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In this Update:
Homecare Association Kick-Off Rally Supports My Legislation
I spoke this week at the PA Homecare Association Kick-Off Rally as they prepared for their advocacy day in the Capitol. One of the points they were advocating was, Senate Bill 1080, legislation I introduced, which would allow Hospice Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) the ability to make death pronouncements. Hospice is a hard situation for families to go through and the medical professionals who help in these situations are angels on earth. During the day, I was able to meet Darren from western Pennsylvania, who is a hospice LPN. This legislation would allow Darren the ability to help a family begin the grieving process in the hospice setting. Thank you to PA Homecare Association for having me and promoting Senate Bill 1080. Technical School Education Day at the Capitol
We recognized Technical School Education Day this week at the Capitol. Students from technical schools across the commonwealth joined us to highlight the skills they are learning.
SUN Area Technical Institute was present to showcase its welding and health sciences programs. The health sciences students were giving demonstration on how to stop an actively bleeding wound and the welding students brought a virtual welding simulator. They also gifted me with a new name plate for my desk. Agriculture Awareness Day was a Success
Agriculture Awareness Day took place Saturday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Industrial Arts Building at the Bloomsburg Fairgrounds. More than 30 interactive, hands-on and educational exhibits were available and the event was free to attend.
This event is a collaboration of local farms, schools and supporting organizations to highlight the impact agriculture has on our communities. I had a great time walking around, talking to local stakeholders and visiting with Farmer Bloom! Thanks for Attending Coffee and Conversation
Thank you to everyone who joined me and state Rep. Mike Cabell, this week in Salem Township for our Coffee and Conversation event. It was a pleasure to speak with local residents about their concerns. Bill Requiring Prosecutors to Notify ICE of Illegal Migrants Passes Senate
The Senate approved legislation that would require prosecutors across the state to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) whenever illegal migrants are charged with violating state law. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Currently in Pennsylvania, violations of state law by illegal migrants are not required to be reported to ICE, but Senate Bill 1127 would ensure illegal migrants who violate our laws are held accountable. The change will better safeguard our communities and protect Pennsylvania’s law-abiding citizens. Earlier this year, two NYPD officers were assaulted in broad daylight by illegal migrants. Several of the offenders had been previously arrested but not reported to ICE and were released back on the streets. The shocking crime prompted New York City Mayor Eric Adams to call for ICE to be informed when illegal migrants have been charged with violations of state law. Senate Approves Bill Prioritizing Community Safety
The Senate passed legislation this week to strengthen the bail determination process for dangerous individuals: repeat violent offenders, drug dealers trafficking fentanyl and those who assault law enforcement officers or evade arrest on foot. Senate Bill 1120 would only allow cash bail to be used and ban release on own recognizance or unsecured bail from being issued to those who pose a threat to public safety while they await trial. The bill is part of the Senate Republican effort to improve community safety across Pennsylvania as an average of 14 Pennsylvanians die every day from a drug overdose. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and approximately 50 times more potent than heroin. Two milligrams of fentanyl – the amount that fits on the tip of a pencil – is enough to kill an average person. Beware of E-ZPass Scam
A new phishing scam is targeting E-ZPass account holders requesting information to settle outstanding toll amounts. The texts claim to be from “Pa Turnpike Toll Services” and center around urgent requests with your account that would result in a late fee if the balance does not get settled. Similar scams have been reported by toll agencies across the country in the past several days. Customers who receive an unsolicited text, email or similar message suggesting it is from E-ZPass or another toll agency should not click the link. E-ZPass account holders can use approved safe methods to check their accounts such as the PA Turnpike E-ZPass website or the PA Toll Pay app available from the Apple App Store or Google Play store. Those who receive a fraudulent text can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. The site is dedicated to sharing information on internet crimes across law enforcement agencies. Increasing Student Safety, Eliminating Vehicle Owner Fee
As a result of legislation now in effect which seeks to ensure students are safer on their journey to and from school, school districts may install and operate automated camera systems on school buses to capture violations committed by motorists. Violations identified by the camera system will be reviewed by police under agreement with the school district. After that review, the school district may issue a violation and a $300 fine to the vehicle owner. These violations are civil penalties only and no points will be assessed to driver’s licenses. Vehicle owners may request a hearing before a PennDOT hearing office, at no cost to the vehicle owner, if they feel they are innocent. Before the passage of the legislation, the vehicle owner was responsible for paying applicable civil filing fees. April is National Financial Literacy Month
In April, we recognize National Financial Literacy Month, a time to celebrate work being done to improve the knowledge that helps people achieve their money-focused goals. Recognizing that young adults face financial decisions that can come with long-term consequences and the Senate passed legislation to arm high school students with money management skills. The new law requires completion of a half-credit personal finance course to graduate high school. The course will give high school students the understanding they need about topics like credit and credit scores; savings and investments; college, home and auto loans; and planning for postsecondary education and retirement.
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