Senator Dush E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • January Is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
  • Must See PA Farm Show Wraps Up Tomorrow
  • Check Out My New Website
  • 2023 Review: Supporting Pennsylvania Veterans
  • Helping First Responders Access Federal Dollars

January Is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month and Jan. 11, was National Human Trafficking Awareness Day.

In recognition of this important month, I am once again presenting short synopses of interviews I recently completed with not only victims of human trafficking, but also benchmark organizations that are currently fighting human trafficking in Pennsylvania and around the world.

On Dec. 13, by a vote of 50-0, the Pennsylvania Senate once again unanimously advanced my legislation to guarantee sexually exploited children who are human trafficking victims always have full access to appropriate services and support (Senate Bill 44).

None of this would have been possible without the dedication and support of my friend and colleague, Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41). Check out our video above for a brief overview of Act 39, which was signed into law on Dec. 14.

For more information, my other complete 2024 Human Trafficking interviews can be viewed here.

Must See PA Farm Show Wraps Up Tomorrow

Time is running out to visit the 108th Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. The largest indoor exposition of its kind along the East Coast wraps up tomorrow Saturday, Jan. 13.

This year was a record setter for the Pennsylvania Future Farmers of America (FFA). With more than 980 students who earned their blue FFA jackets, they blew away the U.S. record for the most students to earn them! There were nearly half that number again who had earned their Keystone Degrees!

The 25th Senatorial District schools were very well represented. When I came into the main arena on Monday morning, there were many people working to get things set up for well over 1,000 awardees, the stage, families, etc. One of the other volunteers [see before and after photos above] caught me pitching in. All for a good cause!

You can view the rest of my exclusive photos and posts from this year’s Farm Show here.

Be sure to check out the frequently updated list of local winners here. The site also includes hundreds of photos from the week, categorized by competition.

Again, if there is any chance you can make it, I’d strongly recommend it. Besides showing off Pennsylvania’s largest industry, there are plenty of things for everyone to see, learn and do.

Food, drink and things you never knew we do in Pennsylvania are here to experience for the first time. The Farm Show is truly a must see!

Check Out My New Website

I recently redesigned my website to improve its speed, make it more user-friendly – particularly on mobile devices – and give it a fresh look so it is easier for you to get the state-related information you need. My goal is always to make your experience dealing with your government as positive as possible, whether you prefer to interact online or in person.

My offices are available to serve you with all sorts of things, including status reports on legislation, applications for Pennsylvania birth and death certificates, state tax forms, PACE/PACENET applications, voter registration forms and more.

2023 Review: Supporting Pennsylvania Veterans

Our military members and veterans made the selfless decision to serve our country and preserve the American way of life we hold so dear. The Senate passed several measures in 2023 to support military families and veterans.

Act 13 of 2023 ensures Pennsylvanians entering military service can retain professional licenses and certifications. Previously, veterans had a much more challenging transition from military life to civilian life because certain skills they obtained during the service were not recognized. Now, veterans don’t have to waste time duplicating the training they already received.

Senate Resolution 46 establishes the Task Force on Women Veterans’ Health Care, which will study the unique health care and access issues facing female veterans and make recommendations to the governor and General Assembly for action.

Other measures we passed exempt disabled veterans’ benefit payments from income eligibility calculations for government programs, provide educational support for children of National Guard and Reserves members, establish the Veteran-Owned Business Loan Guarantee Program and more.

Helping First Responders Access Federal Dollars

Federal assistance grants are available to support firefighter and emergency medical service organizations, but only a fraction of the first responders who apply do so successfully.

Giving organizations the information they need to access this critical funding for vehicles, gear and more will help local governments avoid raising taxes to cover the costs associated with keeping our communities safe.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency offers free webinars about how to apply for funding under the Assistance to Firefighters grant program and workshops covering the Assistance to Firefighters grant program, Fire Prevention and Safety grant program and Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response grants. Learn more.

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