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In this Update:
Cancer Action Day & Women’s Lung Cancer Action WeekThis week I spoke on the Senate floor to sponsor Senate Resolution 275 recognizing May 7, 2024, as Cancer Action Day in Pennsylvania. Cancer is a leading cause of death in the United States and studies are predicting that over 2 million people will be diagnosed with cancer this year. This resolution is to raise awareness about the disease because everyone should have an opportunity to prevent, detect, treat, and survive cancer.
Also, on Tuesday, May 7th, I joined with many of my colleagues in wearing turquoise for Women’s Lung Cancer Action Week and Turquoise Takeover! Turquoise is the signature color of LUNG FORCE of the American Lung Association. Lung Cancer is responsible for the most cancer deaths and has been the leading cause of malignancy in women since 1987. I sponsored Senate Resolution 283 to raise awareness, promote early detection and encourage advancements in treatments.
YMCA Recognition & Ribbon CuttingIt is an honor to be named one of the 2024 YMCA Legislative Champions. I would like to thank the PA State Alliance of YMCAs for this recognition. The YMCA has been a leader in providing safe, nurturing spaces during the critical hours that fall outside of the school day. I support investing in quality out-of-school care offers children and families the ability to succeed.
Congratulations to the Middlecreek Area Community YMCA (previously the Middlecreek Area Community Center or MACC) who held a grand opening and ribbon cutting event on Tuesday to celebrate its new merger with the Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA.
National Day of PrayerLast week, I was invited to participate in the National Day of Prayer, at the Jackson Mansion in Berwick. It was an honor to join members of a local ministerium and pray together for the world around us.
Celebrating 25 Years!Congratulations to Luzerne County Community College for celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Northumberland Regional Center! Thank you for providing educational opportunities for the residents of Northumberland County and the surrounding areas. I was honored to request a Senate citation to recognize this milestone!
Senate Votes for Historic Tax Cuts for Working Families
Working families, job creators and energy consumers in Pennsylvania would see their taxes reduced by approximately $3 billion a year under a bill approved by the Senate with a strong bipartisan, veto-proof majority. It would represent the largest tax cut for working families in Pennsylvania history, saving taxpayers more than $13 billion over the next five years. Senate Bill 269 would reduce the personal income tax (PIT) rate from 3.07% to 2.8%, putting more money in the wallets of every Pennsylvanian who earns a paycheck. The bill would also eliminate the gross receipts tax on energy, effective Jan. 1, 2025, providing critical relief from high energy costs. The tax cuts would benefit all Pennsylvania families and inject an additional $3 billion into the state’s economy, rather than growing government. Legislation to Curb Distracted Driving Set for Enactment
Legislation passed this week to prohibit the handheld use of cellular and other devices while driving is set for enactment into law. Senate Bill 37 would enhance driver responsibility by prohibiting the use of handheld cellphones or other communication devices while operating a motor vehicle on a Pennsylvania highway or trafficway. While hands-free use of devices when driving would remain legal, handheld use of devices would only be permitted when the vehicle is parked on the side or shoulder of a roadway and the vehicle can safely remain stationary. To inform drivers about the new law, law enforcement must issue warnings for violations during the initial 12 months following the bill’s enactment. Senate Votes to Create Statewide Sexual Assault Evidence Tracking System
To assist survivors of sexual assault, the Senate approved Senate Bill 920, which would establish a sexual assault evidence tracking system. Using the system, individuals could follow the path of a rape kit throughout the collection and testing process. Sexual assault forensic exams are conducted using what are commonly referred to as rape kits, in which DNA evidence is collected from the assault victim’s body, clothes and other personal belongings. The process can increase the likelihood of criminal prosecution. Thirty-two states and the District of Columbia have established rape kit tracking systems. Enactment of the legislation would enable Pennsylvania to receive additional federal funds. Senate Acts to Bolster Telemedicine in PA
The Senate approved legislation aimed at expanding the use of telemedicine in Pennsylvania. Telemedicine is the remote delivery of health care services and medical information using telecommunications technology. It allows medical services to be provided to some of the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians who otherwise would not be able to receive them due to location or other circumstances. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it saw rapid growth in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 739 requires insurance providers or managed care organizations to reimburse health care providers for services provided to a patient through telemedicine. Services provided through telemedicine must meet the same standard of care as health care services provided in person. Scholarship Bill Advances
The Senate Education Committee advanced legislation to provide more educational options to children in low-performing public schools through scholarships to attend the school of their choice. Senate Bill 795 would establish the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS) Program. During the governor’s budget address earlier this year, he referenced his continued support for “scholarships that let poor families in struggling school districts put their kids in the best position for them to succeed – whether that’s paying for extra tutoring, books and computers, or yes, going to another school.” The bill, which now heads to the full Senate for consideration, is part of a larger initiative to preserve the role parents have in their children’s lives. Preventative Care Protects Moms, All Women
Happy Mother’s Day to the women who play a critical role in their families as they care for their loved ones. Often, they are so focused on supporting everyone else that meeting their own needs takes a back seat. However, when it comes to breast cancer, that’s simply not safe to do. It’s important for all women who are at least 40 years old to carve out time to get a mammogram every two years. Know your risk and family history because Act 1 of 2023 eliminates all costs associated with screening breast MRI, ultrasound, genetic testing and counseling for individuals with high risk. The comprehensive breast cancer screening bill will save lives so we can enjoy more time with the mothers and all other women in our worlds.
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