|
|
|
| |
|
Capitol Report
|
#Listrak\DateStampLong#
|
The latest news from the State Capitol
|
Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
|
In the Fifth
Fire and EMS Loan Program
Great news for the Central Berks Fire Company No. 1 in Centerport, they have been approved for a $96,000 loan through the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Program!
This low-interest loan, at a fixed 2%, will help them purchase a 2008 Spartan Pumper Tanker.
Congratulations to them on this acquisition, which will undoubtedly support their continued service to the community!
|
Veterans Town Hall
It was amazing to connect with veterans and their families last week at the Veterans Town Hall event at the South Heidelberg Township Building. We hope you found the information on unclaimed property from the PA Treasury, VA benefits and local Berks County services helpful.
It's important that our veterans and their families have access to these valuable resources. Thank you to everyone who came out!
|
Reading Aviation FBO
I was honored to have been at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the newly renovated Reading Aviation FBO! Reading Aviation is such a vital supporter of both aviation and economic activity right here in Berks County. The Reading Airport holds a special place for me as the location of my district office, so it was truly an honor to celebrate this important milestone.
|
Electronic Recycling Event
If you were unable to attend my electronic recycling event, you can watch this short clip of how it went. In the future, my office will be hosting a paper shredding event to help dispose of private information, and a number of other events, such as my Concealed Carry Seminar this Thursday.
|
House Resolution 176
Last week in Harrisburg, I rose in support of House Resolution 176, which I co-sponsored, to honor Pennsylvania’s fallen law enforcement officers.
Law enforcement officers across the Commonwealth put their lives on the line each and every day to keep us safe.
This resolution passed the House unanimously and while it cannot bring our fallen heroes back, the General Assembly stands united with the brave men and women who wear the badge and their families.
|
Upcoming Concealed Carry Seminar
Spots are filling up for my upcoming Concealed Carry Seminar. Whether you would like to learn about concealed carry laws, or refresh your memory, you are invited to my seminar at the Reading Regional Airport.
RSVPs are required, register today! Please be sure to reserve your spot by calling my office at 610-378-4407 or click here to register on my website.
|
Still Looking to Get REAL ID?
 |
The deadline for enforcement of the federal REAL ID Act is less than two weeks away. It’s important to remember:
• REAL ID is NOT mandatory in Pennsylvania, though you will need another federally accepted form of identification to meet the requirements of the law in certain circumstances.
• May 7 is the date enforcement of the law begins, but you may obtain a REAL ID anytime after May 7 as well.
To help expedite processing for those who wish to obtain a REAL ID, PennDOT is hosting a series of REAL ID Days on Mondays at several driver license locations across the Commonwealth. Please click here to view a list of locations for REAL ID Days.
As of May 7, federal law will require you to present a federally accepted form of identification to board a commercial domestic flight or visit a secure federal building that requires ID at the door. Federally accepted forms of identification include a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or ID card, a U.S. passport or passport card, or a military ID.
Not sure you want or need a REAL ID? Check out PennDOT’s REAL ID online wizard to help you decide.
For more information, including a checklist of documentation needed to obtain REAL ID, visit www.penndot.gov/REALID.
|
Bill to Fight Overdose Deaths OK’d by House
 |
Continuing the fight against the opioid epidemic, the state House last week adopted legislation that would require the creation and dissemination of materials to help people recognize the signs of an overdose and how to respond to save lives.
Under House Bill 269, posters and other materials would be created to explain the signs of an opioid-related overdose, what to do in the event of an opioid-related overdose, where to find an opioid antagonist, such as Naloxone, and where to find additional resources and information. The poster would be made available online to download for private use and displayed in public places to increase awareness of how to recognize and respond to opioid-related overdoses.
Almost 3,500 Pennsylvanians died from opioid overdoses in the 12-month period ending in November, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The state’s deadliest year of the opioid epidemic was in 2017 when almost 5,500 people died from overdoses. Despite the improvement, opioid overdoses still claim almost 10 lives a day in Pennsylvania.
The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.
|
Protecting Seniors’ Access to Prescription Drug Assistance
The House last week approved legislation that will help low-income seniors maintain access to prescription drug assistance through the PACE and PACENET programs.
Specifically, House Bill 923 places a “moratorium” on the inclusion of income from a Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) in determining eligibility for the programs.
PACE and PACENET are available to residents ages 65 and older. The annual income limit for PACE recipients is $14,500 or less for a single person and $17,700 for a married couple. The annual income limit for PACENET is between $14,501 and $33,500 for a single person and between $17,701 and $41,500 for a married couple.
Full details on eligibility and how to apply are available here or by contacting my office.
House Bill 923 is pending consideration in the Senate.
|
Call Before You Dig
April is Safe Digging Month, an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of calling 8-1-1 before digging to ensure the safety of excavation projects across the state.
Every time an underground utility line is hit, there is a risk to the contractors or homeowners who are doing the digging; to utility workers and emergency responders who are mobilized to deal with the damage; and to bystanders who live, work or travel near the locations of the incidents.
State law requires contractors and residents to contact PA One Call at least three business days prior to excavation – triggering alerts to all utilities within an intended digging area and prompting utilities to mark where their lines are located. Pennsylvanians can dial 8-1-1 to connect with the One Call system, while out-of-state residents or businesses can call 1-800-242-1776.
Learn more at www.PA1call.com.
|
Boosting Autism Awareness, Acceptance
April is Autism Acceptance Month, formerly known as Autism Awareness Month. The designation aims to help empower autistic individuals and their families, and to ensure improved support and opportunities in education, employment, accessible housing, affordable health care and long-term support services.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services’ Office of Developmental Programs works to provide an array of support services for individuals of all ages, as well as their families. The Autism Services, Education, Resources and Training Collaborative (ASERT) is a statewide initiative to provide streamlined access to information for Pennsylvanians living with autism.
To learn more, visit www.paautism.org.
|
Spring Gobbler Season Nears
Pennsylvania’s 2025 spring gobbler season began this past Saturday, April 26, with a one-day hunt for junior license holders and eligible mentored youth.
The regular statewide season kicks off this coming Saturday, May 3, with half-day hunting hours through May 17 and full days from May 19-31.
Full details of turkey hunting hours, licensing, safety tips and more are available here.
|
Let's Get Connected
|
Our District
 |
Web Site
rep .com
|
|
| Office Locations |
| District Office: Reading Regional Airport - Main Terminal, 2501 Bernville Road, Box 4, Reading, PA, 19605 | Phone: (610) 378-4407, FAX: (610) 378-4412 | Open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. |
| |
| Capitol Office: 432 Irvis Office Building, Harrisburg, Pa 17020-2005 | PO Box 202005 | Phone: 717-772-9940 |
|
|
