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In this Update:
Join Me at Six Upcoming EventsYou’re invited to join me at several upcoming events I have scheduled in our district. Click on any of the event names to view a flyer with more details. I have scheduled two Lemonade with Your Legislators events where you can learn about and share your thoughts related to state government. Lemonade with Your Legislators Lemonade with Your Legislator I also have scheduled two damaged license plate replacement events. Damaged License Plate Replacement Event Damaged License Plate Replacement Event I also am hosting two Coffee & Conversation events. Coffee & Conversation Coffee & Conversation I hope to see you at one or more of these upcoming events in our district. Upcoming Weekly and Monthly Office Hours at Various LocationsIn an effort to make state government programs and services more easily accessible for people in our district, my staff and I host weekly office hours at three Luzerne County mobile offices and monthly office hours at five locations. Our Beaver Springs monthly office hours have been cancelled for July since that day is the July 4 holiday. Our Herndon monthly office hours on Tuesday, July 9, also have been cancelled for this month. The Beaver Springs and Herndon monthly office hours will resume in August. You can view a full listing of our Luzerne County mobile office hours here and a list of our monthly office hours and locations here. Senate Approves Bill to Help Treat Infants
The Senate approved legislation I sponsored (Senate Bill 965) that would have Medicaid cover rapid whole genome sequencing testing for infants up to one year of age admitted to intensive care units. This type of advanced testing will allow for faster diagnoses of critically ill children, which can lead to better health outcomes and cost savings. The bill has been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Students Push for Hershey’s Kiss to Become State Candy
I was visited by students from Bucks County who helped draft legislation to make the Hershey’s Kiss the official state candy. It was a pleasure to see these young advocates at the Capitol. Negotiations Continue for Pro-Growth, Responsible State Budget
State budget negotiations are ongoing in Harrisburg, and we are encouraged by the dialogue between the Senate, House and governor. While it appears clear at this point that we will not have a full budget agreement which could be implemented by June 30, we are hopeful to reach a consensus very soon and avoid any negative impacts on the people of Pennsylvania. The Senate will return to session on Monday, July 1, at 3 p.m. Senate Republicans continue to push for a spending plan that respects taxpayers, ensures existing resources are used wisely, and leads to economic and demographic growth in Pennsylvania. Learn more about the process of enacting the 2024-25 state budget and watch the Senate in session here. Senate Votes to Stand with Israel
The Senate approved legislation that would prohibit the PA Treasury’s Office, the State Employees’ Retirement System, the Public School Employees’ Retirement System and the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System from boycotting or divesting from Israel. The measure also would cut off state tax dollars from going to higher education institutions that boycott or divest from Israel. Senate Bill 1260 sends a loud message that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania stands with its top ally in the Middle East – Israel. On Oct. 7, 2023, more than 1,000 Israelis, mostly civilians, were murdered by Hamas terrorists. U.S. college campuses experienced volatile antisemitic protests that called for the complete destruction of Israel. Jewish students were required to shelter in place in their dorm rooms out of fear for their lives. Protesters were successful in getting some colleges to consider divesting from Israel, as well as companies that do business with the Israeli government. In the wake of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks, Pennsylvania’s Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who supports the legislation, invested an additional $20 million in Israel bonds, bringing the Treasury’s total investment in Israel to more than $56 million. Set for Enactment: Senate Bill Expanding Access to Telemedicine Services
Legislation expanding access to telemedicine in Pennsylvania received final Senate approval and will be sent to the governor for enactment. Telemedicine allows individuals to access health care services online using a computer, tablet or smartphone. 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. Senate Bill 739 sets a base for how telemedicine will be covered by insurance companies and medical providers in Pennsylvania. The legislation requires:
Bill Giving Parents Flexibility with Their Children’s Education Passes Senate
To ensure children with autism, developmental delays or intellectual disabilities are better prepared to enter the classroom, the Senate passed a bill allowing parents or guardians to delay their children attending school for as long as one year. Senate Bill 1157 would allow them to request a waiver from the Department of Education to delay compulsory attendance when their child reaches the age of six if:
The bill would offer individualized learning and specialized approaches so children are able to develop the social and emotional skills necessary for future success. Set for Enactment: Bill Providing Free Credit Monitoring for Data Breach Victims
Bipartisan legislation to strengthen notification requirements for data breaches and provide affected citizens with free credit monitoring for a year and a credit report is set to be signed into law. The bill was approved by the House of Representatives this week, following Senate passage last year. Senate Bill 824 would cover instances in which an individual’s first and last name or first initial and last name have been accessed in combination with any of the following information: Social Security number, bank account number, driver’s license or state ID number. The bill also strengthens state notification requirements and mandates Attorney General notification if a data breach occurs in the commonwealth. A record 3,122 data breaches occurred nationally in 2023, affecting hundreds of millions of Americans and costing billions of dollars, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. It marked a 72% increase in data compromises from the previous all-time high in 2021. June is National Fireworks Safety Month
Independence Day is right around the corner, which means many of us will enjoy celebrations that include an American tradition: fireworks. Being aware of restrictions on consumer fireworks can help prevent injuries and property damage. They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of a building or vehicle, regardless of whether the building or vehicle is owned by the user of the consumer fireworks. Fireworks cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or another drug. Read more about state restrictions, and check with your local municipality for applicable local ordinances.
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