View this email in a browser

In this Update:

• Federal ID Requirements Change on May 7: Get REAL ID Now
• Focus on the 46th
• Beat Breast Cancer with Early Detection
• May 4-10 is Small Business Week
• PA Law Protects Patients from Surprise Medical Bills
• Applications Open: Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk Youth

Federal ID Requirements Change on May 7: Get REAL ID Now

Beginning May 7, standard driver’s licenses will no longer permit you to board flights, visit military bases and enter certain federal facilities. Then, acceptable options will be a passport, military ID or a REAL ID. If you’re not sure whether a REAL ID is right for you, this REAL ID online wizard may be able to help.

You do not need to wait until your driver’s license renews to get a REAL ID. To get one, you must provide documents proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Pennsylvania residency. All acceptable documents must be original versions or certified copies (if applicable).

While documents can be verified for customers who want a REAL ID at any of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) driver license centers, only certain locations can provide your REAL ID the same day. Otherwise, expect to receive your REAL ID within 15 business days after successful document verification.

To make it more convenient for Pennsylvanians to get a REAL ID, PennDOT is offering dedicated time at specific driver license centers on May 5 and 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Focus on the 46th

I recently had the opportunity to speak with the Southwestern PA Area Agency on Aging, Inc. Advisory Council, at the request of their Executive Director Mary Harris.

There are many issues facing our seniors and it was my pleasure to provide updates from Harrisburg, review activities from the district, and most importantly field questions from the Council. We focused much of the time on the importance of the Senior Community Centers located throughout the 46th Senatorial District. One of the most critical daily activities at the Centers is the In-Home Delivered Meals program, it is vital that funding for this crucial program is protected.

We also reviewed the Property Tax & Rent Rebate program and property tax relief for those 65 and older. I am thankful for these volunteers and the staff of the SWPA AAA for all of the good work they do every single day.

It was standing room only for Cokeburg Borough’s plaque unveiling and open house to show off the municipal building’s newest renovations last month. The pride of the residents and Cokeburg officials was palpable.

Built by Lackawanna Steel Company in 1913, the building was originally used as a schoolhouse until the 1940s, when Bethlehem Steel Corporation turned it over to the borough. The building was in desperate need of renovation. The borough funded what it could, but Cokeburg native Dr. Alexander Lese made a generous donation to the project while my office helped secure a Statewide Local Share Account grant for the bulk of the work. The innovative Washington County CS/FITS Program was also utilized to help with costs. Renovations included new exterior cement, elevator, doors, windows, HVAC, and more.

I presented the Borough Council with a Senate Certificate of Congratulations and a laminated front page article about the renovations from the Observer-Reporter. Pictured with me in front of the building is Holly Detts-Dranzo, Borough Council President.

It is always a pleasure to meet with leadership from Cornerstone Care, who support thousands of our neighbors each year at their multiple locations and mobile units. We used our time to discuss policies and issues impacting both patients and staff.

Pictured (L-R) is Richard Rinehart, CEO; Karen Galentine, Board Member; Stacey Dunbar, Chief Quality Officer; Sarah DeCarlo, Psychiatry and Counseling Department Practice Manager

I was invited to talk with Charleroi Area School District students who were participating in Student Government Day last month. This event is held annually with the cooperation of The Borough of Charleroi and sponsored by the Charleroi American Legion Post 22.

Supporting your community and being involved in your government is very rewarding and an excellent way to affect positive change where you live, work, and play. The students who participate in this program are our future leaders and for that we are all grateful.

I was pleased to meet with the faculty from PennWest California and discuss the importance that colleges and universities play in our communities. We are very fortunate to have a Pennsylvania’s State System of Higher Education school in the 46th Senatorial District, and I am happy to advocate for the school, faculty, and students as the budget process unfolds.

Picture (L-R) is Dr. Lisa Kovalchick, APSCUF CALU Chapter Vice President, Faculty; Dr. Candice Riley, APSCUF/CAP Chair, Faculty; Dr. Mario Majcen, APSCUF CALU Chapter President, Faculty

MAC.BID is a Pennsylvania based internet-auction company that purchases truckloads of returned and overstock merchandise from many national big-box and online retailers. They have physical locations throughout the Commonwealth, and their business model contributes to the revitalization of large commercial properties much like their location in Washington County’s former Macy’s store at Washington Crown Center Mall. By occupying previously underutilized or blighted spaces, MAC.BID stimulates community revitalization and provides stable sources of tax revenue for local governments.

MAC.BID serves as a substantial economic driver within PA, maintaining eight locations and employing over 464 individuals within the Commonwealth. Over 330,000 Pennsylvania bidders spent a total of $81,220,413 in 2024 alone. MAC.BID is a PA success story that drives employment and economic growth in the Commonwealth. Their ongoing success will provide substantial benefits to their employees and their families, as well as contribute to the overall economic well-being of the Commonwealth.

Beat Breast Cancer with Early Detection

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of women ages 50-74 have not received a mammogram in the past two years.

May is Mammography Month in Pennsylvania – a great time to remind the women in your life to schedule a screening or make your own appointment. When diagnosed at its earliest stages, breast cancer has a survival rate exceeding 90%.

Anyone who is uninsured or underinsured can get a free mammogram through the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. All women at high risk of developing breast cancer can also access genetic testing of hereditary cancer syndromes and supplemental breast screenings without any out-of-pocket costs because of landmark legislation Senate Republicans passed in 2023.

May 4-10 is Small Business Week

More than 1 million Pennsylvania small businesses provide jobs for 2.4 million people, and they have a tremendous impact on state and local economies.

When you spend $100 at a small business, $48 goes back into the local community. If you spend $100 at a big box store, only $14 stays local. Shopping at local businesses supports those around us. In addition to shopping and dining local, you can support small businesses by leaving a review and liking and sharing their content on social media.

If you have or would like to start a small business, resources are available for every stage. The PA Business One-Stop Shop offers comprehensive support, personalized guidance and an extensive partner network. Learn more.

PA Law Protects Patients from Surprise Medical Bills

The No Surprises Act protects patients from surprise medical bills in situations where they have little to no control over who provides their care.

A surprise medical bill is an unexpected medical cost incurred when a patient unknowingly obtains health care services by an out-of-network provider. The No Surprises Act protects patients who receive emergency and non-emergency services from being billed for more than they would have paid if the providers were in-network.

Learn more and submit a bill for review here.

Applications Open: Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk Youth

Since 2022, the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) has been transforming the lives of teenagers using a military academy style training model to provide structure and discipline. KSCA is a joint effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the National Guard Bureau, in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Applications may be submitted now through July 12 for the 22-week class that begins in July. The program is open to 16- to 18-year-old Pennsylvania residents who are at risk of not graduating from high school, no longer attending any school or have not received a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Applicants must be willing to be drug free, free of felony convictions and voluntarily commit to the program. If selected, students will attend the residential phase at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County.

Learn more about eligibility requirements and begin the application process. Anyone who prefers to have an application mailed or would like to talk with someone about the program may contact the academy by emailing RA-MVPAChallenge@pa.gov or calling (717) 861–7767.

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://www.senatorbartolotta.com | Privacy Policy