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In this Update:
Senate Votes to Protect Your Right to Know About Government Actions
The Senate approved legislation to strengthen government transparency and protect the public’s right to know. Senate Bill 1150 would clarify Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act to ensure public agencies provide meaningful notice before acting on important matters. The bill reinforces the 24-hour agenda posting requirement and ensures exceptions for emergencies and small-scale matters remain limited. The legislation follows a state Supreme Court ruling allowing agencies to add agenda items and take official action on them with a simple majority vote, even when those items were not included on a publicly posted agenda. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about legislation to strengthen the Sunshine Act here. Beware the “Veterans Savings Program” Postcard Scam
There is a new scam that is currently targeting Veterans and their spouses. Postcards are being mailed out promoting a so-called “Veterans Saving Program,” claiming that recipients may qualify for additional benefits. These benefits include an additional $185 monthly payment and dental benefits, among others. Please be aware that this program does not exist. You can find more information about the scam here. Making it Easier for Fire Companies, EMS Agencies to Access Funding
Legislation to make it easier for fire and EMS agencies to access state funding through the Fire and EMS Grant program was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 1261 streamlines the application process, including eliminating outdated wording and incentives, using the state’s Single Application for Assistance instead of having a separate, redundant system, and asking fire companies to provide additional contact information to ensure lines of communication are open. The bill also increases the amount fire and EMS agencies can borrow through the State Fire Commissioner’s low-interest loan program, freeing up more funding opportunities for first responder agencies. Senate Bill 1261 now advances to the House of Representatives. Read more about these proposed improvements here. Flying the POW/MIA Flag at Public Schools
The Senate voted to require the POW/MIA flag be displayed at any public school in the commonwealth that already displays the American flag, provided the school can reasonably accommodate it. By meeting the requirement of Senate Bill 835 schools can help ensure the sacrifices of prisoners of war and those missing in action are never forgotten and demonstrate their commitment to supporting military families and educating students about the importance of service. This legislation was very personal to me because my father was a WWII POW and I am inspired by his and his fellow POW’s patriotism and sacrifice every day. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 835 here. Quarantine Order Issued to Protect PA Farms from Screwworm
Heightened risk of New World Screwworm (NWS) following confirmed cases in Texas and New Mexico has prompted the state Department of Agriculture to issue a quarantine order limiting the movements of livestock and pets. There are currently no cases in Pennsylvania, but NWS is a devastating pest. Its fly larvae can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds, and in rare cases, people. The quarantine order establishes movement restrictions and enhanced animal health requirements for susceptible domestic animals entering Pennsylvania from affected areas. The order includes provisions for veterinary inspection, animal health certification and preventative measures designed to reduce the risk of NWS entering the commonwealth through animal movements. Read the NWS quarantine order here. Find more information about the NWS outbreak here. Happy Father’s Day
On Sunday, we celebrate fathers and fatherhood and honor the dads who influenced us throughout our lives. Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and father figures who contribute so much to our families and communities. Out and About in the 30th DistrictUPMC Nursing School Ribbon Cutting It was an exciting day for UPMC Altoona and our community as we celebrated the opening of the UPMC Mercy School of Nursing! This is a new 16-month diploma program that offers the opportunity for nursing education in Blair County and is a win for our communities!
Cowans Gap Communications Board DCNR Secretary Cindy Dunn spoke at Cowans Gap State Park to celebrate the significant accessibility improvements underway across Pennsylvania’s state parks. The group visited the new communication board at one of the playgrounds, an accessible fishing platform, and an accessible picnic pavilion.
Representative Verobish Holds Open House Representative Andrea Verobish celebrated the opening of her 79th District Office in Altoona with a ribbon cutting and open house event.
Jaffa Mosque National Historic Register Ceremony It was a special day for the Jaffa Shriners this past weekend at a special ceremony recognizing the building’s addition to the National Register of Historic Places. During the ceremony, a bronze plaque was unveiled.
Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art Gala The Southern Alleghenies Museum of Art (SAMA) put on a fabulous event recently to celebrate their 50th anniversary!
Flag Day Ceremony The Flag Day ceremony on June 14 at Heritage Plaza in Altoona was extra special this year as we are gearing up to celebrate our 250th anniversary of freedom. It was nice to see the community come together for patriotism. The program emcee was Jody Cessna, the keynote speaker was Senior Judge Jolene Kopriva, and Blair 250 Chairman, A.C. Stickel spoke about upcoming America 250 events.
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