(1/2025) License Your Dog In 2025

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is reminding dog owners to license their pets for 2025. All dogs three months of age and older are required to be licensed by Jan. 1 of each year. Dog owners may choose to purchase single year licenses or a lifetime license, if their dog has some form of permanent identification, such as a microchip or tattoo. Single year licenses cost $8.70, while lifetime licenses cost $52.70. Senior citizens or people with disabilities may purchase a single year license for $6.70 or a lifetime license for $36.70. Licenses are available for purchase through county treasurers.

Supporting First Responders

A new state law will give first responders greater access to workers’ compensation benefits for a post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI). Under Act 121 of 2024, which I was proud to support, firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics will be entitled to benefits under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation law for psychological traumas arising from individual traumatic events or cumulative highly stressful experiences resulting from their employment – even in the absence of physical injuries requiring medical treatment. At a time when first responders are in short supply, it is particularly vital we provide proper support to the men and women who choose to put their lives on the line for us and our communities. The law will take effect in the fall.

More Retirees Eligible For Reduced-Fee Vehicle Registration

A new state law I supported to allow more Pennsylvania retirees to qualify for a reduction in their vehicle registration fee takes effect this Sunday. The benefit now will be available to retired people earning up to $29,906, an increase of more than $10,000 from the prior income eligibility limit. Those who qualify will pay an $11 processing fee to register their vehicle each year, rather than the standard fee of $45. Qualified applicants must be retired and receiving Social Security or other pension payments. Please note, 100% of a veterans’ benefit payment or payment to the unmarried surviving spouse, upon the death of a veteran, should be excluded from the income calculation. The applicant must be listed as an owner on the vehicle’s registration and only one vehicle per qualified applicant may be registered for the reduced fee. Qualifying vehicles must be a passenger car or truck with a registered gross weight of not more than 9,000 pounds.

New Military-Themed License Plates Honor PA Veterans

Six new license plates honoring the service of the Commonwealth’s veterans are now available from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation. The new plates were authorized under Act 60 of 2024. Three of the new plates recognize service members who received medals or honors for individual achievements or deployments. They include the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal Registration Plate, Operation Inherent Resolve Veterans Plate, and Borinqueneers Congressional Gold Medal Registration Plate. The other three new plate designs recognize women veterans. Two are available for motorcycles and the third is for passenger cars or trucks with a registered gross weight of not more than 14,000 pounds. They include the Honoring Our Women Veteran Motorcycle Registration Plate, Women Veteran Motorcycle Registration Plate and the Women Veteran Registration Plate.

Applications Open For Broadband Funding

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) recently announced the $1.16 billion Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) Program will accept its first round of applications through Jan. 21. BEAD is a federal grant program that provides states with funding to deploy broadband infrastructure and connect residents to the internet. The goal is to expand broadband in unserved and underserved areas of the state to make sure high-speed internet is available to every resident by the end of the decade. It is estimated that over 100,000 Pennsylvanians in 42 counties currently have no service or struggle with poor service. Eligible BEAD applicants include cooperative organizations; not-for-profit organizations; public-private partnerships; private companies; public or private utility companies; public utility districts; municipalities or units of local government; and internet service providers registered through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

Warning For Energy Supply Shoppers

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) is cautioning energy consumers about an increase in look-alike websites mimicking the state’s official energy shopping platforms. Unofficial copycat or look-alike sites often top search results or appear prominently in social media ads, misleading consumers who are looking for fair and unbiased information about energy shopping. The PUC’s energy shopping websites – clearly marked as "The Official Electric Shopping Websites of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission" – are designed to provide consumers with impartial and comprehensive information. For safe and effective energy shopping and to ensure you are accessing the correct resources, please visit PAPowerSwitch.com and PAGasSwitch.com.

Celebrate Agriculture At 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show

The Pennsylvania Farm Show – the country’s largest indoor agricultural exposition under one roof – kicks off Saturday, Jan. 4, in Harrisburg, and will run through Saturday, Jan. 11. This annual family-friendly event will feature hundreds of competitions and exhibits, as well as animals, products and the famous Farm Show food courts. Admission to the show is free, but parking is $15 per vehicle. Shuttle service is provided.

Programs Continue For Visitors With Visual, Auditory Sensitivities

Gettysburg National Military Park and the Gettysburg Foundation announced that in 2025 sensory-friendly hours and programming will continue at the Gettysburg National Military Park Museum and Visitor Center. Visitors with visual and auditory sensitivities will experience activities in a relaxed environment for a calmer and quieter visit on Saturday, Jan. 11, and Saturday, Feb. 8, both from 9-11 a.m. For more information and complimentary tickets, visit nps.gov/gett and GettysburgFoundation.org.

Emergency Programs Can Save Lives

PennDOT is reminding motorists about a program my legislation created several years ago aimed at saving the lives of automobile occupants in the event of a crash. PennDOT’s Yellow Dot program invites participants to fill out the program form with emergency contact, medical contact and medical information, insert it in the program’s folder and then place it in their vehicle’s glove compartment. A yellow dot sticker affixed to the rear window alerts emergency responders to the availability of information to help them provide better care to crash victims. The program is free and voluntary.

Looking For Summer Work?

PennDOT is looking to hire college students to supplement its permanent workforce from May through August. The job typically entails seasonal maintenance work and sign upgrade services, maintenance and custodial services at roadside rest facilities, and laboring and flagging duties in maintenance organizations and highway worksites. To be eligible for consideration, candidates must be 18 years of age, enrolled in college for the next semester, and have a valid Pennsylvania driver's license. The hourly rate is $17. Interested applicants should contact my office before Friday, Jan. 17 or apply online. Non-student summer positions may also be available.