Senator Farry E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • My Tuition Assistance Program for EMS Professionals Launched
  • Free Webinars Provide Helpful Financial Aid Info
  • Help is Available for Struggling Veterans
  • We Can Help With PennDOT

My Tuition Assistance Program for EMS Professionals Launched

Due to my efforts while serving in the House of Representatives, a $1 million tuition assistance program for emergency medical services (EMS) professionals is now active.

In 2017, as part of the state budget, consumer fireworks were made legal with a 12% tax added to sale on top of the 6% sales tax already collected. The Fireworks Tax Act, Act 74 of 2022 – which I authored -redirected the additional tax collected from the sale of consumer fireworks towards first responder programs including scholarship grants for our EMS professionals, who are so vital to our communities.

Pennsylvania did not offer scholarship grants for the reimbursement of EMS training. With falling numbers and low retention rates in the emergency medical services system, this program will improve recruitment and retention in Pennsylvania and ensure we have a robust community of first responders.

Administered by the Department of Health, Pennsylvania residents who obtained a state certification as an emergency medical responder, emergency medical technician, advanced emergency medical technician or paramedic after July 1, 2023, are eligible to have a portion of their tuition reimbursed. State-licensed EMS agencies are also eligible to receive reimbursement of expenses related to recruitment and retention efforts – up to $1,250 per fiscal year.

Program and reimbursement information is available here.

Free Webinars Provide Helpful Financial Aid Info

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is holding free webinars to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process.

Speakers will discuss planning for higher education financing, comparing financial aid offers and understanding the Free Application for Federal Student Aid.

Register to attend the one-hour webinars, which run through July.

Help is Available for Struggling Veterans

Like anyone, veterans and their families can face unexpected circumstances that impose financial burdens. To help veterans who are facing challenging times, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs administers the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) Program.

The VTA provides temporary financial assistance of up to $1,600 in a 12-month period to veterans or their surviving spouses who reside in Pennsylvania for food, shelter, fuel and clothing.

Learn more about how to qualify and apply.

We Can Help With PennDOT

Call or stop in our office for assistance with PennDOT.  https://senatorfarry.com/office-information/

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