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In this Update:
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
As we kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania, we honor the brave survivors, fighters and advocates who inspire us all in the battle against breast cancer. Each year, we turn the Capitol fountain pink as a powerful reminder of our commitment to raising awareness, advancing research and supporting early detection efforts. This month serves as an important time to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the work that still lies ahead. One in eight women will get breast cancer in her lifetime, so early detection and access to life-saving treatments remain critical. We stand united in spreading awareness and fostering hope, reminding everyone that we can make a lasting impact in the fight against breast cancer. Stay up to date here. Our legislature has also taken great strides in increasing access to life saving screenings for those who are at high risk of developing breast cancer through the passage of a landmark law last year – Act 1 of 2023. This law eliminates all costs associated with screening breast MRI, ultrasound, genetic testing and counseling for individuals at high risk of breast cancer who are insured under state-regulated plans. High-risk factors include a personal or family history of breast cancer, abnormal breast screenings or dense breast tissue. Individuals with gene mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2, or those with a first-degree relative carrying these mutations, are also covered for additional screenings and genetic counseling. The law will be fully in effect for all state-regulated insurance plans by the end of 2025, though many plans will begin coverage between 2024 and 2025. To find out if your plan qualifies, check with your insurer or employer’s human resources. For uninsured or underinsured women who need immediate screenings, Pennsylvania offers no-cost options through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. For more information about Act 1, visit https://www.pabreastcancer.org/act-1-of-2023/. Veterans Assistance Hours Available at Our Cranberry Twp. Office on Oct. 10Stephanie Wilson from the Pennsylvania American Legion Veterans Assistance Program will be available on Thursday, October 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at our Cranberry Township District Office, 8001 Rowan Rd, Suite 205 in Cranberry Township. No appointment is necessary. Wilson can help veterans and their families with understanding the benefits they have earned, enroll in the VA health care system, assist with the appeals process, and more. Participants are asked to bring any documentation and paperwork they may need. These assistance hours continue to be available at this office on the second Thursday of each month. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact our Cranberry Township District Office at 878-978-2575. $10 Million Available to Farmers for Agricultural Innovation
To support farmers who supply our communities with healthy foods and beverages, Senate Republicans dedicated $10 million for the new Agricultural Innovation Grant Program in this year’s budget. Funding can be used to improve efficiency on the farm or in processing, generate energy while reducing nutrient waste leaving the farm and support crops that effectively store carbon or replace non-renewable resources. It can also be used to address practical challenges including data collection, biosecurity and odor remediation. Learn more about eligibility and apply online by Nov. 15. Highlights in the 47th
With Hunger Action Month coming to a close last week, I wanted to thank all who contributed to our food drive in my Capitol and district offices. We collected over 100 food items which were donated to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank as well as a local food bank in our area!
Congratulations to Jackson Township Police Chief Terry Seilhamer on your retirement! You served your community well and I wish you all the best on your next chapter! In addition to serving as chief, Terry also was a former PA State Trooper.
It was another busy week in Harrisburg! In addition to session, I was glad to have the chance to meet with the PA Fair Queens, North Catholic High School Robotics Team from Butler County, Beaver County Chamber of Commerce members, and Frank Murphy and Riley Gaines, chair and vice chair of Athletes for America.
The Association of Independent Colleges & Universities of PA held their Mascot Day here at the Capitol last Tuesday! Geneva College’s own Lindsay Courteau proudly represented the Golden Tornados!
My colleagues and I gathered last week to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month and shed light on the importance of women knowing their risks when it comes to this disease – early detection is critical and helps saves lives!
Economy Borough’s Community Day was a blast! My staff and I had the pleasure of participating in this great event and got to chat with many local residents who attended!
This year’s Beaver County Senior Expo was another huge success! My staff and I want to thank everyone who joined us last Friday as well as thank our vendors and event sponsors who help make this event possible each year! You can view more photos here.
Workforce development priorities were the focus of a recent press conference held at the Beaver County Career & Technology Center where I joined Lt. Governor Austin Davis to discuss how this year’s state budget invested in strengthening PA jobs and businesses. We also had the opportunity to tour BCCTC and observe the great opportunities they offer our local students through the programs they provide!
Thank you, Chelsea Dukovich for the tour of the Big Blue Swim School located in Cranberry Township! This facility has been open since May 2023 and currently gives swim lessons to children ages 3 months to 12 from about 1000 families! State Pumpkin Contest Open Until Oct. 20
The Department of Agriculture has announced its PA Preferred® Pumpkin Palooza Contest. Participants are encouraged to express their creativity by painting or carving a pumpkin. Pumpkins must be purchased from a Pennsylvania farm, and contestants must be a Pennsylvania resident. Three age divisions include child (11 and younger), youth (12-17) and adult (18 and older). Contestants should email a photo of their submission, with the subject “PA Pumpkin Palooza Entry,” to agcontests@pa.gov by Oct. 20. Winners, who will be emailed on Oct. 24, will receive a PA Preferred swag bag. Learn more. Center for Dairy Excellence Has 3 Upcoming Internship Opportunities AvailableThe Center for Dairy Excellence has 3 upcoming internships for college students who are pursuing careers in dairy and looking to gain real-world experience. Click here to learn more about each internship opportunity:
Senate Approves Bill Exempting Milk Haulers from Travel Bans
The Senate approved legislation to exempt milk haulers from travel bans imposed during a declaration of disaster emergency. It heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 153 would allow a licensed milk hauler to transport milk on highways even during weather-related commercial travel bans. These vehicles would be required to display a decal that would be developed and issued by the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board. Dairy producers and processers had to dispose of milk due to weather-related commercial vehicle travel bans, rather than have it transported to market. This adversely affects their already tight profit margins, threatening farmers financially and making them more likely to be forced out of the industry – compromising Pennsylvanians’ access to healthy beverages and foods. Senate Votes to Strengthen PA’s Sexual Offender Registry
The Senate unanimously approved legislation to protect children from sexual predators by closing a loophole in existing state law. The legislation now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 1317 would add the crime of sexual assault by a sports official, volunteer or employee of a nonprofit association as a Tier II sexual offense, requiring individuals convicted of this offense to register as a sexual offender under the Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act. Under current law, those convicted of this offense are not required to register as sex offenders. The bill supports the Senate Republican priority of cultivating healthy and safe communities. Bill to Minimize Utility Disruptions, Protect Workers Passes Senate
The Senate unanimously passed a bill to improve and extend protection of Pennsylvanians and the workers who maintain essential underground utilities such as gas, water, telecommunications and more. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 1237 would make permanent the PA One Call Law, which has been extended for 50 years and is set to expire on Dec. 31. PA One Call prevents accidents that threaten the safety of Pennsylvanians, construction workers and other excavators. It also minimizes utility service disruptions by ensuring underground utility lines are properly marked prior to any digging. The bill would also enhance safety protocols by improving communication between excavators, facility owners and the Public Utility Commission, as well as requiring better documentation of underground utility lines. To prevent dangerous situations, the legislation calls for expanded timelines for filing violation reports and additional consequences for non-compliance.
Please contact me to provide input on any state-related matter, or to receive help in dealing with a state agency. |
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