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In this Update:
Bill to Improve Early Literacy Poised for Enactment
The Senate and House unanimously passed and sent to the governor legislation to give students the best chance at lifelong success through a strong, evidence-based reading program. Senate Bill 801 would provide schools with resources to dramatically improve early literacy in Pennsylvania. First, it would bolster reading instruction by giving schools a comprehensive list of evidence-based reading curricula. Second, it would help schools identify struggling readers early via universal screening by providing a list of high-quality screeners. Third, it would ensure educators are properly trained to use the structured literacy curriculum and screeners by creating a list of high-quality professional development programs. Low literacy scores are a problem that spans the geographic and demographic spectrum, with urban cities and rural communities struggling to help their students read proficiently at their age level. Studies show that childhood reading difficulties can produce long-term effects and dramatically impact someone’s chances of success. Senate Passes Bill to Extend Lemon Law Protections to Motorcycles
The Senate unanimously approved legislation that would extend Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law protections to cover motorcycles. Senate Bill 155 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law provides protections for customers who purchase or lease a car that is registered in the commonwealth. The law protects customers who experience defects with their car during the first year or 12,000 miles of leasing or ownership. Manufacturers are given three opportunities within a year to repair the defect. If the problem still cannot be corrected, the customer is eligible for a replacement or refund. The state Lemon Law currently only applies to cars. Bill to Improve Elevator Safety Standards Passes Senate
The Senate unanimously passed legislation to improve elevator safety standards in Pennsylvania. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has revised the national elevator code seven times since 2002, yet Pennsylvania still adheres to outdated standards that don’t reflect current safety practices. The Elevator Safety Board–which was established in 2018 to address elevator construction, maintenance and inspection–submitted its recommendations to update these codes to the Department of Labor and Industry in 2020, but the agency has not acted. Senate Bill 1230 requires the Department of Labor and Industry to adopt an updated safety code, effective July 1, 2025. Prior to adoption, the Elevator Safety Board may recommend modifications based upon its professional expertise and industry experience. The legislation would establish timely benchmarks, making sure necessary upgrades will not be delayed further. Prepare Now for the Nov. 5 Election
Election Day on Nov. 5 is fast approaching. Make sure you’re able to participate by registering to vote no later than Oct. 21. If you’ve moved, this is also a great time to double check that you’re registered to vote at your current address. There are three ways to vote: 1) Going to your polling place in person on November 5. Confirm your polling place HERE. 2) Requesting a mail-in ballot or absentee ballot and returning it via the U.S. Postal Service. Details are available HERE. 3) Going to your county election office and voting “on-demand” before October 29, 2024. This process allows registered voters to request, receive, vote, and submit a mail-in ballot all in one visit. More information is available HERE. Cumberland, Dauphin, and Perry counties are all providing this option. If you are looking for a way to help your community, learn more about becoming a poll worker here. Thousands of Pennsylvanians are needed to run elections, and poll workers are needed across the district. Fall Foliage Report
Pennsylvania has a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state in the nation — or anywhere in the world. We’re starting to see some fall foliage in Cumberland and Dauphin counties, while Perry County is already approaching peak color. Those interested in foliage changes across the commonwealth and/or species-specific information locally can check out DCNR’s Fall Foliage Report for this week, available HERE. All weekly reports are posted HERE. Around the District
Pennsylvania Cable Network is an exceptional source of information and a state treasure. I was pleased to meet with their leadership team and tour their studios in Camp Hill this week!
I was glad to set up an informational table at the 50+ Expo in Carlisle earlier this week. We enjoyed talking with constituents and connecting them with services and resources available to them through Commonwealth agencies.
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