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In this Update:
Protecting Our Community Pharmacies Briefing
Senator Lisa Boscola and I, as chairs of the Senate Community Pharmacy Caucus, held an informational briefing with local pharmacists, the state Department of Human Services and Insurance Department, and industry stakeholders to highlight community pharmacies and the important role they play to Pennsylvania residents. The informational briefing highlighted the impacts of Act 77 of 2024, the Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) reform that passed last session. The law banned harmful practices such as patient steering and claw backs, strengthened network adequacy requirements, increased PBM transparency and accountability and gave the administration additional oversight. Local pharmacies also shared concerns about day-to-day operations, as many community pharmacies continue to face closures. I and Sen. Tina Tartaglione championed Senate Bill 1000, companion legislation to Act 77 of 2024. The briefing focused on protecting Pennsylvania pharmacies. Our pharmacies serve on the frontlines of health care, providing access and services to Pennsylvanians right in their neighborhoods. It is critical that we understand their needs and support them as roughly 600 pharmacies have closed within the last two years. What we have heard is that there is more work to be done, and my colleagues and I are committed to doing that. The Senate Community Pharmacy Caucus has led the charge alongside industry stakeholders on representing Pennsylvania’s pharmacy community within the state Senate. This spring, the Caucus held a briefing to consider testimony on Medicaid payment rates, legislative solutions in other states, implementation of Act 77 of 2024 and the current state of Pennsylvania’s community and independent pharmacies. The informational briefing can be viewed here.
School Bus Bill Improves Safety for Pennsylvania Children
Legislation to improve school bus safety and better protect children traveling to and from school was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 65 increases the required stopping distance from 10 feet to 15 feet for drivers approaching from the opposite direction when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing. It also raises penalties for violations, including higher fines and license suspensions for repeat offenders. I was proud to provide an amendment to this legislation that provides for further driver education that will increase awareness around school bus safety. It will also provide school districts the opportunity to provide educational materials from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to increase school bus safety. It also establishes penalties for drivers who fail to prepare to stop when a school bus activates its flashing amber lights, adding an important layer of accountability. During Operation Safe Stop in October 2024, law enforcement and bus drivers across 22 school districts reported 131 violations in a single day, underscoring the urgency of these reforms. September is Hunger Action Month
September is Hunger Action Month and my legislative district offices across the 30th District will be accepting donations of unexpired, non-perishable food items. All donations collected will be given to local food banks in our communities. We greatly appreciate your support! Senate Approves Bill to Expunge COVID-Era Citations
The Senate approved legislation to expunge punitive COVID-related citations issued by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) against small businesses with liquor licenses. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Every other commonwealth agency has dropped enforcement actions for COVID-era rule violations, recognizing the difficult situation restaurants faced. However, the PLCB has been using its license renewal process to punish license holders for not complying with COVID-related executive orders. This includes issuing conditional licenses, which come with higher insurance premiums, and requiring the sale of a liquor license, effectively putting someone out of business. Senate Bill 241 would help local businesses by expunging COVID-related citations from the record of restaurants and bars that are under the purview of the PLCB. State Fire & EMS Grant Program Available
The Office of State Fire Commissioner has announced that the State Fire and Emergency Medical Services grant program is now available until October 20th. Volunteer or career fire, volunteer or career medical services and volunteer rescue are eligible for this program. This grant provides funding opportunities for facility improvements, equipment purchases or repair, debt reduction, training certification and more. For more information on the grant program and to apply, click here. Helping Disabled Veterans Enjoy Outdoor Activities
The Senate passed legislation supporting opportunities for Pennsylvania’s disabled veterans to participate in outdoor traditions. Senate Bill 533 would streamline requirements for hunting and furtaking licenses and refine special permits for regulated hunting grounds to specifically benefit disabled veterans who take part in hunting events. The legislation makes it easier for organizations to host hunts for disabled veterans by clarifying the permitting process and reducing unnecessary barriers, ensuring more veterans can be included in these events. Senate Bill 533 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Remembering September 11, 2001
On this day, 24 years ago, 2,977 innocent lives were lost when our country was brutally attacked. 2,753 tragically lost at the World Trade Center in New York City; 184 perished at the Pentagon in Virginia; and right here in a field in Shanksville, Pennsylvania, 40 men and women gave their life. With heavy hearts, we remember and recognize the bravery and sacrifices of our first responders and all who were lost that day. Let us also remember the surge of patriotism that followed these tragic events. It was a unifier unlike anything else most of us had experienced. People focused more on what we had in common and simply what united us as Americans. Perhaps the best way to honor those who lost their lives is to resurrect that spirit. Take time today to remember that spirit and never forget, September 11, 2001. Celebrating Constitution Week
Constitution Week is the commemoration of the United States of America’s most important document. Each year we celebrate this from September 17th to the 23rd. The United States Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain our liberties, freedoms and inalienable rights. This celebration of the Constitution was started by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). In 1955, DAR petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into law on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower. The aims of the Constitution Week celebration are to:
At the closing of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787, Benjamin Franklin, a Pennsylvanian, is noted saying “I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such, because I think a central government is necessary for us. I doubt too whether any other Convention we can obtain may be able to make a better Constitution.” To learn more about the U.S. Constitution, click here. Out and About in the 30th DistrictFulton County 4-H Family Fun Day Fulton County 4-H held a Family Fun Day at Camp Sinoquipe in Fort Littleton. During the awards ceremony, students who participated in my A.B. Ross Leadership Program were presented with their recognition certificates.
PA State Transportation Commission Meeting Our region hosted the Pennsylvania State Transportation Commission (STC) Meeting this week, at the Blair County Convention Center. The agenda included adjustments to the 12-Year Transportation Program, a summary of the Pennsylvania in Motion Transportation Workforce Study, and a presentation from PennDOT District 9-0 highlighting local projects and accomplishments. This public meeting provides an opportunity to learn more about the challenges and opportunities facing our transportation state and regional transportation system, and we were happy to welcome the STC to our region.
Ember Aesthetics Ribbon Cutting Congratulations to Ember Aesthetics on cutting the ribbon on their location on Woodbury Pike in Hollidaysburg near Roaring Spring!
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