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In this Update:
Rate Increase On Hold
The letter I sent has gotten the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission’s attention but the fight is not over. Please continue to reach out to the Public Utility Commission to express your concerns with this drastic rate increase. To file an informal complaint, please visit https://www.puc.pa.gov/complaints/informal-complaints/ Senate Votes to Create Statewide Sexual Assault Evidence Tracking System
Legislation I sponsored to assist survivors of sexual assault was approved by the Senate this week. Senate Bill 920 would establish a sexual assault evidence tracking system, which allows individuals to follow the path of a rape kit throughout the collection and testing process. The forensic evidence collected from rape kits is crucial to bringing offenders to justice, but delays in processing have plagued sexual assault survivors for years. This system will ensure survivors receive transparency, assurance and accountability that their cases are being handled effectively. Thirty-two states and the District of Columbia have established rape kit tracking systems. Pennsylvania’s enactment of legislation would allow the state to receive additional federal funds. In 2018, I sponsored a law to streamline the process of collecting sexual assault evidence and required regular reports on data relating to sexual assault. In 2019, I sponsored a law enacting a comprehensive bill of rights in Pennsylvania for survivors of sexual assault. Senate Bill 920 builds on these efforts. Meeting with Victim Services
This week, I was recognized by Victim Services Inc. for my work to support victims of violent crime in our Commonwealth. This is an award every member of the General Assembly should strive to obtain and I’m honored to receive this recognition. Senate Approves Langerholc Bill to Boost PA Youth Hunting and Fishing
The Senate unanimously approved my legislation to create a new license plate for Pennsylvania sportsmen with proceeds used to fund youth hunting and fishing education. The Pennsylvania Sportsman 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 registration 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 evenly to the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for the purpose of promoting youth hunting and fishing activities. This license plate allows our rich heritage of hunting and fishing to be proudly displayed by motorists while raising money for future generations of hunters and fishermen. Senate Republicans Secure Historic Tax Cuts for Working Families
Working families, job creators and energy consumers in Pennsylvania would see their taxes reduced by approximately $3 billion a year under a bill approved by the Senate with a strong bipartisan, veto-proof majority. It would represent the largest tax cut for working families in Pennsylvania history, saving taxpayers more than $13 billion over the next five years. Senate Bill 269 would reduce the personal income tax (PIT) rate from 3.07% to 2.8%, putting more money in the wallets of every Pennsylvanian who earns a paycheck. The bill would also eliminate the gross receipts tax on energy, effective Jan. 1, 2025, providing critical relief from high energy costs. The tax cuts would benefit all Pennsylvania families and inject an additional $3 billion into the state’s economy, rather than growing government and arbitrarily picking winners and losers. The plan is a sharp contrast from Gov. Josh Shapiro’s calls for $3.2 billion in new government spending, as well as legislation introduced by House Democrats to nearly quadruple certain taxes paid by small businesses. Instead, Senate Republicans continue to protect taxpayers against unnecessary tax increases, new spending and unchecked growth in the size of government. Upcoming License Plate Replacement Events
Is your license plate peeling, discolored, blistered or lost its reflectivity? Stop by one of my License Plate Replacement Events to get a new plate for FREE. If you have any questions or need a replacement plate and cannot attend one of these events, please do not hesitate to call one of my district offices for assistance. Meeting with Transit Leaders
I had the pleasure of connecting with the public transit providers for the 35th District: Rose Lucey-Noll with Cambria Transit Authority, Mark Head with Area Transportation Authority of North Central PA, and David Rishel with Centre Area Transit Authority. Legislation to Curb Distracted Driving Set for Enactment
Legislation passed by the Senate to prohibit the handheld use of cellular and other devices while driving is set for enactment into law. Senate Bill 37 would enhance driver responsibility by prohibiting the use of handheld cellphones or other communication devices while operating a motor vehicle on a Pennsylvania highway or trafficway. While hands-free use of devices when driving would remain legal, handheld use of devices would only be permitted when the vehicle is parked on the side or shoulder of a roadway and the vehicle can safely remain stationary. To inform drivers about the new law, law enforcement must issue warnings for violations during the initial 12 months following the bill’s enactment. Senate Acts to Bolster Telemedicine in PA
The Senate approved legislation aimed at expanding the use of telemedicine in Pennsylvania. Telemedicine is the remote delivery of health care services and medical information using telecommunications technology. It allows medical services to be provided to some of the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians who otherwise would not be able to receive them due to location or other circumstances. During the COVID-19 pandemic, it saw rapid growth in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 739 requires insurance providers or managed care organizations to reimburse health care providers for services provided to a patient through telemedicine. Services provided through telemedicine must meet the same standard of care as health care services provided in person. Preventative Care Protects Moms, All Women
Happy Mother’s Day to the women who play a critical role in their families as they care for their loved ones. Often, they are so focused on supporting everyone else that meeting their own needs takes a back seat. However, when it comes to breast cancer, that’s simply not safe to do. It’s important for all women who are at least 40 years old to carve out time to get a mammogram every two years. Know your risk and family history because Act 1 of 2023 eliminates all costs associated with screening breast MRI, ultrasound, genetic testing and counseling for individuals with high risk. The comprehensive breast cancer screening bill will save lives so we can enjoy more time with the mothers and all other women in our worlds.
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