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In this Update:
Capitol Preview Program
On Tuesday morning this past week, I stopped by the Pennsylvania Cable Network studio to be a guest on the Capitol Preview Program; joined by Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa, we discussed the Pennsylvania Senate’s legislative agenda. Divided government brings differing views. Pennsylvania Senate Republicans remain steadfast in our work to grow our economy, keep our communities safe, empower parents and respect taxpayers. We believe in the promise of Pennsylvania and are focused on making decisions to benefit our state not just now, but in the future. Click here to watch the video. IUP College of Osteopathic Medicine Funding
These are exciting times for Indiana University of Pennsylvania, our region and the future of rural healthcare as my colleagues and I announced a new $2 million state grant to assist with upfront costs for the College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM). I am proud to have worked in collaboration with state Reps. Jim Struzzi and Brian Smith to advocate for this additional investment, which will help advance the long-term goals of this new medical school. This is an opportunity for this region to become the hub of rural healthcare delivery for the state. We truly believe this is a return on investment in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and we look forward to celebrating with future graduates of COM! Senate Guest Chaplain
Pastor Andrew Laddusaw from Living Water Church in Kittanning served as the PA Senate Guest Chaplain and offered opening prayer during session on Tuesday. It was my distinct honor and privilege to welcome Pastor Andrew, his wife, Elizabeth and their four children, Abigail, Joanna, Lily, and Malachi to the Capitol. I greatly appreciate the Laddusaw family for making the trip to Harrisburg! Indiana County Plant Tour
I recently had the opportunity to visit and tour the Isoclima Specialty Glass LLC facility located in Blairsville. Isoclima’s plant manufactures various specialty glass products used to secure schools, police stations and government buildings. Isoclima was founded in 1977 in Italy and, in 2021, expanded its U.S. presence by acquiring Dlubak Specialty Glass in Blairsville. They are now recognized as a global leader in the glass industry, known for their wide range of products and solutions. Thank you for having me and enlightening me on the specialty glass industry! Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The Capitol Fountain in Harrisburg has been turned pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. It’s an annual reminder of our support and encouragement for those impacted by breast cancer. When detected at its earliest stages the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is over 90%! During this legislative session, the Pennsylvania Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 8 (Act 1 of 2023) a first-of-its-kind-in-the-nation comprehensive breast cancer screening bill. The legislation was introduced by Sens. Kim Ward, Devlin Robinson and Tracy Pennycuick, who have all been tremendous advocates for improving lifesaving coverage. Help us spread the word – early detection saves lives! Senate Votes to Strengthen PA’s Sexual Offender Registry
The Senate unanimously approved legislation to protect children from sexual predators by closing a loophole in existing state law. The legislation now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 1317 would add the crime of sexual assault by a sports official, volunteer or employee of a nonprofit association as a Tier II sexual offense, requiring individuals convicted of this offense to register as a sexual offender under the Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act. Under current law, those convicted of this offense are not required to register as sex offenders. The bill supports the Senate Republican priority of cultivating healthy and safe communities. Bill to Minimize Utility Disruptions, Protect Workers Passes Senate
The Senate unanimously passed a bill to improve and extend protection of Pennsylvanians and the workers who maintain essential underground utilities such as gas, water, telecommunications and more. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 1237 would make permanent the PA One Call Law, which has been extended for 50 years and is set to expire on Dec. 31. PA One Call prevents accidents that threaten the safety of Pennsylvanians, construction workers and other excavators. It also minimizes utility service disruptions by ensuring underground utility lines are properly marked prior to any digging. The bill would also enhance safety protocols by improving communication between excavators, facility owners and the Public Utility Commission, as well as requiring better documentation of underground utility lines. To prevent dangerous situations, the legislation calls for expanded timelines for filing violation reports and additional consequences for non-compliance. Senate Approves Bill Exempting Milk Haulers from Travel Bans
The Senate approved legislation to exempt milk haulers from travel bans imposed during a declaration of disaster emergency. It heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 153 would allow a licensed milk hauler to transport milk on highways even during weather-related commercial travel bans. These vehicles would be required to display a decal that would be developed and issued by the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board. Dairy producers and processers had to dispose of milk due to weather-related commercial vehicle travel bans, rather than have it transported to market. This adversely affects their already tight profit margins, threatening farmers financially and making them more likely to be forced out of the industry – compromising Pennsylvanians’ access to healthy beverages and foods. $10 Million Available to Farmers for Agricultural Innovation
To support farmers who supply our communities with healthy foods and beverages, Senate Republicans dedicated $10 million for the new Agricultural Innovation Grant Program in this year’s budget. Funding can be used to improve efficiency on the farm or in processing, generate energy while reducing nutrient waste leaving the farm and support crops that effectively store carbon or replace non-renewable resources. It can also be used to address practical challenges including data collection, biosecurity and odor remediation. Learn more about eligibility and apply online by Nov. 15. State Pumpkin Contest Open Until Oct. 20
The Department of Agriculture has announced its PA Preferred® Pumpkin Palooza Contest. Participants are encouraged to express their creativity by painting or carving a pumpkin. Pumpkins must be purchased from a Pennsylvania farm, and contestants must be a Pennsylvania resident. Three age divisions include child (11 and younger), youth (12-17) and adult (18 and older). Contestants should email a photo of their submission, with the subject “PA Pumpkin Palooza Entry,” to agcontests@pa.gov by Oct. 20. Winners, who will be emailed on Oct. 24, will receive a PA Preferred swag bag. Learn more.
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