State Senator Mastriano COVID-19 Update (May 4, 2020)

Lack of oversight of our elderly?
The Associated Press reported today that 65% of Pennsylvania’s COVID-19 deaths have been by our elderly residing in retirement and nursing homes, all of which are under the oversight of our Secretary of Health. This is a travesty that the Governor must immediately address. Nothing should be more important.  I am appalled that instead of focusing where the greatest suffering is being endured, that the Secretary of Health seeks new ways to intrude into our private lives and to infringe on our freedoms. 

If you have a loved one in elder care - you can share your concerns with the Sec of Health: Call 1-877-PA-HEALTH (1-877-724-3258)

https://expressforms.pa.gov/apps/pa/health/contact-us
https://www.openrecords.pa.gov/Documents/RTKL/RTKRequestForm.pdf 

Veterans benefits continue to be available during COVID-19
The DMVA continues to administer an array of programs and services to meet the needs of veterans. They include:

Veterans Temporary Assistance/Military Family Relief Assistance programs: These programs provide financial assistance to service members, veterans and families who experience unforeseen financial challenges.

Records Request Program: Provides assistance in requesting military service records to include DD Form 214, DD Form 215, NGB Form 22, NGB Form 23, and other service-related records, forms, and requests.

Amputee, Paralyzed and Blind Veterans Pension programs: These programs provide a monthly pension to eligible veterans who incurred a service-connected disability.

Educational Gratuity Program: The Educational Gratuity Program provides financial assistance to children of honorably discharged veterans who have service-connected disabilities and served during a period of war or armed conflict or children of veterans who die or died in service during a period of war or armed conflict.

Disabled Veteran Real Estate Tax Exemption Program: Provides real estate tax exemption for any honorably discharged veteran who is 100 percent disabled, a resident of the commonwealth and has a financial need.

Applications for these programs are traditionally initiated with the county director for veteran’s affairs (CDVA) staff.  If a CDVA is not available due to county office closure, the veteran may contact DMVA’s Office of Veterans Affairs directly at 800-547-2838.

Pennsylvania State Police Honors Fallen Troopers on the Department’s 115th Anniversary

The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) was established by Governor Samuel Pennypacker on May 2, 1905, becoming the first uniformed police agency of its kind in the United States. Traditionally, the department pauses each year on May 2 to remember troopers who died in the line of duty with a ceremony at the state police academy in Hershey. Because of ongoing COVID-19 mitigation efforts, an in-person ceremony was not possible this year. Instead, the PSP Media Unit shared a tribute video. https://www.pacast.com/m?p=17972 The video contains remarks from Colonel Robert Evanchick, Commissioner of the Pennsylvania State Police, a reading of the names of 98 PSP members who died in service to the commonwealth since 1905, and footage from previous ceremonies. “Although circumstances outside our control prevent us from gathering together, the importance of today remains paramount,” said Colonel Evanchick. “It is a reminder that throughout the years, our personnel have responded to trying times by overcoming all challenges they encounter. I am confident that together, we will help Pennsylvania overcome the current public health crisis.” PSP Memorial Wall https://www.psp.pa.gov/memorial-wall/Pages/The-Memorial-Wall.aspx

Points of Light
In honor of their local health caregivers, Sweet Frog in Hanover delivered 136 cups of frozen yogurt to Hanover Hospital. They appreciate all of the employees being on the front line during this pandemic. They want to thank everyone for the support to their small business. Thank you Sweet Frog for your kindness. Donna Gano purchased muffins from Deja Brew for the Case Management Department at Gettysburg Hospital. Thank you Donna for your kindness shown to others.

Conclusion
We are in this together.  Please look for opportunities to safely help others!  We are Pennsylvania. This is our time… we will, by God's grace, get through this together. If I can be of service, please email dmastriano@pasen.gov or call 717-787-4651.