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In this Update:

• Senator Martin to Introduce Legislation to Protect Drivers from Recent Court Ruling
• September is National Preparedness Month
• Non-Perishable Food Collection at Senator Martin’s Office
• Assistance Available for Fire & EMS Companies to Help with Costs 
• You can Help Track PA Cases of Rabbit Disease
• Virtual Town Hall to Focus on Transportation Issues Veterans Face
• Municipalities can Apply Now for Grants to Improve Traffic Flow

Senator Martin to Introduce Legislation to Protect Drivers from Recent Court Ruling

The recent court decision of Commonwealth of Pennsylvania v. Derrick Ruffin has created some confusion over the legality of license plate frames in Pennsylvania.  The decision would allow a member of law enforcement to stop a driver if any part of their license plate is obscured, even if the obstruction covers only the paint around the edges or the “visitpa.com” at the bottom of the plate.  

In order to create clarity around the issue, I will be introducing legislation that would allow people to use license plate frames as long as important identifiable information displayed on the license plate can be viewed. 

September is National Preparedness Month

September is National Preparedness Month, which serves as a reminder to take steps to prepare for emergencies and ensure that our homes, businesses and possessions are adequately insured.

September is also when Pennsylvania experiences a higher risk of flooding due to hurricane and tropical storm activity in the Northeast this time of year. The state Insurance Department encourages property owners to consider purchasing flood insurance.

Simple, low- or no-cost steps you can take now to prepare for emergencies include:

• Creating a family emergency plan so loved ones know who to contact and where to go in an emergency.
• Signing up for weather alerts.
• Knowing how to safely turn off utilities in and around your home.

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency can help you prepare for emergencies through Ready, Set, and Check! It includes an informative card that will help you with simple, yet important, steps to get started and track your progress.

Non-Perishable Food Collection at Senator Martin’s Office

In recognition of Hunger Action Month, please help your local food banks by dropping off non-perishable foods or you can place them in the box at my district office in Strasburg Borough. 

Assistance Available for Fire & EMS Companies to Help with Costs 

First responders have until Oct. 21 to apply for assistance through the state Fire Company and Emergency Medical Service Grant Program.

It helps fire and EMS cover the rising costs of training, equipment, recruitment, retention and more.

The financial challenges facing first responders are especially serious for volunteer companies. Each new generation sees fewer volunteers, increasing the workload on those willing to step up. This grant program is one of the most important that the General Assembly funds each year and I hope it provides some relief to our local first responders.

You can Help Track PA Cases of Rabbit Disease

The Pennsylvania Game Commission is asking the public to report any rabbit mortality events – defined as finding two or more dead hares/rabbits at the same location with an unknown cause of death – by calling 1-833-PGC-WILD or by using the online Wildlife Health Survey reporting tool at www.pgcapps.pa.gov/WHS.

This comes after two cases of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD), which can cause internal bleeding and sudden death in rabbits, were identified in a Fayette County facility. The disease is considered an endemic in wild rabbits in 11 states and has been detected in domestic populations in 13 states.

Domestic rabbit owners who have questions about this disease should contact their veterinarians, who in turn should immediately report suspected cases of RHD to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Animal Health.

RHD is not infectious to people or domestic animals other than hares or rabbits. However, multiple dead or sick hares or rabbits can also be a sign of tularemia or plague, diseases that can cause serious illness in people. You can find more information on RHD here.

Virtual Town Hall to Focus on Transportation Issues Veterans Face

The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will host the fourth in a five-part series of virtual Veteran Town Halls on Wednesday, Sept. 14, from 6-7:30 p.m. The town hall will focus on resources to assist veterans facing transportation issues.

Attendees can participate by using this Microsoft Teams link. Participants will have the opportunity to ask questions during the program through the chat feature.

Older veterans and those with a disability often have problems accessing health care because of not having proper transportation available to them. The town hall will outline community resources ready to provide veterans with transportation to and from the federal VA and other health care providers.

Municipalities Can Apply Now for Grants to Improve Traffic Flow

A new grant program created by the General Assembly this year to reduce traffic congestion is now accepting applications from municipalities.

The Traffic Signal Technologies Grant program is unique in that it is intended only for new technologies at existing traffic signals, including adaptive signal control technology, which adjusts the timing of lights to accommodate changing traffic patterns and ease congestion.

No local matching funds are required. A pre-application form must be completed by Sept. 23.

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