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In this Update:
Harrisburg Happenings
This week I rose to offer an amendment to my legislation, Senate Bill 64, which will create a special logo for veteran-owned businesses to display on a storefront or digitally to support their entrepreneurial efforts. The amendment includes language to better clarify how the program will be funded. To watch my floor remarks, click the image above.
Also this week the Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee passed Senator Greg Rothman’s legislation which provides enhanced flexibility for local governments to prioritize areas of greatest need using transportation funds for bridge repair and maintenance projects. Senate Bill 205 allows for state infrastructure dollars to be used toward municipal-owned bridges.
Last week Senator Scott Martin held his PA Day of Wrestling Champions Event at the Capitol Complex and I was elated to host Marlee Solomon, a Canon-McMillan School District High School sophomore wrestler that’s both a WPIAL and PIAA state title holder. She competed in four different weight classes this season! Marlee was joined by her mother, Daneen, herself a former state champion in California back in 1997, her stepfather, Jacob, and her dedicated Coach, Jurdon Maier, also accompanied her. I presented Marlee with a Senate Citation and introduced her before session today. You can watch my floor remarks introducing Marlee by clicking the image above.
Pennsylvania agriculture contributes $132.5 billion to our state economy annually and supports more than 593,000 jobs, paying wages of $32.8 billion. Ag Excellence is focused on educating the public and our youth about agriculture’s importance – a topic I discussed this week with Karen Wheatley, Executive Director of Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association (PCA), and Bill Devore, PCA Board Member out of Washington County.
A few Greene County middle school students are finalists in a really interesting competition called Startable. The Way, a wonderful community center in downtown Waynesburg, has partnered with Raynard Lucas and Startable Pittsburgh to help young entrepreneurs learn essential skills related to business and engineering. Marissa Stanko from The Way is the instructor who sent two teams to compete at the program’s annual competition. Congratulations to Isaiah, Quinn and Zachary for earning a spot in the finals through their hard work and dedication by effectively showcasing their ideas and products to the panel of judges. I had the opportunity to introduce these amazing students during Session this week and you can watch my remarks by clicking the image above.
It was a pleasure meeting former NFL linebacker, Deon Butler, and learning about his journey living with dyslexia. Deon is incredibly passionate about advancing literacy in Pennsylvania and was joined by Rachel Garnick (PA Literacy Coalition and Teach Plus PA) to share a few progress updates on their efforts.
Chances are good that you know someone who has a food allergy, one million Pennsylvanians have them. Over half of food-allergen deaths are the result of eating at a restaurant or other food service establishment. There is no current PA legislation to require restaurants to have food allergy disclaimers. House Bill 77, which is now in the Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee, looks to change that by mandating menu disclaimers, educational posters, and food allergy safety training. Even after administering two EpiPens, Kathy Briden lost her 28-year-old son to anaphylactic shock from a severe food allergy reaction at a restaurant. She visited Harrisburg with her family, along with Sung Poblete, CEO of Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), to help promote HB77 and raise awareness of food allergens. They were a guest of PA State Rep. Natalie Mihalek who is a co-sponsor of this legislation. I look forward to supporting this bill on the Senate floor. The camera crew in the picture is making a documentary on food allergies and the steps being taken to combat this incurable immune system reaction. Free Barbecue Picnic for Veterans and Service Members on July 10
I invite veterans, active duty service members, and their families of the 46th District to attend a veterans appreciation barbecue picnic on Friday, July 10, from 5-7 p.m. at the Stone Pavilion in Washington Park. This picnic is an opportunity to thank the men and women who have sacrificed their time and put their lives on hold to defend our great country. Of course, it is also about their families, who lived without their loved ones, often in fear for their safety when they were gone. I encourage all veterans and active duty members of the 46th District and their spouses to attend. Space is limited for the picnic, so veterans and their families are asked to RSVP by Wednesday, July 2, online by clicking this link. Call my district office for more information at 724-225-4380. Senate Approves Bill to Secure and Modernize PA’s IT Infrastructure
The Senate unanimously approved two cybersecurity bills to strengthen the commonwealth’s digital defenses. Senate Bill 376 would ban TikTok from all state-owned devices and networks, citing national security risks. It would bring Pennsylvania in line with federal guidelines and action taken by more than 39 other states and State Treasurer Stacy Garrity. Senate Bill 377 would require all state IT contracts to meet cybersecurity standards established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, a move aimed at protecting taxpayer-funded systems and reducing the risk of data breaches across state government. Both measures now head to the House of Representatives for consideration. Bill to Expand Naloxone Access, Support EMS Providers Passes Senate
Legislation to strengthen emergency response efforts and help address Pennsylvania’s opioid crisis passed the Senate with unanimous support. Senate Bill 95 would make permanent the temporary declaration allowing EMS personnel to give a dose of naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, to a caregiver or loved one of someone who has overdosed. Although this life-saving medication has been approved for over-the-counter use, not all versions are readily available. This legislation would allow EMS providers to distribute any formulation at the scene of an overdose, including those still awaiting final approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Committee Votes to Expand No-Cost Breast Cancer Screenings
Building on Pennsylvania’s landmark law that provides no-cost breast cancer screenings for high-risk individuals, the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee this week unanimously advanced legislation to expand diagnostic screening coverage. Senate Bill 88 would make diagnostic screenings free for anyone who finds an abnormality on a supplemental screening. The bill expands the number of supplemental screenings available and ensures no-cost diagnostic imaging for patients. It would ensure coverage for those at average risk of developing breast cancer and expand access to lifesaving early detection tools for many Pennsylvanians. The measure advances to the full Senate for consideration. Measure to Preserve Public Information Receives Senate Support
Legislation to ensure transparency and empower Pennsylvanians by preserving their access to information about government actions was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 686 would make tampering with Right-to-Know (RTK) records a third-degree felony, which can result in up to seven years of prison and a $15,000 fine. The RTK law holds public officials accountable for their actions regarding matters of public concern. However, it doesn’t currently mention a criminal offense for destroying or altering records subject to a request. The bill now advances to the House of Representatives for consideration. Happy Father’s Day!
On Sunday, we recognize the love, hard work and dedication of the dads and father figures in our lives. We appreciate their leadership that guides our families and shapes our lives. Warm wishes for a peaceful Father’s Day filled with cherished moments.
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