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Pennsylvanians Deserve the Truth about Electricity Costs
This week, Gov. Josh Shapiro made multiple announcements about the cost of electricity in Pennsylvania. One of those claims is that customers will save billions of dollars through an agreement he made with PJM, a regional transmission organization that coordinates the movement of wholesale electricity in all or part of 13 states and the District of Columbia. The reality is that none of the governor’s announcements will save any of us a single dollar on our electric bills. The truth is that his administration’s policies have directly contributed to higher prices. I have worked to prioritize the advancement of meaningful legislation to help address rising costs for consumers of electricity. It is unfortunate that many of the measures were not supported by the Shapiro Administration during the last two years. We will continue working to enact energy policies which reduce costs for hardworking Pennsylvanians, ensure the future stability of our power grid, and help expand access to good, family sustaining jobs here in Pennsylvania. Senate Acts to Fight Waste, Fraud and Abuse in Public Assistance Programs
This week, the Senate passed three bills to stop waste, fraud and abuse in Pennsylvania’s Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medical Assistance program (Medicaid). The bills will be sent to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 155 would prevent deceased people from receiving benefits by requiring the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) to check death certificates at the Bureau of Vital Statistics against recipients of public assistance. A state audit previously found 2,324 deceased public assistance recipients received benefits totaling $700,000 in a 12-month period. Senate Bill 156 would require DHS to compare wage records held by employers and the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue with public assistance recipients quarterly to prevent fraud. From 2019-23, the Pennsylvania Office of State Inspector General filed more than 2,900 criminal complaints of welfare fraud, with more than $15 million owed in restitution. Senate Bill 157 would update the Public Assistance Integrity Act to require DHS to issue a yearly report on its efforts to ensure lottery winners are not receiving cash benefits. The Public Assistance Integrity Act, a bipartisan initiative signed into law in 2018, closed a loophole that did not require lottery winnings to be considered as income when determining eligibility for benefits. Contact your state representatives and urge them to support practical, common-sense proposals like these—ensuring your tax dollars are used wisely, fairly, and efficiently. Bill Enabling World Cup Team Doctors to Practice in PA Receives Senate Support
With World Cup soccer set to come to Philadelphia, the Senate approved legislation enabling international team doctors to treat their players in the commonwealth. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Philadelphia will host the FIFA Club World Cup this summer and the FIFA World Cup in 2026. In both of those contests, athletes will be supported by their traveling team doctors. Under current law, each international doctor would be required to obtain a medical license from the Pennsylvania State Board of Medicine to treat players, even for just a single match. Senate Bill 184 would exempt international team doctors from needing to obtain a Pennsylvania medical license to care for their athletes. Much like how the law treats team physicians licensed in other states, international doctors would be limited to treatment of just their players and would be prohibited from practicing in all health care facilities in the commonwealth. New Law Conveniently Returns Money to Pennsylvanians
Money you weren’t expecting may soon be coming your way! The Pennsylvania Treasury Department sent the first batch of letters this week to people who have unclaimed property, thanks to legislation initiated by the Senate. The new law, PA Money Match, allows the Pennsylvania Treasury to automatically return certain unclaimed property. Eligible properties must be valued at $500 or less and belong to a single owner. Those with eligible properties will receive a letter in the mail to confirm their address. After doing so, they will receive a check for their property in about 45 days. Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced this week that the first round of PA Money Match has the potential to return more than $2 million to more than 8,000 Pennsylvanians – and more will be coming later this year. Treasury is working to return more than $4.5 billion in unclaimed property, which includes things like dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, rebates, insurance payments and more. Check if you have unclaimed property, and contact my office if you need any assistance in filing a claim. Game Commission Provides Avian Influenza Information
Earlier this year, the Pennsylvania Game Commission announced that highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) was the cause of death for wild waterfowl in northeastern Pennsylvania. To best protect the health of wildlife, domestic animals and humans, the Game Commission asks the public to assist them by doing the following:
Because HPAI impacts more than just wildlife, please also report any sick or dead domestic bird to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture at 717-772-2852. Anyone who isn’t feeling well after having contact with sick or dead birds is encouraged to contact their primary care physician or the Pennsylvania Department of Health at 877-724-3258. Celebrating Leadership and Transition in the Pocono Mountain Council of Government
The Pocono Mountain Council of Government (COG) plays a vital role in fostering collaboration among municipalities across Monroe County. Comprised of dedicated local elected officials, the COG provides a platform for sharing concerns, exchanging ideas, and advancing initiatives that benefit communities throughout the region. After 11 years of committed leadership, Middle Smithfield Township Supervisor Mike Dwyer is passing the torch to Hamilton Township Supervisor Buddy Buzzard. Throughout his tenure, Mike has led the group with knowledge, dedication, hard work, and his signature sense of humor—making a lasting impact on both the organization and the communities it serves. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Mike for his years of leadership and service in strengthening intermunicipal cooperation. His efforts have helped shape a more connected and effective countywide team. Best wishes to Buddy Buzzard as he steps into this important role, continuing the work of collaboration and progress for Monroe County. (Pictured: Mike Dwyer with his wife, Kathy.) Announcing Middle Smithfield Township’s Person of the Year!
The 40th District is home to many selfless individuals who dedicate their time and energy to making our community a better place. Each year, Middle Smithfield Township honors those who go above and beyond with the Middle Smithfield Township Person of the Year Award—a celebration of service, dedication, and leadership. This year, I am proud to congratulate finalists Luz Gonzalez, Maria Oquendo, and Betty Ann Ricci for their invaluable contributions to our community. Their efforts have made a lasting impact, and they are truly deserving of this recognition. At the annual banquet on Friday night, the township announced the 2024 Middle Smithfield Township Person of the Year: Betty Ann Ricci! Betty Ann was honored for her work with the 1000 Pink Lights Walk, an initiative that raises money and awareness for breast cancer research and support. Her dedication to this cause has brought hope and assistance to countless individuals and families affected by breast cancer. Mackenzie from my office had the privilege of attending the banquet and presenting each finalist with a certificate of recognition. It is always inspiring to see so many community members come together to celebrate service and commitment to others. Congratulations to Betty Ann Ricci on this well-earned honor and thank you to Luz Gonzalez and Maria Oquendo for your continued contributions to our community. We are truly blessed to have such outstanding individuals working to make Middle Smithfield Township a better place for all. Honoring 40 Years of Service: Michael Seip’s Dedication to the Stroudsburg Fire Department
Volunteer firefighters are the backbone of our communities, answering the call to protect lives and property—often at great personal sacrifice. This year, the Stroudsburg Fire Department recognized one of its most dedicated members, Michael Seip, for an incredible 40 years of service. At the department’s annual banquet, Roxana from my office had the honor of presenting Michael with a Senate Citation on my behalf, celebrating his decades of commitment to keeping our community safe. His unwavering service, leadership, and dedication to the fire department exemplify the very best of what it means to serve. We are deeply grateful to Michael and to all the volunteer firefighters who dedicate their time and energy to protecting our communities. Their selflessness and courage make a lasting impact, and we thank them for their service. Congratulations, Michael, on this well-earned recognition, and thank you for 40 years of dedication to Stroudsburg and beyond!
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