View this email in a browser

In this Update:

• Senate Accomplishments: Helping Crime Victims
• What are the Greatest Health Care Concerns to be Addressed?
• Utilities Set to Adjust Seasonal Energy Supply Prices Dec. 1
• Recognizing a Local Eagle Scout’s Achievement
• Support Available for Nursing Apprenticeships
• Touring the Occupational Development Center
• Learning About Treatments Offered by DaVita Kidney Care
• Welcoming Schoolchildren to the State Capitol
• Pre-Application Period Begins for Traffic Signal Improvement Grants
• National Guard Academy for At-Risk Youth Taking Applications
• Help for Pennsylvanians Dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease

Senate Accomplishments: Helping Crime Victims

As lawmakers, we work to implement legislation to help communities prevent crime. But when crime does occur, we need to make sure the laws stand behind victims.

Three bills recently signed into law will help protect crime victims from being targeted again, give them a greater say in criminal proceedings and help them recover restitution from offenders.

Act 50 of 2022 extends the Domestic and Sexual Violence Victim Address Confidentiality Act to give victims of child abduction and human trafficking access to substitute mailing addresses. This approach has been successful in preventing assailants from using such information to locate victims. The new law also allows requests for address confidentiality to be submitted electronically. Previously, requests had to be made in writing, impeding access and slowing the process.  

Act 71 of 2022 requires that a victim of a violent crime be notified of any proceeding in which conditions for bail can be modified. This affords the victim the right to offer comment regarding a defendant’s bail conditions when they’re imposed or later modified.

Act 134 of 2022 makes it easier for crime victims to obtain relevant information learned by law enforcement during the investigation of the crime. Crime victims can then use that information in civil legal actions to recover damages for their injuries. The meager restitution obtained through criminal cases often does not fully compensate victims.

I look forward to continuing to work in the next legislative session to reduce crime and support those impacted by offenders.

What are the Greatest Health Care Concerns to be Addressed?

For several reasons, health care has been and will likely continue to be an important point of conversation. From inadequate access to care – especially in rural areas – to the cost associated with receiving care and necessary medications, people have shared many concerns with me.

I want to know what you think. Please take a moment to fill out the one-question survey on my website here.

Utilities Set to Adjust Seasonal Energy Supply Prices Dec. 1

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) reports that Pennsylvania electric and natural gas utilities will adjust their prices on Dec. 1 for customers who do not shop around for energy suppliers.

All regulated utility companies will adjust their “price to compare” (PTC) rates in the coming weeks, but Pennsylvania’s electricity marketplace gives consumers the option to select a different supplier to find the most competitive pricing.

The two major parts of monthly electric or natural gas bills are the delivery/distribution charge and the generation/supply charge. Consumers can shop for and contract with a competitive supplier or for consumers who do not shop, the utility provides energy supply at the PTC. The PTC averages 40% to 60% of the customer’s total utility bill and will be adjusted at the end of this month.

The PUC urges consumers currently struggling to pay monthly bills to act now and seek assistance by contacting their utilities. State assistance is also available. You can see what price increases utilities are reporting, and how to reduce energy costs, here.

Recognizing a Local Eagle Scout’s Achievement

Congratulations to Connor Nimmon of Troop 349 in Mountville for earning the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest advancement rank available in the Boy Scouts of America.

For his Eagle Scout community service project, Connor collected hygiene products to create hygiene kits for Hands Across the Street. He also served his troop as bugler, instructor, patrol leader, assistant senior patrol leader, and senior patrol leader.

This monumental achievement, made by a small percentage of all Boy Scouts, represents great sacrifice and tremendous efforts. Job well done, Connor!

Support Available for Nursing Apprenticeships

Local workforce development boards have until Nov. 30 to apply for state assistance to develop nursing apprenticeship programs in low- or moderate-income communities.

Distributed by the Department of Labor and Industry, Nursing Pathway Apprenticeship Industry Partnership grant funding will award local workforce development boards up to $260,000 to collaborate with community partners, organizations, sponsors and regional industry partnerships to register, maintain and manage nursing apprenticeship programs, as well as recruit and retain qualified health care professionals.

The initiative aims to prepare individuals for a range of nursing positions, including home health aides, certified nursing assistants, and licensed practical nurses.

Touring the Occupational Development Center

I stopped by the Occupational Development Center (ODC) in Lancaster while they were having their annual Halloween Costume Party. ODC provides vocational training and employment opportunities for Lancaster County adults with developmental disabilities.

Learn more about ODC here.

Learning About Treatments Offered by DaVita Kidney Care

When I visited the Elizabethtown DaVita Kidney Care facility, I spoke with patients and DaVita’s group facility administrator, dietician, nurses, and patient care technician. Through our conversations, I learned about patient care and how dialysis is administered to patients. I also toured the physical plant where water is filtered for dialysis purposes.

There are three DaVita dialysis facilities in the 36^th District where nearly 250 residents receive treatment.

Welcoming Schoolchildren to the State Capitol

I had the privilege of speaking with students from Doe Run Elementary in Manheim at the State Capitol recently.

Fourth graders from Donegal Intermediate School also made the trip to the Capitol. I love watching the reactions of students when they walk into the rotunda for the first time.

If you would like to tour the national historic landmark for yourself, book your tour for up to 40 guests online here. The Interactive Welcome Center, which is full of informative exhibits, is also open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Read more about the Welcome Center here.

Pre-Application Period Begins for Traffic Signal Improvement Grants

Green Light-Go is a competitive state grant program designed to improve the efficiency and operation of traffic signals in Pennsylvania communities, reducing congestion and increasing safety at intersections.

Prior to applying for this assistance, municipalities, counties and planning organizations must pre-apply by Dec. 23. Full applications must be submitted electronically through the DCED Single Application for Assistance between Jan. 3, 2023 and Jan. 31, 2023.

It is anticipated awards from this application round will be announced in summer 2023 and the projects must be completed by spring 2026.

National Guard Academy for At-Risk Youth Taking Applications

Applications are being accepted for youth to take part in the Pennsylvania National Guard’s Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy class beginning in January 2023. If selected, students will attend the 22-week residential phase at Fort Indiantown Gap in Annville, Lebanon County.

The academy provides a positive learning environment designed to guide at-risk teenagers in furthering their education and setting a path to a brighter future. Cadets will experience a structured and disciplined residential program built upon a military-based training model.

There is no tuition cost to attend. Meals, housing, uniforms and school supplies are provided at no charge. There is no military obligation requirement after completing the program. Find out more and apply here.    

Help for Pennsylvanians Dealing with Alzheimer’s Disease

There are an estimated 280,000 Pennsylvanians living with Alzheimer’s disease. This type of dementia is the seventh leading cause of death among all adults.

Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month is a reminder that while there is no cure for this disease, there is a wide range of support available for patients and families.  

You can find caregiver resources and information on risk reduction and other topics at the Pennsylvania Department of Health and the Alzheimer Association’s Greater PA Chapter.

2024 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://www.senatoraument.com | Privacy Policy