E-news Updates - May 27, 2025

In this Update:

Scholarship Opportunity for Women in Central PA
Rite Aid Customers Can Redeem Gift Cards Until June 6
York County Community Survey — Share Your Thoughts
A Salute to Honor Those Who Gave All
Say “No” to an Unsustainable PA Budget
Artists Needed for Bells Across PA
PA Offers Free Motorcycle Training

Scholarship Opportunity for Women in Central PA

The American Association of University Women, Harrisburg Branch is offering five college scholarships for women in Central Pennsylvania who are pursuing degrees during the 2025–26 academic year.

These awards will go to a female resident of Cumberland, Dauphin, Perry County or Northern York School District who attends an accredited college or university in Pennsylvania in pursuit of a bachelor’s degree. The application deadline is July 31. To learn more and apply, click here.

Rite Aid Customers Can Redeem Gift Cards Until June 6

As a result of a bankruptcy announcement, Rite Aid will accept gift cards, coupons and other Rite Aid rewards through June 6. Returns and exchanges will not be accepted after June 4.

Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday encourages any consumers who experience issues redeeming their Rite Aid points, coupons or unused gift cards or with returning merchandise to Rite Aid to submit an online complaint to the Bureau of Consumer Protection. They may also contact the Consumer Protection Hotline at 1-800-441-2555. Read more.

York County Community Survey — Share Your Thoughts

The York County Planning Commission is inviting all residents to participate in the York County Community Survey, open now through June 22.

Available in six languages, the 10-minute survey is designed to gather input that will help guide future planning and ensure county resources are aligned with community needs.

Please take time to share what is important to you and shape the future of York County.

A Salute to Honor Those Who Gave All

Last week, I had the profound honor of attending the annual tribute to more than 500 military veterans lying-in-peace at Mt. Olivet Cemetery.

Veterans’ families, members of the American Legion and VFW, Cedar Cliff JROTC cadets, Boy Scouts, and community leaders gathered to pay tribute to the service and sacrifice of the brave men and women in uniform. Small U.S. flags were placed at each gravesite and a solemn salute was offered as the sound of “Taps” echoed across the cemetery, honoring those who gave all.

Say “No” to an Unsustainable PA Budget

As Pennsylvania faces its biggest budget decision of the year, we must stand strong to protect our families, communities and future. Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed $51.5 billion budget for fiscal year 2025-26 comes with a hefty 7.5% spending increase that threatens to push our state deeper into financial trouble and that’s not just numbers on a page. It means tougher times ahead for everyday Pennsylvanians.

The PA Senate Appropriations Committee’s thorough review revealed serious red flags in this budget plan. Those red flags that could lead to higher taxes and a growing gap between what the state spends and what it can afford. The reality is sobering: the state’s current $3 billion deficit would double and the emergency savings meant for crises would be wiped out.

Here’s what’s at stake:

Unrealistic Revenue Predictions: Shapiro’s budget counts on new taxes that haven’t been passed by the General Assembly like skills games and recreational marijuana, setting us up for shortfalls.

Hidden Future Costs: Human services and education funding are underestimated, meaning expenses are likely to be higher than Shapiro is predicting.

Program Cuts and Tax Credit Changes: These moves could hurt families and small businesses, creating more uncertainty.

Growing Structural Deficit: From $3 billion today to $6 billion next year. It is a debt that threatens our financial stability.

Depleting Emergency Funds: The Rainy Day Fund (savings account) would be emptied by next year, leaving us vulnerable to crises without a safety net.

Tax Increases and Service Cuts: To fill these gaps, Pennsylvanians will face higher taxes or fewer essential services.

We cannot accept a future where Pennsylvania’s budget forces families to bear the burden of irresponsible spending. We must hold the line at $47.9 billion and deliver a budget that is sustainable, responsible and focused on protecting the programs that matter most without raising taxes. Tell Gov. Shapiro to hold the line on the Pennsylvania budget by texting 717-788-8990 or filling out his online contact form.

Artists Needed for Bells Across PA

America250PA is inviting artists to participate in the Bells Across PA project, celebrating the 250^thAnniversary of the United States in 2026. Local artists are encouraged to submit original designs for three-foot fiberglass bell sculptures that will be displayed throughout the state. Each bell will be sponsored by businesses or individuals and placed in one of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties.

Selected artists will receive a $1,250 honorarium to bring their vision to life. If you are an interested local artist, find out details and requirements here.

PA Offers Free Motorcycle Training

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a great time to sign up for a motorcycle safety course whether you’re a novice or experienced rider. Classes are free for Pennsylvanians who have a motorcycle learner’s permit or motorcycle license.

Successful completion of a basic or intermediate course offered by the state waives the requirement to take a skills test at a PennDOT driver license center and automatically earns the permit holder their motorcycle license.

Class schedules are coordinated by third-party training providers at locations across the commonwealth and posted online at least four weeks before the class begins. Learn more about Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Safety Program.

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