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This Week in Harrisburg

The Pennsylvania state Capitol was busy this week. The Senate advanced several initiatives that are now in the House of Representatives for consideration. I was pleased to be a co-sponsor on all these proposals.

• Senate Bill 1054 strengthens the Overdose Information Network (ODIN) law, which requires all law enforcement in Pennsylvania to input reports of an overdose within 72 hours of the incident into the ODIN system. The ODIN database enables law enforcement agencies to quickly record, analyze and share information concerning fatal and non-fatal drug overdoses and naloxone administrations. The bill would ensure overdose reporting by EMS providers is incorporated into the statewide mapping system. EMS providers are responsible for handling more than 80% of overdoses annually in Pennsylvania.
• Senate Bill 1111 would ensure that individuals who are convicted of certain human trafficking offenses – as well as attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit those offenses – are subject to the same Megan’s Law reporting and evaluation requirements as other sexual offenders.
• Senate Bill 559 and Senate Bill 560 would amend the Medical Practice Act of 1985 and the Osteopathic Medical Practice Act to provide for the definitions of “athletic training services” and “physically active person” to allow athletic trainers the ability to deliver a wider scope of health care services to more individuals.

Additionally, I serve as majority chairwoman of the Senate’s Local Government Committee. Several of my proposals advanced through the legislative process this week. These bills are aimed to clarify and streamline local government operations.

• Senate Bill 978 passed the Senate unanimously. This bill amends the second-class township code to clarify advertising provisions when a board of supervisors is reappointing a professional CPA firm.
• Senate Bill 945 would incorporate the County Cide into Title 16 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes. The Senate passed the bill unanimously in — and this week, it passed the House Local Government committee. The bill would improve efficiency and access for anyone who relies on the County Code.

Undergraduate Research Poster Conference

This week, the Capitol hosted our annual Undergraduate Research Day. This is a great opportunity for students across the Commonwealth to showcase their research to legislators. It is always wonderful to see the Pennsylvania Tick Research Lab from East Stroudsburg University who are consistently building on our research and knowledge.

Undergraduate student, Nicholas Mazzella, (pictured far left) presented a poster on “Pennsylvania Surveillance of Ehrlichia Muris Eauclairensis in White-Footed Mice.” Ehrlichia muris eauclairensis (EME) is a bacterium which causes human Ehrlichiosis, which is an infection of the white blood cells. Additionally, undergraduate student, Tavin Rickoski (pictured second from the left) presented a poster on their research “Impacts of human land use and mesocarnivore community dynamics on the abundance of the white-footed mouse (Peromyscus leucopus)”. Read more about their work and Undergraduate Research at the Capitol here.

As a reminder, Pennsylvania is consistently ranked amongst the top states of reported cases of Lyme and Tick-Borne Illnesses. To help mitigate your exposure, I worked to establish state funding that allows the PA Tick Research Lab to provide FREE tick testing for tick-borne diseases. Early detection is key – and this information is critical to be used in conjunction with your primary care physician.

Visit their website and learn how to submit a tick here.

Out and About Listening to You

Thursday, I spent the morning delivering for Monroe County Meals on Wheels alongside passionate volunteers Jim and Terri. Such an incredible initiative providing essential support through proper nourishment and human connection on a regular basis. You can check them our here.

Had a delicious latte at Jiva Java Café in Bartonsville on RT611. Such a beautiful atmosphere and great spot for my afternoon meeting. Thank you for the exceptional service and great coffee.

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