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In this Update:
Bill to Help Individuals Living with Rare Diseases Passes Senate
Senate Bill 715 which I sponsored was passed by the Senate this week. This legislation would help the estimated 1.2 million Pennsylvanians living with rare diseases across our Commonwealth. Act 14 of 2017 established the Pennsylvania Rare Disease Advisory Council (PARDAC) with a sunset date of 2025. The bill extends the sunset provision to 2028 and will enable the council to continue researching and raising awareness for those individuals struggling with rare diseases. A rare disease is a disease or condition that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States and more than 250 new rare diseases are identified annually. As a nurse, I know first-hand the impact a rare disease can have on someone and their loved ones and the daily challenges it can present. This community needs our help, and that is why the work of the PA Rare Disease Advisory Council could not be more necessary. Senate Bill 715 will build on the efforts of the Council and enable them to continue their amazing work. PARDAC was established to assist those across Pennsylvania who navigate through life with rare diseases, and it advocates for policies that directly impact Pennsylvanians living with rare diseases. Senate Bill 715 received unanimous bipartisan support and now is before the House of Representatives for consideration. Lifesaving Bill to Eliminate Cost Barriers to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Approved by Senate
Patients who receive abnormal results from supplemental breast cancer screenings will be able to access the necessary follow-up diagnostic imaging at no cost under bipartisan legislation passed by the Senate. This ensures critical continuum of care. Senate Bill 88 builds on the success of Act 1 of 2023, which provided no-cost preventive screenings for individuals at high risk. Senate Bill 88 takes the next step with no-cost follow-up diagnostic imaging and expands eligibility to include individuals at average risk. While 26 other states have followed Pennsylvania’s lead in offering no-cost supplemental breast screening since the passage of Act 1, Pennsylvania remains the only state without guaranteed coverage for diagnostic imaging. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives. Beware of Fake Inheritance Scams
State agencies are warning Pennsylvanians, especially older adults, about scammers posing as Commonwealth officials. Victims are being contacted by email and asked to pay large sums to claim a fake inheritance. Remember:
If you think you’ve been targeted, report it immediately to the PA Insurance Department or Department of Banking and Securities at 1-866-PAComplaint, or contact the Attorney General’s Office at 1-800-441-2555 or attorneygeneral.gov. Stay informed, protect yourself and your loved ones. Congratulations to the Southern Fulton Indians!
The Southern Fulton Indians made school history by beating the reigning District 5 champions Eden Christian School and bringing home the PIAA 1A Championship title. The Indians played an incredible game, beating Eden Christian 14 to 3. With determination and drive, they were able to bring home the championship to Southern Fulton. Congratulations to the Indians! Senate Targets PA Opioid Crisis with Expanded Reporting Tool
The Senate voted to incorporate overdose reporting by EMS providers into the statewide Overdose Information Network to make sure first responders, treatment providers and other key parties have the information they need to save lives. Senate Bill 89 would require the Pennsylvania Department of Health to coordinate with the Pennsylvania State Police to ensure real-time overdose reporting by EMS providers is incorporated into the statewide mapping system. The bill was also approved by the House of Representatives and will be sent to the governor for his signature. EMS providers would report information including the date and time of the overdose, location, substances used by the victim and more. In other action to prevent opioid deaths, Senate Republicans led passage of a measure giving EMS personnel permanent authority to leave behind a dose of lifesaving naloxone at non-fatal overdose scenes. Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Approved by Senate
Legislation to protect property owners against eminent domain abuse and ensure they are fully compensated when their property is taken by government was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 225 would ensure business owners and farmers whose properties are seized through eminent domain are compensated for loss of “goodwill,” which goes beyond the assessed value. For farms, the land may possess characteristics that make it particularly special, such as fertile soil. In the case of another business, goodwill may be because of location, access to utilities and other factors. Farmers, employers and homeowners testified before a Senate committee last year about eminent domain abuse. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. School Bus Safety Grant Program Applications Accepted
School districts, school bus companies and municipalities have until July 3 to apply for state grants to improve school bus safety and pay for training and other costs associated with attracting much-needed school bus drivers. Legislation passed by the General Assembly allows school districts to install automated camera systems to enforce the state School Bus Stopping Law and increase safety for school children. A portion of the fines paid by violators are used for the School Bus Safety Grant Program. Details and the online application are available here. Celebrating Great Outdoors Month
The arrival of summer means plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy what nature has to offer locally and across our commonwealth. Pennsylvania is home to cool, green forests, thousands of pristine lakes and streams, hiking trails and state parks. Find plenty of ways to explore the great outdoors of our region and the state here. Out and About in the 30th DistrictCongratulations, Shoe Fly! Congratulations to Shoe Fly’s recent building expansion, located in the Pleasant Valley Shopping Center of Altoona. The recent expansion includes an additional 24,000 square feet and is split into several sections: Shoe Fly Shoe, Appalachian Running Company, Shoe Fly Work Zone, a shoe outlet center, and a boutique that has a variety of items for the ladies such as jewelry, handbags, and more!
RTC Auction House Ribbon Cutting RTC Auction House recently held their grand opening and ribbon cutting. They are located on Schoolhouse Lane in McVeytown. RTC Auction Services, LLC. is now housed at this new location.
Local Realtors Stop by Capitol It was great to see local faces at the Capitol this week, as realtors from our area were in town with the Pennsylvania Realtors Association to discuss legislative issues important to them.
Swigart Antique Auto Museum The Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce and Business held their After-Hours event at the Swigart Antique Auto Museum located at 2031 William Penn Highway in Huntingdon. The Swigart Museum has over 150 vehicles in their collection.
Electric Vehicles Pull Up to the Capitol This week, dealers from across Pennsylvania drove to Harrisburg to show off their top-of-the-line electric vehicles. Among them were Lucid and Acura, which are made here in the United States.
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