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In this Update:

• Happenings in the 46th
• Senate Favors Harsher Penalties for Drug Dealers
• Bill to Provide New Career Paths for Individuals in Recovery Passes Senate
• Senate Votes to Improve Bridge Maintenance and Safety
• Bill Offering Free Credit Monitoring to Data Breach Victims Receives Senate Support
• Recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• Stocking PA’s Waters with Trout
• Tour State Game Lands on Oct. 8 and 15

Happenings in the 46th

Last week I attended a bipartisan discussion on issues that are affecting small businesses and how the state government can provide relief and assistance. The Small Business Roundtable event was hosted by the Peter’s Township Chamber of Commerce (PTCC) in partnership with NFIB (National Federation of Independent Business).

I believe we had meaningful dialogue with those in attendance and our legislative panel addressed many issues that the region’s small business owners are facing such as the labor crisis, inflation, minimum wage, energy and many other topics. It was also a great opportunity to meet with individuals one-on-one following the group discussion. My colleagues and I will continue to push legislation that promotes economic growth not only in our districts but across the Commonwealth.

Thank you to Amy Petro from the PTCC and Greg Moreland from NFIB Pennsylvania for hosting this incredibly important discussion.

Speaking of small business, I visited the Cecil Township Fall Festival last week to help kick things off at the opening ceremonies. There were a record 135 vendors, many local small businesses, that provided festival goers with an eclectic selection of wares. The festival was blessed with two absolutely gorgeous days and I certainly took advantage to get a head start on my Christmas list. Kudos to the Cecil Township Parks & Recreation Board for all of their hard work putting this together every year.

My office also attended the Trinity Area School District’s brand new state-of-the-art 26,000 sq ft Athletic Complex ceremonial ribbon cutting. The new facility provides Trinity students, teachers, athletes, and coaches a large space to train, practice, exercise, and teach during all four seasons. There is a soccer goal box, a baseball and softball diamond sewn into the turf, 12 brand new weightlifting racks, cardio equipment, batting case, and so much more.

A special thank you to Superintendent Dr. Michael Lucas and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Donald Snoke for being wonderful hosts and showing us around the facility. Congratulations and go Hillers!

Senate Favors Harsher Penalties for Drug Dealers

The Senate voted to enact harsher penalties for drug dealers who sell products that lead to the poisoning death of a victim, including drugs laced with fentanyl.

Senate Bill 235 would establish a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison and a minimum $15,000 fine for anyone convicted of selling or distributing drugs that result in a death. Under current guidelines, drug dealers who poison victims with fentanyl can be back out on the streets in two years or less.

The bill would not apply to drug users who share drugs with family members or friends, or those who seek medical help for individuals who overdose.

Bill to Provide New Career Paths for Individuals in Recovery Passes Senate

Individuals in recovery for substance use disorder would be able to maintain meaningful employment and chart a new path under a pilot program approved by the Senate.

Senate Bill 69 would create a Recovery to Work pilot program to connect individuals in recovery with high-priority occupations through local workforce development boards. The boards would work with the treatment and recovery community as well as local employers and training providers to find job training and employment opportunities.

The pilot program would be led by the Department of Labor and Industry with the assistance of the departments of Health, Community and Economic Development, and Drug and Alcohol Programs, as well as the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

Senate Votes to Improve Bridge Maintenance and Safety

This week, the Senate passed legislation to make state funding available for local bridge projects.

Currently, state Motor License Fund dollars are made available for the construction and repair of county bridges. While the funds are used to repair county-owned bridges, spending guidance fails to note how the funds could be used for bridges owned by municipalities within the counties. As a result, municipal bridges suffer and go without repair while remaining funds go unused due to ambiguous guidance.

Senate Bill 799 would give counties the flexibility they need to fund local bridge projects.

Bill Offering Free Credit Monitoring to Data Breach Victims Receives Senate Support

The Senate approved legislation to strengthen notification requirements for data breaches and provide affected citizens with free credit monitoring.

Senate Bill 824 would provide citizens affected by a data breach a free credit report and a year of credit monitoring while they recover. The bill also strengthens state notification requirements and requires Attorney General notification if a data breach occurs in the commonwealth.

The measure 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.

Recognizing Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Every October, we recognize Breast Cancer Awareness Month. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, but early detection can drastically increase the survival rate. Take action by scheduling regular clinical breast exams and mammograms.

Of course, my colleagues and I work throughout the year to support people facing breast cancer. We passed comprehensive breast cancer screening legislation earlier this year that eliminated out-of-pocket costs for necessary BRCA testing and screening for high-risk Pennsylvanians.

This week, we also supported a resolution highlighting metastatic breast cancer – stage four when cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Despite advancements in medical science, metastatic breast cancer remains incurable.

To remind everyone visiting the Capitol of the importance of mammograms and early detection in fighting breast cancer, the Capitol fountain was dyed pink for the remainder of the month during a ceremony earlier this week. The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition teamed up with the Pa. Dairymen’s Association to give out free pink strawberry flavored milkshakes at the event.

Stocking PA’s Waters with Trout

Pennsylvania’s waterways are being restocked with approximately 117,500 hatchery-raised adult Rainbow, Brown and Brook Trout in 119 stream sections and lakes. The effort, which began this week, will continue through mid-December.

The stockings will replenish popular fishing spots across the state and provide ice fishing opportunities. Review the trout stocking schedules here. They are subject to change because of water temperature fluctuations and hatchery logistics.

Trout that are stocked during fall and winter can be fished for immediately. Anglers ages 16 and older must have a valid Pennsylvania fishing license and trout permit. You can buy 2023 fishing licenses and permits online or at a retail license issuing agent.

Tour State Game Lands on Oct. 8 and 15

Across the commonwealth, you can tour state game lands the next two Sundays: Oct. 8 and 15. The drive-through tours, offered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, are free and held rain or shine for vehicles licensed to travel on public roads.

The tours offer the opportunity to learn about the historical aspects of the game lands and the habitat improvements being made on them.

Find specific locations and times for the tours here.

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