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In This Update:
Wolf Administration Grossly Manipulates Wording of Referendum QuestionsLawmakers recently approved a potential amendment to the Pennsylvania Constitution to place commonsense limits on the emergency powers delegated to the governor. The amendment – which I authored with Senate Majority Leader Kim Ward and Senator John DiSanto – will appear on the ballot for voters this spring, and holds the promise of restoring the balance of power between the governor and the General Assembly. Unfortunately, the Department of State inserted biased language into the ballot questions to fool voters into voting against the amendment. It is deeply disappointing that the Wolf Administration worded these questions in a way that was deeply prejudicial, trying to make the amendments seem like something they are not. I authored an op-ed along with my colleagues to explain how all Pennsylvanians can play a role in overcoming the governor’s attempted deception. You can read more here. Senators Martin and Aument host Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Lancaster County Mass Vaccination Plan
Senator Aument and I are hosting a special Virtual Town Hall to discuss Lancaster County’s COVID-19 Mass Vaccination Plan and to answer questions regarding the vaccine on March 2 beginning at 5:30p.m. Dr. Michael Ripchinski, Chief Clinical Officer of Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health, Ray DiAgostino, Lancaster County Commissioner, and Senate Health and Human Services Committee Executive Director Joan Bradbury will be special guests during the conversation to answer questions related to the COVID-19 vaccine. Anyone who wants to participate can register by visiting www.senatorscottmartinpa.com/access-live. This link can also be used for audio streaming, which will be available immediately prior to the event. Participants can also stream the event live on either Senators’ Facebook page at or https://www.facebook.com/SenatorScottMartinPA. The virtual town hall format encourages community residents to participate in a discussion on the issues without the need to travel throughout the region. Participants can ask questions or simply remain on the line to listen to the discussion. Wolf Administration Announces Plan to Add Tolls to Nine Existing PA Bridges
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) unveiled a proposal last week to toll nine existing bridges on the Interstate System. The plan raised serious concerns since it was done unilaterally by the Wolf Administration without any sense of transparency or accountability, and without the input or authorization of the General Assembly. Eight of the nine bridges are in Senate Districts represented by Republicans. The tolling proposal would impact the following bridges:
Imposing these bridge tolls will negatively impact the people who use those highways as part of their daily commute — just as surely as if we would impose any of the other taxes that the governor wants to levy as part of his budget this year. Legislation will be proposed soon to reform the statute that PennDOT is utilizing to push this plan forward and prevent new tolling without proper transparency and oversight. Lawmakers Authorize Use of PA National Guard to Distribute COVID-19 Vaccine
The Senate voted recently to authorize the use of the Pennsylvania National Guard to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine. The bill would allow the National Guard to operate under the guidance of the Pennsylvania Departments of Health and Human Services to help collect, secure and transport doses of the vaccine. In addition, National Guard members who have the necessary training would be permitted to administer the vaccine to Pennsylvanians who want to receive it. The proposal could help improve Pennsylvania’s troubled roll-out of the COVID-19 vaccine. The state currently ranks 46th in the nation in terms of the percentage of distributed vaccines that have been administered. Senate Passes Bill to Boost Farmland Preservation
Pennsylvania’s farmland preservation efforts could take a critical step forward under legislation approved by the Senate on Tuesday. The bill would help generate new funding for the program without placing additional burdens on taxpayers. The legislation dedicates a portion of existing farmland preservation funding to private land trusts – groups that take stewardship over a property with the permission of the landowner. Land trusts would be required to provide matching funds, which would make more resources available to preserve farms. Senate Approves Bill to Generate More Private Donations to Support Veterans
Pennsylvanians could donate more money to help veterans under a bill the Senate approved on Wednesday. The legislation would increase the donation amounts to the Veterans’ Trust Fund when Pennsylvanians renew a driver’s license, ID card or vehicle registration. The bill would increase the donation amount from $3 to $5, or from $6 to $10 when applying for a two-year vehicle registration. All donations support grants to county directors of veterans’ affairs, veterans’ service organizations and other charitable organizations that provide assistance, shelter and living necessities to veterans and their families. Legislation Would Create Medals of Commendation for Firefighters, Law Enforcement, EMS
The Senate passed legislation this week that would create a new way to honor members of law enforcement, firefighters, and EMS personnel who demonstrate uncommon heroism in the line of duty. The bill would establish special medals of commendation to be awarded to members of these organizations who are injured or killed in the line of duty, or who demonstrate exceptional gallantry, heroism and bravery in the face of life-threatening circumstances. The color of each medal – the Star of Valor, Heart and Medal of Ultimate Sacrifice – would coordinate with the respective program: blue for law enforcement, red for firefighters, and white for EMS personnel. Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation Claimants Must File by March 12
The Mixed Earners Unemployment Compensation program provides an additional $100 in weekly benefits for claimants who earned at least $5,000 in net income from self-employment. Claimants must submit acceptable documentation by March 12 to receive the extra benefits. The additional benefit applies from January 2 through March 13. Pandemic Unemployment Assistance claimants are not eligible for the program. Details on the program, applicable tax years and documentation are available here.
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