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In this Update:
Time Running Out for DOC Secretary to Fully Disclose Prison Closing Criteria
Following through on the public promise I made during the recent PA Department of Corrections (DOC) “Listening Session,” on the proposed closing of SCI Rockview and Quehanna Boot Camp, last week, I sent the following letter to DOC Secretary Laurel Harry. As a retired corrections officer and PA Senate State Government Committee Chairman, I am officially requesting the names of all DOC steering committee members who recommended these prison closures; and all supporting documentation of the criteria that was used in determining which correctional institutions to close. I have also requested a response from DOC Secretary Harry, no later than close of business on Friday, May 2. Absent full disclosure of this information, I will be considering convening a Senate State Government Committee hearing for the purpose of exercising subpoena authority for the information during the session week of May 5, 2025. With jurisdiction and oversight of the disposition of state properties through the Department of General Services, it is the Senate State Government Committee’s obligation to ensure that the steering committee’s findings were based on accurate and current information. Now Streaming: Proclaiming Pennsylvania Faith Month
In the latest edition of the Mission Report Podcast, I sat down with Pastor Di Coran, Concerned Women for America, PA State Director, who I have been honored to partner alongside with during the past several years, to successfully advance my Faith Month Resolution. By designating April 2025 as Pennsylvania Faith Month (Senate Resolution 57) the Pennsylvania Senate and Concerned Women for America of PA are once again encouraging all Keystone State 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. God Is Not Unconstitutional 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.” In the preview clip above, Pastor Di Coran and I discuss how Almighty God is firmly enshrined and deeply embedded throughout our state and federal constitutions, our currency, the Pledge of Allegiance and of course, the Declaration of Independence. Additional thought-provoking, podcast discussion topics include:
Check out this and other Mission Report Podcast episodes at SenatorDush.com. You can also subscribe and watch on my YouTube channel or listen any time on Spotify. Students: Apply Now for Grow PA Scholarships and Improve Access for Everyone
People across the state have felt the pain of industries with declining workforces, from the long waits to see a doctor or a skilled mechanic. Senate Republicans took action to address those issues – and to reduce the loss of talent as young adults begin their careers in other states, rarely to return to Pennsylvania. As part of this year’s state budget, the Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification for an in-demand occupation. Qualifying courses of study include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs approved by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Because the funding is being awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, it’s important to apply as soon as possible. To qualify for the grant, applicants must agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation for 12 months for each year they receive the grant. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the grant converting to a loan requiring repayment. Learn more or apply here. Survey: How Did PennDOT Do This Winter?
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is offering a short survey so motorists can offer their feedback on the winter services PennDOT provided. Filling out the survey allows you to share your thoughts about where you get information about road conditions, how soon you can expect roads to be safe to travel following a winter storm event and what features you would find useful from 511PA.com. There is also an opportunity to share additional comments. The survey can be completed anonymously. How to Locate Lost Military Documents
A veteran’s DD214 is a vital document when it comes to receiving the benefits they deserve. It provides the member and the branch of service with a concise record of a period of time with the armed forces at the time of the member’s separation, discharge or change in military status. Veterans discharged from 2010 and after can access their own digital records by setting up an account through the VA e-Benefits portal. Veterans who were discharged before then may complete the Standard Form 180, which includes mailing instructions on the last page. They may also visit the National Archives and Records Administration site to submit a signed form electronically. Anyone who needs assistance is encouraged to call 1-800-547-2838, email RA-REQ@pg.gov or learn more online.
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