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In this Update:
Bill to Honor Gold Star Families Becomes Law
Freedom is NOT free. Those who die in service to their country leave behind parents, siblings, spouses, children and extended families. They are recognized as Gold Star families. The title is meant to honor the service member’s ultimate sacrifice while acknowledging their family’s loss, grief, and continued healing. Earlier this session, Rep. Kerwin introduced legislation to authorize the installation of a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at the State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg. I was honored to support and speak on behalf of HB 71 throughout the legislative process; I was glad to see the governor sign the bill this week, making it Act 145 of 2024. The monument will be sponsored by the Woody Williams Foundation, which was established to honor and support Gold Star Families. It will be built to reflect five main philosophical pillars of the foundation: homeland, family, patriot, sacrifice and legacy. The monument will give Gold Star Families a permanent place to gather, remember and honor their fallen loved ones. It will also remind the public of the ultimate sacrifice made by the country’s bravest patriots. The monument will be constructed south of the Auditorium Forum Building, east of the Irvis Office Building and north of Walnut Street. No one has given more for our country than Gold Star Families. Installing this monument is the least we can do for them. LCpl. Jason Frye Memorial Bridge Dedicated in Tyrone Twp.
Years ago, I made Connie and Gary Frye a promise: that we’d NEVER forget their son, Marine LCpl Jason Frye. This week’s bridge naming ceremony was part of our ongoing commitment to celebrate his life, faith, desire to serve, and the values he lived by. It was an absolute honor to spend Tuesday morning with his family and friends, and to hear loved ones recount stories that highlighted his kindness, compassion, and fun-loving personality. It made for a special—and humbling—day in Landisburg. Those who travel Route 233 in Tyrone Township, Perry County will now see Jason’s name as they cross Sherman’s Creek. We trust it will serve as a reminder of Jason’s selflessness, heroism, and sacrifice. Special thanks to all who made the ceremony possible: Landisburg Volunteer Fire Company, Perry County Honor Guard, West Perry High School Mustang Chorale, Bagpiper Amanda Spangenberg Baughman, the Perry County Commissioners, Tyrone Township Supervisors and Rep. Stambaugh. PA Supreme Court Rules Counties Must Comply with State Election Law
The state Supreme Court has reiterated its previous stance and ruled that undated or misdated mail ballots should not be counted in the 2024 election. It upholds prior rulings clarifying mail and absentee ballots that fail to comply with the Pennsylvania Election Code “shall not be counted” for the purposes of the Nov. 5 election. This is a win for voters and the rule of law. New Law Creates Rape Kit Tracking System
To empower survivors and hold offenders accountable, a bill establishing a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system was signed into law as Act 122 of 2024. Act 122 allows survivors to track the status of their rape kits throughout the testing process, from collection to destruction. The law clarifies existing rights and enshrines new statutory rights for survivors of sexual assault. It also brings Pennsylvania into compliance with the Fairness for Rape Kit Backlog Survivors provision of the recent Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization. To comply with VAWA, the law provides a waiver for survivors who file untimely claims for compensation due to delays in rape kit testing. Survivors will not need to undergo an appeal process for consideration of this waiver. Bill Allowing Year-round Motorcycle Inspections Now Law
Legislation giving people who are trying to take safety precautions more convenience is now law after receiving unanimous Senate and House support. It allows year-round motorcycle safety inspections in Pennsylvania. Even though motorcycles can be purchased and driven on Pennsylvania roadways throughout the year, the state Vehicle Code previously only allowed safety inspections to be performed from March to October. The legislation eliminated the old restriction to give motorcycle operators more opportunities to complete required inspections. Motorcycle registration with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will continue to be tied to the month the vehicle is to be inspected. New Maple Map Paves the Way for a Tasty Treat
Pennsylvania maple is a true taste of fall, and it’s simpler than ever to find and enjoy maple syrup and a wide variety of maple treats produced right here in the commonwealth. The new Maple Map highlights producers and businesses across the state. It’s a great tool for those of us who can’t wait until the Farm Show to stock up on maple products! The site also provides maple syrup recipes and a list of restaurants and coffee shops with maple menu offerings. Check it out! November is Child Safety and Protection Month
Our children are our most precious resource. During Child Safety and Protection Month, we focus on the dangers kids face every day and resolve to do our part to minimize these risks and provide support. We have placed a high priority on keeping kids safe, through advancing several bills during the current legislative session to improve child safety, including:
Around the District
Between events and legislative duties this week, I had the opportunity to visit Perry County businesses and catch up with friends, both old and new. I’m so glad I was able to stop in at Landisburg Mart, then go on to see the impressive operation at Fisher Structures firsthand (thank you DJ for the tour!) and check out the New Germantown Bridge in Toboyne Township. I’m grateful to represent this community full of truly good people.
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