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In this Update:
Statement: No American Should Be Left Behind
While the recent release of Americans detained in Russia was certainly good news, the stark truth remains: President Biden’s agreement did not secure freedom for all. It’s a poignant moment for those reunited, but we cannot celebrate while fellow Americans, like Marc Fogel, are still held captive. Marc, a fellow Pennsylvanian, has been imprisoned in Russia for three long years. His family has tirelessly pleaded with our federal leaders for his return. No upstanding American should endure such prolonged separation from their loved ones. I implore President Biden and Vice President Harris to champion Marc’s cause during their remaining term in office and bring him home. We must stand together against this grave injustice. My thoughts and prayers are with Marc Fogel and his entire family during this incredibly challenging time. White Township Groundbreaking for Amphitheater
It was exciting to take part in last week’s groundbreaking ceremony for a project that has been in the planning stages for many years. The amphitheater project will complement the other offerings at the White Township Recreation complex – a hub of activities for families in our community and the entire region. State Rep. Jim Struzzi and I were pleased to collaborate with the township and local partners in supporting this important community project through a grant approved by the Commonwealth Financing Agency (CFA) through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program (GTRP). The GTRP and the CFA finance community improvement projects through Act 13 of 2012, which imposed an impact fee on developers of unconventional gas wells — primarily Marcellus shale drilling — throughout Pennsylvania. This is a prime example of Marcellus drillers paying their fair share. RGGI Electricity Tax is Wrong for PA
The Commonwealth Court ruled the RGGI Electricity Tax violates our state Constitution. The fact that Gov. Josh Shapiro continues to waste time, resources and energy appealing this decision, and the fact that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court is now allowing environmental nonprofit groups to intervene in the appeal, in no way changes the fundamental unconstitutionality of the RGGI Electricity Tax. Pennsylvania Senate Republicans are steadfast in our ongoing work to ensure the enactment of energy policies that balance development of our God-given natural resources with environmental needs. It is long past time for Gov. Shapiro to join us in standing with working families who are struggling with inflationary costs and pressures from higher electric bills. Senate Passes New Law Reducing Educational Challenges for Military Children
A new law passed unanimously by the Senate will help children of military families who face frequent reassignments with the challenges of moving between schools in different states. Children of National Guard and Reserve members now have the same help provided to those of active-duty military families through the Military Interstate Children’s Compact. The compact provides a consistent set of policies that make getting started in a new school, joining extracurricular activities, facilitating enrollment and meeting graduation requirements as easy as possible for military children. The law is designed to minimize educational disruption, making the relocation less stressful for parents and children. New Car Insurance After a Lapse? Remember to Notify PennDOT
Every month, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) suspends more than 15,000 vehicle registrations due to drivers cancelling or switching car insurance and forgetting to provide proof of new car insurance to PennDOT. Pennsylvania law requires all motor vehicle owners to maintain car insurance. A lapse in insurance coverage triggers a potential vehicle suspension for three months or a civil penalty of $500 in lieu of the registration suspension. An insurance provider is only required to notify PennDOT when car insurance is cancelled, not when it is initiated. The vehicle owner is responsible to update PennDOT to avoid a registration suspension and other penalties. PennDOT mails a letter to the registered vehicle owner explaining the lapse in insurance coverage, as well as the consequences for failing to provide new car insurance. To avoid being pulled over for not having car insurance even though your car is insured, remember to share your new car insurance information with PennDOT. Provide proof of insurance on PennDOT’s website, email your new insurance card to PennDOT at frinsurance@pa.gov or call PennDOT’s Financial Responsibility Unit at 717-412-5300. Law Enforcement to Connect with the Community on Aug. 6
To strengthen the community’s relationship with law enforcement, police departments across the country will host National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 6. It’s a great way to show children that we are all responsible to work together to preserve the safety of our communities. Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and other events with safety demonstrations, seminars, youth events, visits from emergency personnel and exhibits. Senate Republicans continue to work to support the brave men and women who put themselves in harm’s way to protect us. Act 10 of 2023 gave municipal police the statutory authority to conduct fingerprint-based criminal history checks on police applicants. Act 60 of 2023 expanded the list of law enforcement entities covered under the Heart and Lung Act, which provides for salary and medical expenses to be paid when an officer or firefighter is injured on the job. This year’s state budget awards nearly $5 million in new funding to the Attorney General’s Office to support law enforcement in tackling human trafficking ($1 million), organized retail theft ($2.7 million) and crimes on SEPTA properties ($1.2 million). Beware of PA Turnpike Scam
Random individuals have received text messages claiming to be from “Pennsylvania Turnpike Toll Services,” but it’s just a scam trying to obtain personal financial information to settle outstanding toll amounts. The texts center around urgent requests with the account that would result in additional charges if the overdue balance does not get settled. Similar scams have been reported by toll agencies across the country. People who receive an unsolicited text, email or similar message suggesting it is from the PA Turnpike or another toll agency should not click on the link. E-ZPass account holders and Toll By Plate customers can use approved safe methods to check their accounts such as the official PA Turnpike E-ZPass website or the PA Toll Pay app. Anyone who receives a fraudulent text can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Schedule Your Free State Capitol Tour
If you’re looking for a fun educational activity for your family this summer, you can tour the state Capitol for free. During a 30-minute guided tour, Capitol tour guides point out architectural and artistic highlights as they make the Capitol’s history come alive. There is also an Interactive Welcome Center and Capitol Gift Shop to enjoy during your visit. Guided tours are offered every half hour Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Weekends and most holidays, tours are offered at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. Schedule a tour online or by calling the Tour Guide Office at 1-800-TOUR-N-PA (868-7672). Groups of 10 or more require advanced reservations. For your safety, group size is limited to 40.
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