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Brown’s Bill Supporting Mothers and Midwives Passes SenateThis week the Senate passed my legislation, the Midwifery Modernization Act. This legislation is a critical step toward strengthening maternal health care in Pennsylvania. It updates the Medical Practice Act of 1985 by modernizing licensure requirements for certified midwives, improving collaboration between midwives and physicians, and updating prescription authority – particularly when it comes to treating substance use disorders. This proposal will improve health outcomes for mothers and babies, expand the number of qualified providers, and give women across the commonwealth more options for safe, high-quality care – especially in rural and underserved areas. Licensed midwives play a vital role in the continuum of care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery. Many also offer routine reproductive health services like prenatal care, screenings, and patient education. I’m grateful for the strong bipartisan support this bill received in the Senate and for the more than 30 stakeholder organizations that have backed it – including the Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania, the Pennsylvania Medical Society, and the Association of Physician Associates in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Senate Bill 507 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. You can watch my full floor remarks during its passage here. Brown Hosts Senator for a Day EventLast week I hosted my third annual “Senator for a Day” seminar at Pocono Township. Over 200 students from across the 40th Senatorial District stepped into the role of a state senator, debating bills, taking positions on key issues, and even amending legislation. It was inspiring to see these future leaders engage with the legislative process and share their insights. A big thank you to every single participating school in the 40th Senate District, Pocono Township, Northampton Community College Pocono Campus, Barley Creek Brewing Company, and all of the moderators who were able to attend! To see all my photos from the day, click here. Senate Acts to Repeal RGGI Electricity TaxTo prevent a new electricity tax, the Senate passed legislation this week repealing Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI, a multi-state compact, would increase electricity rates for consumers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs and lead to the closure of Pennsylvania power plants. Senate Bill 1068 would formally repeal Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI, ensuring that any decision to impose electricity taxes or emissions programs must go through the legislative process rather than being enacted unilaterally by the executive branch. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. In 2023, the Commonwealth Court ruled that RGGI is a tax and cannot be implemented without legislative approval. However, the Governor’s Administration appealed this ruling to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, prolonging uncertainty for workers and businesses across the commonwealth. Scenes from the 40th DistrictThis week’s photo winner is courtesy of Susan from Stroudsburg, with incredible shots of both doe and bucks. This photo has been shared on my social media and posted to the 40th Senatorial District Photo Gallery. Interested in showcasing your photography skills? I am inviting residents of the 40th Senatorial District to share their photography and help capture the beauty and character of our community. Whether it’s a stunning landscape, a lively community event, or a cherished historical landmark, I encourage you to submit photos that highlight the unique aspects of our district, which includes parts of Lackawanna and Wayne counties, and all of Monroe County. Click here to submit your work and learn more. Auditor General’s Activity Book Contest Accepting SubmissionsPennsylvania students in grades K-12 are invited to help the state Auditor General’s office design the cover of its new Be Money $mart activity book. The book will include coloring pages, word searches, word scrambles, crosswords and budgeting sheets – all focused on financial literacy. The deadline to submit a design online is Oct. 31. The winner’s artwork will be featured on the cover of the new activity book and recognized at the PA Farm Show and will win their school a visit from Auditor General Tim DeFoor. The activity book will be distributed statewide through libraries, YMCAs and credit unions. Upcoming Monroe County Veteran’s Day WeekendNext week, America 250 PA – Monroe County is hosting the 24th Connecticut Militia Regiment for an encampment in Tannersville at the Carnival Grounds off Rt. 611. This free event will feature living history demonstrations of daily life, military tactics and essential skills from the Revolutionary War Period. There will also be a presentation at 10AM Saturday in the Pocono Township Building, by Danny Younger, about Connecticut’s claim to part of Pennsylvania, the Pennamite-Yankee Wars and the history of Fort Hyndshaw. Sunday, the Monroe County PA Veteran Association will hold their annual Veteran’s Day Parade. The Parade starts at 1 PM from Stroudsburg and continues to Dansbury Park in East Stroudsburg. Greater Scranton Board of Realtors Legislative LuncheonYesterday, I joined the Greater Scranton Board of Realtors alongside Representatives Kyle Mullins and Kyle Donahue to participate in their panel discussion. I always appreciate the opportunity to engage with our realtors and hear what issues impact their profession. Thank you to all who attended for the great discussion. Grand Opening of Happy Health & Wellness in ScrantonCongratulations to Mark and Amanda DeLeo on the grand opening of their new practice in Scranton, Happy Health & Wellness! Located at 760 Scranton Carbondale Hwy, their care is centered around preventative care, early intervention, and patient empowerment! I was happy to attend their grand opening last week with The Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce and present a citation on behalf of the Senate of Pennsylvania! To learn more about what they can help you with, learn more from their site.
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