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Senate Backs Israel, Condemns Hamas

Following the murderous attacks of innocent people by the terrorist group Hamas, the Senate approved a resolution condemning Hamas’ Oct. 7 carnage.

Senate Resolution 185 shows Pennsylvania’s support of the Jewish people as they defend against this terrorist threat. It says that we stand “firmly with the people of Israel and their right to defend themselves.” It labels the attacks by Hamas as “shocking, barbaric and evil,” further adding they “amount to war crimes of the worst kind.”

The resolution further stipulates, “Israel has every right to defend itself with all due force” and noted Pennsylvania’s “special relationship” with Israel since the country declared independence in 1948.

Senate Advances Critical Support for EMS, Hospitals and Nursing Homes

This week, the Senate approved legislation advancing critical public health components of the budget process.

Passage of House Bill 1351 addresses the crucial public health needs for emergency medical services, hospitals and nursing homes and ensures Pennsylvanians continue to receive access to needed health care services.

The bill:

• Increases EMS reimbursement rates for services and ensures providers are compensated for all loaded miles. The changes will drive $126 million of new revenue and new resources into the EMS network statewide.
• Reauthorizes a state assessment on hospital services, generating revenue supplemented by federal funds and returned to hospitals. The first payment to hospitals is typically made in mid-October.
• Freezes the Nursing Facility Case Mix Rate to reduce volatility and level the playing field so Pennsylvania nursing homes can continue to meet the needs of vulnerable patients.

Teen Driving Safety Week

This week, Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward and I met with Steve Kiefer, a General Motors Executive who retired to focus his efforts with the The Kiefer Foundation, which he established in 2016 after his son Mitchel was killed by a distracted driver. I thank Steve, and his Foundation, for their efforts in Harrisburg to advocate for the passage of my legislation, Senate Bill 37, which would prohibit drivers from holding a cell phone while operating a motor vehicle.

SB37 passed the Senate this past June and is awaiting consideration in the House of Representatives. Please contact your state representative to advocate for the movement and passage of SB37.

First Annual Senator for a Day

This Friday, I hosted our first annual “Senator for a Day” event at Northampton Community College – Monroe. We had over 100 students in attendance from 10 school districts across the 40th Senatorial District. The students, who truly worked as “Senators” today, discussed proposals with their colleagues in committees to pass onto the full Senate body. There was a fantastic and educated debate amongst the students – always with a high level of respect for their peers.

Thank you to the participating school districts: North Pocono, Mid Valley, Western Wayne, Wayne Highlands, Pocono Mountain, East Stroudsburg, Pleasant Valley, Wallenpaupack and Valley View.

Out and About Listening to You

Top Left: Congratulations Chadwick Yoshe Deepak Bennett – Troop 83’s most recent Eagle Scout!

Top Right: I was so pleased to speak at this year’s “Women Wine and Wisdom” Event. The program benefited Pocono Area Transitional Housing (PATH).

Bottom Left: This week was Pennsylvania’s “March for Life” – the biggest one yet with thousands in attendance. I ran in to so many constituents from the 40th district.

Bottom Right: This week, the Community Foundation of Monroe County hosted their official launch. Looking forward to all the incredible work they will do for our residents.

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