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In this Update:
Increasing Penalties for Reporting False Threats at Schools
In the wake of a school shooting tragedy and an uptick in hoax reports, the Senate approved legislation to enhance criminal penalties for false threat reports. Senate Bill 975 would make knowingly reporting a false threat at schools and higher education institutions a felony of the third degree, resulting in a prison sentence of up to seven years and a fine of up to $15,000. It would also allow courts to sentence anyone convicted to pay the costs of an evacuation or response that resulted from the threat. These costs may include supplies, equipment, or materials to respond to the threat; food that went unused because of the evacuation or diversion from standard operations of a school; and salary and wages – including overtime pay – for those who respond to the threat and any teacher, administrator, or other educational facility employee who was paid despite the diversion. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Approves Bill to Protect PA’s Power Grid
The Senate approved legislation to increase fines and penalties against those who intentionally vandalize or attack critical infrastructure, like the power grid. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Under Senate Bill 819, those who willfully damage, destroy, vandalize, deface, or tamper with equipment in a critical infrastructure facility will face a minimum of third-degree felony charges that come with a prison sentence of one to five years and a fine of no less than $10,000, along with the potential to face civil suits for damages to personal or real estate interests. A destabilized power grid brings national security risks and disrupts our day-to-day activities – particularly among vulnerable populations. With the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security warning of increasing foreign and domestic threats to the power grid, protecting our critical infrastructure is more important than ever. Primary Election Day is Tuesday, April 23
Primary Election Day is early this year: Tuesday, April 23, from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are not registered to vote using a mail-in ballot but need to do so because of an emergency situation – such as an unexpected illness, disability, or last-minute absence from your municipality – you may request an Emergency Absentee Ballot. The deadline to submit an Emergency Absentee Ballot Application to the County Election Board is April 23 at 8 p.m. If you’re not sure where to report to vote, check here using the Department of State website. In addition to providing the address of your polling place, it will also tell you if you are an annual mail-in or absentee voter. Voters who requested a mail-in ballot but would prefer to vote in person can do so if they bring their ballot and the pre-addressed outer return envelope to their polling place to be voided. If you do not surrender your ballot and return envelope, you can only vote by provisional ballot at your polling place. New Crime-Fighting Tool for the Public
PSP Tips offers the public a new way to share information related to active investigations, cold cases, the apprehension of wanted persons, or locating missing persons. It includes information about nearly 100 cold case homicides, missing persons, and other unsolved crimes. New cases will be added frequently. Featured cases include the 1973 homicide of an eight-year-old girl in Greene County, the unsolved killing in 1977 of a high school junior in Blair County, the 1981 disappearance of a Lackawanna County teenager, and the search for the children of Susan Reinert, a Montgomery County teacher found murdered near Harrisburg in 1979. All cases in which the Pennsylvania State Police requests public assistance can be viewed on Facebook and Twitter. Your tip could provide investigators with a long-awaited breakthrough that will finally bring closure and justice for the victims’ families. All information submitted to PSP Tips can be provided anonymously, if desired. Submit information using the toll-free phone number, 1-800-4PA-TIPS (1-800-472-8477) or online. Connecting with Constituents at Moravian Manor
Thanks to all those who joined my most recent Coffee & Conversation at Moravian Manor in Lititz. We had a thoughtful discussion about our education system, including early childhood education, safety in schools, charter schools, and funding. We also talked about veterans and mental health. As always, I was very grateful for the feedback and dialogue. Please be sure to visit my website to learn more about upcoming events, including the next Coffee & Conversation to be held on Monday, May 20, from 9-10:30 a.m. at Columbia Market House in Columbia. Lancaster County Roadwork Info Available on My Website
As we all know, roadwork can derail our commute to work and our travels around our communities – especially when we don’t know it’s in progress. So that you aren’t surprised, my office compiles all announcements of upcoming roadwork in Lancaster County. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation makes this information available online, but it is lumped in with information for other counties as part of District 8 Roadwork. Access my resource webpage that details only projects specific to Lancaster County here. Recent announcements include work on Milton Grove Road (Route 4033) in Mount Joy and Rapho Townships and continued work on the Route 30/Route 222 Interchange Improvement Project. Manheim Township Choir Sings at PA Capitol
The Manheim Township School District High School Concert Choir – a curricular, auditioned ensemble of 48 students in grades 9-12 – recently visited the state capitol in Harrisburg to sing in the rotunda as part of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association’s celebration of March as “Music In Our Schools” Month. Local High School Student Becomes Eagle Scout
Congratulations to Ben Doumaux of Lititz upon his tremendous achievement of earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest advancement rank in the Boy Scouts of America. He is a member of Troop 99, which is sponsored by the Highland Presbyterian Church in Lancaster. Ben has served his troop as bugler, patrol leader, and assistant senior patrol leader. For his Eagle Scout community service project, Ben rerouted a section of the Horse-Shoe Trail to make it safer for hikers and horseback riders. Donations Give Students More Educational Opportunities
I recently joined Rep. Bryan Cutler and Sen. Scott Martin to celebrate the generosity of Bridge Educational Foundation. With the support of its local corporate donors, the foundation presented $62,000 of scholarship money to families in Lancaster County through our state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit program. This program connects students with the educational opportunities that give them the greatest chance at success based on their specific needs. Youth Leadership Camp to be Held June 9-15
Teenagers who are interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement or the military are encouraged to apply to participate in a leadership camp to be held June 9-15 at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg. The Pennsylvania State Police, Pennsylvania National Guard, and Pennsylvania American Legion staff the camp. Cadets work on team-building exercises, physical fitness training, classroom activities involving police and military careers, and a marksmanship course. They will also visit the State Police Academy and Fort Indiantown Gap National Training Center. The camp offers three $1,000 scholarships at the end of the week. Applicants must be between the ages of 15 and 17 prior to entering the camp and may not reach age 18 during the camp. Applicants should be physically fit, in good health, and have a strong academic record. There is no cost to participants as their local American Legion post sponsors their attendance. Learn more and fill out an application here by May 15. Five Steps to Safer Digging
April is Pennsylvania 8-1-1 Safe Digging Month, which is the perfect time to review the five steps for safely preparing for any outdoor project that requires excavation so you don’t hit an underground utility line. Mark your proposed work site with white paint, flags or chalk. Then, as required by state law, contact PA One Call at least three to 10 business days prior to excavation. Pennsylvanians can dial 8-1-1 to connect with the One Call system and out-of-state residents or businesses can call 1-800-242-1776. Wait to begin work until the lawful start date. Track the progress of your request through the email that details what each utility company did to mark the location of their underground lines. Dig carefully. Following the five steps to safer digging minimizes risk to the contractors or homeowners who are doing the digging; to utility workers and emergency responders who are mobilized to deal with the damage; and to bystanders who live, work or travel near the locations of the incidents. Learn more here.
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