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In this Update:
My Bill Maximizing Benefit of Tax Dollars Passes Senate Committee
Legislation that I have sponsored to improve Pennsylvanians’ financial stability and government efficiency passed the Senate Labor and Industry Committee unanimously this week. Senate Bill 101 would allow for greater analysis of workforce development programs and policy by requiring data that already exists to be shared with Pennsylvania’s 22 local workforce development boards in a timely fashion. The Department of Labor and Industry and the Center for Workforce Information and Analysis would have to share data on wages, new hires and unemployment claimants. It’s a no-brainer to maximize the benefit of information that is already collected for Pennsylvanians who are pursuing career pathways to financial stability. Sharing the information will highlight the parts of the program that have been successful and those that have been less so. Using that information to guide program changes allows us to help more people and promotes the responsible use of tax dollars. You can watch my committee remarks by clicking the image above. Helping Veteran-Owned Businesses
To support the entrepreneurial efforts of veterans throughout Pennsylvania, I have sponsored legislation to create a logo promoting veteran-owned businesses. This week the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee unanimously passed my bill. Senate Bill 64 would authorize the creation of special logos to promote veteran-owned businesses. To be eligible, a business must be registered with the Department of State and at least 51% of the ownership interest must be held by a veteran, reservist or member of the National Guard. To discourage the logo from being used fraudulently, anyone who falsely claims to be a veteran to obtain this designation would face a misdemeanor of the third degree. Fines associated with this violation would be awarded to the Veterans’ Trust Fund. In the 2023-24 legislative session, the bill was introduced as Senate Bill 438. It received unanimous support from the Senate but did not receive a vote in the House of Representatives. You can watch my committee remarks by clicking the image above. Senate Votes to Strengthen Crime Prevention, Keep Communities Safe
Pennsylvania families deserve to be safe. The Senate took decisive action this week to hold dangerous criminals accountable and approved three key bills to protect Pennsylvania communities. Senate Bill 92 would impose a mandatory minimum 25-year sentence on drug dealers who sell fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose. Known as Tyler’s Law, after Tyler Shanafelter, who tragically died at the age of 18 after purchasing pills he didn’t realize were laced with fentanyl, SB 92 sends a strong message that those fueling the opioid crisis will face severe consequences. Senate Bill 471 would require prosecutors to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a criminal defendant is identified as unlawfully present in the United States. The bill would ensure that individuals who commit serious crimes are transferred to federal custody for removal proceedings. It also would prohibit sanctuary policies that obstruct communication between local law enforcement and federal agencies. Senate Bill 490 would prohibit non-monetary bail for the most threatening individuals, including those who possess 10 grams or more of fentanyl, have a history of violent crime or assault a law enforcement officer. These bills reflect Senate Republicans’ commitment to fighting crime, protecting Pennsylvania families and ensuring that our law enforcement officials have the tools they need to uphold justice. Each measure builds upon broader efforts to make Pennsylvania a safer place to live, work and raise a family. Senate Acts Against False Emergency Threats at Schools
The Senate this week approved legislation to crack down on false emergency threats targeting schools, a move aimed at enhancing public safety and reducing the strain on emergency responders. The bill, which also passed the Senate in the previous legislative session, now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 96 would establish new felony penalties for individuals who make hoax emergency reports involving educational institutions. If signed into law, making a false report of an emergency threat to a school would be classified as a third-degree felony, and courts would be allowed to impose financial penalties to recover the costs incurred by taxpayers for emergency response efforts. The legislation comes in response to a troubling rise in hoax threats made against schools across Pennsylvania, causing fear among students and parents while diverting law enforcement and emergency personnel from real emergencies. Senate Bill 96 is part of a broader effort to safeguard schools and hold bad actors accountable. Harrisburg Happenings
It was lovely meeting with these motivated Peters Township High School AP students on “AP Day” to discuss the legislative process. AP (Advanced Placement) allows students the chance to tackle college-level work while they’re still in high school and earn college credit and placement. Pictured with me are Principal Lori Pavlik (far left) and her students in no particular order – Savannah Griffin, Sarah Hazo, Connor Seaman, Kritin Sharma, Joshua Zheng, along with College Board representative Maria Paula Zapata (far right). Thank you for stopping by!
This week there was also Career and Technical Education Day at the State Capitol, and I was ecstatic to be visited by both Mon Valley Career & Technology Center (MVCTC) and Western Area Career & Technology Center (WACTC) representatives. Career and technical education is a wonderful opportunity for young people to learn career-ready skills that can place them in high paying positions. These are fantastic programs. Thank you so much for visiting! Pictured with me L-R is Michael Milanovich, WACTC Executive Director; (MVCTC Culinary Students) Dominic Booth-Gaudlap, Eryn Noble, Karina Frohman, Korine Charlecin; and Neil Henehan, MVCTC Director
This week I also hosted my annual Senate Sisters Social, a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the largest number of women in the Pennsylvania’s senate history! All 20 of us couldn’t attend, but we had a great time getting to know each other a bit better. We put politics aside and celebrated women in office. The color theme is purple because red + blue = purple! In this time of utter divisiveness, we should look to what unites us and focus on goals that we can achieve together, even if we reach them in a different way. During session on the last day of Women’s History Month, I spoke on the senate floor to recognize artist Violet Oakley’s contributions to our magnificent Senate Chamber, and to spotlight the 20 current female Pennsylvania Senators that are making history everyday. You can watch those remarks by clicking the image above.
It was a pleasure meeting Paula Scanlan, former Penn swimmer turned advocate for fairness in women’s sports and common-sense values. Paula was in Harrisburg as an ambassador for Independent Women’s Forum. You can read her story by clicking this link. I applaud your efforts sticking up for women and girls and their rights to privacy, safety, and equal opportunity in sports. May 7 is the REAL ID Deadline
Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/photo ID card or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID. Only about 26% of Pennsylvania drivers have replaced their standard driver’s license with a REAL ID. REAL IDs are available now and will continue to be available to Pennsylvanians after the May 7 enforcement deadline. Learn more about REAL ID documentation requirements and find a printable checklist for required REAL ID documents here. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is offering dedicated times at specific driver license centers to help Pennsylvanians get their REAL ID. Some centers will be able to process and issue a REAL ID at the time of service. Others will be able to verify and image your documents. You will then receive your REAL ID by mail within 15 business days. Dates for these REAL ID Days include April 7, April 14, April 28 and May 5 – all Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Customers who want a REAL ID but aren’t able to attend a REAL ID Day may visit any REAL ID Center to receive a REAL ID at the time of service, visit any PennDOT Driver License Center to have documents verified and then receive REAL ID within 15 business days or apply online (pre-verified customers only). Free Tax Prep Services Available for Qualified Individuals
Free tax preparation services are available to individuals and families who qualify through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The IRS-sponsored initiative serves households earning approximately $60,000 or less, those with disabilities, the elderly and individuals with limited English proficiency. You can take advantage of this service through Thursday, April 10 at The Bible Chapel in McMurray, Washington County (300 Gallery Drive, McMurray, PA 15317). Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. No appointments necessary. First come, first served. Be sure to bring necessary documents. Households with an annual income of $73,000 or less can file their federal and state tax forms online for free through MyFreeTaxes.com. The user-friendly platform allows filers to easily navigate the tax preparation process at their own pace and features live support from IRS-certified specialists. MyFreeTaxes.com uses secure, IRS-approved software to protect your personal information and data. April is National Donate Life Month
For the 23rd year, we recognize April as an opportunity to raise awareness about organ donation. In the season that represents new beginnings, we honor donors, recipients, their families, caregivers and the clinical teams that make it all possible. More than 6,000 Pennsylvanians are awaiting organ transplants. Organ donation can save up to eight lives, and tissue donation can enhance the lives of 75 others by helping them recover from trauma, spinal injuries, burns and vision loss. If you aren’t an organ or tissue donor yet but would like to be, there’s no need to wait until you get or renew your driver’s license, learner’s permit or photo ID. It’s easy to register online to donate. There are no costs to the donor’s family for donation. Paramedics, doctors and nurses remain committed to doing everything possible to save donors’ lives. Learn more.
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