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| Weekly Roundup |
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The latest news from the State Capitol |
Visit to Blueprints
Earlier this week, I toured Blueprints, formerly Community Action Southwest, which mobilizes public and private resources to address the causes of poverty. During my visit, I saw its Computer Learning Center, Home Ownership Center and WIC Clinic. In addition, I briefly addressed a meeting of the Head Start Policy Council, comprised of parents and community representatives. Finally, I read “Merry Christmas, Big Hungry Bear” to Head Start students. We are very fortunate to have such worthwhile organization in our community to help those in need.
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Helping Seniors Stay in Their Homes
Recently, the House approved legislation that would make it easier for seniors to maintain their independence and receive care in their homes.
Currently, a disparity in Pennsylvania law limits access to in-home care, which can force some seniors into nursing homes when home care would have been more appropriate, preferred and less expensive. When an individual applies for Medicaid, he or she can be “presumed eligible” for nursing home services and receive those services immediately while their Medicaid application is being fully reviewed. However, if the individual wishes to receive in-home care, he or she must wait until the application is fully approved, which sometimes takes months.
House Bill 1829 would extend “presumptive eligibility” to those who meet the qualifications for Medicaid and wish to remain in their own homes instead of in a more costly and restrictive setting. Home care has been shown to promote more rapid recovery, greater mobility and an overall better quality of life.
According to the Pennsylvania Homecare Association, Pennsylvania saves an estimated $34,000 annually for every person who is served at home instead of in a long-term care facility.
House Bill 1829 now moves to the Senate for consideration.
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Warmest Holiday Wishes to You and Yours
From my family to yours, I want to extend the warmest holiday wishes and happiest new year.
May you have a wonderful and safe season that is full of peace and cheer. My district office hours may be limited in light of the holidays. Please call ahead to be sure my offices are open.
Also, PennDOT Driver License Centers will be closed on Saturday, Dec. 23, through Monday, Dec. 25, for Christmas, and on Monday, Jan. 1, for New Year’s. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, dmv.pa.gov.
If you’re traveling, you can check conditions on more than 40,000 roadway miles by visiting 511PA.com. 511PA, which is free and available 24 hours a day, provides traffic delay warnings, weather forecasts, traffic speed information and access to more than 770 traffic cameras. 511PA is also available through a smartphone application for iPhone and Android devices, by calling 5-1-1, or by following regional Twitter alerts accessible on the 511PA website.
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102nd Farm Show Kicks off Jan. 6
Celebrating one of Pennsylvania’s top industries, the Pennsylvania Farm Show near Harrisburg will kick off Saturday, Jan. 6. The show will run through Saturday, Jan. 13.
The Farm Show, which features 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibitors, emphasizes the importance of agriculture in daily life, highlights the latest in ag technology and advancements, and offers attractions for all ages.
Admission to the show is free, but parking is $15 per vehicle. Shuttle service is provided.
More information is available at farmshow.pa.gov.
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Applications for 2018 Pennsylvania House Scholarships Now Available
High school seniors interested in receiving financial assistance to help pay for college can now apply for a Pennsylvania House of Representatives Scholarship.
Each year the program awards four-year scholarships to two students preparing for post-secondary education. The scholarship is privately funded by individual and corporate donors; no tax or other public funds are used, and it is administered through the Foundation for Enhancing Communities.
The program is open to graduating high school seniors who are Pennsylvania residents with plans to attend a Pennsylvania college, university or career school as a full-time student. Students must have attained a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average in high school in order to be eligible for a scholarship. Other factors taken into consideration for the awards are a student’s commitment to community, leadership qualities, extracurricular activities and financial need.
The application is available through the foundation’s website at tfec.org. Once on the site, click on the “Scholarship” tab at the top of the page. Then click on any of the counties listed underneath or the link entitled “any other county in the state of Pennsylvania” to access the scholarship information. The application deadline is March 1, 2018.
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| Office Locations |
| 300 Old Pond Road, Suite 205A, Bridgeville, PA 15017 | Phone: (412) 221-5110 |
| 200 Senior Way, Burgettstown, PA 15021 I Phone: (724) 947-4471 |
| Room 125B, East Wing, PO Box 202046, Harrisburg PA 17120-2046 | (717) 787-1281 |
| Email: jortitay@pahousegop.com |
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