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In this Update:
Pennsylvanians Deserve the Truth about Electricity CostsThis 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 relationship between wholesale power agreements and consumer electric bills is complex. While such agreements can influence wholesale costs, other factors—including generation, transmission, distribution, and state energy policies—also significantly impact pricing. Unfortunately, this agreement likely won’t mean lower electric bills for most people; in fact, other costs could actually make prices go up. Senate Republicans have prioritized advancement of meaningful legislation to help address rising costs for consumers of electricity. It is unfortunate that many of these measures were not supported by the 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 ProgramsThis 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. Bill Enabling World Cup Team Doctors to Practice in PA Receives Senate SupportWith 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 PennsylvaniansMoney 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. 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 InformationEarlier 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. PennDOT REAL ID AuditsPennDOT is auditing REAL ID documents, especially for those who received their cards early in the program. This proactive step prepares for a possible Department of Homeland Security audit, ensuring Pennsylvania’s compliance. PennDOT has found some records with missing documents and is notifying affected individuals by mail, specifying what’s needed and where to bring it. 27th District residents receiving these letters can contact the district office to confirm their validity. PennDOT says this audit focuses on older REAL ID records, with many requests stemming from scanning issues. They assure residents that licenses won’t be revoked, REAL ID identifiers removed, or renewals blocked due to this audit. Affected individuals can call the number in their letter to schedule an appointment. PennDOT advises residents to consider if a REAL ID is right for them. While federal enforcement may begin May 7, 2025, it’s not required for all situations. More information is available on the PennDOT website. Aqua PA Extends Mandatory Water Conservation for Roaring Creek CustomersDue to persistent drought, Aqua Pennsylvania has extended its mandatory water conservation notice for Roaring Creek Water Plant customers in parts of Northumberland, Columbia, and Schuylkill Counties. Despite recent rain, conditions remain dry. The restrictions, in place since November 18, 2024, limit nonessential water use like car washing and power washing for customers in these counties. These restrictions will remain until Aqua PA lifts the notice. Aqua PA urges customers in Northumberland, Columbia, and Schuylkill Counties to conserve water by taking shorter showers, minimizing dish rinsing, and turning off water while brushing teeth or shaving. Aqua PA monitors water supplies closely and is committed to maintaining reliable service. The company will announce when conservation measures are no longer needed. Questions? Call 877-987-2782. More tips: https://aquawater.com/customers/guides-and-tips.php 2025 Trout Stocking Schedule Announced: Opening Day Set for April 5thThe 2025 trout stocking schedule is now available here. Anglers 16 and older require a fishing license and trout permit (or a Combo Trout/Lake Erie Permit) to participate in trout fishing. Licenses can be purchased at authorized licensing agents listed at [Licensing Agents | Fish and Boat Commission | Commonwealth of Pennsylvania] or online at huntfish.pa.gov. This website also offers boat registration renewals and launch permits. Physical copies of the trout stocking schedule will be available soon in the district office. The 2025 trout season will begin with a statewide Mentored Youth Trout Fishing Day on Saturday, March 29, at 8:00 a.m. Youth under 16 can fish with a licensed adult mentor. Youth anglers need a free PFBC-issued permit or a voluntary youth fishing license, available online, at county treasurer offices, or license agents. The statewide Opening Day of Trout Season will be Saturday, April 5, at 8:00 a.m. Updated Satellite Office Hours Now AvailableWe’ve recently updated our satellite office hours to better serve our constituents. Check out the updated schedule to find a day, time, and location that works best for you. Feel free to reach out to schedule an appointment. We look forward to assisting you.
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