State Senator Mastriano COVID-19 Update (May 6, 2020)
As the days and weeks pass with many still unable to open their businesses or receive unemployment, it is easy to become discouraged. Take heart, we are in this together! Please join me in fighting for our freedom. A great way to do this is by reaching out to family and friends throughout Pennsylvania, and encouraging them to contact their Senators and House members as we advocate for our constitutional rights. A great tool to find your legislators can be found here:
Your voice matters!
It takes us all working together to safely reopen PA. Hearings related to COVID-19. Throughout this week, the PA Senate is hosting a series of hearings on issues related to COVID-19. As a Pennsylvania resident, it is important to stay informed on what is happening. You can find information on the upcoming hearings here:
https://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/legis/CMS/index.cfm?Chamber=S
Every day, I receive emails and phone calls from constituents who have applied for unemployment benefits, but have not yet received payment. Most are unable to get through via phone, and often emails go unanswered. A hearing was held this week addressing these issues, and what the department is doing to correct these problems. You can watch this two-part hearing here:
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=774628269942040&ref=watch_permalink
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=271467043890228&ref=watch_permalink
A hearing was also held on Governor Wolf’s plan for Reopening Pennsylvania.
https://www.facebook.com/watch/live/?v=744148372789069
Clarification for Veterans
Disabled Veteran Real Estate Tax Exemption Program: Provides real estate tax exemption for any honorably discharged wartime veteran who is 100 percent permanently & totally disabled, a resident of the state 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.
Department of Health
The DOH has updated their guidance regarding distribution of Personal Protective Equipment needed due to COVID-19. You can find the updated information here:
Points of Light
Harrisburg Dairies will once again have a free milk drop in Franklin County on Saturday, May 9th at 10 am, until supplies last. This will be located at Snider’s Elevator in Mercersburg, 4551 Lemar Rd.Thanks to our local dairy farmers and Snider’s for sponsoring this event! If you would like to help support this effort with a monetary donation, please reach out to Snider’s Elevator for information: 717-328-2107.
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.