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In this Update:
District of Character
Happy Mother’s Day!
Wishing all mothers and those who are a mother figure to others a beautiful day, reminding you of how important your love, guidance, patience, and responsibility are to all those around you. A special thank you to my wonderful mother who is just amazing, and I admire every piece of her love, kindness, compassion, and guidance! To all the mothers in our community – never be too hard on yourself as a mother and never underestimate simple love, honesty and speaking to your children. “There is no way to be a perfect mother and a million ways to be a good one!” Distracted Driving Initiative Passes Transportation Committee
This week, my legislation, Senate Bill 37 passed the Senate Transportation Committee. This is an initiative I have worked on diligently for nearly ten years – strengthening Pennsylvania’s roadway laws to minimize distracted driving. This bill would prohibit the use of hand-held cell-phone use while operating a vehicle – drivers would still be permitted to use technology through Bluetooth and other “hands-free” devices. This measure is reasonable, effective, and it will save lives. I will not give up on getting this bill over the finish line! View my remarks from today’s committee vote. Senate Acts to Reduce Regulatory Burdens on Taxpayers and Job Creators
The Senate approved a legislative package to reduce the burden of unchecked government regulations on taxpayers and job creators. The bills will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 188 requires regulations with an economic impact on taxpayers and employers exceeding $1 million to go before the General Assembly for approval before taking effect. The Independent Fiscal Office, rather than the regulating agency, would be tasked with calculating the economic impact. Senate Bill 190 requires an automatic review after three years of all regulations with an economic impact on taxpayers and employers exceeding $1 million. The regulating agency must report to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission on the effectiveness of the regulation, whether current state laws require the regulation’s repeal or amendment, and more. Senate Bill 350 requires state agencies to create an accessible website for permit applicants to check their application status. In addition, all the permits issued must be publicly accessible and if rejected, it must state the legal authority the agency relies on to reject the permit application. It also requires that a permit, license or certification is deemed approved by the state if the agency reviewing the application misses its statutory deadline. Senate Approves Measure to Improve Personal Financial Literacy
To teach high school students the financial basics, the Senate approved legislation that will enable them to make better decisions that lead to a lifetime of success and financial independence. Senate Bill 647 moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Recent estimates show there are more than 350 million American-owned credit card accounts, and credit card owners average about four cards apiece. Families in the United States are approaching approximately $1 trillion in credit card debt and more than $15 trillion in debt overall. The bill would give high school students the information they need on topics like credit and credit scores; savings and investments; college, home and auto loans; and planning for postsecondary education and retirement. Measure Boosting Support for PA Veterans Approved by Senate
The Senate passed bills to help veterans start or expand a business, access programs and services available to them, and make it easier for disabled veterans to obtain a free lifetime fishing license. All three bills now head to the state House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 248 would create the Veteran-owned Business Loan Guarantee Program, which would be funded with $5 million of existing dollars from another program run by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The bill defines a veteran-owned business as one in which 51% or more of the organization is owned or controlled by one or more veterans. Veteran-owned businesses in America employ nearly four million workers and generate more than $175 billion in annual payroll. Senate Bill 447 would establish in law the PA VETConnect program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and helps the commonwealth’s more than 700,000 veterans access programs and services tailored to their needs. The database of resources enables local veteran advocates – including staff at county veterans affairs offices – to point veterans to information, resources, programs and services in their area and across the commonwealth. Senate Bill 411 would make it possible for disabled veterans with a 100% disability determination to obtain a free, lifetime fishing license. Free lifetime fishing licenses currently are available only to disabled veterans with a 100% permanent disability determination, and they must apply for a new free fishing license every year. Legislation Expanding Access to Breast Cancer Screenings Signed Into Law
Recently signed into law, Act 1 of 2023 is a first-of-its-kind breast cancer screening measure that will save Pennsylvanians’ lives. It eliminates all costs associated with genetic testing and counseling as well as breast MRI and ultrasounds for Pennsylvanians with high-risk conditions like dense breast tissue, a personal history of breast cancer, a family history, a genetic predisposition or prior radiation therapy. Approximately one of every eight women are diagnosed with breast cancer, but this law will ensure that high-risk individuals have affordable access to early detection. Recognizing Police Officers’ Memorial Day
In recognition of Police Officers’ Memorial Day in Pennsylvania, as designated by Senate Resolution 111, the Fraternal Order of Police joined Senate Republicans to honor the brave law enforcement officers who died in the line of duty last year. The five officers were:
Like so many other members of law enforcement, these officers served and protected their fellow citizens – despite knowing the sacrifices they and their families would have to make. Thank you to each brave man and woman who defend the safety of our communities. Around the 40th Senate District
Earlier this week was Tourette Syndrome Awareness Day – I was pleased to meet with Callum (and his mother, Dawn) – a resident of the 40th Senate District. Thank you for taking the time to meet with me in Harrisburg and your advocacy!
This week, Kristine from my office attended the Special Olympics Track and Field Day at East Stroudsburg Area School District South. After 3 years of not hosting this amazing day, the participants and volunteers are thrilled to be back!
This week, Mackenzie from my office attended the Pregnancy Resource Center of the Poconos annual banquet at Camelback Resort. There were about 400 attendees to support the PRC’s mission in providing free consultations, support, and counseling to pregnant women. We heard client testimony and from their keynote speaker, Ryan Bomberger, founder of the Radiance Foundation. Thank you to the amazing staff at volunteers at the PRC!
This week, Addie from my North Office attended the Diocese of Scranton’s annual scholarship foundation’s donor appreciation luncheon. Here she is pictured with Bishop Bambara. Thank you to those who support this scholarship program!
Always a pleasure to host Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association in my Harrisburg office! Pictured are two wonderful constituents and hospitality industry leaders from the Poconos – Eric Noone from The Frogtown Chophouse (left) and Trip Ruvane from Barley Creek Brewing Company (right). Tourism is the Poconos number one industry – we are truly fortunate to have local entrepreneurs take on investment and risk to help bolster our economy. |
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