Harrisburg, PA — Pennsylvania collected $3.3 billion in General Fund revenue in September, which was $248.7 million, or 8.3 percent, more than anticipated, Revenue Secretary Dan Hassell reported today. Fiscal year-to-date General Fund collections total $9.9 billion, which is $459 million, or 4.9 percent, above estimate.

Revenue collections are ahead of estimate to this point due to better than expected economic activity through the first quarter of the fiscal year. The department will continue to closely monitor the situation so that the Governor and members of the General Assembly have the latest information as it becomes available.

Below is a full overview of September revenues by tax type:

Sales tax receipts totaled $996.5 million for September, $90.7 million above estimate. Year-to-date sales tax collections total $3.3 billion, which is $183.4 million, or 5.9 percent, more than anticipated.

Personal income tax (PIT) revenue in September was $1.3 billion, $19.5 million above estimate. This brings year-to-date PIT collections to $4.5 billion, which is $62.4 million, or 1.4 percent, above estimate.

September corporation tax revenue of $597.3 million was $104.5 million above estimate. Year-to-date corporation tax collections total $1.1 billion, which is $132.7 million, or 13.2 percent, above estimate.

Inheritance tax revenue for the month was $98.1 million, $28.5 million above estimate, bringing the year-to-date total to $308.5 million, which is $34.3 million, or 12.5 percent, above estimate.

Realty transfer tax revenue was $53.4 million for September, $18.8 million above estimate, bringing the fiscal-year total to $127.8 million, which is $33.1 million, or 34.9 percent, more than anticipated.

Other General Fund tax revenue, including cigarette, malt beverage, liquor and gaming taxes, totaled $163.7 million for the month, $21.8 million above estimate and bringing the year-to-date total to $478 million, which is $53.7 million, or 12.7 percent, above estimate.

Non-tax revenue totaled $19.6 million for the month, $35 million below estimate, bringing the year-to-date total to $54.4 million, which is $40.5 million, or 42.7 percent, below estimate.

In addition to the General Fund collections, the Motor License Fund received $216.7 million for the month, $6.1 million below estimate. Fiscal year-to-date collections for the fund — which include the commonly known gas and diesel taxes, as well as other license, fine and fee revenues — total $770 million, which is $0.3 million, or 0.0 percent, above estimate.

Harrisburg, Pa. – Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar today outlined the steps for Pennsylvanians to vote by mail and urged voters planning on this option to apply now for their ballot.

“Mail-in or absentee voting offers eligible voters a secure, convenient, accessible and, during the COVID-19 pandemic, an especially safe option of voting in the privacy of their own homes. But it’s important that voters follow all the steps necessary so their mail-in ballot will be counted,” Secretary of State Kathy Boockvar said. “We want every voter’s voice to be heard – whether they vote by mail, early in person at their county election office or at the polls on election day.”

To vote by mail, remember these tips and requirements:

• Anyone registered to vote is eligible to vote by mail. The deadline to register to vote in the Nov. 3 election is Oct. 19. Pennsylvanians can register to vote or check their registration status at votesPA.com.
• Anyone who plans to vote by mail must apply for a mail ballot. Voters can apply online or print a paper application at votesPA.com and return it to their county board of elections. The deadline to apply for a mail ballot is 5 p.m. Oct. 27, but voters are urged to apply now, so they have plenty of time to return their ballot before the election. Voters who applied for a mail-in ballot for the primary and asked to be added to the permanent annual mail ballot list do not need to reapply for a mail ballot for the general election. Voters can track the status of their mail ballot at votesPA.com.
• While applying for an absentee ballot still requires the voter to provide a reason, mail-in voting does not.
• Once the voter’s application for a mail ballot is verified, their county election office will mail them a ballot after they have been finalized and printed.
• As soon as the voter receives the ballot, the voter should:
  • Read the instructions carefully.
  • Fill out the ballot, being sure to follow instructions on how to mark selections.
  • Seal the ballot in the white inner secrecy envelope that says, “official ballot.” Make sure not to make any stray marks on the envelope.
  • Then seal the inner secrecy envelope in the pre-addressed outer return envelope where the voter must sign.
  • Complete and sign the voter’s declaration on the outside of the outer return envelope.
    • If the ballot is not enclosed in both envelopes, it will not be counted.
    • If the voter does not sign the outer envelope, the ballot will not be counted.

• The voter should then return their voted ballot to their county board of elections, the sooner the better. 
  • Voters can mail their ballot. Mailed ballots must be postmarked by 8 p.m. on Nov. 3 and received by the county election office by 5 p.m. on Nov. 6. The Department of State is providing pre-paid postage on mail ballot return envelopes, or
  • Voters can hand-deliver their ballot to their county election office or other officially designated site. Hand-delivered ballots must be received by 8 p.m. on election day. Some counties are providing drop-boxes or drop-off sites for mail ballots. Check your county’s website for information on locations. The Department of State will post a list of drop-off locations as the information becomes available. Check votesPA.com in the coming weeks.
• Under Pennsylvania law, voters may only return their own ballots. The only exceptions to this are for voters with a disability who have designated someone in writing to deliver their ballot, or for voters who are hospitalized or need an emergency absentee ballot.
• Voters who provide an email address on their mail ballot application can check the status of their mail ballot at votesPA.com.
• If a voter submits a voted mail ballot, they cannot vote at the polls on election day.
• If a voter applies for a mail ballot, but does not return it, they may vote by provisional ballot at the polls on election day. Their county board of elections will then verify that they didn’t vote by mail before counting their provisional ballot.
• Voters who apply for and receive a mail ballot and then decide they want to vote at the polls must bring their entire unvoted mail ballot packet with them to be voided, including both envelopes.

Secretary Boockvar noted that eligible voters also have two other voting options:

• After ballots are printed by the counties in the coming weeks, voters can go in person to one of their county election offices any time it is open before election day, request a ballot, fill it out and return it on the spot – all in one visit.
• If they have not voted by mail or in person ahead of the election, they can vote at the polls on election day between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. They should wear a mask and follow social distancing guidelines. The Department of State is supplying counties with masks, face shields, hand sanitizer, floor marking tape and other supplies for polling places so Pennsylvanians can safely exercise their right to vote during this COVID-19 emergency.

“Pennsylvanians now have more voting options – that are more secure, accessible and convenient – than ever before,” Secretary Boockvar said. “Whichever option you choose, the most important thing is that you vote and let your voice be heard.”

Harrisburg, PA – Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine today emphasized the importance of continuing breast and cervical cancer screenings during the COVID-19 pandemic. The state has seen many women and transgender individuals postpone these essential screenings due to COVID-19.

“Regular screening for certain types of cancer, including breast and cervical cancer, are essential to good health and can save lives,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Although breast cancer screening cannot prevent breast cancer, it can help find breast cancer early when it is easier to treat. It is imperative that all women talk with their health care provider about cancer screening tests to find which one is best, and when they should have them.”

The Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (PA-BCCEDP) is a free breast and cervical cancer early detection program funded by the department through a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Free services, like mammograms, MRIs, pap and HPV tests, and follow-up diagnostic tests for abnormal screening results are available for those who are eligible.

Eligible people include those with low or moderate income, those who are uninsured or underinsured, and those who meet certain age requirements. PA-BCCEDP clinics throughout the state are open and following the CDC guidelines for safe operations during the pandemic.

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer in the state, and the second leading cause of cancer death in women, exceeded only by cancer of the lung and bronchus. In Pennsylvania, Caucasian women are slightly more likely to develop breast cancer than African American women. African American women are more likely to die of this cancer. Asian, Hispanic and Native American women have a lower risk of developing and dying from breast cancer.

Cervical cancer is not as common among women in Pennsylvania, but has a lower survival rate, at 66 percent. Black women are more likely to develop cervical cancer and die from cervical cancer than Caucasian women. Asian, Hispanic and Native American women have a lower risk of developing and dying from cervical cancer.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force recommends the following screening guidelines for breast cancer:

• Women under the age of 40 should be screened if they have symptoms or are at high risk;
• Women ages 40 to 49 should be screened every two years, based on a decision between the patient and the healthcare provider; and
• Women 50 and older should be screened every two years.

It is important to know that these guidelines apply if you have an average risk for breast cancer. If you have a high risk because of family history, a breast condition or any other reason, you should consult your medical provider. PA-BCCEDP will cover annual mammograms for women of any age based on the decision of the woman and her provider.

The National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program (NBCCEDP) is celebrating its 30th Anniversary. NBCCEDP was authorized by the Breast and Cervical Cancer Mortality Prevention Act of 1990, which made funding available to states to screen low income women for breast and cervical cancer and refer them for treatment, if needed, and to educate women and health care professionals about breast and cervical cancer. The national program has served almost six million women, diagnosing 71,107 breast cancers, 4,863 invasive cervical cancers, and 221,091 premalignant cervical lesions nationwide.

Through PA-BCCEDP, hundreds of healthcare providers throughout Pennsylvania have screened over 93,000 women and diagnosed 4,718 breast and cervical cancers.

For more information on breast cancer or the free breast and cervical cancer early detection program, visit www.health.pa.gov or follow the Department of Health on Facebook and Twitter.

Harrisburg, PA — Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding reminded Pennsylvania restaurant owners that they may increase indoor capacity from 25 percent to 50 percent through a new self-certification process. Self-certification ensures that these businesses operate safely and instills customers and employees with confidence knowing they can dine and work safely but will not lead to additional inspections or penalties.

“Self-certifying your business allows restaurants to increase capacity, and it’s also an easy, commonsense way to communicate to customers that you care about their health and your business is committed to safety and well-being,” said Sec. Davin. “It will inspire consumer confidence, lead to increased patronage and sales, and—most importantly—it is simply the right thing to do.”

Restaurants can access the online self-certification form on PA.GOV/COVID. The recently announced self-certification process enables restaurants, private social clubs and ​food service businesses that serve dine-in, sit down food in a regular, non-event capacity to increase indoor occupancy to 50 percent while adhering to mitigation efforts that will keep employees and customers safe. Self-certification is required for restaurants to increase their indoor capacity to 50 percent.

Self-certifying will not lead to additional inspections. The occurrence of regularly scheduled or complaint-based inspections from enforcement agencies will not be affected by certification status. In fact, certifying proves that a business is committed to protecting employees and providing patrons a safe dining experience. Any health and safety violations from self-certified businesses will be handled first with warnings and education rather than fines or other penalties.

“This is an opportunity to tell your community that you care about their safety, you’re doing everything right,” said Agriculture Secretary Redding. “Self-certification does not mean more inspections or more scrutiny from us, it means more capacity for you and a sense of security for your patrons.”

Restaurants that self-certify will appear in an Open & Certified Pennsylvania searchable online database of certified restaurants across the commonwealth and will receive an Open & Certified Pennsylvania branded window cling designating their certification, which they can display for customers and employees. There is no cost to self-certification. The window clings will be mailed to a restaurant’s physical address at no cost.

Social distancing, masking, and other mitigation measures must be employed to protect workers and patrons. Enforcement of the 50 percent indoor capacity will begin on October 5, so restaurants that choose to increase indoor capacity to 50 percent before October 5 must complete the online self-certification process by that date. However, the self-certification process will remain available after October 5 for restaurants that choose to self-certify in the future.

The Wolf Administration has released Frequently Asked Questions as a reference for restaurant owners and the public, along with updated restaurant guidance.

Business owners with additional questions about the self-certification program can contact covidselfcert@pa.gov.

Note: Video available at PACast.com.

HARRISBURG, PA – Today, Karl Blischke, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts (PCA), announced the launch of the Creative Business Loan Fund, in partnership with Bridgeway Capital and the Community First Fund. The fund will make available $2.2 million in the form of affordable, flexible financing to small, creative businesses across the commonwealth.

The fund will prioritize creative businesses located in low-income communities, those owned by Black, Indigenous and people of color (BIPOC) or serving a diverse market, and those located in small towns and rural communities. Under the program’s definition, creative businesses include craft manufacturers, arts schools, architecture, design and fabrication firms, media companies, and visual and performing arts production agencies.

“Economic impact research persuasively demonstrates how creative businesses are important drivers of employment and economic vibrancy,” said Blischke. “These businesses invaluably contribute to the livability, employment, and vitality of our commonwealth. Across Pennsylvania alone, arts and cultural economic activity contributed $25.8 billion to the state’s economy and 176,000 jobs, in 2017. Creative for-profit businesses, such as those eligible for the loan fund, add to this economic activity and, if supported, are positioned to play a critical role in helping the commonwealth’s cities and towns recover from the devastating effects of the pandemic.”

Eligible loan uses will include working capital; equipment purchases; renovations to retail, production, or office space; and, in limited cases, building acquisitions. Loan amounts will vary, ranging from a few thousand dollars to an average loan size of $75,000, though Bridgeway and Community First will consider requests up to $250,000.

“With the PA Council on the Arts’ investment, Bridgeway’s Creative Business Accelerator will channel more flexible and patient capital into the arts and cultural ecosystem to help it maximize a recovery economy,” says T.J. Bogdewic, President and CEO, Bridgeway Capital.

“We greatly appreciate the efforts of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts and their support of creative businesses. Community First Fund has served many arts-focused businesses that play important roles in enhancing our communities, said Daniel Betancourt, President and CEO of Community First Fund. “This partnership will increase our capacity to provide these clients with loans and technical assistance.”

The fund will be supported with small business technical assistance provided by Bridgeway and Community First, each holding responsibility for deploying 50 percent of the total available loan capital. Both Bridgeway Capital and the Community First Fund are nonprofit community development financial institutions (CDFIs) with track records of making investments that benefit low-income individuals and communities in Pennsylvania. CDFIs are community institutions certified by the U.S. Treasury that provide financial products and services to their communities. CDFIs provide services beyond those typically offered by conventional lenders, including community outreach programs, business resources, and financial counseling.

The mission of Bridgeway Capital is to make western Pennsylvania a thriving region for all by promoting economic opportunity and community revitalization. Bridgeway assists underserved populations by providing capital and education to ignite business and job growth, to develop communities, to support entrepreneurs, and to expand vital services that strengthen their region. Bridgeway serves the western Pennsylvania population from its headquarters in Pittsburgh and satellite offices in Erie and Uniontown.

The mission of the Community First Fund is to create sustainable prosperity for low wealth communities and individuals, especially people of color and women, by aligning capital, knowledge, and advocacy to advance business ownership, housing, and community development. Community First serves the eastern Pennsylvania population with its headquarters in Lancaster and satellite offices in York, Harrisburg, Reading, Allentown, and Philadelphia.

The Pennsylvania Council on the Arts is a state agency under the Office of the Governor. Governed by a council of 15 citizen members appointed by the governor, and four legislative members, the mission of the PCA is to strengthen the cultural, educational, and economic vitality of Pennsylvania’s communities through the arts. By leveraging the immense potential of Pennsylvania’s arts and cultural sector, the PCA supports jobs, builds community, motivates learning, promotes the commonwealth nationally and internationally, and sparks innovation.

Nine (9) new cases added Thursday in Lycoming County now at 718 cases and one new death and 26 total deaths, with 13,476 negatives according to DOH report.

Department of Health Provides Update on COVID-19,

1,156 Positives Bring Statewide Total to 160,123

Pennsylvanians Urged to Download COVID Alert PA App

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Health today confirmed as of 12:00 a.m., October 1, that there were 1,156 additional positive cases of COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 160,123. All 67 counties in Pennsylvania have cases of COVID-19.

Allegheny is reporting an increase of 100 cases. In addition, of the 1,156 additional positive cases of COVID-19, 258 of those are additional probable cases. Of the 258, 205 are from Philadelphia, which started reporting antigen-positive probable cases on September 30. Most of these were reported throughout September, not just in recent days.

The number of tests administered within the last 7 days between September 24 and September 30 is 187,184 with 6,423 positive cases. There were 22,611 test results reported to the department through 10 p.m., September 30. These results represent the total number of tests administered.

There are 8,160 total deaths attributed to COVID-19, an increase of 18 new deaths reported. County-specific information and a statewide map are available on the COVID-19 Data Dashboard.

“We know that congregation, especially in college and university settings, yields increased case counts. The mitigation efforts in place now are essential to flattening the curve and saving lives,” Secretary of Health Dr. Rachel Levine said. “Wearing a mask, practicing social distancing, and following the requirements set forth in the orders for bars and restaurants, gatherings, and telework will help keep our case counts low. Make your phone part of the fight against COVID-19 today by downloading the COVID Alert PA exposure notification app. Together, as Pennsylvanians, all of our efforts are designed to support our communities to ensure that cases of COVID-19 remain low.”

Mask-wearing is required in all businesses and whenever leaving home. Consistent mask-wearing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19.

There are 732 cases who have a positive viral antigen test and are considered probable cases and 646 patients who have a positive serology test and either COVID-19 symptoms or a high-risk exposure.

There are 1,889,639 patients who have tested negative to date. Of the patients who have tested positive to date the age breakdown is as follows:

• Approximately 1% are ages 0-4;
• Nearly 2% are ages 5-12;
• Nearly 5% are ages 13-18;
• Approximately 13% are ages 19-24;
• Nearly 36% are ages 25-49;
• Approximately 21% are ages 50-64; and
• Nearly 22% are ages 65 or older.

Most of the patients hospitalized are ages 65 or older, and most of the deaths have occurred in patients 65 or older. More data is available here.

The department is seeing significant increases in the number of COVID-19 cases among younger age groups, particularly 19 to 24-year-olds. An alert was sent to healthcare providers about the changing COVID-19 case demographics, as there are more cases in younger age groups than in those 50-64 and 65+. The following regions saw significant increases among 19 to 24-year-olds in each month from April to the end September:

• NC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to 64 percent of cases in September;
• NE – 6 percent of cases in April to nearly 34 percent of cases in September;
• SE – Nearly 5 percent of cases in April to approximately 28 percent of cases in September;
• SW – Approximately 5 percent of cases in April to approximately 26 percent of cases in September;
• NW – Nearly 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 18 percent of cases in September; and
• SC – Approximately 7 percent of cases in April to approximately 16 percent of cases in September.

In nursing and personal care homes, there are 23,029 resident cases of COVID-19, and 5,100 cases among employees, for a total of 28,129 at 985 distinct facilities in 61 counties. Out of our total deaths, 5,456 have occurred in residents from nursing or personal care facilities. A county breakdown can be found here.

Approximately 10,816 of our total cases are among health care workers.

For the latest information for individuals, families, businesses and schools, visit “Responding to COVID-19” on pa.gov.

Currently, all 67 counties are in the green phase of reopening.

Statewide – The Wolf Administration has since noon, Sept. 30:

• Provided Pennsylvania State Police enforcement data.

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
• Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “covid alert pa.

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts.

Harrisburg, PA – The Wolf Administration today announced that it is joining with six other states – Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Montana, Oklahoma and Wyoming – in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) expressing a commitment to establish and implement a regional CO₂ transport infrastructure plan by collaborating and leveraging resources across the participating states.

“My administration is committed to ensuring that we comprehensively address climate change, and that includes taking steps that will protect our environment while investing in our clean energy industries, which provide many Pennsylvanians with quality family-sustaining jobs,” Governor Tom Wolf said. “This infrastructure plan will continue to invest in those jobs and even create new jobs in emerging energy industries while reducing harmful CO₂ emissions.”

According to the MOU, the signatory states recognize that development of regional and national CO₂ transport networks, together with proposed tax credits and other financial incentives for carbon capture from industrial facilities and power plants and from ambient air through direct air capture, can support long-term production and use of America’s abundant and affordable natural resources, and create and preserve high-paying jobs in energy-producing, agricultural, and industrial states of the country, all while significantly reducing net carbon emissions.

“Pennsylvania is an energy leader, thanks to our abundant natural resources and strong manufacturing presence, said Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Dennis Davin. “Carbon capture technologies provide a critical component to addressing our climate challenge by providing the means to capture, utilize and store carbon associated with power generation, industrial manufacturing, and other carbon intensive operations. We must seize the environmental and economic opportunities to work with surrounding states to support carbon transport infrastructure and with emerging industries focusing on carbon utilization.”

“Climate change is the biggest environmental threat we face as a state and nation. Working cooperatively with other states to mitigate and remove carbon emissions gives us another tool in addressing this existential challenge,” said Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) Secretary Patrick McDonnell.

“The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources has been engaged on the topic of carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) for nearly 20 years, and during this time, the department’s Bureau of Geological Survey has assessed numerous subsurface geologic resources that have potential to serve as carbon storage reservoirs,” DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn said. “Based on international research, we know that geologic carbon storage is a part of the mix of energy transition technologies necessary for achieving the 2-degree climate mitigation goal. The development of responsibly placed regional transport infrastructure will be key to ensuring Pennsylvania’s success in matching CO₂ source to sinks and reducing our carbon footprint with this climate mitigation goal in mind.”

Approximately 5,200 miles of CO₂ pipelines are safely operating today in 11 states.

The signatory states will establish a coordination group that will undertake the development of an action plan, which will include state and regional policy recommendations related to CO₂ transport infrastructure deployment. The release of the action plan is set for October 2021.

As a starting point, the group will review the findings of a recently released white paper detailing carbon capture and storage opportunities and related infrastructure throughout the Midwest and Western regions. The economies of scale demonstrated by the study’s results show clear climate and economic benefits of long-term coordination and planning of CO₂ transport infrastructure for midcentury decarbonization.

The coordination group will also identify barriers to the development of CO₂ transport infrastructure and develop strategies and recommendations to remove these barriers and work together to raise awareness of carbon capture and related opportunities associated with development of regional CO₂ transport infrastructure among stakeholders, policymakers and the public.

The state coordination group will be facilitated by the Great Plains Institute and informed by additional and ongoing work by the State Carbon Capture Work Group and the Regional Carbon Capture Deployment Initiative.  For more information, please visit http://carboncaptureready.org.

Harrisburg, PA – With cold and flu season approaching and the ongoing threat of COVID-19, the Department of Aging today stressed the importance of older adults getting their immunizations.

“Vaccination is one of the most convenient and safest preventive care measures available and is essential throughout an individual’s entire life. Older adults need to keep their vaccinations up to date because immunity from the vaccines can wear off as they age, making them vulnerable to sickness and disease,” said Secretary Robert Torres. “It is especially important for seniors with chronic health conditions, like diabetes, asthma or heart disease to stay up to date on their vaccinations and learn which inoculations are covered by their health care insurance.”

Older adults are advised to get the following immunizations:

• Influenza (flu) vaccine – all older adults
• Tetanus and diphtheria (Td) vaccine, or Tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis (Tdap) vaccine – adults age 65 and older
• Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine or PPSV23 – adults age 65 and older
• Shingles (Herpes Zoster) vaccination – adults age 60 and older

For more information on vaccines for older adults with chronic health conditions, visit the Department of Aging’s website here.

Older adults may be able to receive their flu shot at their local senior center. They should contact their local Area Agency on Aging listed here for the nearest location.

Learn more about the various other programs offered by the department here

Harrisburg, PA – Department of Health Secretary Dr. Rachel Levine today released the Pennsylvania Oral Health Plan 2020-2030, a 10-year roadmap to improve the oral health of all Pennsylvanians.

The plan builds on the successes of the Pennsylvania Oral Health Plan 2017-2020 while identifying key gaps that still need to be filled. It contains a list of proven strategies and best practices known to increase access to oral health care, prevent oral disease, and reduce health disparities for vulnerable populations whose oral health is too often adversely impacted.

“Oral disease is a preventable public health issue that can impact overall health and lead to conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease,” Dr. Levine said. “Oral health also affects quality of life – one’s ability to eat, speak, and express emotions while living pain free. Not one organization, coalition or state agency can work alone to combat oral disease. That is why we worked together to outline critical steps forward to improve the oral health of Pennsylvanians of all ages and enable them to lead happy, healthy and productive lives over the next decade.”

A core component of the plan is the collaborative development and planned implementation over the past 18 months by hundreds of stakeholders towards the formation of the plan. Private and public approaches must focus on developing the resources, skills and opportunities to implement strategies that will positively affect oral health status.

As a result of the collective efforts, engagement and support of Pennsylvania’s oral health stakeholders and partners, and with the PA Coalition for Oral Health (PCOH) as a key administrative partner to the department, this plan outlines three main oral health priority areas: access, prevention and education; workforce; and infrastructure improvement.

While this plan is implemented, the department will continue to involve partners and stakeholders to gather feedback, assess continued needs and incorporate new thoughts and ideas as needed to best support oral health and wellness across the commonwealth.

In order to further this plan, the Department of Health competed and received more than $4 million in two major multi-year federal grants through 2023 to focus on oral health workforce issues. This funding will allow Pennsylvania to implement evidence-based interventions and awareness to improve oral health in school-aged children and communities who lack the resources to optimally fluoridate their public water systems.

For more information about oral health programs in Pennsylvania, visit www.health.pa.gov or follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced today that expiration dates for commercial driver licenses and commercial learner’s permits will be extended for Pennsylvania residents in response to statewide COVID-19 mitigation efforts.

Effective September 30, the following products’ expiration dates will be extended:

• The expiration date for a commercial learner’s permit scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020, through November 29, 2020, is extended through November 29, 2020.
• The expiration date for commercial driver licenses scheduled to expire from March 16, 2020, through November 29, 2020, is extended through November 29, 2020.
• The expiration date of a Hazardous Materials Endorsement (HME) for an individual who is a Pennsylvania-licensed commercial driver’s license holder and who held a valid, unexpired HME with a determination of no security threat on or after March 6, 2020, is extended until October 29, 2020.

Expiration extension deadlines on non-commercial driver license, photo identification cards, learner’s permits and camera cards expired on August 31.

For a list of open driver license and photo license centers and the services provided, as well as their hours of operation, please visit www.dmv.pa.gov.

Customers may continue to complete various transactions and access multiple resources online at www.dmv.pa.gov. Driver and vehicle online services are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and schedule a driver’s exam. There are no additional fees for using online services.

PennDOT will continue to evaluate these processes and will communicate any changes with the public.

Additional COVID-19 information is available at www.health.pa.gov. For more information, visit www.dmv.pa.gov or www.PennDOT.gov.