2016 election? Now in Pennsylvania we have Josh Shapiro hosting a foreign public critic of former President Trump during an official visit to an arms facility in the commonwealth. One must wonder, with President Zelensky being a focal point of this visit, is this a violation of campaign finance laws? After all, it is clearly stated that “foreign nationals” may not contribute to federal campaigns, either monetarily or “in kind.” You can use this link – www.FEC.Gov/help-candidates-and-committees/foreign-nationals – to the Federal Election Commission website to learn more about the restriction on the involvement of foreign nationals in our elections. Sen. Doug Mastriano represents the 33rd Senatorial District covering Adams and Franklin counties. He is a combat veteran who served in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm and was deployed three times to Afghanistan. Visit with Rev. LeRoy Wiley of Chambersburg who turns 100 on Oct. 8
Mastriano Announces more than $75,000 in Grants for Museums, Historical Organizations in Adams, Franklin Counties
HARRISBURG – Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) today announced five grants totaling more than $75,000 have been awarded to museums and historical organizations in Adams and Franklin counties. “As an active student of history, I’m excited to see these grants support local organizations that work to preserve and spread awareness about the region’s heritage and past,” said Mastriano, who has his doctorate in history and four master’s degrees. “People either learn from the past or are doomed to repeat its mistakes, which is why historical organizations and museums play such an important role in the advancement of our culture and society.” The Adams County Historical Society was awarded a $20,200 grant and the Gettysburg Foundation was awarded one for $36,200. The Franklin County Historical Society – Kittochtinny and Renfrew Museum and Park each were awarded $8,000 grants, while the Conococheague Institute for the Study of Cultural Heritage was awarded a $5,500 grant. The money is being provided through the Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission (PHMC) Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program. The program’s goal is to strengthen Pennsylvania’s museum community by supporting the general operations of eligible museums and official county historical societies that are not supported by other state agency funding programs. Eligible museums must have an annual operating budget exceeding $100,000, excluding capital and in-kind services, and at least one full-time professional staff person. Grants range between a minimum of $4,000 and a maximum of $62,000. According to PHMC, grants are awarded using a formula based on a percentage of the organization’s annual operating budget. Constituents of the 33rd Senatorial District can learn more about Mastriano by visiting his website at SenatorMastriano.com or following him on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenatorDougMastriano. Child Care Tax Credit Supports Families, Communities
Senate Republicans understand that supporting families helps create strong communities. We led the way in establishing the Child Care Tax Credit and also increased it to provide relief to as many moms and dads as possible. Because of the tax credit, more businesses can contribute toward their employees’ child care benefits, providing financial relief to parents, beginning Jan. 1, 2025. Employer contributions may not count as the employee’s income. The tax credit allows employers to claim a tax credit equal to 30% of what they contribute toward an employee’s child care benefits, up to $500. If an employer chooses to make contributions to its employees, the employer must make equal contributions to all employees who have eligible child care costs. Exciting Careers Await in PA Agriculture
There are more than 500,000 jobs in PA agriculture – covering the fields of business, technology, science and more – and 75,000 more need to be filled in the next decade to keep our farms operating and our nation fed. As the industry diversifies and innovates with new technology and its aging workforce retires, new opportunities are continually available. Find available careers in agriculture. State Seminars Explain New Tax Laws
Senate Republicans reformed the state tax code to bring jobs to Pennsylvania and help start-ups. Tax professionals can learn about these and other changes at the Department of Revenue in person or at virtual seminars. The one-day seminars offer information about the Personal Income Tax, sales tax, corporate taxes and compliance initiatives. They also explain how to use the department’s website to establish tax accounts for new businesses, file tax returns and pay state taxes. Seminars are offered through December. Learn more and register here. An Emergency Plan Can be a Lifesaver
Having an emergency plan that everyone in your family is familiar with can keep your loved ones safe during a power outage, severe storm or other unexpected event. A clear plan helps people stay calm and focused during a stressful experience. It should include information about where to go, who to contact and what to have on hand. It’s important to have enough food, water and other supplies to last at least three days. Other items for a basic emergency kit include flashlights, extra batteries, first aid supplies, hand sanitizer and a whistle to signal for help. Learn more. September is National Prostate Health Month
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer diagnosed in men in the United States, excluding non-melanoma skin cancer. It causes more deaths in men than all but lung cancer. In an effort to raise awareness, Senator Mastriano recently introduced Senate Resolution 323, designating the month of September 2024 as “Prostate Cancer Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Screenings can often catch the disease before it spreads, resulting in a five-year survival rate of 97.5%. For someone with an average risk, screening should begin at age 50. Getting screened every two or three years is sufficient for most men. While there is no way to completely prevent prostate cancer, men can reduce their risk by choosing a low-fat diet filled with fruits and vegetables, maintaining a healthy weight and exercising most days of the week.
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