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In this Update:

• Join Us for our Home Safety Event Tomorrow
• Women’s Animal Center Clear the Shelters Adoption Event is Tomorrow
• Supporting Organizations Making a Difference
• Lower Bucks Chamber of Commerce State of the State
• Helping Families Keep Kids Involved
• Treasury Launches New Financial Education Hub
• Avoiding Student Loan Forgiveness Scams

Join Us for our Home Safety Event Tomorrow

I hope you can join us for a Home Safety Event hosted by Kidde tomorrow, August 29^th from 11 am to 1 pm at Middle Bucks Institute of Technology, located at 2740 York Rd.in Jamison.

Attendees will have the opportunity to refresh their fire and carbon monoxide safety knowledge, while enjoying a variety of family-friendly activities. I will be joined by Rep. Marcell and members of the Warwick Fire Department.

The event will feature fire and carbon monoxide safety education tools, a meet and greet with Peppa Pig, a snow cone truck, giveaways, and more. Free smoke detectors will be available to community members who need them.

Learn More about Kidde and their Cause For Alarm Campaign

Learn more about our Upcoming Senior Expo and Shredding Event

Women’s Animal Center Clear the Shelters Adoption Event is Tomorrow

Women’s Animal Center is a participating shelter for the 12th Annual NBCUniversal ‘Clear the Shelters’ nationwide pet adoption event that helps find loving forever homes for surrendered and stray animals. And thanks to the generous financial support of Inspire Federal Credit Union as this year’s Event Partner, adoption fees for cats, dogs and small animals will be FREE for individuals and families adopting from Women’s Animal Center on Saturday, August 29th. 

The event will also feature complimentary refreshments, giveaways for adopters and coloring activities for the kids. Those interested in adopting a shelter pet are invited to visit Women’s Animal Center at 3839 Richlieu Road in Bensalem on Saturday, August 29th from 10am-2pm.  To prepare for the day, potential adopters should FIRST visit the Center’s website adoption page to view photos of adoptable pets and for information about the adoption process and what/who to bring.

Supporting Organizations Making a Difference

Earlier this month, I had the opportunity to attend Amazon’s Rise & Recognize event at Bucks County Community College, where local non-profits and organizations across Bucks County were awarded grants to support projects making a positive impact in our community.

I am pictured here with Karen and Michael Babcock from the Dax Pact Foundation, a grant recipient that will use the funding to help support the expansion of three of their signature programs and continue their mission of spreading smiles and joy in the quiet moments of life, creating meaningful experiences while keeping Dax’s spirit alive.

I am also pictured with Jennifer Schultz from Centennial Education Foundation and Kristin Herman from Centennial School District, a grant recipient that will use its funding to expand programming at the Betty Huf Planetarium located at William Tennent High School.

Other notable recipients included Network of Victim Assistance (NOVA), TMA Bucks Foundation, Inc, and Southampton Free Library.

Lower Bucks Chamber of Commerce State of the State

Earlier this week, I attended Lower Bucks Chamber of Commerce’s State of the State. I joined a bipartisan group of Lower Bucks County state officials to provide a legislative update and answer questions on important issues to the business community. 

Some of the topics discussed were affordability, early childhood education, and first responder issues.

Helping Families Keep Kids Involved

As a parent, I understand the costs that come with raising a family. Every child should have the opportunity to participate in activities such as sports, music, Scouts, dance or karate—regardless of their family’s financial circumstances. 

That’s why I recently introduced legislation to establish a tax credit for parents of eligible school-age children to help offset the growing costs of participation in youth activities. The credit aims to reduce the financial burden of equipment purchases, travel expenses, and participation fees for a wide range of organized activities, including sports, performances, lessons and competitions.

This would make youth activities more affordable for families while helping children build confidence, friendships and valuable life skills.

Treasury Launches New Financial Education Hub

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced the launch of the department’s online Financial Education Hub, a one-stop-shop of resources designed to help Pennsylvanians improve their financial literacy and make informed financial decisions.

The new hub brings together state and federal resources covering topics such as budgeting, saving, retirement planning, digital assets and cryptocurrencies. It also includes information on Treasury programs, like the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program, Keystone Scholars and PA ABLE.

Resources are organized for specific audiences including students, teachers, active military members, veterans and older adults. Visit the Financial Education Hub here.

Avoiding Student Loan Forgiveness Scams

Students and families take out significant loans to pay for higher education, which attracts scammers looking to exploit the situation.

“Act immediately to qualify for student loan forgiveness” is just one of the high-pressure loan forgiveness pitches used to trick borrowers into sharing personal information. Scammers will frequently request an up-front or monthly fee while promising immediate and total student loan cancellation. Most government forgiveness programs require years of qualifying payments or employment in certain fields before forgiving loans.

Be wary of aggressive language and check the source before clicking. Learn more about avoiding these scams here.