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In this Update:
Declaring April 2025 as PA Faith Month
On Tuesday, I spoke on the Senate floor in support of my resolution to officially recognize Faith Month in Pennsylvania. Our commonwealth was founded as a haven for religious freedom, diversity and tolerance by William Penn, who boldly proclaimed: “Men must be governed by God, or they will be ruled by tyrants.” Senate Resolution 57 acknowledges that eternal vigilance and divine providence is desperately needed to stop the relentless, intolerant discrimination, persecution and criminalization of people of faith, faith-affirming private employers and, especially, faith-based charities that have a rich history of helping the sick, poor and afflicted. By designating April 2025 as Faith Month, the Pennsylvania Senate is once again encouraging all commonwealth citizens to respectfully engage in and freely share their faiths. Just as William Penn and America’s founders originally intended, this includes prayer, worship and all other peaceful displays and expressions of religious liberty and thanksgiving. Rallying Against Shapiro’s Devastating Proposals to Close SCI Rockview and Quehanna Boot Camp
As a retired corrections officer, with a working knowledge of the state prison system from the inside out, I was honored to stand in opposition to the governor’s fiscally irresponsible and senseless proposals to close SCI Rockview in Centre County and Quehanna Boot Camp in Clearfield County. As evident from the comments of the many dedicated corrections personnel and their families (in attendance at Tuesday’s rally), there are far-reaching economic and social impacts to closing a prison that the governor is blatantly refusing to acknowledge or failing to comprehend. These devastating and likely irreversible consequences go well beyond the obvious facility operating expenses and rehabilitation costs per inmate. In addition to ensuring public safety, these institutions are tremendous community assets that provide family-sustaining employment, attract a highly-skilled workforce, and contribute significantly to our local economies. Please keep in mind, that there is still time for concerned Senate District 25 citizens to make your voices heard with the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections (DOC). The DOC will hold a listening session on the governor’s proposed closure of Quehanna Boot Camp on Thurs., April 10, at 5 p.m. at Community Alliance Church, 34136 Frenchville Karthaus Highway, in Karthaus. The DOC will hold another listening session on the proposed closure of SCI Rockview on Tue., April 15, at 5 p.m. at Bald Eagle High School, 710 South Eagle Valley Road, Wingate. If you would like to provide feedback, but you cannot attend the listening sessions on April 10 or April 15, the DOC is also accepting comments via email to ra-crdocclose@pa.gov or by leaving a voicemail at 888-316-8950. Now Streaming: Rescuing Every Child, Reaching Every Person
Human trafficking victims are robbed of the greatest gifts of all: life and freedom. In the latest edition of the Mission Report Podcast, I sit down with David Cox and Brad Ortenzi, to discuss the ongoing worldwide mission of ZOE International to RESCUE EVERY CHILD and REACH EVERY PERSON. 547 Predators Arrested, 177 Victims Rescued Recently, ZOE International joined with California law enforcement in coordinating Operation Reclaim and Rebuild, a targeted statewide effort to combat human trafficking. In the preview clip above, ZOE International USA National Director David Cox shares powerful insights on this sting operation that resulted in 177 victims rescued and 547 suspected sex traffickers and child predators arrested. Learn to identify the signs of what human trafficking looks like and you may be able to help stop the next human trafficking tragedy before it even begins. Additional thought-provoking, podcast discussion topics include:
Check out the entire Mission Report Podcast interview with ZOE International on SenatorDush.com. You can also subscribe and watch on my YouTube channel or listen any time on Spotify. Senator Dush Goes to Washington
Last week, I was grateful and honored to be one of four state lawmakers who were invited to speak at the 𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐏 (𝐀𝐧𝐭𝐢-𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐏𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬) 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐑𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 in Washington D.C. Organized and hosted once again by Anne Basham, Ascend Consulting and sponsored by Street Grace, this event also brought together members of Congress, human trafficking survivors, and more than 60 anti-trafficking and exploitation organizations for the single most strategic and substantive Capitol Hill gathering on federal and state anti-trafficking laws. Many thanks to the incredible advocates for raising their voices in support of victims and survivors. Unified around the belief that human trafficking and child exploitation must stop, the goal of these ATIP Roundtables is to build a bipartisan bridge between Congress and leaders in the field to see more anti-trafficking legislation become law. Free Tax Prep Services Available for Qualified Individuals
Free tax preparation services are available to individuals and families who qualify through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The IRS-sponsored initiative serves households earning approximately $60,000 or less, those with disabilities, the elderly and individuals with limited English proficiency. To find a VITA site near you, dial 211, visit the PA 211 website or use the IRS’s VITA locator tool. It’s essential to make an appointment in advance, as many VITA sites operate on a seasonal basis and appointments can fill quickly. Be sure to bring necessary documents. Households with an annual income of $73,000 or less can file their federal and state tax forms online for free through MyFreeTaxes.com. The user-friendly platform allows filers to easily navigate the tax preparation process at their own pace and features live support from IRS-certified specialists. MyFreeTaxes.com uses secure, IRS-approved software to protect your personal information and data.
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