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In this Update:
Around the DistrictOn the 22nd anniversary of September 11, 2001, I joined many of our neighbors and visitors in Somerset County for Flight 93 National Memorial’s memorial service. Each time I visit the memorial, I’m struck with solemnity. The grounds in Shanksville serve as a somber reminder of the immense bravery and the ultimate sacrifice that those 40 Americans made on that fateful day 22 years ago. Today and every day, we honor those heroes who protected all of us. Last weekend, The Vietnam Traveling Memorial Wall was on display in Brownsville. Thank you to the Brownsville Area Military Honor Roll for bringing the Traveling Memorial Wall here once again. Their work to help our local veterans and their families is invaluable. Our Vietnam veterans are incredibly fortunate to have that resource in Fayette County. Last weekend, the Somerset County Suicide Prevention Task Force held an event at Jennerstown Speedway for World Suicide Prevention Day. It was a pleasure to join Congressman Guy Reschenthaler and Rep. Carl Walker Metzgar for the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce “News at Noon” last week. Thank you to the chamber members and business leaders who joined the conversation! Stronger Rainy Day Fund Improves PA’s Financial PositionMoody’s Investor Services has affirmed Pennsylvania’s current bond rating and revised the state’s financial outlook from stable to positive. As part of its decision to upgrade the commonwealth’s status, Moody’s commended the amount of money in the state’s Rainy Day Fund. Bolstering our financial safety net has been a top priority in the past three years, and it is encouraging to see those efforts translate to real results. Because of hard decisions made by Senate Republicans to resist the urge to spend billions and instead embrace smarter budgeting approaches, Pennsylvania’s financial position has improved. Revenue Collections Below Monthly EstimateEach month, the Senate Appropriations Committee prepares an update about the state’s financial health. The most recent report shows that General Fund revenue collections of $2.9 billion in August were below the monthly estimate by $27.1 million, or 0.9%. The Shapiro Administration recently approved collective bargaining agreements with the state’s major labor unions that are projected to cost taxpayers $3.2 billion during the next four years. The full update, including the monthly revenue report, is available here. Preparing for Election DayIn honor of National Voter Registration Day on Tuesday, it’s a great time to prepare for Election Day on Nov. 7. The deadline to register to vote is Oct. 23. If you’ve moved, you can also double check that you’re registered to vote at your current address. Anyone who wishes to vote by mail must apply by Oct. 31. You have to be a registered voter to submit an application. If you are looking for a way to help your community, learn more about becoming a poll worker here. Thousands of Pennsylvanians are necessary to run elections, and poll workers are needed in all 67 counties. Free Support Available to Military MembersAs a reminder for Suicide Prevention Month, veterans in crisis can call the toll-free Veterans Crisis Line. It serves veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and those who support them. A caring, qualified responder is available to provide confidential support and connect callers with resources 24/7, 365 days a year. Call 988 and then press 1 or chat online. Fire, Ambulance Companies: Apply Now for State GrantsFire companies and ambulance services throughout Pennsylvania are encouraged to submit an application for the 2023-24 Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program. Grants may be used for construction or renovation of a unit’s station, the purchase or repair of equipment, training or debt reduction. The maximum grant amount is $20,000 for fire companies and $15,000 for volunteer ambulance services – increased this year because of legislation supported by Senate Republicans. Find more information and apply online here by Oct. 20 at 4 p.m.
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