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In this Update:
Senate Votes to Strengthen PA’s Sexual Offender RegistryThe 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. New PA Sportsman License Plate Now AvailableNEW PA Sportsman plates are available now from PennDOT! Fourteen dollars from every Pennsylvania Sportsman plate sold will be credited to a special fund for the purpose of conducting activities that promote youth hunter and fishing education by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission and the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Get yours by completing the form HERE. Gold Star Families Memorial Legislation Receives Committee ApprovalDuring this week’s Senate State Government Committee meeting, I was honored to speak on behalf of legislation introduced by PA State Rep. Joe Kerwin, who is currently deployed with the 2nd of the 112th Infantry Battalion, 56SBCT. Rep. Kerwin’s deployment underscores that freedom isn’t free; it comes with great risk and sacrifice. His legislation, HB 71, would authorize the construction of a Gold Star Families Memorial on the state Capitol grounds–a most worthy pursuit. No one has given more for our Nation than the families of the fallen. I remain grateful for the opportunity to speak on the legislation and to the members of the committee for their unanimous support of the bill. Watch HERE. Senate Approves Bill Exempting Milk Haulers from Travel BansThe 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. $10 Million Available to Farmers for Agricultural InnovationTo 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. October is Breast Cancer Awareness MonthAs 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. State Pumpkin Contest Open Until Oct. 20The 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. Around the DistrictCongratulations to our newest Eagle Scout, Noah Rice of Troop 180! I enjoyed celebrating his many accomplishments, along with his family, friends, leaders, and fellow scouts. His dedication to service and leadership are commendable. I was pleased to present him with a Senate citation to recognize this latest achievement. Thanks to the Diller Center at Shippensburg University for inviting me to participate in a discussion of the current policy landscape for entrepreneurs and economic growth. The questions posed were thoughtful and timely, involving current legislative initiatives. It was a great night with an impressive group! I appreciated the opportunity to meet with Cadence Brown, 2024 Cumberland County Ag Expo Queen, and Autumn Albright, 2024 Perry County Fair Queen this week. We discussed the importance of agriculture and fairs to the Commonwealth. I couldn’t help but be impressed by their individual accomplishments, knowledge, advocacy, and passion for agriculture! They represent our area so well. Keep up the great work! Veterans Breakfast: RSVP Today!Veterans and their spouses are invited to attend a free breakfast on Saturday, October 26. Reservations are required and can be made HERE. We look forward to seeing you and honoring all who have served!
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