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In this Update:
Recognizing School Bus Safety Week in PA
This week and every week, we recognize and thank our school bus drivers and others who prioritize our children’s safety and well-being when transporting them to school or school-related activities. It is because of their dedication that I introduced a resolution designating October 20-24 as “School Bus Safety Week” in Pennsylvania. Our General Assembly continues to do its part to protect Pennsylvania students by passing laws to strengthen penalties against repeat offenders of stopping laws, increase vehicle stopping distances, expand the school bus stop arm camera program and more. It’s important to remember we as motorists also have a role to play when it comes to roadway safety for our children – like observing all school bus stopping laws including stopping at least 10 feet away from busses with their red lights flashing and stop arm activated, and not proceeding until all children have crossed the street. More information about school bus safety is available here. Senate Votes to Expand College Aid for Foster Children
The Senate approved legislation to expand tuition aid for foster children and adopted youth to cover those from other states, attracting talented students to help fill in-demand jobs and boost the commonwealth’s weak population growth. Senate Bill 432 would expand the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program, which waives higher education tuition and fees for children in the foster care system and those who were adopted. The program is currently available only to state residents and the legislation would expand it to eligible nonresident students for undergraduate courses at Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education schools. The measure builds on the GROW PA plan I introduced last year to improve Pennsylvania’s competitiveness by, among other steps, attracting and retaining students to pursue college degrees. Bill Targeting Catalytic Converter Thefts Passed by Senate
Pennsylvania is one of the top states in the country for catalytic converter thefts, with thieves targeting the car part for its precious metals – leaving families and businesses to deal with the costly aftermath. We passed legislation to strengthen regulations and equip law enforcement with better tools to track and prosecute offenders. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 914 repeals the Scrap Metal Theft Prevention Act and moves the requirements to Title 18, the Crimes Code. Title 18 requires scrap processors and recycling facilities to collect buyer information, set commercial-account rules, restrict purchases of certain materials and create penalties. Open Government: Tracking How Your Tax Dollars are Spent
Government is funded by money paid by taxpayers, and these resources are available to shed light on how those dollars are being spent by the commonwealth. The PennWATCH website allows citizens to keep tabs on the state budget, spending and revenue. Pennsylvania also makes it easy for people to review state purchases, lobbyist registrations and reports and campaign finance reports. Announced earlier this year by state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, OpenBookPA is a vast resource of data and information related to state finances. It includes the Fiscal Health Scorecard, the daily balance of every state fund and the Contracts e-Library, which allows people to search all state contracts valued at $5,000 or more. Give Your Feedback on PennDOT Construction, Maintenance Services
Through Oct. 21, motorists can take an online survey to give their feedback on Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) construction and maintenance services. The 22-question survey asks participants how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations in construction and maintenance activities. Respondents are also asked about experiences with reporting concerns to the department, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. PennDOT is directly responsible for nearly 40,000 miles of highway and 25,400 bridges. A summary of recent projects and funds spent can be found in the 2024 Annual Report. Expanding Coverage of Breast Cancer Screenings
Earlier this year, the Senate passed a bill to expand insurance coverage for breast cancer screenings, including MRIs and ultrasounds, with no out-of-pocket costs. It was another major step forward in early detection and access to care. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’m hopeful the House of Representatives will pass this legislation, so more Pennsylvanians have access to these lifesaving screenings. Read more about breast cancer risk and new resources available for early detection here.
If you have a question about the information in this e-newsletter or other state related matters that you would like a response to, please click HERE to submit your inquiry through my website. This will help to ensure that we are able to respond to your question in a timely fashion due to the high volume of emails and the ever growing amount of computer generated spam mail we receive daily. |
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