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In this Update:
Critical Funding Secured to Sustain ‘Golden Hour’ Rural Healthcare Services at Bucktail Medical Center
On Monday, I joined together with Rep. Stephanie Borowicz (R-76), administrators, medical professionals and local community leaders to announce that Bucktail Medical Center has been awarded a $1 million Hospital and Health System Emergency Relief grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED). Preserving and expanding rural health care is of paramount importance to me. This funding is just one part of what a team of us have done to increase the income for the hospital, improve operations and provide for the financial stability of Bucktail until these measures have time to take effect. Bucktail Medical Center is critical to people who without it would have to drive an hour each way for emergency care. We could not stand by and let that “Golden Hour” – which emergency medical providers know is critical to saving lives – to be flatlined due to travel rather than treatment. Janet Walters, CEO of the Rural Health Redesign Center (RHRC) and her team, Laura Murnyack, CEO and the reorganized Bucktail Medical Center team, and the Clinton County Commissioners have all demonstrated their commitment to the Renovo community and surrounding areas. Click here to watch Monday’s news conference or for more information. Senate Committee Assignments Finalized for New Legislative Session This week, Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39) appointed me to serve on several, heavily active standing Senate committees for the 2025-26 Legislative Session. As a state senator and returning chairman of the Senate State Government Committee, my priorities will remain restoring election integrity, combatting human trafficking, reducing government spending and over-regulation, and fighting for our God-given rights. The Senate State Government Committee has broad oversight over the executive branch, including the Office of the Governor, the Departments of State and General Services, and the State Ethics Commission. The committee is also responsible for developing and approving legislation and constitutional amendments relating to campaigns and elections, ethics, and state government transparency. I am also returning to serve as vice chair of the Intergovernmental Operations Committee and as a member of five other committees: Appropriations; Game and Fisheries; Judiciary; Local Government; and Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness. I’m honored and humbled by the confidence Sen. Ward has shown in me with each of these appointments. I am greatly looking forward to continue addressing the issues that directly impact Pennsylvania taxpayers, voters, job-creating employers, working families, seniors, veterans and, on an even larger scale, the way Commonwealth government serves and protects the best interests of We the People. As always, I encourage citizens to stay informed by visiting my frequently updated website www.SenatorDush.com, my Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/SenatorCrisDushPA, and my new social media channels at x.com/SenatorDush, www.Instagram.com/SenatorCrisDush, www.Linkedin.com/in/SenatorCrisDush, and www.youtube.com/@SenatorCrisDushPA for the latest state government updates and district information. The Senate returns to session on Monday, Jan. 27. Free Winter Activities at State Parks
Staff at Pennsylvania state parks and forests host free events throughout the year for people of all ages. During winter, snow walks, bird watching, night owl hikes and more are among the activities available. The event listing can be sorted by in-person or virtual events. It can also be filtered by region and date. To make it even more convenient, a personalized list of events can be emailed to you weekly if you build an event digest email to your liking. The email can be customized for your event preferences and when you wish to be notified. PennDOT Contest for Students to Improve Roadway Safety
Students are invited to participate in the Innovations Challenge to help the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) increase awareness for seatbelt safety and improve driver behavior for the benefit of our roads. The challenge, which has an award of $6,000 for the winning team, encourages ninth- through twelfth-grade students to use their problem-solving, creative and strategic-thinking abilities to resolve real-world transportation challenges. Regional winners will be invited to present their solutions to the PennDOT secretary and a panel of judges, who will determine the statewide cash prize winner. The submission deadline is Jan. 31. Help is Available for People Who Want to Quit Smoking
Quitting smoking is difficult, and not just because of the addictive properties of nicotine. Different people experience unique challenges, and personalized resources are available for veterans, women, teens, those who are age 60 and older and others. People can call 1-800-QUIT-NOW (784-8669), text QUIT to 47848 or use the live chat feature on SmokeFree.gov. The website has lots of practical articles, including ones about how to make a plan to quit, manage cravings, cope with stress without smoking and much more. There are resources for people who want to stop using dip and vapes, as well as information about how to support a loved one who is quitting. Jan. 20 is Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Martin Luther King Jr. advocated for peace, even while he worked to instill change. As our country has faced various transitions in the past few years, I hope all Americans can celebrate his commitment to treating each other with decency – even when perspectives may differ. President Ronald Reagan signed legislation into law that made the third Monday in January a federal holiday honoring the life of Martin Luther King Jr.
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