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In this Update:
Measure Connecting Individuals in Recovery to Occupations Approved by Committee
My legislation that would connect individuals in recovery with jobs was approved by the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. Senate Bill 69 would establish the Recovery to Work Pilot Program, pairing those in recovery with occupations through local workforce development boards. It’s a key component in combating Pennsylvania’s heroin and opioid epidemic. An often-overlooked characteristic of this epidemic is the vicious cycle that many individuals with a history of a substance use disorder fall into when trying to find, secure and maintain steady employment. We urgently need to break this cycle and I believe Recovery to Work can help. The pilot program would be spearheaded by the Department of Labor and Industry with the assistance of the Department of Health, the Department of Community and Economic Development, the Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs and the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency. These departments will develop a plan for the local workforce development boards to work with the treatment and recovery community as well as local employers and training providers to offer job training and employment opportunities to individuals in recovery. Since the local workforce development boards would be leading the implementation, the strategies will be locally focused to meet the needs of local employers and the local treatment and recovery community. Additionally, the legislation will provide incentives for businesses and training providers to participate in the program. The measure now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Protecting Pennsylvanians from Unauthorized Tracking Devices
My legislation to protect Pennsylvanians from the unauthorized use of electronic tracking devices was approved unanimously by the Senate Judiciary Committee. While tracking devices have been in use for decades, the release of the Apple AirTag has resulted in a low-cost proliferation of such technology. Though meant for lawful purposes such as locating commonly misplaced items, some individuals are using them for criminal purposes. Whether it be placing them in people’s purses or on their vehicles when unaware, current criminal law is vague in this area. This legislation will change that to ensure those who abuse this technology are held fully accountable. Senate Bill 159 would make it a misdemeanor of the second-degree to use such devices to track another person without consent. Exceptions include law enforcement agencies conducting investigations and parents keeping tabs on their children. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Centre County License Plate Replacement Event
I will be hosting a free license plate replacement event on June 15, from 4:30-6:30 at my Centre County Office. For more information contact my office at 814-806-1197. Community Prayer Breakfast
I attended the Community Prayer Breakfast with PA State Rep. Jim Rigby. DUI Offender Reform Approved by Senate
The Senate of Pennsylvania approved legislation sponsored by Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill and myself to update and make several technical changes to Pennsylvania’s DUI law. The measure updates Pennsylvania law to reflect new decisions made by both the U.S. and Pennsylvania Supreme Courts. “With these two court cases being acknowledged by the legislature, our roads will be safer,” Phillips-Hill said. “Dangerous repeat impaired drivers will face appropriate consequences and other treatment options, like ARD. This will also help our legal system resolve these cases in a timely manner.” The bill clarifies the sentencing guidelines for an individual who is convicted of operating a motor vehicle in this Commonwealth with an existing license suspension that resulted from a DUI offense. The Pennsylvania Supreme Court resolved the individual must be sentenced to undergo imprisonment for a period of 60 days for a first violation or a period of 90 days for a second violation. To address a court case heard by the U.S Supreme Court, the bill updates a provision for refusing a breath or chemical test, consistent with Act 30 of 2017. Our legislation addresses a loophole that prohibited judges from equitably sentencing offenders. A fair justice system is tantamount to a democracy. This bill furthers that goal. Additionally, the measure would modernize how the interlock system is installed and managed. Senate Bill 453 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Services for Veterans
Starting later this month, my district offices will be offering appointments with a Veteran Service Officer to assist with veterans’ benefits questions. Appointments are required and must be made by noon the day before. For more information, please call your county’s district office. Cambria County Office – 3rd Tuesday of the month Centre County Office – 3rd Wednesday of the month Clearfield County Office – 2nd Tuesday of the month Ribbon Cutting at Mount North
My staff attended the Ribbon Cutting and Grand Opening for Mount North in Richland Township, Cambria County. Mount North is a convenient way to get the most of your therapy. You can receive their services via tele-health or in-person at two locations: Richland Township or in Grampian, Clearfield County. Best Wishes and Congratulations! Test the Tick
With summer approaching it is important to look for ticks after being outside. If you find a tick on you, follow the steps above to get the tick tested for Lyme Disease or other tickborne illnesses. Simplifying Government, Ensuring Adequate Funding for Roads and Bridges
Legislation sponsored to replace Pennsylvania’s Alternative Fuels Tax on electric vehicle owners with a flat fee was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. It would simplify the process for electric vehicle owners and ensure all drivers are contributing toward the maintenance of roads and bridges. Currently, owners of electric vehicles are required to file monthly statements with the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue and remit the alternative fuel tax on how much electricity their vehicle uses. However, most electric vehicle owners do not do this, or are inconsistent at doing so, due to the cumbersome process or simply being unaware. Senate Bill 656 would exempt electric vehicle owners from the tax and replace it with a flat annual fee of $290. The fee was calculated based on the average annual gas taxes paid by owners of gas-powered vehicles. Like the gas tax, the revenue from the flat fee will be deposited into the Motor License Fund for highway maintenance and construction. State Would Automatically Return Unclaimed Property Under Bill Approved by Senate
The Senate unanimously approved legislation authorizing the state to return unclaimed property without the need for rightful owners to search for it. It now advances to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 24 would authorize the Pennsylvania Treasury Department to automatically return single-owner property for living individuals valued up to $5,000 after a thorough identification and verification process. The legislation streamlines the return of unclaimed money and property by eliminating the need for citizens to search and file a claim. For larger and more complex claims, owners would still be required to complete a claim form and provide additional information to confirm their identity and rightful ownership. This commonsense initiative, which exemplifies how government should work to better serve its citizens, would return more money to hardworking Pennsylvanians who may be unaware of their unclaimed property. Search Treasury’s unclaimed property database here. Looking to Change Agency’s Culture, Senate Approves Bill to Rename DEP
The Senate approved legislation to rename the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to the Department of Environmental Services. Senate Bill 691, which now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration, will have no effect on the jurisdiction or current statutory or regulatory authority of the department. The word “protection” in the department’s name carries a law enforcement connotation rather than that of an environmental resource and partner to the citizens of Pennsylvania. Emphasizing that the department is focused on services will be a major step forward in instituting a needed culture change. DEP is charged with administering the laws of the commonwealth as enacted by the General Assembly. The General Assembly, through these legislative enactments, is responsible for ensuring the protection of the commonwealth’s environment and natural resources. Bill Ensuring Educational Opportunities for Military Children Receives Committee Support
Legislation to reduce the educational challenges faced by children of PA National Guard and Reserve members was approved by the Senate Education Committee and is before the full Senate for consideration. Military families face frequent reassignments, posing educational challenges for children transitioning between schools in different states. Senate Bill 209 would give children of National Guard and Reserve members 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 and meeting graduation requirements as easy as possible for military children. Free Junior Game Warden Camps Offered Across PA
The Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) offers free Junior Game Warden Camps in each of PGC’s six regions in June and July for youth ages 12-15. Campers will learn about wildlife crime forensics and how wardens catch poachers and solve wildlife-related crimes. Additional instruction will include woodland tracking skills, outdoor survival skills and wildlife capture techniques for nuisance complaints and research purposes. Registration, available here, is limited to those who have not attended a camp previously.
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