|
||||
|
In this Update:
Taking Action After Pet Cremation Scandal
In response to disturbing allegations and criminal charges involving the mishandling of pet remains at Vereb Funeral Home, myself, State Senators Nick Pisciottano (D-Allegheny) and Rosemary Brown (R-Lackawana, Monroe, Wayne), along with State Representative Brandon Markosek (D-Allegheny), announced the introduction of bipartisan companion legislation to strengthen oversight of pet cremation and burial service providers. Currently, Pennsylvania law provides no regulatory framework governing how the cremated remains of pets should be handled. This gap allows bad actors to exploit grieving families with little fear of consequences, even in cases where cremation services are paid for but never actually performed. The legislation would establish new standards and enforcement mechanisms for the pet cremation industry, restoring public trust and ensuring pets are treated with the respect they deserve. My Companion Legislation to Accelerate Permitting for Data Centers
I recently announced plans to introduce companion legislation aimed at ensuring timely permitting for data center projects. The legislation directs the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to generate approved earthwork, stormwater and air permits to developers who commit to improved environmental outcomes by meeting or exceeding design standards. An accelerated permit will enable simultaneous pursuit of additional permits, land use approvals and other complicated hurdles which can considerably delay project approval. This effort comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s and U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick’s (R-PA) announcement of a $90 billion investment to build AI infrastructure such as data centers and power generation in Pennsylvania. I am joining state Reps. Eric Nelson (R-Westmoreland), Kyle Mullins (D-Lackawanna) and Jamie Barton (R-Berks/Schuylkill), who earlier this year announced plans to introduce this legislation in the House of Representatives. PA Broadband Development Authority Awards Laptops to Area
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) today awarded 300 laptops to the 46th Senatorial District as part of a competitively awarded grant process established by the U.S. Department of Treasury. The grant funding comes from the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund, which provided Pennsylvania $279 million for critical capital projects, including $20 million for non-profits, community anchor institutions, and municipal governments to purchase laptops for local citizens to utilize. In Greene County, Jefferson-Morgan School District will receive 130 laptops, and in Washington County, Washington & Jefferson College will receive 170 laptops. Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
It is important to continue stressing how critical it is to protect yourself from identity theft by destroying your sensitive documents. That is why my staff and I will be hosting another Identity Theft Prevention Shredding Event at the Ringold High School parking next Saturday, August 2, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. The address is 1 Ram Drive, Monongahela. An industrial shredder truck will be on site at this drive-through event, and up to two boxes or bags will be accepted per vehicle. Please remove any binder or paper clips. Phone books, newspapers and bound books cannot be accepted. This event is for individuals only. No businesses, please. Identity theft prevention information will also be provided at the event. For additional information, please call 724-225-4380. Focus on the 46th
This week I attended a public meeting with farmers from around southwestern Pennsylvania and the PA Game Commission at the Lone Pine Social Hall in Washington County. The Game Commission discussed the launch of a pilot program to help tackle the crisis of the mass of deer population that has been decimating our farmer’s crops for far too long.
Last week in Charleroi, we celebrated all of the volunteers from Center on the Hill, Donora, Monongahela Senior Center, Perryopolis, and Riverside Place Senior Center programs by enjoying a wonderful lunch, great entertainment, and door prizes. I was thrilled to present Senate of Pennsylvania certificates of appreciation to the senior centers. A special thank you to the Southwestern PA Area Agency on Aging, Inc. for arranging this wonderful event and for the kind invitation.
At first glance, this may look like a typical home in a regular neighborhood — and in many ways, it is. But it’s also Arc Human Services’ Smart Living Home located here in the 46th District, and it’s designed to let families of people with disabilities or older adults experience assistive technology in a real-world setting. This week, I was invited by my good friend, Ed Picchiarini, CEO of Arc, to tour the home that’s allowing people to discover what technologies would work best for them to achieve a level of independence. You can watch the video by clicking the image above to see what’s inside the home and how it could potentially benefit someone you know. I would like to thank Craig Douglass, Arc’s Chief Administrative Officer, and Travis Fiem, Arc’s Program Systems Coordinator for guiding the wonderful tour. To learn more about Arc Human Services, click here. Bill to Expand Body Camera Use for Law Enforcement Passes Senate
To boost safety and accountability, the Senate passed legislation to expand the use of body-worn cameras to additional law enforcement personnel. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 520 authorizes the use of body cameras by special agents with the Office of Attorney General, rangers with the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, and officers and deputies with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission. The bill also modernizes the legal framework for body camera usage to ensure consistency in how footage is recorded and managed, regardless of the department using it. New Law Protects Users of Virtual Currency
We passed a new law to protect the increasing number of Pennsylvanians using virtual currency, such as Bitcoin. Act 7 of 2025 requires transmission of virtual currency to be treated similar to money transmission under state law. As more citizens use virtual currencies, the criminal element has increasingly focused on using this platform to evade prosecution. Pennsylvania will join 26 other states regulating virtual currency under their money transmitter acts so individuals can engage with virtual currencies at their own discretion with consumer safeguards in place. Nature Photo Contest Accepting Entries
Do you like to tell stories through photographs? The Susquehanna Greenway Photo Contest is accepting submissions through July 31. The contest focuses on life along the Susquehanna River through four categories: Recreation, Transportation, River Towns and Wildlife. Winners receive cash prizes and recognition in a traveling gallery. Find details and submission information here. You can view the stunning photographs from last year’s winners here. Flooded Roads: Turn Around, Don’t Drown
More than half of flood-related drownings occur when a vehicle is driven into flood water. It takes just 12 inches of rushing water to carry away most cars. Please play it safe and don’t drive around barricades on flooded roads. Never willingly walk, swim or drive through flood waters. Turn around, don’t drown. Celebrate National Ice Cream Month with PA Creameries
With nearly 5,000 dairy farms, Pennsylvania ranks third nationally in ice cream production. You can make your summer sweeter by visiting PA creameries through Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail. The trail connects dairy farm families and ice cream lovers at 52 destinations statewide. Travelers can plan their adventures, learn about participating creameries and accumulate redeemable points by visiting trail stops and making purchases. Find a list of participating creameries, their features and sign-up information here.
If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here. |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://www.senatorbartolotta.com | Privacy Policy |
