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In this Update:

• York County PennDOT Job Event on Monday
• New Eastern Hellbender License Plate Available
• Next Week: Webinars on How Pennsylvanians with Disabilities Can Benefit from PA ABLE
• Upcoming Free Webinars on Applying for Higher Ed Financial Aid
• Keep Cool at a State Park Pool or Lake

York County PennDOT Job Event on Monday

PennDOT will be hosting a hiring event for job seekers to learn about winter temporary and permanent CDL operator and diesel equipment mechanic positions available in York County on Monday August 12^th, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the York County Maintenance Office, located at 1920 N. Susquehanna Trail, York, PA 17404.

Staff will be available to discuss current and future openings, and on-the-spot applications, interviews, and driving skills testing will take place. Applicants need to bring their current CDL license and medical examiners card. It is also encouraged that interested individuals create an account with employment.pa.gov prior to the event, but  staff will be available to help attendees navigate the electronic application system. For more information, call the York County PennDOT office at 717-848-6230.

New Eastern Hellbender License Plate Available

As I’ve shared before, Pennsylvania will be transitioning to a new standard license plate design in 2025 featuring the Liberty Bell with text “Let Freedom Ring”, but one special fund plate has also gone through a redesign.  The otter on the Wild Resource Conservation Fund registration plate is being replaced with our State Amphibian, the Eastern Hellbender.

The Eastern Hellbender is the largest salamander in North America and can be found in fast-flowing, clean waters most likely under rocks and in river bottoms. They are a great measure of local water quality and add to Pennsylvania’s biodiversity. Unfortunately, the Hellbender population has been in decline due to lower water quality, chemical contamination, and soil erosion. By purchasing one of these newly designed plates, motorists can support the Wild Resource Conservation Fund to support work to preserve these creatures.

A few key points to know:

• To get the Eastern Hellbender plate, vehicle owners must fill out PennDOT’s MV-911 form, “Application For Special Fund Registration Plate”, and mail the form, along with payment, to the address on the form.
• Current owners of the Otter registration plate who wish to obtain the newly designed plate may do so by submitting a completed MV-911 form and payment, but replacing your plate is not required, as the Otter plate continues to be valid.
• The Otter registration plate will remain available until inventory has run out. If you wish to obtain one, you must write “OTTER” on the top portion of the MV-911 form. 

To learn more about Pennsylvania’s Special Fund Registration Plates, click here.

Next Week: Webinars on How Pennsylvanians with Disabilities Can Benefit from PA ABLE

PA ABLE gives individuals with disabilities a way to save money for the future without impacting important benefits like Medical Assistance (Medicaid) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI).

Tax benefits for saving with PA ABLE include:

• Contributions are deductible from PA state income taxes.
• Earnings and contributions grow tax-free.
• No taxes are owed for qualified withdrawals.
• Accounts aren’t subject to the state inheritance tax.

PA ABLE accounts can be used to pay for a wide variety of disability-related expenses including rent, groceries, health care, vehicle adaptations, assistive technology and more.

Treasurer Stacy Garrity and PA ABLE professionals are hosting free webinars on how to start saving:

• Monday, Aug. 12 at 2 p.m.: ABLE Accounts 101
• Tuesday, Aug. 13 at 6 p.m.: Learn About PA ABLE
• Wednesday, Aug. 14 at 2 p.m.: How Can Employers Promote ABLE as an Accessibility Tool?
• Wednesday, Aug. 21 at 2 p.m.: I Have an ABLE Account, Now What?

For more information, visit paable.gov or call 855-529-ABLE (2253).

Upcoming Free Webinars on Applying for Higher Ed Financial Aid

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is holding free webinars to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process.

On Tuesday, Aug. 20 at noon, speakers will discuss web resources for effective research before, during and after your student makes postsecondary decisions. On Thursday, Aug. 22 at 6:30 p.m., speakers will focus on available loan programs, if there are costs not showing on the bill that must be paid and more.

Register to attend the one-hour webinars.

Keep Cool at the Pool or Lake

The dog days of summer are upon us. If you’re looking for a fun way to stay cool on a hot day, visit a Pennsylvania state park to go swimming. Many have pools and lakes.

State park beaches are open and free to the public for swimming from before Memorial Day to after Labor Day, unless otherwise posted. The “open swim” policy allows people to swim at their own risk within the buoy line at designated beaches – 35 across the state – from 8 a.m. until sunset daily.

Fifteen state parks have swimming pools for the public to enjoy. Pools are usually open from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Admission fees vary based on the type of operation. Lifeguards are on duty when state park pools are open. Find a park with a pool and learn more.

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