The Commonwealth Beat with Laura LeBeau - Episode 39 - 6/09/2024

The Commonwealth Beat with Laura LeBeau is a statewide Public Affairs program airing on all Seven Mountains Media Pennsylvania radio stations.   With school now out for the summer, there are some 21 million children in this country who are at risk of not getting enough to eat during June, July and August.  But a new federal program is trying to address the problem, and Pennsylvania is participating.  It's known as a summer EBT program, or electronic benefit transfer......... offering $40 a month to every child who qualifies for free or reduced-cost breakfast and lunch at school.  It's being rolled out this summer in 35 states, including Pennsylvania.  Hoa Pham with the PA Human Services Department will explain.  In the PA-mazing segment, we'll spotlight the Cornwall Iron Furnace in Lebanon County.  What is an iron furnace, and how did Cornwall's contribute to the early prosperity of this country?  Mike Emery with the PA Historical & Museum Commission is Site Administrator at the Cornwall Iron Furnace, and one of the foremost experts about this National Historic Register location.