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In this Update:
My office recently joined the Dauphin County Farm Bureau for their summer legislative meeting at Smucker Gardens in Millersburg. Smucker offers a wide selection of garden and landscaping products and services, plus educational programs. A Closer Look at Farm Conservation Efforts
Farmers play a critical role in Pennsylvania as agriculture is the state’s top industry. They also improve our food security by reducing our dependence on food supplied by other countries. This week, the Senate and House Agriculture and Rural Affairs committees led discussions about on-farm conservation efforts. Farmers across the state are focused on addressing food waste, pursuing manure management and, most importantly, ensuring the long-term sustainability of vital resources like our water and soil that will allow them to preserve our agricultural heritage. To support these important initiatives, Senate Republicans voted to dedicate $10 million in the state budget for conservation efforts among Pennsylvania farmers through the new Agriculture Innovation and Development Program. The program is focused on providing farmers and agribusinesses with the resources to adopt new technological practices. Bad Airline Experience? Report It
Individuals who have flown for work or pleasure and had a bad experience with their airline have a new method of recourse. Whether there were problems with baggage fees, flight scheduling or a refund due to a flight cancellation, you can use a new complaint form. Simply provide information about yourself, the airline, your complaint and how you would like the issue to be resolved. The Pennsylvania Attorney General could refer violations to the United States Department of Transportation. You are encouraged to upload your contract, proof of payment and other documentation to better explain your complaint. Accepted file types include jpg, gif, png and pdf. PennDOT to Replace Otter License Plate
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is replacing the otter license plate – which remains valid – with the Eastern hellbender plate to raise wildlife resource management funds. Previous donations have helped to re-establish the river otter, reintroduce osprey and research endangered species of Pennsylvania. The Eastern hellbender is the largest salamander in the country. It can weigh more than two pounds and exceed two feet in length. Since it was named the state amphibian in 2019, the Eastern hellbender serves as a reminder of the need to restore water quality and preserve suitable habitats. To get one of the remaining otter plates, write OTTER on top of the application before returning it. Unclaimed Property is Available for Nonprofits
The Pennsylvania State Treasury is safeguarding $4.5 billion of unclaimed property, and it’s not just for individuals. Many nonprofits also have money available to claim. Unclaimed property includes things like dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, rebates, insurance payments and more. Every dollar returned to a nonprofit can help to fulfill its core mission. Volunteer fire departments, service organizations and libraries should see if any money is available for them to claim. Search online using these tips to help nonprofits search for unclaimed property. Protect Against Mosquito-Borne Viruses
Pennsylvania boasts so many opportunities for outdoor recreation, especially in the summer. To safely enjoy all nature has to offer, it’s important to know about potential risks and how to minimize them. The leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States is West Nile Virus (WNV), which can cause inflammation of the brain. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection tracks cases of WNV and Jamestown Canyon Virus by county. Since 2000, Pennsylvania’s state budget has included funding to monitor and control WNV. There is no treatment or vaccine for WNV, but people can protect themselves by wearing shoes, socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt when outdoors for long periods of time or when mosquitoes are most active at dawn and dusk. Consider the use of mosquito repellent and wash all treated skin and clothing when returning indoors. Honoring the Elders of Our Communities
National Senior Citizens’ Day – Wednesday, Aug. 21 – is the perfect opportunity to spend time with older men and women. Whether you take time to help them with chores or listen to their stories, they will certainly appreciate the extra attention. Seniors made incredible contributions to our society and continue to be valued members of our communities. To support them, Senate Republicans passed bills that are now law to prevent the exploitation of older Pennsylvanians, ensure Pennsylvanians receive access to health care services at nursing homes, preserve prescription drug benefits for seniors and assure nursing homes continue to serve Medical Assistance (MA) recipients by requiring timely MA payments.
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