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In this Update:

• Senate Backs Israel, Condemns Hamas
• Senate Advances Critical Support for EMS, Hospitals and Nursing Homes
• Empowering Parents to Control Sexually Explicit Content for Their Children
• Bill Enhancing School Bus Safety Receives Senate Support
• Senate Votes to Increase Access to Addiction Treatment Programs
• Last Chance to Register to Vote in the Nov. 7 Election
• Recognizing Special Guests of the Senate
• October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

Senate Backs Israel, Condemns Hamas

Following the murderous attacks of innocent people by the terrorist group Hamas, the Senate approved a resolution condemning Hamas’ Oct. 7 carnage.

Senate Resolution 185 shows Pennsylvania’s support of the Jewish people as they defend against this terrorist threat. It says that we stand “firmly with the people of Israel and their right to defend themselves.” It labels the attacks by Hamas as “shocking, barbaric and evil,” further adding they “amount to war crimes of the worst kind.”

The innocent victims of these atrocious crimes and their loved ones will continue to be in my prayers.

Senate Advances Critical Support for EMS, Hospitals and Nursing Homes

This week, the Senate approved legislation advancing critical public health components of the budget process.

Passage of House Bill 1351 addresses the crucial public health needs for emergency medical services, hospitals and nursing homes and ensures Pennsylvanians continue to receive access to needed health care services.

The bill:

• Increases EMS reimbursement rates for services and ensures providers are compensated for all loaded miles. The changes will drive $126 million of new revenue and new resources into the EMS network statewide.
• Reauthorizes a state assessment on hospital services, generating revenue supplemented by federal funds and returned to hospitals. The first payment to hospitals is typically made in mid-October.
• Freezes the Nursing Facility Case Mix Rate to reduce volatility and level the playing field so Pennsylvania nursing homes can continue to meet the needs of vulnerable patients.

Empowering Parents to Control Sexually Explicit Content for Their Children

The Senate Education Committee advanced a bill to provide parental control of student exposure to sexually explicit content, which Pennsylvanians over the age of 18 can view examples of here, in schools. Prior to the vote, the committee held a public hearing on the measure.

Senate Bill 7 would require schools to:

• Identify sexually explicit content in school curriculum, materials and books.
• Create an opt-in policy that would:
  • Notify parents of the sexually explicit content by including a list of the book titles on the form.
  • Give parents the opportunity to review the materials.
  • Require parents to give direct consent for their children to be provided or have access to sexually explicit content.
• Provide children with non-explicit alternatives if their parents do not opt in.

Importantly, Senate Bill 7 would not ban any books from any Pennsylvania school curriculum or library, but rather empower parents to control only what their own children have access to in school. Empowering parents and families is a priority of the Pennsylvania Senate Republicans.

Bill Enhancing School Bus Safety Receives Senate Support

The Senate passed a bill to improve school bus safety by increasing penalties for those refusing to follow the law.

Senate Bill 897 would give judges the discretion to increase fines above the current $250 for refusing to stop for a school bus when red lights are flashing or a stop arm is extended. It would also require repeat offenders to complete a PennDOT Driving Improvement School. Additionally, it would establish a new penalty for individuals who fail to proceed with caution past a school bus with flashing amber lights.

According to the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts, approximately 1,000 drivers annually are convicted of passing a stopped school bus with signals flashing. Many more citations are issued without resulting in a conviction.

The Senate action coincides with School Bus Safety Week in Pennsylvania, which runs from October 16-20. I spoke on the Senate floor this week about my resolution to highlight the importance of this designation.

Senate Votes to Increase Access to Addiction Treatment Programs

To combat prevalent opioid addiction, the Senate unanimously passed legislation increasing access to licensed addiction treatment programs for Pennsylvanians.

Senate Bill 941 would provide regulatory flexibilities that can be used during an opioid epidemic to create real solutions to workforce shortages and directly help those in need of treatment get access quicker. 

Additionally, Senate Bill 941 would establish annual reporting requirements to the General Assembly regarding unnecessary barriers to workforce recruitment and access to treatment.

Last Chance to Register to Vote in the Nov. 7 Election

If you wish to vote on Election Day on Nov. 7, you must be registered to vote by Monday, Oct. 23.

There are four ways to register to vote: online, by mail, in person at your county voter registration office and at PennDOT and some other government agencies.

Find the details about each of these methods here.

Recognizing Special Guests of the Senate

I had the pleasure of introducing two very special guests on the Senate floor this week.

Alexis Butler (pictured above) was recently crowned Pennsylvania’s new Dairy Princess. Her mother is part of my Capitol Office team in Harrisburg, making her visit a very special day for the entire family!

I also introduced Millersville University Men’s Baseball Head Coach Jonathan Shehan, who was recently honored as the 2023 NCAA Division II Atlantic Region Coach of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association and ATEC Sports for the fourth time. Congrats from one Marauder to another!

October is Down Syndrome Awareness Month

People with Down syndrome live healthy, rewarding, productive lives today. This month, and throughout the year, we celebrate their incredible spirit and impressive accomplishments!

I spoke on the Senate floor this week about my resolution designating October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.

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