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Thank you for subscribing to my E-newsletter. I am honored to serve the 36th Senatorial District and look forward to working with you toward building a stronger Pennsylvania. This E-newsletter serves to keep you updated on what is happening throughout Lancaster County and what I am doing as your State Senator in Harrisburg – I hope that you find it helpful! Should you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please DO NOT reply to this email; instead, please feel free to contact me here.
In this Update:
Legislative Survey: Empowering Parents, Protecting Children
The Senate of Pennsylvania is debating several measures that would empower parents and protect children on social media platforms and in our schools and libraries. Specifically, the Senate is looking at legislation that would require parental consent for children to join popular social media platforms under the age of 16. The measure would also require social media platforms to notify parents or legal guardians if a child opens a social media platform and would also prohibit the use of data mining for any user under the age of 18. You can read more about this measure here. The Senate is also reviewing a measure that would make parents aware of the mature content their child may be provided in school and give them the ability to deny their own child access to such content. You can read more about this legislation here. Do you support these parental empowerment measures currently pending in the legislature? Please let me know here! 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. Hearing Jessica Lynch’s Story of Survival
On the Senate floor last month, it was incredibly inspirational to meet and hear Jessica Lynch tell her story about her time as a prisoner of war in Iraq. Jessica’s bravery and resilience is extremely admirable, and she represents the best our country has to offer. For more photos of Jessica’s visit to the PA Capitol, visit my Instagram page here. 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. Thank You for a Great Health Care Discussion
It was a pleasure to speak with members of the Lancaster City and County Medical Society about legislative efforts to improve quality of care and enhance health care access. We also discussed the best ways to engage with public officials, share your priorities, and advocate on behalf of issues that matter to you. Thank you for including me in this productive conversation. For more photos from the advocacy breakfast, visit my Instagram page here. Talking with Lancaster County Seniors
It’s always a pleasure to visit with our wonderful seniors in Lancaster County to talk about issues they find important and the services my office offers to help them. A member of my staff had that opportunity at the 50+ Expo in Spooky Nook. New Park Coming to Columbia
Recently, I joined Rep. Brett Miller, Columbia Borough officials, and members of the Janson Foundation for a check presentation at Janson Park in Columbia. Lori Yeich of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources presented a check for $116,500, matched by the foundation, to install a new playground. Thanks to all in the Borough and at the Foundation who made this award possible! For more photos from the check presentation ceremony, check out my Instagram page here. Walnut Street Extension is Open Now
The Walnut Street extension linking Greenfield and Route 30 is now open to minimize traffic by reducing the bottlenecking in that area. My staffer, Angel, was pleased to be at the ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate this much-needed improvement.
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