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In this Update:
Three-year Sky Bridge Improvement Project at Kinzua Bridge State Park Begins in November
I attended an event last week to discuss a multi-year project that will make improvements to the Sky Bridge at Kinzua Bridge State Park, located in McKean County. The three-year project is set to begin in November. The work on the skywalk will involve removing rust from the pillars, repainting those pillars, replacing and adding new steel to some areas of the supports that have been impacted due to exposure to the elements, and redecking the walkway. The state Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has indicated the skywalk is safe to access and will be open to visitors during the 2024 fall foliage season. There will be temporary closures in September and October for equipment mobilization and taking measurements for ordering materials. Once the project is started on Nov. 19, the skywalk and the part of Kinzua Creek Trail next to the bridge will be closed to pedestrian traffic so the decking and railroad ties can be removed. The park, visitors center and most of the trails around the Sky Bridge will stay open during the work on the skywalk. Additionally, during the project, work will be paused and the skywalk opened for approximately two months each fall to allow for fall foliage viewing. The visitor center has a lot of artifacts and information about the history of the bridge and offers a great view of the bridge itself. The skywalk experience is amazing any time of the year, but it is spectacular during fall foliage season. Senate Approves Bill to Improve Workforce Development Programs
The Senate passed legislation to make Pennsylvania more attractive to employers and improve workforce development programs. Senate Bill 761 would require the Department of Labor and Industry and the Center for Workforce Information and Analysis to share data that is already collected with local workforce development boards in a timely fashion. Delayed information and data sharing limit these boards’ efficiency in analyzing programs and policy. Having access to workforce data on wages, new hires and unemployment claimants enables programs to be modified so Pennsylvanians can succeed professionally. The bill also calls for technical assistance and support for the improved data sharing model so local workforce development boards can use the information. Bill to Improve Early Literacy Receives Senate Support
To give students the best chance of success, the Senate passed a bill that would improve early literacy using a three-pronged approach. Senate Bill 801 would:
The fact that half of Pennsylvania’s fourth grade students read below their grade level is appalling. Studies show that childhood reading difficulties can produce long-term effects and dramatically impact someone’s ability to succeed. Turning away from the methodologies that had America leading the way in literacy until the past few decades has cost generations the ability to read and learn, especially from the literary works that helped to frame this nation. Senate Votes to Expand Access to Benefits for Disabled Veterans
Legislation to exempt 100% of disabled veterans’ benefit payments from income calculations for any commonwealth programs or benefits received Senate support. Senate Bill 126 would ensure veterans who receive disability compensation would not have those payments counted against them when applying to programs such as the Real Estate Property Tax Exemption, Education Gratuity Program, Veterans Temporary Assistance Program and Military Relief Assistance Program. The bill would also extend the exclusion of the veterans’ compensation benefits to their unmarried surviving spouses. Jumpstart Your Child’s Education Savings
Saving for your child’s education can be daunting, but Keystone Scholars can jumpstart education savings for Pennsylvania children. The first program of its kind in the country, Keystone Scholars provides a $100 investment for post-high school education for every child born in Pennsylvania since Jan. 1, 2019. It can be used to pay for collegiate studies, technical school training and apprenticeship programs. Claim your child’s money, which is funded by surplus investment earnings from the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan. Opening a companion PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account can also help to save for education-related expenses. PA 529 accounts have tax advantages and do not impact eligibility for Pennsylvania state financial aid. Antlerless Deer Licenses for Sale Starting June 24
For wildlife management units (WMUs) 1B, 2G and 3A, antlerless deer licenses go on sale for residents Monday, June 24, at 8 a.m. Licenses for residents of all other WMUs go on sale Thursday, June 27, at 8 a.m. They will be guaranteed until July 7. Unsold licenses will be available for nonresidents on July 8 at 8 a.m. One tag will be available per hunter in the first round of sales. The second round of sales begins July 22 at 8 a.m. for residents and nonresidents alike on a first come, first served basis. Read more about all four rounds of license purchase. Resident antlerless deer licenses cost $6.97, and nonresident antlerless deer licenses cost $26.97. Purchase a license online or in-store at a license issuing agent. June is Pet Preparedness Month
Just as it’s important to have an emergency plan for our family, it’s also smart to think ahead for our pets so they can be safe even in unforeseen circumstances. Here are some steps to take:
Learn more about how to make sure your pets are prepared and protected.
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