Senator Vogel E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Federal ID Requirements Change on May 7: Get REAL ID Now
  • Highlights in the 47th
  • Pre-Register for Our Upcoming Expos!
  • Beat Breast Cancer with Early Detection
  • May 4-10 is Small Business Week
  • State Parks Offer Amazing Outdoor Recreation
  • PA Law Protects Patients from Surprise Medical Bills
  • Applications Open: Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk Youth

Federal ID Requirements Change on May 7: Get REAL ID Now

Beginning May 7, standard driver’s licenses will no longer permit you to board flights, visit military bases and enter certain federal facilities. Then, acceptable options will be a passport, military ID or a REAL ID. If you’re not sure whether a REAL ID is right for you, this REAL ID online wizard may be able to help.

You do not need to wait until your driver’s license renews to get a REAL ID. To get one, you must provide documents proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Pennsylvania residency. All acceptable documents must be original versions or certified copies (if applicable).

While documents can be verified for customers who want a REAL ID at any of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) driver license centers, only certain locations can provide your REAL ID the same day. Otherwise, expect to receive your REAL ID within 15 business days after successful document verification.

To make it more convenient for Pennsylvanians to get a REAL ID, PennDOT is offering dedicated time at specific driver license centers on May 5 and 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.

Highlights in the 47th

I was glad to see the Butler Y Delegation participating in the 2025 Model Convention in Harrisburg! This convention is an immersive learning experience involving hundreds of youths across the state in a realistic simulation of our state government. This convention is almost entirely student-led.

Lucie and Dominic Richter, a sibling team hailing from Butler County, came to Harrisburg last week to compete in the final round of the PennDOT Innovation Challenge! They were recently named one of the regional winners for the competition. I wish them the best of luck as they await the final results!

Pre-Register for Our Upcoming Expos!

Two of our upcoming expos are just around the corner!

Our annual Kid’s Extravaganza is on May 17, from 11a.m. to 2p.m., at the Community College of Beaver County (1 Campus Drive in Monaca). Register here!

Our Butler County Senior Expo on June 6th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at Discovery Church (170 Scharberry Lane in Mars). Register here!

  • If you can’t make this senior expo, we will be hosting our Beaver County Senior Expo on Sept. 26th, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Community College of Beaver County (1 Campus Drive in Monaca).

If you have any questions, please call my Rochester district office at 724-774-0444.

Beat Breast Cancer with Early Detection

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 25% of women ages 50-74 have not received a mammogram in the past two years.

May is Mammography Month in Pennsylvania – a great time to remind the women in your life to schedule a screening or make your own appointment. When diagnosed at its earliest stages, breast cancer has a survival rate exceeding 90%.

Anyone who is uninsured or underinsured can get a free mammogram through the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. All women at high risk of developing breast cancer can also access genetic testing of hereditary cancer syndromes and supplemental breast screenings without any out-of-pocket costs because of landmark legislation Senate Republicans passed in 2023.

May 4-10 is Small Business Week

More than 1 million Pennsylvania small businesses provide jobs for 2.4 million people, and they have a tremendous impact on state and local economies.

When you spend $100 at a small business, $48 goes back into the local community. If you spend $100 at a big box store, only $14 stays local. Shopping at local businesses supports those around us. In addition to shopping and dining local, you can support small businesses by leaving a review and liking and sharing their content on social media.

If you have or would like to start a small business, resources are available for every stage. The PA Business One-Stop Shop offers comprehensive support, personalized guidance and an extensive partner network. Learn more.

State Parks Offer Amazing Outdoor Recreation

According to the 2024 Outdoor Industry Participation Trends Report, participation in outdoor recreation across the country grew by more than 4% to a record 175.8 million Americans in one year. Pennsylvania is a wonderful place to enjoy nature and all it has to offer.

Our state parks and forests offer affordable options for families to take day trips or full vacations. For those who don’t have a recreational vehicle or feel comfortable tenting, parks also offer modern cabins and yurts. Make a reservation for one of the state’s 7,100 campsites.

Parks offer all sorts of fun activities including disc golfing, kayaking, whitewater boating and even hang gliding. While enjoying the great outdoors, don’t miss scenic features like waterfalls, vistas and historic places.

PA Law Protects Patients from Surprise Medical Bills

The No Surprises Act protects patients from surprise medical bills in situations where they have little to no control over who provides their care.

A surprise medical bill is an unexpected medical cost incurred when a patient unknowingly obtains health care services by an out-of-network provider. The No Surprises Act protects patients who receive emergency and non-emergency services from being billed for more than they would have paid if the providers were in-network.

Learn more and submit a bill for review here.

Applications Open: Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk Youth

Since 2022, the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) has been transforming the lives of teenagers using a military academy style training model to provide structure and discipline. KSCA is a joint effort between the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and the National Guard Bureau, in consultation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Applications may be submitted now through July 12 for the 22-week class that begins in July. The program is open to 16- to 18-year-old Pennsylvania residents who are at risk of not graduating from high school, no longer attending any school or have not received a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Applicants must be willing to be drug free, free of felony convictions and voluntarily commit to the program. If selected, students will attend the residential phase at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County.

Learn more about eligibility requirements and begin the application process. Anyone who prefers to have an application mailed or would like to talk with someone about the program may contact the academy by emailing RA-MVPAChallenge@pa.gov or calling (717) 861–7767.

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Please contact me to provide input on any state-related matter, or to receive help in dealing with a state agency.

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