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In this Update:
Join Me for Coffee & Conversation on Monday, May 20
My next Coffee and Conversation event is on Monday, May 20, from 9-10:30 a.m. at Columbia Market House, 15 S. Third St., Columbia. This is a great opportunity for residents of the 36th Senatorial District to discuss issues that are important to Lancaster County communities and what’s happening in Harrisburg. There will be light refreshments, and people are welcome to drop in whenever best suits their schedule. It’s not too late to RSVP to attend the event by clicking here. Stopping Major Mobile Device Carriers from Misleading Consumers
Pennsylvania reached a $10.25 million settlement with several major mobile device service carriers regarding deceptive advertising practices, including supposed “unlimited” data plans and “free” phones. The settlement with AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Cricket, and T-Mobile requires the carriers to disclose all attached fees and agreements, train customer service staff accordingly, and be truthful in future advertising. The terms of the settlements address misrepresentations in advertisements concerning “unlimited” data advertisements, “free” phone offers, monetary incentives to switch wireless networks, and wireless carrier plan comparisons. They will be able to claim that a consumer will save money by purchasing its products or services only when it’s reasonable based on comparisons with the prices of comparable goods and services of other providers. Results Are in for My Most Recent Survey!
Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond to my survey about the cost of public meeting advertisements. An archaic mandate in Pennsylvania requires local government entities to advertise public meetings in newspapers. Most taxpayers are unaware the mandate exists and that it costs them an average of $28 million annually. My poll asked if respondents would support a bill requiring the cost of public meeting advertisements to be published for taxpayers to review. Of the nearly 300 constituents who responded, 68% said they would favor a bill to require transparency. Learn more about this bill here. Because newspaper circulations have dropped by more than 50% in the last 17 years, I was also curious if people think newspapers are the most effective way to disseminate the information. Via the survey, 70% of people shared their support for conducting a study to determine if advertising public meetings in newspapers is the best way to share such information. Learn more about this proposed study here. Senate Approves Bill to Boost PA Youth Hunting and Fishing
The Senate unanimously approved legislation to create a new license plate for Pennsylvania sportsmen with proceeds used to fund youth hunting and fishing education. The Pennsylvania Sportsman registration plate would celebrate those who hunt and fish. Under Senate Bill 916, the plate would be designed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. The Pennsylvania Sportsman plate would cost $40 plus the registration fee, of which $14 would be deposited into a Youth Hunting and Fishing Restricted Account to be allocated equally to the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for the purpose of promoting youth hunting and fishing activities. Free Hotline to Support New Parents
While we celebrated mothers last week, they need our support more than simply on Mother’s Day – particularly when they recently had a baby and are much more prone to feeling depressed, anxious, and overwhelmed. The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is free, confidential, and available 24/7. Trained counselors can listen to what callers and texters are going through, connect them with local support groups and organizations, and refer them to other health care professionals if they need more care. Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). Partners and other family members may also use the hotline, as pregnancy and the birth of a baby can affect the whole family. Congratulations to New Eagle Scout
Congratulations to Elizabethtown resident Matthew Kerin upon achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in the Boy Scouts. For his community service project, he installed shelving units in the kitchen pantry for Elizabethtown Community Housing and Outreach Services and provided them with food to stock the shelves. Matthew is a member of Troop 51 in Elizabethtown and has served his troop as chaplain aide, guide, historian, quartermaster, scribe, patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, and senior patrol leader. Honoring Law Enforcement Officers
From May 12-18, we celebrate National Police Week by honoring fallen officers and recognizing the significant role law enforcement officers play in keeping our communities safe, a top priority for Senate Republicans. In support of that initiative, we have recently passed multiple laws to aid the men and women who work so hard to protect us. Act 34 of 2023 funded an additional 100 Pennsylvania State Police troopers to help make our communities safer. Act 10 of 2023 gave municipal police the authority to conduct fingerprint-based criminal history checks on police applicants to ensure we accept and train qualified individuals. According to the Fraternal Order of Police, 25 officers were shot and five died in the line of duty in Pennsylvania in 2023. We are forever indebted to them for their selfless service to our Commonwealth. Early Detection of Breast Cancer Saves Lives
When diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is higher than 90%. Of course, a missed mammogram could mean the delayed diagnosis of breast cancer. If you are high risk, don’t let the cost of screening deter you. Through Act 1 of 2023, Senate Republicans eliminated costs for breast MRIs, breast ultrasounds, and BRCA-related genetic testing and counseling. Women aged 40 and above who regularly get mammograms are in the best position to fight breast cancer. Remember, early detection saves lives. Students Tour PA Capitol; You Can Too!Lancaster County students have been traveling to Harrisburg to tour our beautiful and historic State Capitol building and learn more about how state government works. Everyone is welcome to visit this national historic landmark, and tours are free. If you’d like to learn about the building’s history, design, and architecture, book your tour here.
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