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In this Update:
Remembering September 11, 2001
24 years ago, we vowed to NEVER FORGET. We vividly remember the events of that day, the 2,977 innocent lives lost–in Manhattan, at the Pentagon, and at Shanksville, the bravery of our first responders, and the heroism and selflessness of those who saved lives. We remember, as well, the resolve and unity we felt as Americans. Watch commemoration ceremonies, find names at the 9/11 Memorial, hear from witnesses, survivors, and rescue and recovery workers HERE. Learn about the Flight 93 passengers and crew HERE. Learn about the lives lost at the Pentagon: the passengers and crew on Flight 77 as well as service members and civilians in the Pentagon HERE. We must remember them always. 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. Importance of Community Pharmacies Highlighted at Briefing
Community pharmacies and the important role they play for Pennsylvania residents was the focus of an informational briefing with pharmacists, the state Department of Human Services, the Insurance Department and others. Roughly 600 pharmacies have closed across the commonwealth within the last two years, reducing access to professionals serving on the frontlines of health care. The Senate Community Pharmacy Caucus discussed the impacts of Act 77 of 2024, the Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) reform measure. The law banned harmful practices, strengthened network adequacy requirements, increased PBM transparency and accountability and implemented additional oversight. Further action needed to protect community pharmacies was among the topics explored at the briefing, which can be viewed here. 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. 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, and mandates additional driver education or examinations. Replace Damaged License Plates in Shippensburg
PennDOT-issued license plates that have: lost reflectivity, are peeling, blistering, or are discolored, and/or are unreadable from 50 feet away are eligible for FREE replacement. Stop by our license plate replacement event Saturday, October 25 in Shippensburg, to have your plate checked and have all necessary paperwork completed. There is no fee for this service. View answers to Frequently Asked Questions and register here. Please note: registration for the event is recommended, in case of event updates, but is not required. We hope to see you there! Register for Veterans Appreciation Breakfast
Veterans and their spouses are invited to attend a free breakfast on Saturday, November 8 in Carlisle. Registration for the event is now open! Please complete the form on my website if you’re planning to attend as registration is required. We look forward to seeing you and honoring all who have served! Around the District
Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending an event at the REI store in Hampden Township with constituents, REI leadership, agency heads and the Governor. During the event, it was announced that our local store is REI’s top performing retail location in the country! This speaks volumes about our area’s interest in outdoor recreation and the opportunities we have to enjoy nature here in south central Pennsylvania. It was great to catch up and discuss those topics with Tim Schaeffer and Steve Smith, Executive Directors of the Fish and Boat Commission and Game Commission, respectively.
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