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In this Update:
Crawford Park Renovations Officially Unveiled
It has been a long time coming, since 2019 to be exact. The global pandemic may have held the process up a bit, but last week the ceremonial ribbon was cut to officially unveil the new renovations to Crawford Park in Franklin Township, Greene County. Retired State Representative Pam Snyder and I worked together to bring $630,000 in state funding to the project. I couldn’t agree more with Pam when she said, “This is what happens when levels of government work together and I am so proud and honored to be here today to be able to share in this wonderful community place that will be shared and enjoyed by so many over the generations.” Some of the renovations included improving concessions, adding an announcer’s booth and a deck overlooking the softball field. A new playground that is three times larger than the original was added along with new pedestrian walkways. The park is now fully accessible under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Congratulations to township supervisors Corbly Orndorff, Todd Hoy, and William Walker on your commitment and hard work. As always, a huge thank you to Melody and Sarah from the Greene County Pa Chamber of Commerce for organizing the ribbon cutting. Peters Township Golf Teams Honored in Harrisburg
It was my honor to have introduced a very special group of student athletes from Peters Township High School this week on the Senate floor. Both the boys and girls golf teams won their respective PIAA Class AAA district and state titles for the 2023 season. A remarkable achievement and a first in the history of the state. I also presented each team with a Senate Citation of Congratulations for their hard work and dedication. To each one of the student athletes – you have a very bright future ahead of you, and I appreciate you visiting the Capitol as my guests. To watch my floor remarks introducing the teams, please click the picture above. Juvenile Justice System Reform
There is important work happening at the state level to reform our juvenile justice system which I believe is failing our youth. I created the Senate’s first bipartisan Youth Safety Caucus and our goal is to identify and implement evidence-based changes to our juvenile justice system that urgently need to be addressed. This week I joined other elected officials and advocates on the State Capitol Complex steps to voice my support for smart policies that are good for young people, cost-effective for the Commonwealth, and safer for communities in the long term. To watch my speech on juvenile justice reform, please click the picture above. Calling on Shapiro to Send PA National Guard to Defend Texas Border
The Senate approved a measure calling on Gov. Josh Shapiro to protect Pennsylvania communities by supporting Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s request to respond to America’s illegal immigration crisis. Senate Resolution 251 implores Shapiro to reverse course and deploy the Pennsylvania National Guard along Texas’s southern border with Mexico as part of Operation Lone Star. The border security initiative has led to more than 500,000 illegal immigrant apprehensions, more than 40,000 criminal arrests and the seizure of more than 468 million lethal doses of fentanyl, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. A 2023 report indicates at least 251,000 illegal immigrants reside in Pennsylvania with an annual burden of more than $1.6 billion on taxpayers. That equates to a cost of approximately $318 per Pennsylvania household annually, according to the Federation for American Immigration Reform. Senate Passes Public Safety Bills Targeting Opioid Overdoses, Human Trafficking
The Pennsylvania Senate approved two measures this week boosting community safety by targeting opioid overdoses and human trafficking. Both bills, which head to the House of Representatives for consideration, are part of the Senate Republican effort to improve community safety across Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1054 strengthens the Overdose Information Network (ODIN) law, which requires all law enforcement in Pennsylvania to input reports of an overdose within 72 hours of the incident into the ODIN system. The ODIN database enables law enforcement agencies to quickly record, analyze and share information concerning fatal and non-fatal drug overdoses and naloxone administrations. The bill would ensure overdose reporting by EMS providers is incorporated into the statewide mapping system. EMS providers are responsible for handling more than 80% of overdoses annually in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1111 would ensure that individuals who are convicted of certain human trafficking offenses – as well as attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit those offenses – are subject to the same Megan’s Law reporting and evaluation requirements as other sexual offenders. Struggling Homeowners Can Apply for Assistance
To help homeowners struggling as a result of pandemic-related financial hardships, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) reopened a program that had been paused to address a backlog of applicants. The majority of pending applications has been processed and an assessment of remaining American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funds has been made, so PHFA is accepting additional applicants until the remaining monies are exhausted. New applicants can use the funds for pandemic-related mortgage reinstatement, forward mortgage assistance, tax assistance and delinquent utility bills. Interested Pennsylvania homeowners can find more information, eligibility requirements and instructions about how to submit an application here. Help Available for High-Priority Specialty Crop Farmers
To stimulate market growth or boost the competitive position for high-priority crops, grants are available for projects that benefit Pennsylvania’s growers as a whole, rather than an individual grower. Specialty crops eligible for Pennsylvania’s grant program and deemed high priority include hardwoods; honey; hemp and flax for fiber; and hops, barley, rye and wheat for brewing, distilling and malting. Proposals must be submitted through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Electronic Single Application by Friday, April 19, at 5 p.m. Full grant guidelines are available here. Recognizing Agriculture’s Impact on Our Lives
In Pennsylvania, we are blessed that agriculture is one of our top industries as it helps to provide us with food security without having to rely as much on other states or even other countries. National Agriculture Week, observed March 17-24, encourages every American to understand how food products are produced; appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant, and affordable products; value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy; and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food, and fiber industries. Greene County Easter Egg Hunt
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