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In This Update:
Senate Education Committee to Hold Public Hearing TOMORROW on Impact of COVID-19 on Higher Education in PAThe Senate Education Committee, chaired by Senator Wayne Langerholc, Jr. will hold a public hearing at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Tuesday June 9, in Harrisburg to hear testimony on the impact of COVID-19 on higher education in Pennsylvania. Among those scheduled to testify are Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Pedro Rivera, Deputy Secretary of Higher Education Noe Ortega, and PA State System of Higher Education Chancellor Dr. Dan Greenstein. Senators will also hear testimony from representatives of the State Related Universities and Private Schools, Independent Colleges & Universities and Community Colleges & Colleges of Technology. The hearing will be streamed live at PASenategop.com. Senate Education Committee Meeting Today
The Senate Education Committee considered Senate Bills 869 and 1125 today. Senate Bill 869 would establish a moment of silence in our schools coinciding with the anniversary of Sept. 11th, in remembrance of the thousands of civilians and emergency responders who lost their lives – or were wounded. Senate Bill 1125 would allow individual school districts the option to extend their property tax discount periods and their base periods on real estate only, as well as remove penalties for payments through June 30, 2021. Twelve More Counties Moving to Green Phase of Reopening
Another dozen counties will move to the green phase of Governor Wolf’s COVID-19 restrictions on June 12, joining 34 other counties that have already moved to green in recent weeks. All counties in the state are now in either the green or yellow phase; the governor’s stay-at-home order has been lifted for all counties. The counties moving to green are: Adams, Beaver, Carbon, Columbia, Cumberland, Juniata, Mifflin, Northumberland, Union, Wayne, Wyoming and York. The green phase of reopening allows all businesses to conduct in-person operations as long as the businesses follow guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Many businesses in the green phase will operate at a lower capacity with safety requirements in place, with lower occupancy thresholds for businesses such as restaurants, bars, personal care services and entertainment venues. The Department of Health recently launched a new dashboard that shows each county’s progress toward meeting the Wolf Administration’s criteria to move to the different phases. With more counties moving to the green phase, our attention needs to turn to what comes after green. A number of the restrictions under the green phase are difficult for many employers and employees to manage. These restrictions need to be lifted as quickly as possible.
Nursing Home and Long-Term Care Restrictions Extended
New guidance for nursing homes, personal care homes and other long-term congregate care facilities will extend restrictions on visitation, group dining activities and other potential health risks for at least 28 days after a facility’s county enters the green phase of reopening. Nursing homes will continue to follow guidance issued last month to help limit the risk of infection. The restrictions build on the progress the Senate has made toward protecting some of Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable citizens. I recently supported a bill that would dedicate $692 million for long-term living programs including: nursing homes ($245 million); heath collaboratives ($175 million); personal assistance services ($140 million); assisted living centers and personal care homes ($50 million); Community HealthChoices managed care organizations ($50 million); adult day services ($13 million); LIFE providers ($10 million); and, residential habilitation ($1 million). Updated Guidelines Available for Dental Practices During COVID-19
The Department of Health recently provided updated guidance for dental practices during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new guidance provides examples of the kind of services that can be provided based on the prevalence of the virus in local communities. In communities with minimal community transmission, most routine primary and specialty care can resume, while care is still limited in areas with large-scale community transmission. The guidance encourages dental health care professionals to continue screening patients for symptoms of COVID-19, maintaining the appropriate amount of personal protective equipment and following the recommendations of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. More PennDOT Driver License and Photo License Centers OpeningAs more counties move into the yellow and green phases of reopening, a greater number of PennDOT Driver License and Photo License Centers are opening and providing services to customers, including driver’s skills tests, photo license services, Commercial Driver License (CDL) services, permit testing and more. PennDOT’s website includes a list of license and photo license centers that are open now. Vehicle and driver services are also available online at www.dmv.pa.gov. Farmers Market Program in Clearfield to Have a New Look for 2020The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program will be done via mail and email for the year of 2020 due to the social distancing regulations. Clearfield County residents who are 60 years of age or older (by 12/31/2020) whose income is less than $23,606 for an individual or $31,894 for a married couple are eligible for four $6.00 vouchers totaling $24.00 to be used at participating farmers markets in Pennsylvania. Checks must be used by November 30, 2020. To receive an application call the special phone number 814-765-2691 at the Area Agency on Aging and follow the directions and your application will be mailed to you. All completed applications must be mailed to CCAAA Farmers Market, PO Box 550, Clearfield, PA 16830 or emailed to mail@ccaaa.net by September 30, 2020. If emailing, please put “Farmers Market” in the subject line. Once the completed application is returned and processed you will receive your checks by mail. Applications are not available for pick up or drop off at the Clearfield County Area Agency on Aging office. All Meals on Wheels Consumers will receive applications with meal delivery.
Summer Youth Cafe- free meals for youth in Cambria County
As the school year ends and summer begins, free meals will continue for youth in the area. Cambria County sites where families can receive grab & go meals for their children are listed above. |
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