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In this Update:
Reminder: Senior Expo at Knoebels Sept. 9
Rep. Joanne Stehr and I will host our annual Senior Expo on Wednesday, Sept. 9, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pavilion J at Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg. The free event will bring together government agencies, senior organizations and other exhibitors offering information and resources for older residents and their families. There will also be health screenings, door prizes, giveaways and a complimentary lunch. Admission is free, but advance registration for lunch is encouraged. You can register online or call 570-206-9207. We are also collecting nonperishable food items as part of Hunger Action Month, so if attendees are able they’re encouraged to bring a donation to support local food banks. Senior Technology Workshop Offers Hands-On Help
Last Thursday, I hosted a Senior Technology Workshop at the Bloomsburg Public Library to help older residents become more comfortable using technology and protecting themselves online. Scott Lyttle with PA CareerLink joined us virtually to discuss digital security, including how to recognize online red flags, manage email inboxes, control your online presence and better secure your accounts. After the presentation, library staff and volunteers provided hands-on assistance and answered individual technology questions. About 15 seniors attended the workshop. Thank you to Scott, the Bloomsburg Public Library and everyone who helped provide this opportunity for our residents. Beaver Springs Fire Company Celebrates 100 Years
I was honored to join the Beaver Springs Fire Company as its members celebrated the company’s 100th anniversary and to present a Senate citation recognizing this milestone. For generations, members of the fire company have answered the call and served their neighbors in Beaver Springs and the surrounding community. The company provides fire and rescue services to residents of Spring and Adams townships in Snyder County. Congratulations to everyone who has been part of the Beaver Springs Fire Company over the past century, and thank you to the current members who continue that tradition of service. Touring Empire Beauty School in Shamokin Dam
This week I toured Empire Beauty School in Shamokin Dam and spoke with students preparing for careers in the beauty industry. Students complete 900 hours of training over approximately nine months, with new classes beginning every three weeks. During the visit, Empire Beauty School Chairman and CEO Frank Schoeneman spoke with students about preparing for their careers, building professional networks and opportunities to eventually own their own businesses. I also spoke with students about professional licensing, license portability between states and the importance of being involved in their communities. Thank you to the students and staff for welcoming me and sharing more about the training taking place at the Shamokin Dam facility. Concerns Raised Over Proposed State Health Regulations
The Governor and the Pennsylvania Department of Health have proposed a significant update to the Commonwealth’s health regulations. The proposal spans more than 500 pages and includes provisions that could expand the department’s authority in homes, businesses, schools and health care settings. Because these changes are being pursued through the regulatory process rather than through legislation, members of the General Assembly do not have the same role we would have in considering a bill. My colleagues and I are continuing to review the proposal closely, particularly provisions involving individual privacy, property rights and the scope of the department’s authority. Pennsylvania learned important lessons during the COVID-19 pandemic about the balance between protecting public health and respecting the rights of residents, businesses and communities. Any changes to state health regulations should be carefully considered with that balance in mind. You can review the proposed regulations here. The public comment period is open through Sept. 21, and residents can submit comments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission here. I encourage anyone with concerns or feedback to review the proposal and participate in the public comment process. Our health and safety are important, and so are transparency, privacy and individual rights. Attorney General Warns of MyChart Phishing Scam
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday is warning residents about a new phishing scam targeting people who use MyChart, an online patient portal used by many hospitals and health care providers. Scammers are sending emails and text messages offering a supposed “MyChart Medicare Kit.” No such program or reward exists. The messages contain malicious links intended to obtain passwords and personal information that could give scammers access to a patient’s MyChart account. The Attorney General’s Office recommends that residents:
Anyone who is unsure about a message should contact their medical provider directly rather than using information contained in the suspicious message. Residents who believe they have been targeted or victimized can contact the Office of Attorney General’s Bureau of Consumer Protection at 1-800-441-2555, email scams@attorneygeneral.gov or learn more about the scam here. Historic Settlement with Meta Includes Social Media Protections
In another development focused on online safety, Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Pennsylvania and a multistate coalition have reached a settlement with Meta, owner of Instagram and Facebook, assuring the social media giant will implement sweeping changes to age verification, limit children’s time on their platforms and cut kids’ access to harmful content. The settlement, which involves up to $17.1 billion in national remediation payments, is contingent on other major social media companies agreeing to the same changes. Pennsylvania is expected to receive more than $500 million. The attorney general also filed a lawsuit against the owners of Snapchat regarding its failures to warn users of platform addictiveness and protect children from compulsive use. Read more about the settlement with Meta here. In recent years, I’ve worked with my colleagues to strengthen Pennsylvania laws addressing malicious deepfakes and AI-generated child sexual abuse material and supported the creation of the Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age. The Senate has also passed bills to strengthen mandatory reporting requirements involving AI-generated CSAM and help protect children from harmful AI chatbot interactions. As technology continues to evolve, we need to make sure safeguards are in place to protect children and families. Hunger Action Month Food Drive Underway
Throughout September, my district offices are collecting nonperishable food items as part of Hunger Action Month to support local food banks and families across our region. Donations will be accepted through Sept. 30 at my district offices in Bloomsburg, Mount Carmel and Shamokin Dam. All items collected will be provided to local food banks. Bloomsburg District Office Mount Carmel District Office Shamokin Dam District Office Residents attending our Senior Expo at Knoebels on Sept. 9 if able, are also encouraged to bring a nonperishable food item for the collection. Hunger Action Month is recognized throughout September to raise awareness of food insecurity and encourage support for organizations working to address hunger. If you are able to participate, consider dropping off a nonperishable food item this month to help support neighbors across our communities. Help Available Finding a New Job
Pennsylvanians looking for work and employers can turn to PA CareerLink® for assistance both online and at locations in our area. The PA CareerLink® website allows job seekers to search available positions, access more than 7,000 online training courses and find resources for career development. Assistance is also available for mature workers, veterans, individuals with disabilities, young workers and those re-entering the workforce. Residents can also visit one of our local PA CareerLink® offices for services including job search assistance, resume and interview preparation, career counseling, classroom and on-the-job training, and other workforce resources: PA CareerLink® Columbia/Montour Counties PA CareerLink® Northumberland/Snyder/Union Counties Employers can also use PA CareerLink® to connect with job candidates, learn about apprenticeship opportunities and access other workforce development resources. Medicare Questions Answered by PA MEDI
If you’re eligible for Medicare and have questions, PA MEDI has local, certified counselors to provide free and confidential assistance to help you navigate the system. PA MEDI (Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight) is part of a nationwide network of state health insurance assistance programs. It provides unbiased help and information for those on Medicare, their families and caregivers. PA MEDI does not sell or recommend Medicare insurance products, insurance agents or brokers. The assistance covers the various Medicare plans, enrollment, rules, billing, appeals and more. Call 1-800-783-7067 or visit the PA MEDI webpage. Happy Labor Day
More than a day off, Labor Day is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of workers who provide for their families and allow communities to thrive. In observance of Labor Day, my offices will be closed on Monday, Sept. 7. Normal office hours will resume on Tuesday, Sept. 8. I hope you have a great holiday weekend. |
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