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In this Update:
Work Continues on the 2024-25 State Budget
Our Senate Republican Caucus remains committed to producing a pro-growth budget which will empower Pennsylvanians and is equally honest with taxpayers about our state’s fiscal health both now and in the future. We have been diligently working with the other caucuses and the governor’s office to work towards a consensus on a final product. Additional session days will be added as needed to complete the budget as quickly as possible. Learn more about the process of enacting the 2024-25 state budget and watch the Senate in session here. 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. Bill Limiting Smartphone Use in Schools Passes Senate
The Senate this week approved legislation to improve students’ mental health and academic performance by limiting their use of smartphones in school. Since the early 2010s, there has been a steep decline in mental health in children, and their academic performance is suffering. Children’s compromised mental health, social skills and academic performance directly correlates to the rise of smartphones and social media apps. Senate Bill 1207 would establish the Cell Phone Lockable Bag Pilot Program until Dec. 1, 2026. The School Safety and Security Committee would award grants to purchase secure, lockable smartphone bags in which students would deposit their mobile devices until the end of the school day. The bill would also require schools participating in the program to create and post online a policy prohibiting the use of smartphones during school time. It must include exemptions for students who have a documented medical condition – such as diabetes – that requires the use of a phone. Senate Approves My Bill to Help Address Staffing Shortages at Hospice Facilities
The state Senate this week approved a bill I introduced to enable licensed practical nurses (LPNs) working in a hospice setting to make death pronouncements. Pennsylvania law allows registered nurses (RNs), medical doctors, physician assistants and coroners to make death pronouncements. I introduced the bill after learning many hospice facilities across Pennsylvania face workforce shortages. Giving LPNs the authority to make death pronouncements can help hospice facilities address their staffing issues. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Learn more about this bill by reading a longer version of this article on my website. Senate Advances Bill to Allow Year-round Motorcycle Inspections
The Senate passed legislation to allow safety inspections to be performed year-round on motorcycles registered in Pennsylvania. Even though motorcycles can be purchased and driven on Pennsylvania roadways throughout the year, the state Vehicle Code currently only allows safety inspections to be performed from March to October. Senate Bill 1147 would eliminate that restriction so motorcycle operators have more opportunities to complete required inspections. Motorcycle registration with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation would continue to be tied to the month the vehicle is to be inspected. Camp Cadet Introduces Children to Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement
I visited a local Camp Cadet hosted by the Pennsylvania State Police Troop F. Camp Cadet is a summer camp program for children ages 12 to 15 who are interested in the criminal justice system. While at camp, cadets participate in activities designed to build discipline, self-esteem and teamwork, and learn about important issues facing today’s youth, like drug and alcohol use prevention. It was amazing to interact with local youth and see them get excited about criminal justice and law enforcement! Bill Expanding First Responder Service Dog Fee Exemptions Receives Senate Approval
The Senate approved Senate Bill 82 to extend license fee exemptions to service dogs integral to fire departments, sheriff’s offices and rescue services. This exemption currently applies only to municipal and state police departments. The bill was sent to the governor to be signed into law. Service dogs detect threats, aid in search and rescue missions, and provide critical support during medical emergencies. The exemption from licensing fees aims to minimize financial barriers for agencies relying on these highly trained animals. Additionally, the measure addresses challenges created by a revision to the state’s dog law that prohibited out-of-state residents from boarding their dogs in Pennsylvania-based kennels. Local Church Celebrates 250th Anniversary
Chillisquaque Presbyterian Church recently celebrated its 250th anniversary. State Rep. Michael Stender and I were able to join the church during its celebration service led by Pastor Charles North IV. We learned about the church’s history from historian John Moore, historian emeritus Brad Becker and historian Van Wagner. Senate Passes Bill Discounting Hunting and Fishing Licenses to Volunteer Firefighters
The Senate approved a bill that would enable volunteer firefighters to obtain discounted hunting licenses and fishing licenses in Pennsylvania. Resident adult hunting licenses cost $20.97 and fishing licenses cost $27.97. The legislation would reduce the cost of each to $1 for volunteer firefighters who served at least the previous 12 months in the commonwealth. Pennsylvania in the 1970s had as many as 300,000 volunteer firefighters. There currently are approximately 38,000 volunteer firefighters in the commonwealth. Central PA Energy Summit Coming July 22
Central Susquehanna Opportunities Inc. is partnering with Temple University to host a one-day event to discuss and explore energy options with the public. Anyone interested in energy-related matters is welcome to attend.
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