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In this Update:
Around the DistrictAt the beginning of August, Confluence Borough celebrated the 150th anniversary of its incorporation. As many who have experienced the joy of visiting Confluence know, the century and a half of the rich culture and community cultivated along these rivers creates so much to be celebrated. Thank you to the Confluence 150 organizers who produced a fantastic weekend with music, fireworks, a car show, a cornhole tournament, giant paper mache puppets, and of course, time by the river. I take great pride in representing Confluence Borough and am honored to be in office during this significant milestone in our area’s history. As we both honor the past and look ahead to the future, I wish the borough 150 more years of coming together in “confluence” to keep pride, tradition, and opportunity flowing through Southwestern Pennsylvania. Made quite a splash dumping ducks into the Mon with Rep. Ryan Warner last weekend at Brownsville Community Days! We dropped hundreds of yellow plastic ducks from the Brownsville Inter-County Bridge into the water, as they raced to the finish line. Thank you to the Brownsville Area Revitalization Corporation for coordinating. Last week, Pennsylvania American Water hosted a tour of its water treatment facility in Luzerne Township. The Hiller Reservoir just underwent a $2.6 million upgrade, including a 500,000-gallon water storage tank. You can read about it here. Supporting Children Who Faced TraumaThis week, the Senate Aging and Youth Committee held a hearing to gather information about the critical roles played by children’s advocacy centers across Pennsylvania. Children’s advocacy centers (CACs) coordinate the investigation, treatment and prosecution of child abuse cases by utilizing teams of professionals involved in child protective and victim advocacy services, law enforcement and prosecution, and physical and mental health. Without CACs, children who already had traumatic experiences – like sexual abuse – are revictimized when they are forced to repeatedly relive their horror by describing it separately for people representing county agencies, law enforcement and health care. At CACs, everyone gathers at one time in a way that is comfortable for the child. Pennsylvania has 41 CACs, which provided services to 15,735 children in 2022. Types of cases include sexual abuse, physical abuse, child witness to violence, drug endangered children and others. Learn more about the hearing and access video here. Save Your Child from Preventable DeathSince 1998, more than 900 children have died from vehicular heatstroke – a tragedy we never want to experience. Luckily, it is preventable. The National Safety Council offers a free online course about the danger of vehicular heatstroke and children, the three primary circumstances that have led to children dying and what we can do to prevent these deaths. Keep in mind that even on mild or cloudy days, temperatures inside vehicles can reach life-threatening levels. Leaving windows slightly open doesn’t help, and children should never be left unattended or be able to get inside a vehicle. Learn more here. Watch Out for Heat-Related IllnessesWhen it’s extremely warm outside, there are several heat-related illnesses that can impact you and your loved ones. While many of us have experienced sunburn before, you should also be aware of heat stroke, heat exhaustion, heat cramps and heat rash. In an effort to avoid these illnesses, stay hydrated and be careful with how long you’re exposed to the heat – even if you’re not in the sun. Read more here about the signs of heat-related illnesses and what to do if you have one. Smart Money Management Leads to Financial IndependenceTo become financially independent and create the foundation for a secure life, thoughtfully considering financial decisions and their implications is key. Monday, Aug. 14, is National Financial Awareness Day, which reminds all of us to plan for a more financially successful future. Of course, in addition to a willingness to plan, we must also have the knowledge about positive versus negative money management practices. Senate Republicans passed a bill to improve personal financial literacy by requiring completion of a high school course that would advise on basic money matters like credit and credit scores; savings and investments; and college, home and auto loans. By teaching high school students the basics, they will be able to make better decisions to position themselves for a lifetime of financial independence. As you take an active role in managing your money, you may come up with a question, concern or complaint about Pennsylvania financial institutions, services or products. Call the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities at 1-800-722-2657 or fill out the online complaint form here. Searching for High School Students to Keep PA CleanThe Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful are inviting 10th -12th grade students from around the state to help keep Pennsylvania clean and beautiful through the Young Ambassadors program. The program provides opportunities for high school students to train and network with industry leaders, state agencies, local media and the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful network to increase leadership and problem-solving skills. Learn more about ambassadors’ responsibilities and apply for the program by Sept. 14 here.
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