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In this update:
New Podcast Episode: The Great Pennsylvania Comeback with Luke Bernstein
Recently, I sat down for my latest podcast episode featuring Luke Bernstein, President and CEO of the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, as we dive into the great Pennsylvania comeback. In this episode, we break down the new SPEED Program and how it’s driving the revitalization of our state by streamlining the permitting process, cutting red tape, and empowering businesses to grow. In this episode, we talk about what the SPEED Program means for our local economy, how it encourages job creation, and why it’s a major win for business owners, entrepreneurs, and workers. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about the future of economic development in our community! You can find the podcast on Apple, Spotify, and on my Youtube channel. Could There Be a Hidden “Treat” Waiting for You? Unclaimed Property Event on Thursday, Oct. 10
Join my team and me on Thursday, Oct. 10 (please note this correction from the previously mentioned Tuesday) for a special Unclaimed Property Event at my district office from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Representatives from the Pennsylvania Treasury will be available to help you search the unclaimed property database to see if you’re owed any lost or forgotten assets. The Pennsylvania Unclaimed Property Program helps reunite residents with assets such as old bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance policies, and more. It’s quick, easy, and free to check if you or your family members have any unclaimed property! Event Details: Can’t make it? You can also check ahead of time by visiting the Pennsylvania Treasury’s unclaimed property website. Stop by the office, and we’ll help you reclaim what’s rightfully yours! You can find out more information on this event here. Standing Up for Fairness in Women’s Sports
This week, I had the honor of meeting Riley Gaines and Frank Murphy at the state Capitol, where they were advocating for fairness in women’s sports. As a former competitive swimmer, I understand firsthand the profound impact athletics can have on the lives of young women across our commonwealth. Unfortunately, we’ve seen scholarships and roster positions lost due to biological men competing in women’s sports. Riley, a 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer, and Frank, a former NFL player, are dedicating their efforts to ensuring fairness in competition and helping the next generation of athletes achieve greatness. Their advocacy is a powerful reminder of the importance of protecting the integrity of women’s sports. 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. Kicking Off Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania
As we kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania, we honor the brave survivors, fighters, and advocates who inspire us all in the battle against breast cancer. This week, we turned the Capitol fountain pink as a powerful reminder of our commitment to raising awareness, advancing research, and supporting early detection efforts. Thanks to the passage of Act 1 of 2023, Pennsylvania is now a national leader in early detection for breast cancer. This month serves as an important time to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the work that still lies ahead. With one in eight women diagnosed with breast cancer in her lifetime, early detection and access to life-saving treatments remain critical. Let us continue to empower women to be their best health advocates and remind everyone that Early Detection Saves Lives. Together, we stand united in spreading awareness and fostering hope, reminding ourselves that we can make a lasting impact in the fight against breast cancer. You can find more photos from the event this month on my Facebook. 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. Upcoming PennDOT Maintenance Projects
Most weeks PennDOT shares with me its maintenance schedule for the week ahead. When it becomes available, you can view the full list here to see if it will impact you and your family. On Deck
The Senate of Pennsylvania reconvenes on Monday, Oct. 7, at 1 p.m. You can watch all of the Senate votes and view our agenda here.
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