PA State Rep. Leslie Rossi

Today I joined Agricultural Secretary Russell Redding at Ag Progress Days to recognize Mary & Harry Hamill of Ligonier Pa with the Bicentennial Farm Award which recognizes the remarkable achievement of maintaining their family farm here in Westmd County for over 200 years.

The Bicentennial Farm Designation is a testament to the values & legacy of families like the Hamills who have maintained their farms through generations, weathering countless challenges and changes over the years. This hard working family raises beef cattle which reminds me of my own farming roots, where love of their land, dedication, hard work, and an enduring spirit defines our state’s agricultural community. The Hamill family’s commitment to farming here in Westmd County has clearly preserved their family’s legacy. I loved being there with your family today - Congratulations!

PHEAA Offers Virtual Financial Aid Assistance!

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is hosting virtual workshops to guide college-bound students and their families in navigating the 2024-25 PA State Grant process.

PHEAA’s Higher Education Access Partners will present an overview of the 2024-25 PA State Grant process to guide first-time applicants through a step-by-step process of filing the PA State Grant application and high school form. Most renewal students are not required to complete the PA State Grant application or high school form.

The workshops will be held from 6-7 p.m. on the following dates: Thursday (TODAY), Aug. 15; Wednesday, Aug. 21; and Thursday, Aug. 29. Click here to register. www.pheaa.org/virtual/

PHEAA Offers Virtual Financial Aid Assistance
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is hosting virtual workshops to guide college-bound students and their families in navigating the 2024-25 PA State Grant process.

PHEAA’s Higher Education Access Partners will present an overview of the 2024-25 PA State Grant process to guide first-time applicants through a step-by-step process of filing the PA State Grant application and high school form. Most renewal students are not required to complete the PA State Grant application or high school form.

The workshops will be held from 6-7 p.m. on the following dates: Thursday, Aug. 15; Wednesday, Aug. 21; and Thursday, Aug. 29. Click here to register. www.pheaa.org/virtual/

This Wednesday, Aug. 14, is the first-ever National ABLE Savings Day! Our state’s PA ABLE program, like other ABLE programs across the country, gives individuals with disabilities a way to save money for the future without impacting important benefits like Medical Assistance (Medicaid) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

There are also great tax benefits for saving with PA ABLE, including:
• Contributions are deductible from PA state income taxes.
• Earnings and contributions grow tax-free.
• No taxes are owed for qualified withdrawals.
• Accounts aren’t subject to the state inheritance tax.

Pennsylvanians with a qualifying disability can start saving with PA ABLE today. There are seven savings and investment options to choose from. PA ABLE account owners, family and friends can contribute up to $18,000 annually to a PA ABLE account. The savings can be used to pay for a wide variety of disability-related expenses including rent, groceries, health care, vehicle adaptations, assistive technology and more.

To celebrate ABLE Savings Day, PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity, PA ABLE experts at the Pennsylvania Treasury Department, and ABLE experts from around the country are hosting free webinars to help everyone understand what ABLE programs are and how they can start saving.

Upcoming webinars include:
• Tuesday, Aug. 13, at 6 p.m.: Learn About PA ABLE.
• Wednesday, Aug. 14, at 2 p.m.: How Can Employers Promote ABLE as an Accessibility Tool?
• Wednesday, Aug. 21, at 2 p.m.: I Have an ABLE Account, Now What?

For more information about PA ABLE, visit PAABLE.gov or call 855-529-ABLE (2253).

Penn State’s Ag Progress Days will be held Tuesday through Thursday of this week near State College.

The event is the Commonwealth’s largest outdoor agricultural exposition and showcases educational programs, current research, and the latest innovations in agricultural equipment and technology. It features more than 400 exhibitors from the U.S. and Canada.

Both parking and admission are free. Learn more at https://agsci.psu.edu/apd.

Is your license plate damaged? Is the paint peeling off? Folks are getting pulled over for these bad plates left and right. My offices can help you obtain a new license plate, and it is free! I see many vehicles on the road with their license plates severely defaced or damaged.

To obtain a new license plate, simply stop by one of my offices (Latrobe 724-537-3300, Ligonier 724-238-2155 or Mt Pleasant 833-431-0505) to complete PennDOT Form MV-46. We will need a copy of your registration card and a photo of the license plate you need replaced. We will take care of the rest! If you have a personalized license plate, you can request to have the same plate free of charge. Once you have received your new license plate and registration card, you will bring in the defaced plate to surrender the plate back to PennDOT. If you can’t make it in just send me a good scan of what is needed to [email protected]

If the plate is not surrendered, you can sometimes have issues in receiving a toll bill from Pennsylvania Turnpike and even out-of-state toll bills. By surrendering the plate back to PennDOT, it ensures the plate has been deactivated, and you will receive confirmation your plate has been received. Please call or stop by one of my offices for assistance in obtaining a free replacement of your license plate. If you can’t stop we can email or mail you the form so you can easily get it back to us to process. It does not take long at all. Normally less than 2 weeks.

The National Smokejumper Association recognized Leonard L. Piper on the 75th Anniversary of a Tragedy that shocked a nation where all but 1 smokejumper lost their lives fighting a forest fire in a place called Mann Gulch. Leonard was from Blairsville & attended Derry Area High School. His remains were identified by a house key belonging to his aunt’s home that was in his pocket at the time of his death at the age of 23. A commemorative bronze plaque was placed on his grave in a tribute ceremony held with myself & many family members present who shared their remembrance of him. One told the story of the day his casket arrived by train at the Latrobe Train Station as family watched the casket lowered off the train and he was later laid to rest in the Bethel Church Cemetery. The story was written in a book called Young Men In Fire.

You can apply or renew your license to carry permit at the Latrobe Municipal Building located at 901 Jefferson Street Latrobe PA from 12pm to 7pm on Thursday, August 8, 2024. Be sure to arrive no later than 6:15 p.m.
For additional information and documentation requirements, please visit the Westmoreland County Sheriff's website for additional information: https://tinyurl.com/mrz7vbh3

Legislation that would make it easier for property owners to get unauthorized occupants – or squatters – out of their properties has been approved by the General Assembly and is awaiting the governor’s signature to become law.

Senate Bill 1236 aims to provide more certainty and clarity for homeowners, landlords and law enforcement officers who must deal with squatters by codifying existing case law on the subject.

Currently, property owners face an exhausting and often painful journey to reclaim their properties. The requirement to issue a “notice to quit” to individuals who have no legitimate claim on a property burdens property owners financially and emotionally.

The bill passed both the House and Senate unanimously.

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) is advising that a smishing scam is again being sent to random individuals, aiming to deceive them to share their personal financial information to settle outstanding toll amounts.

The texts claim to be from “Pennsylvania Turnpike Toll Services” and center around urgent requests with the account that would result in additional charges if the overdue balance does not get settled. Similar scams have been reported by toll agencies across the country over the past several days.

People who receive an unsolicited text, email, or similar message suggesting it is from the PA Turnpike or another toll agency should not click on the link. E-ZPass account holders and Toll By Plate customers can use approved safe methods to check their accounts such as the official PA Turnpike E-ZPass website or the PA Toll Pay app available from the Apple App Store, or Google Play store.

Those who receive a fraudulent text can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. That is a site dedicated to sharing information on Internet crimes across law enforcement agencies.

To learn more about ways to stay safe from scams, visit https://www.paturnpike.com/about-us/security-fraud

God Bless America as we pray for all those affected yesterday in Butler Pa where I and thousands of others witnessed an attempted assassination of a former President . There is no room for violence in our society.

Beginning today (Monday), a portion of Route 981 (Mount Pleasant Calumet Road), from Fox Run Road to Route 2007 (Hecla Road), for approximately two weeks. All work depends on weather and operations.

A posted detour will be in place using the following routes:
• Route 981 (Mount Pleasant Calumet Road).
• Route 819 (Low Street, North Diamond Street).
• Route 31 (Main Street, Laurelville Road).
• Route 982.
• Route 2021 (Kecksburg Road).
• Route 981 (Mount Pleasant Calumet Road).

Summer is in full swing, and so is Pennsylvania fair season! Communities across the Commonwealth are hosting dozens of fairs featuring food, fun and entertainment, as well as competitive exhibits highlighting animals, produce, crops, crafts, baking and more.

To plan your fair visit, check out the 2024 PA Fair Guide here. 2024 Ag-Fair Guide.pdf (pa.gov)

Today is a good day to remember just how lucky we are to live in America. Let us give thanks to our heroes who advocated the freedom we all enjoy today. Have a safe and happy July Fourth!

“Where freedom is, there is my nation.” – Benjamin Franklin

PennDOT will close its driver license service centers this Thursday, July 4, in honor of Independence Day. Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services, including all forms, publications and driver training manuals, online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov.

On Thursday, July 4, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will host a Fish for Free day to allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish on all Pennsylvania waterways.

No license is required, but all other fishing regulations still apply. This is a great way to expose the next generation of anglers to the outdoors!

More information about fishing in Pennsylvania is available here. www.fishandboat.com.

With the 2024-25 hunting license year set to begin July 1, new licenses will be available for sale starting today, Monday, June 24. Please note, hunters no longer need to purchase a general license before getting an antlerless deer license; they can be purchased at the same time, anywhere licenses are sold.

This year, when licenses go on sale, antlerless deer licenses will be available for only three Wildlife Management Units (WMU) where demand is highest: WMUs 1B, 2G and 3A. Licenses in these WMUs will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis until the allotted number of licenses sells out, and only Pennsylvania residents may purchase antlerless licenses initially.

On Thursday, June 27, at 8 a.m., antlerless licenses for the remaining 19 WMUs will go on sale to residents. Those seeking licenses in any of these WMUs won’t need to wait in line for them; they’re guaranteed to get one, as long as they buy before 7 a.m. on Monday, July 8, when the resident-only portion of the first round of antlerless license sales ends.

Once the nonresident portion of the first round begins at 8 a.m. on Monday, July 8, all remaining antlerless licenses will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis until the allocated number of licenses is exhausted.

A hunter, whether resident or nonresident, can obtain only one antlerless license in the first round, whether it’s before, during or after the guaranteed period.

Hunters can buy 2024-25 antlerless licenses online at www.huntfish.pa.gov, or at any in-store hunting license issuing agent. View a map of those locations here. https://pagame.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=bbb7eda84b30494a8958245a2eea2389&fbclid=IwAR2_-mwKylpi18Jn02oM1xK1CANiE4sCHsmAE58UaBfjpceXM63TWG7ZqHk

The prices of the antlerless deer licenses remain the same at $6.97 for a resident antlerless license and $26.97 for a nonresident antlerless license.

Additional details are available here. https://www.pgc.pa.gov/HuntTrap/LicensesandPermits/pages/antlerlessdeerlicenseandapplications.aspx?fbclid=IwAR2K7G270Zo5d7GURZoSBuLya-NLMRFczund-OYOoJlluUjB-rQvef9Z5rM

Pa Hero Walk a 320 Mile Journey over 14 days from Philly to Pgh came thru towns here in Westmd County. Every step taken in these walks, every dollar raised directly impacts the lives of living veterans here in PA. Efforts of organizations like this make a difference & we can all do our part!

𝐑𝐨𝐬𝐬𝐢 𝐀𝐧𝐧𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐟𝐢𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝟓𝟗𝐭𝐡 𝐃𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐜𝐭

HARRISBURG – Rep. Leslie Rossi (R-Westmoreland) today announced more than $1.4 million in impact fees paid by Marcellus Shale drilling companies will benefit residents of the 59th Legislative District and Westmoreland County.

“As a strong supporter of the natural gas industry, I’m happy to see that natural gas drilling and subsequent impact fees are directly benefitting our local communities in Westmoreland County and across the Commonwealth,” said Rossi. “Not only do our economy and our workers see positive impacts from natural gas drilling, but our counties and municipalities are reaping the rewards as well.”

The following impact fee revenue amounts were announced by the state Public Utility Commission (PUC) for Westmoreland County and eligible municipalities that are part of the 59th District.

• Boliver Borough - $859.
• City of Latrobe - $12,716.
• Cook Township - $6,764.
• Derry Borough - $4,106.
• Derry Township - $179,370.
• Donegal Borough - $95.
• Donegal Township - $9,493.
• Fairfield Township - $31,280.
• Laurel Mountain Borough - $375.
• Ligonier Borough - $2,672.
• Ligonier Township - $25,401.
• Mount Pleasant Township - $21,044.
• New Florence Borough - $1,544.
• Seward Borough - $888.
• St. Clair Township - $9,267.
• Unity Township - $38,757.
• Youngstown Borough - $407.

Under Act 13 of 2012, impact fees are collected from the drilling companies with 60% returned to counties and municipalities affected by drilling. The rest of the money goes into a Marcellus Shale Legacy Fund, a portion of which is provided to counties. The remaining funds are used by the state for emergency response planning, training and other activities; water, storm water, and sewer system construction and repair; infrastructure maintenance and repair; as well as statewide environmental initiatives.

Checks to municipalities are expected to be distributed in early July.

# # #

𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐭!

While basking in the sunshine is a wonderful thing, extreme heat can be detrimental to your health, affecting younger and older people, pregnant women and those with chronic health conditions.

Here are tips to beat the heat:
• Check your air filter. Dirty filters force your cooling system to work harder, using more energy in the process.
• Draw blinds, shades or drapes to block sunlight during the hottest part of the day, especially on south -and west-facing windows.
• Set your fan counterclockwise. This creates a downdraft that pushes cool air down. Be sure to turn fans off when you leave the room – fans cool people, not rooms.
• Caulk, weatherstrip or seal openings or cracks around doors and windows that could be letting cool air escape.
• Avoid using heat-producing appliances during the hottest times of the day, which makes your air conditioner work harder.
• Stay hydrated.
• Drink more water.
• Dress lightly.
• Eat lightly.
• Cold showers.

It’s also a great time to sign up for outage alerts and text messaging to receive updates in the event of a power outage (https://firstenergycorp.com/outages_help/outage_help/outage_notifications.html?utm_campaign=Summer+Storm+Prep+2024&utm_medium=email&utm_source=everbridge). Stay safe!

Happy Father's Day to all the dads in the 59th Legislative District. Enjoy your day!

I was welcomed today to watch the busy happenings that go on during the day @ The Westmd Blind Association. They really do a Great Job!

Today commemorates the adoption of the United States flag. Since a 1916 proclamation by President Woodrow Wilson, this date has been marked as “Flag Day.” Congressional legislation designating that date as national Flag Day was signed into law by President Harry Truman in 1949.

From 13 stars to 50, the American flag has been a symbol of freedom and liberty throughout the world.

Welcome to all of our scouts (my local kiddos pictured here) checking out the reptiles at the Capitol today!

Latrobe Food Bank Distribution will be Monday June 17th 8:30am to 10am @ St Vincent’s Grove

Today marks the 80th anniversary of the Normandy landings during World War II, otherwise recognized as D-Day. D-Day marked the beginning of the final push across Europe to defeat Axis forces during World War II, with more than 9,000 Allied soldiers killed or wounded in that battle alone.

As we honor the past, let us also look to the future with a renewed commitment to the principles that guided the brave souls of D-Day. Let us ensure that the lessons of history guide us in our endeavors, and that we continue to strive for a world where freedom and justice prevail.

May we never forget the heroes of D-Day, and may their legacy inspire us always.

The PA House Legislative Fellowship Program is currently accepting applications for its fall 2024 semester. The 13-week program is based at the state Capitol in Harrisburg where fellows are placed in committee chair and House leadership offices.

Qualified applicants must be:
🔘 College undergraduate juniors and seniors, graduate students or law school students.
🔘 Enrolled in a PA college/university or a PA resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution.
🔘 Students of any major with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

For more information or to apply, visit www.pahousefellowship.us.

Applications can be submitted via email to [email protected]. The deadline to apply is July 1.

The deadline for eligible senior citizens and residents with disabilities to apply for rebates on rent and property taxes paid in 2023 has been extended to Dec. 31.

Claimants may file rebate applications online by visiting www.mypath.pa.gov. Those who still wish to file a paper application may obtain the forms, along with free assistance, at my district offices.

• Mount Pleasant
833-431-0505
2230 Mount Pleasant Road
Mount Pleasant, PA 15666

• Latrobe
724-537-3300
P.O. Box 659, 901 Jefferson Drive
Latrobe, PA 15650

• Ligonier
724-238-2155
1 Municipal Drive
Ligonier, PA 15658

Claim forms (PA-1000) and related information also is available online at bit.ly/468vx96, or by calling 1-888-222-9190.

Rebates will be distributed beginning July 1, as required by law.

This is a very worthwhile event that you should consider attending!