Senator Dush E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Supporting Our Irreplaceable Emergency Responders
  • ‘Catching Up’ With New Addition to PA Wilds Elk Herd
  • Recognizing Two-Time State Wrestling Champion Luke Simcox
  • Penn State Berkey Creamery ‘Delivers the Scoops’ at PA Capitol Ice Cream Social
  • Free Webinars Provide Helpful Financial Aid Info
  • Happy Father’s Day

Supporting Our Irreplaceable Emergency Responders

Our irreplaceable emergency responders are always here, risking their lives to protect citizens when they are most vulnerable. For this, we owe an unpayable debt of gratitude to these courageous men and women.

Pictured with me above are members of the Pine Creek Township Volunteer Fire Department and Genesee Township Volunteer Fire/EMS Department Station 37.

This week, the Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1099 to extend the state Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program for an additional five years. The program is scheduled to expire June 30.

Grants are provided through the program to help volunteer and professional fire companies, emergency medical services (EMS) organizations and volunteer rescue squads construct or renovate facilities, purchase or repair equipment, reduce debt and provide training.

It is absolutely critical—not only from a fiscal perspective, but for the safety of all Pennsylvanians—that we continue to take tangible legislative action to support the life-saving service and sacrifice of our emergency responders.

The grant program allocates up to $30 million, with fire companies eligible for grants of up to $20,000 and EMS companies eligible for grants of up to $15,000. 

As emergency service costs continue to increase, this funding will help ensure Senate District 25 residents continue to receive the level of service they expect and have come to depend on.

‘Catching Up’ With New Addition to PA Wilds Elk Herd

This past weekend, I had an unforgettable opportunity to assist the Pennsylvania Game Commission with an elk calf capture.

During the capture, the elk calf was weighed, measured and identified (using ear tags).

Here’s some more interesting facts about elk calves courtesy of the Elk County Visitor Center:

  • Elk calves are born in June and July.
  • When they are born, they weigh between 35-40 lbs. on average.
  • They use what is called the hider strategy. The strategy depends on concealment rather than defense to protect young offspring.
  • Elk calves are born with spots on their body. These spots can then be mistaken for wildflowers or rays of sunshine by a predator.
  • They are also scentless when they are young.

Many thanks to the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Keystone Elk County Alliance for organizing and hosting this highly educational encounter to raise awareness about conserving Pennsylvania’s world-famous elk herd. 

Disclaimer: This elk calf capture was conducted by Pennsylvania Game Commission trained professionals. You should never approach or try to handle wild elk calves. This goes for all wildlife!*

Recognizing Two-Time State Wrestling Champion Luke Simcox

                                                         

On Monday, I had the honor of recognizing Luke Simcox on the Senate floor for bringing home the 2024 PIAA wrestling championship in the 145-pound weight class.

A senior at Central Mountain High School, Luke captured his second consecutive Class AAA state title at the PIAA Individual Wrestling Championship Tournament, held at the Giant Center in Hershey, this past March.

He further distinguished himself by winning the North West Regional Championship with a season record of 31 wins and 3 losses.

Refusing to rest on his outstanding career high school record of 137 wins and 18 losses, Luke has already declared his intent to wrestle at the University of North Carolina, while majoring in pre-law.

Congratulations Luke on all of your well-deserved accolades as a premiere student athlete. Best wishes and blessings for future success!

Penn State Berkey Creamery ‘Delivers the Scoops’ at PA Capitol Ice Cream Social

Death by chocolate…cookies and cream…bitter sweet mint…

Thanks to everyone from Penn State Berkey Creamery, Penn State College of Agriculture Services, and Penn State Ag Council for delivering an extremely delicious Ice Cream Social at the state Capitol on Wednesday afternoon.

In fact, the ice cream was so good, I attempted to wheel the freezer all the way home to Senate District 25!

Free Webinars Provide Helpful Financial Aid Info

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is holding free webinars to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process.

On Tuesday, June 25, at noon, speakers will discuss how to cover the gap between awarded loans and the actual amount due. On Thursday, June 27, at 6:30 p.m., speakers will focus on how to compare financial aid offers to choose the right loan for the borrower.

Register to attend the one-hour webinars.

Happy Father’s Day

Father’s Day is a time to reflect on the amazing men in our lives and let them know how much their dedication means to us. They show their love and guidance in so many ways, big and small, that make our lives better. Wishing all of the dads a wonderful day with their families!

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