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In this Update:
Senate Approves Poll Watcher Empowerment Act to Increase Election Oversight, Integrity
The Senate approved the Poll Watcher Empowerment Act to ensure election laws are strictly adhered to and improve confidence in Pennsylvania’s elections. Senate Bill 573 would allow all registered Pennsylvania voters to be eligible to be a poll watcher in any precinct in the state and ensures poll watchers can clearly observe the pre-canvassing and counting of all ballots. The bill would stiffen penalties against any election official who blocks, impedes or otherwise intimidates a poll watcher on Election Day. It would not change any duties, powers or responsibilities of poll watchers. Senate Bill 573 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. The bill is the third election integrity measure passed by the Senate this year, along with the elimination of controversial ballot drop boxes and prohibiting third-party funding of elections. Senate Acts to Protect Women’s Sports
The Senate approved my legislation that protects the integrity of women’s sports. The bill advances to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 1191 states that school athletic teams designated for women should not be open to those of the male sex. The bill defines “sex” as the biological distinction between male and female, based on reproductive biology and genetic make-up. It’s imperative that we protect the opportunity for female athletes to compete on the athletic field in a fair and equal manner. Allowing a biological male to compete on a women’s scholastic team puts all women on the playing field at an automatic disadvantage. The bill was introduced earlier this year after concerns grew about preserving the increased athletic opportunities female students have gained since Title IX was enacted 50 years ago next week. Joint Hearing on Government Data Breach Notification
Legislation requiring timely notification to victims of a state or local government data breach was the topic of a joint Senate/House public hearing. The Senate Communications and Technology Committee and the House State Government Subcommittee on Government Information Technology and Communication held the gathering to review Senate Bill 696. The panels heard from representatives of the Department of General Services, the State Privacy and Security Coalition, and the Cybersecurity Association of Pennsylvania. You can view the hearing and read testimony here. Capitol Rally Aims to Stop Wolf Bridge Tolling Plan
The No P3 Bridge Tolls Coalition was joined by lawmakers at a capitol rally Wednesday to voice opposition to the Wolf administration’s plan to toll interstate bridges in Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) plan proposes tolling to pay for bridge projects and has received an overwhelming amount of disapproval, including citizens, members of the General Assembly, local officials and business operators. PennDOT’s Public-Private Partnership (P3) bridge tolling initiative would cost the average commuter an additional $1,000 per year and was moved through the process without legislative input nor approval. The Senate passed Senate Bill 382, which reforms the P3 statute and voids PennDOT’s plan. However, Gov. Wolf has stated that he will veto the bill. Commonwealth Court temporarily halted the tolling plan. The Wolf administration has appealed to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Scammers are Stealing Military Pensions
Pennsylvania veterans and their advocates should be aware of an increase in scammers looking to poach their VA pensions, warns the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA). “Pension poaching” occurs when scammers or dishonest financial planners charge veterans or their beneficiaries for help in applying for or submitting applications for VA pensions. The scheme often involves financial maneuvers such as advising claimants to hide their assets in trusts or annuity products sometimes resulting in lost investments and lucrative fees paid to the advisor. The DMVA says veterans and their advocates should remember to never share their VA login information, or deposit VA benefits directly into a third-party bank account unless the person is court appointed or a VA accredited fiduciary. More on avoiding pension poaching, and what to do if you know someone who was targeted, can be found here. National Fishing and Boating Week
Pennsylvania has multiple settings for fishing and boating, whether you’re an expert or a beginner. HuntFishPA.com is a good place to start to find out what you need to enjoy angling. The PA Fish and Boat Commission can help you find the best waters for fishing and information on fishing licenses, fishing seasons and more. Boating Safety Education Certificates are required to operate a personal watercraft and for persons born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, to operate boats powered by motors greater than 25 horsepower. People who successfully complete an approved boating course are issued a Boating Safety Education Certificate good for a lifetime. The Path to Homeownership
PHEAA
PHEAA will be offering free financial aid webinars to help answer commonly asked questions for those looking for affordable postsecondary educations. Learn more and register here: https://bit.ly/3sJgz6M. 30th Happenings
I had the pleasure to meet with Anthony Kowalski and his father Chet recently to assist Anthony in earning an Eagle Scout badge. Anthony and I discussed how he can be a good citizen and also my position as a senator and state government.
My district office intern, Julia Cacciotti, joined me for a day at the Capitol this week. She was present in the Senate Chamber to observe the voting session and listen to debates on legislation.
This week I was joined by Blair County Chamber of Commerce President, Joe Hurd and Dave McFarland, Planning Director for Blair Planning, for PA Chamber Day at the Capitol.
Real Alternatives had a wonderful event with keynote speaker Rachel Campos-Duffy who is a co-host on Fox & Friends Weekend. At the event I was honored to receive an award from Real Alternatives for dedication to women and children and the promotion of life. For over 25 years Real Alternatives has been helping provide clothing, food, shelter and other services to women in need of pregnancy support.
On June 9, 2022, I was pleased to host an Emergency Services Workshop for first responders in the 30th District at the Smithfield Volunteer Fire Company #10 in Huntingdon, PA. We were fortunate to have a group of subject matter experts join us for the event to share their expertise. Senator Pat Stefano (R-32), Chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, shared a legislative update and highlighted the committee’s future legislative agenda. Mr. Randy Padfield, Director of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), provided information on funding opportunities available through the agency. Funding experts also shared information on federal, state, and private foundation resources specific to the needs of first responders. A funding resource reference manual that contained an extensive list of grant and loan programs was handed out. Approximately 40 fire, police, ambulance, and emergency management personnel attended the event to gather information and resources that can help them meet the day-to-day challenges they face. |
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