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| The Latest News from Your State Representative |
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| Please do not reply to this e-mail, as I am unable to respond to messages sent to this address. You can contact me directly at vgaydos@pahousegop.com or here. |
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It is truly a dark day in American history when dissent turns to destruction. I condemn the criminal acts that took place at the nation’s capital in Washington, D.C., last week. What should have been about meaningful debate, peaceful protest and the Rule of Law turned into chaos, coups and death. I pray for a restoration of peace.
We are supposed to be civil human beings who look after each other. The actions that took place at the Capitol are unacceptable. Being destructive is not going to do anything except make the divide greater.
As citizens, we must remain undeterred in our efforts to settle our disagreements the American way — through civil public debates and other legal processes and procedures that are afforded to us as stated in the Constitution.?However, violence, threats, property damage and bodily harm are unacceptable. Those responsible must be identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent the law allows.
Election reform is needed to address the many issues that have arisen. People deserve a system that is accountable and transparent.?I will always work within my constitutional authority to do this. I will not condone the immoral and disrespectful behaviors taken against our democracy last week.
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Sincerely,
Valerie Gaydos |
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Gaydos Sworn in to Serve 44th?Legislative District, Assigned to Four House Committees
This week, Rep. Gaydos took the oath of office for her second term in the House of Representatives to advocate for the residents of the 44th Legislative District.
She thanked the great people of the 44th District for providing her with the honor to be their voice in Harrisburg during the last legislative session and now again for the upcoming 2021-2022 session.
Here are the representative’s priorities for this session:
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to increase transparency and accountability in government, which includes reducing the size of government. |
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Continuing much-needed support and reforms to help families overcome the financial effects of the coronavirus pandemic. |
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Creating more family-sustaining jobs by reviving the economy, improving the climate for businesses, and focusing on mental health and wellness for all Pennsylvanians. |
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Fighting for reforms to set our state on sounder financial footing and support reforms to ensure greater confidence in our elections.
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Addressing tax and regulatory issues to revitalize one of Pennsylvania’s most important economic and employment engines, its people.
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To view Rep. Gaydos’ comments following the swearing-in ceremony, click here.
Gaydos also announced that she has been appointed to serve on the House Commerce, Education, Health and Liquor Control committees for the 2021-22 Legislative Session.
Committee work is one of Gaydos’ major responsibilities as a lawmaker. Each of these committees addresses issues important to all of us. Before any bill comes to the House floor, it must be reviewed and refined at the committee level. This is where the real legwork is done in the legislative process.
Residents who wish to receive legislative updates from Gaydos can do so at www.RepGaydos.com or by visiting her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/RepGaydos.
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Working for You
In addition to serving as your voice at the state Capitol in Harrisburg, Gaydos’ local office is also available to assist with any state-related issues. Please feel free to contact the staff!??
Services available include:
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Assistance with PennDOT paperwork: driver’s license applications and renewals; vehicle registration applications and renewals; lost cards; changes/corrections; special registration plates; vanity plates; and applications for disability placards. |
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Information and applications for state programs, including Property Tax/Rent Rebate, PACE/PACENET prescription drug assistance and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). |
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Birth and death certificates. |
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Information about legislation. |
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Assistance resolving matters related to state agencies. |
Remember if you have a question or concern, Gaydos’ district office in Moon Township is open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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Important COVID-19 Vaccine News From UPMC
In December, UPMC began receiving and distributing COVID-19 vaccines to health care workers and residents of long-term care facilities.?UPMC will continue to prepare for future phases of vaccine distributions, which will include essential workers, people with underlying health conditions, and the public.
To stay updated, sign up for MyUPMC, an online tool where your doctor can communicate with you about vaccination. You may have many questions about the COVID-19 vaccine, and UPMC Health Plan is may be able to help.
Graham Snyder, MD, medical director of Infection Prevention and Hospital Epidemiology at UPMC, will host a live online video seminar about the vaccine on Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2021, at noon. Dr. Snyder will provide the latest news about the vaccine, including when it will be available and how UPMC is preparing. He also will discuss vaccine coverage and what you can expect to pay.
To join the seminar by phone, you can call 1-855-962-1209 beginning at 11:30 a.m. Jan. 12. You also can watch the seminar online. For information on more Staying in Touch events, visit www.UPMCHealthPlan.com.
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Glen Osborne Borough to Receive Much-Needed Loan
The Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has awarded a $500,000 low-interest loan to Glen Osborne Borough for water line upgrades around Sycamore Road.
As we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic, this loan is especially important. Residents need to have reliable water service without a big jump in their bills to pay for it.
The loan was awarded through the Small Project Initiative (SPI), which was approved by the PENNVEST board of directors. SPI provides applicants a faster turnaround for awards and expedited review by staff.
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Keep PA Growing Greener
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) announced 20 projects in the state’s southwest region have been selected to collectively receive more than $2.7 million in funding through DEP’s Growing Greener program.
Among the projects funded included two in the 44th district:
Ohio Township - Pollutant Reduction Plan (PRP) Implementation for $115,000
Sewickley Heights Borough - Hunt Road Streambank Restoration and Culvert Improvement Project for $28,244.
Growing Greener funds grants for watershed restoration and protection, abandoned mine reclamation, and abandoned oil and gas well plugging projects.
Growing Greener is the largest single investment of state funds in Pennsylvania’s history to address Pennsylvania’s critical environmental concerns of the 21st century.
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Congratulations Bianca!
Congratulations to Bianca Smith! The Sewickley native became the first African American woman to coach professional baseball.
The Boston Red Sox hired her to coach position players in their minor league system. Bianca is a former Dartmouth College softball player who graduated in 2012.
Most recently, she was the assistant coach and hitting coordinator at Carroll University in Wisconsin, a role she held since 2018.
It’s a proud moment to see one of our own do so well professionally at the tender age of 29. Read more about her amazing journey by clicking here.
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Apply Now for Fire, EMS Grants
Pennsylvania fire companies, emergency medical services and rescue squads are encouraged to apply for the next round of state grants to help support their mission to protect our communities. Applications must be received by 4 p.m. Monday, Jan. 25.
Eligible organizations may apply for grant funding for up to two projects in the following categories: facilities construction or improvement; equipment needs; debt reduction; training and certification of members; recruitment and retention; training and education of the public; and revenue losses related to COVID-19. For career departments only, grants may also be used for overtime costs associated with backfilling positions while firefighters attend training.
The maximum grant amount is $15,000 for fire companies and $10,000 for volunteer ambulance services.
Click here for additional information.
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Virtual Farm Show Set for Jan. 9-16
The Pennsylvania Farm Show – typically the largest indoor agricultural expo on the east coast – is going virtual this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
The Department of Agriculture recently unveiled its schedule of events for the show, which will take place from Jan. 9-16. The full schedule is available here.
Events will include 4-H demonstrations, live duckling pond and beehive cams, STEM demonstrations that can be recreated at home with kids, culinary demonstrations, veteran-farmer stories and more.
In addition to live and pre-recorded events that will be featured on the Pennsylvania Farm Show Facebook page and the Pennsylvania Cable Network, the Farm Show will host virtual exhibits at www.farmshow.pa.gov. These more than 180 virtual exhibits include videos, activities and other learning opportunities that range from all things about bluebirds, gourds and cider to how to cook dried beans, raise hogs or make a blue-ribbon-winning apple pie.
Don’t miss out on this showcase of our state’s top industry!
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| Office Locations |
| District Office: |
| 1009 Beaver Grade Road, Suite 220, Moon Township, PA 15108 | Phone: (412) 262-3780, Fax: (412) 262-3783 |
| Capitol Office: |
| Room 428, Irvis Office Building, House Box 202044, Harrisburg PA 17120-2044 | Phone: (717) 787-6651 | |
| Email: vgaydos@pahousegop.com |
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