|
|||||
|
In this update:
Protecting Vulnerable Children: Senate Majority Policy Committee Examines Do No Harm Act
This week, in Altoona, I welcomed the Senate Majority Policy Committee for a public hearing which discussed the lifelong harm caused by allowing minors to undergo gender transitioning procedures. During the public hearing, legislators heard testimony provided by medical professionals, parents, detransitioners and advocates. I want to thank Chairman Argall and the Senate Majority Policy Committee for hosting this hearing. The hearing was eye opening and highlighted the damaging practices that are being done to our children. I want to commend the testifiers for their courage to speak out in defense of our kids. The testimony they shared will serve as call to action for those in the legislature to enact legislation, such as the Do No Harm Act, to ensure that no more children are harmed. Dan Bartkowiak, the chief strategy officer of the Pennsylvania Family Council, discussed how Right-to-Know requests submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Health show that from 2015 to 2023, nearly 5,000 people aged 18 or younger received taxpayer-funded services related to sex reassignment and transition-related services and drugs. During this timeframe, more than $21.8 million was spent on these services. The annual cost to taxpayers has sharply increased, rising from $58,919 in 2015 to $5,149,694 in 2023. On January 28, 2025, President Donald Trump issued an executive order which states “it is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called ‘transition’ of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures.” Simon B. Amaya Price described his experience of transitioning, saying, “I experienced emotional manipulation and malpractice from my doctors, one of whom asked my father ‘would you like a dead son or a living daughter’ while I was in the room.” He went on to describe how this message, which is not backed by evidence, contributed to his personal feelings on his gender identity. Three years later, Price realized his problems were unrelated to gender identity and detransitioned. January Littlejohn, a senior fellow at Do No Harm, shared the story of her daughter, who began experiencing distress over her sex at age 13. During her family’s research on the subject, she was shocked to discover that there was no high-quality evidence that medical transitioning interventions produced positive outcomes. Dr. Kurt Miceli, the medical director of Do No Harm, described how a review of publicly available insurance data found 316 children received sex reassignment surgeries in Pennsylvania between 2019 and 2023. He also referenced a review of gender identity services that found “no good evidence on the long-term outcomes of interventions to manage gender-related distress.” This review led to the United Kingdom banning puberty blockers for minors. “It’s difficult for me to understand how we could expect children to make informed decisions about these life-changing procedures,” said Argall. “Thank you to Sen. Ward for leading the charge on this important issue and fighting to protect children in Pennsylvania.” Soon, I will introduce the Do No Harm Act to prohibit minors from receiving irreversible gender transitioning procedures. The legislation would also prevent taxpayer dollars from being used for this purpose. The full public hearing can be viewed here.
Pictured with me is Dr. Kurt Miceli, Dan Bartkowiak and Brianna Howard, testifiers from the hearing.
Pennsylvania taxpayers are funding gender transitioning procedures for children. Senate Passes Bill Reforming Nomination Process for Agency Heads
To restore balance and transparency in state government, the Senate passed a bill reining in the use of unconfirmed state agency leaders. Senate Bill 472 advanced to the House of Representatives for consideration. Former Gov. Tom Wolf appointed 11 individuals to lead various state agencies in the “acting” capacity and never nominated them to the Senate as part of the official confirmation process. Additionally, 21 cabinet officials served in “acting” capacity longer than 90 days. This allowed key decisions to be made without public scrutiny. With the passage of the bill, an individual serving in a leadership role without official confirmation by the Senate would be designated as “Deputy Head of Department.” The designation could be used once during a governor’s term. These individuals would have to appear before the General Assembly during the annual budget process. They would not receive elevated compensation or additional benefits beyond their peers. Most importantly, they would not be allowed to remain indefinitely without Senate review and would not be permitted to serve longer than 90 days. First Responders Funding Workshop on April 28
Representative Scott Barger and I will be hosting a First Responders Funding Workshop on Monday, April 28, from 6 to 8 P.M., at the Freedom Township Volunteer Fire Company in East Freedom. Fire department representatives, emergency medical providers, and municipal officials are welcome to attend this workshop that will include a legislative update, funding resources presentation, and opportunities to discuss issues and concerns with state legislators, as well as PA State Fire Commissioner, Tom Cook, and PA Bureau of EMS Director, Anthony Martin. Each workshop attendee will receive a funding resources reference manual that contains an extensive list of emergency services and grant/loan programs. Dinner will be available courtesy of Pennsylvania Skill Charitable Giving. You can register here. Voter Registration Deadline is May 5
The deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania’s May 20 primary election is Monday, May 5. Your county election office must receive your application for a mail-in or absentee ballot by Tuesday, May 13, at 5 p.m. To legally register, individuals must be a citizen of the United States, reside in their local voting precincts at least 30 days prior to the election and be at least age 18 on Election Day, Tuesday, May 20. Once registered to vote, you are not required to register again unless you change your residence, name or political party affiliation. Voter registration forms, mail-in ballot applications and absentee ballot applications are available here or from your local county’s Board of Elections. You can also use the site to check your registration status. REAL ID to Replace Driver’s License as Federally Acceptable ID on May 7
Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians who wish to board flights, visit military bases and enter certain federal facilities will be required to present a form of federally accepted identification. Options include a passport, military ID or a REAL ID. You do not need to wait until your driver license renews to get a REAL ID. To get one, you must provide documents proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Pennsylvania residency. Review the list of acceptable documents. All documents must be original versions or certified copies (if applicable). While any of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) driver license centers can verify these documents for customers who want a REAL ID, only certain locations can provide your REAL ID the same day. Otherwise, expect to receive your REAL ID within 15 business days after successful document verification. To make it more convenient for Pennsylvanians to get a REAL ID, PennDOT is offering dedicated time at some driver license centers on April 28 and May 5. Both REAL ID Days are on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Free Cleanup Supplies for PA Communities
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is working to improve the state’s communities by cleaning up litter. Now through May 31 while supplies last, free work gloves, safety vests and trash bags are available to groups who register their cleanup event. Donated landfill space is offered for trash collected during cleanups held in April. Tires cannot be accepted, and groups should plan for proper disposal of electronics that are found. Read more about how to organize a cleanup event. Please email or call Michelle Dunn with Pick Up Pennsylvania at 724-836-4121, extension 113, with any questions. In 2024, more than 77,000 volunteers picked up more than 3.2 million tons of litter and trash. Another 4.5 million pounds of materials were recycled and more than 14,000 trees, flowers and other greens were planted. Best Wishes for a Happy Easter
Easter represents joy, hope and redemption. Warmest wishes to all families who celebrate this holy holiday and rejoice in eternal life. Happy Easter! Out and About in the 30th DistrictSisters of Life Tour The Senate Maternal and Infant Health Caucus got to tour the Sisters of Life in Philadelphia, and it was amazing. The sisters provide support and material assistance for women who are pregnant or seeking help, enabling those women to pursue the best life for them and their baby. These sisters are a shining example of the power of love for those in need.
Center City Market Ribbon Cutting Center City Market cut the ribbon on their new location in Downtown Altoona. The market is a unique food court featuring seven businesses. The Market is located in the former McCrory’s 5-and-10 cent store which opened 125 years ago. This is an exciting addition to our community!
Tyrone-Snyder Library Appreciation Event The Tyrone-Snyder Public Library hosted a special evening to thank those who faithfully support the library. Librarian Jennifer Powell provided a “state of the library” address as part of the evening.
Skip Steinbeiser donated this beautiful handmade quilt to the library.
Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce Luncheon Pennsylvania’s Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding took some time to speak to the Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce this week at a special Agricultural Luncheon held at the Huntingdon County Career & Technology Center. As agriculture is a major industry and economic driver in the county, Secretary Redding’s comments and insights were greatly appreciated by the group. The Huntingdon County Farm Bureau and local FFA Chapters participated in the informative event.
WISE Women of Blair County WISE Women (Women Involved in Scholarship and Empowerment) of Blair County held their annual Tribute Dinner in Altoona. Honorees included Jane Gable, Arts and Letters; Becky Stevens, Business and Professional; Amy Van Kluenen, Community Service Volunteer; Lori Crownover, Education; Amy Marten Shanafelt, Non-Profit/Government; and Ann Benzel, Lifetime Achievement Award. Congratulations to these deserving women! Pictured are Becky Stevens, Amy Marten Shanafelt and Ann Benzel.
Child Abuse Prevention Month Chief Charles Streightiff from the Huntingdon Borough Police Department collaborated with the superintendents, staff, and students from the Huntingdon Area School District, the Mount Union Area School District, and the Juniata Valley School District to complete 30 framed art pieces to raise awareness of Child Abuse Prevention Month and honor those working on the front lines on these investigations. My staff had an opportunity to view these art pieces featuring colorful children’s handprints that are a reflection of the work being done for the safety, security and welfare of youth. Agencies were encouraged to choose a framed art piece to display in their workplaces as a reminder of the importance of their work in investigations of crimes against children. Thank you to all the local law enforcement officers, victim advocates, child and youth case workers, and the staff of the Children’s Advocacy Center for the work they do to protect children in the community.
If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here. |
|||||
|
|||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorjudyward.com | Privacy Policy |
