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In this Update:
RSVP to Sen. Robinson and Rep. Mihalek’s Veterans Breakfast
Please join Representative Mihalek (R-40) and me for our annual veterans breakfast on Friday, Nov. 14 from 9-11 a.m. at St. Clair Country Club, 2300 Old Washington Road, Upper St. Clair. The breakfast will consist of a keynote speech by Patrick Keally, author of Year of the Rooster: Vietnam 1969: Ghosts in the Night, a Vietnam veterans panel, and certificate presentation. Be sure to RSVP by Monday, Nov. 10 by calling Representative Mihalek’s office at 724-942-2045. We hope to see you there! We Want to Hear From You: Phones in Schools
There has been a steep decline in our children’s mental health, social skills, and academic performance which directly correlates to the rise of smartphones and social media apps. Studies show cellphone restrictions in school have a positive impact on academic performance, and even students say restrictions have improved their mental health. Twenty-seven states have already passed legislation restricting these devices during school hours including New York, Virginia, and Florida; 18 of these states have instituted bell-to-bell bans. To address these concerns, I’ve introduced Senate Bill 1014 to require schools to adopt and implement a policy that prohibits the use of phones during the school day. The bill provides flexibility for each individual school district to craft a policy that works best for their community, including determining where students must keep their phones throughout the day (for example, backpacks, lockers, smartphone bags, etc.). Exceptions would be made for:
Read more about the legislation here. Question Do you support requiring all school districts in Pennsylvania to create and implement a policy prohibiting student use of cellphones during the school day?
Submit your response to the survey question here. Remembering the Lives Lost at the Tree of Life Synagogue
This week, we remembered the 11 lives lost 7 years ago at the Tree of Life Synagogue. May their memories continue to live on. Remember, together we are stronger than hate. Colonel Strong Takes Over Command of the 171st Air Refueling Wing
Congratulations Colonel Ryan D. Strong on taking over command of the 171st Air Refueling Wing. He is taking over command following Colonel Raymond L. Hyland, Jr.’s retirement. Colonel Strong, I wish you great success in this new role! Animal Friends Continues to Expand
I am excited to see how Animal Friends continues to thrive! The organization is expanding their reach, rescuing lives and bringing people together through compassion and care. I am proud to have supported their facility’s growth and the new bridge project that is helping connect this incredible organization to even more of our community. Happy 175th Anniversary to Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney
Congratulations Buchanan, Ingersoll & Rooney on celebrating its 175th anniversary! I had the honor to present this citation alongside Senator Costa (D-43), Senator Fontana (D-42), Senator Pisciottano (D-45) , and Senator Wiliams (D- 38). I wish you all continued success. Labor and Industry Committee Meeting
As chair of the Senate Labor and Industry committee, I was proud to see legislation approved to help those in recovery find jobs, study the impacts of AI on the future workforce, and provide for a modern accessibility code. PTSI Workers Comp Law is Now Effective
First responders are the backbone of our communities. When tragedies occur, they run in to save lives and property. Unfortunately, sometimes these events cause post-traumatic stress injuries. This week, a change to the Workers’ Compensation Act took effect to provide the treatment first responders suffering from PTSI need and deserve. I was pleased to play a role in the passage of the legislation as Chair of the Labor and Industry Committee, where the legislation was first considered. Thank you to the many first responders and allies that worked so hard for many years to get this bill passed. Additionally, thank you to Senator Camera Bartolotta (R-46) and Representative Jennifer O’Mara (D-165) who sponsored the legislation and advocated tirelessly for its passage. Bill Requiring Parental Notification of School Weapons Incidents Set to Become Law
Legislation requiring school districts to notify parents and school employees of any incidents involving possession of weapons on school property is set to become law. Under current law, school districts are not required to inform parents or guardians about incidents when a weapon is brought onto school grounds or to related activities. The changes in Senate Bill 246 apply to public, nonpublic, and private schools. The bill, which first passed the Senate in May, received strong bipartisan support from the General Assembly and now awaits the governor’s signature. New Protections Against Telemarketers Approved by Senate
The Senate approved legislation to better protect Pennsylvanians from scammers and other deceitful telemarketers. Senate Bill 992 prohibits telemarketing calls being made on Sundays and either before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on every other day of the week. It also expands the law to cover text messages, voicemails and “ringless” voicemails – tools often used by telemarketers to evade existing restrictions. In addition, it establishes penalties for both telemarketers and the companies that hire them for illegal activity. The bill would also prohibit the use of artificial intelligence or fake caller IDs to deceive or defraud consumers. A violation of the law carries a civil penalty of up to $1,000 or $3,000 if the person contacted is age 60 or older. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Make Your Voice Heard Tuesday on Election Day
Tuesday, Nov. 4 is Election Day. This year, voters will weigh in on races for local, county and judicial positions. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For those voting by mail, county election offices must receive completed ballots by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Find your polling place and other voter information here. Pitt Small Business Development Center Office HoursThinking about starting a business or looking to grow your existing one? You can sign up for a customized consulting session with Pitt Small Business Development Center who can assist with any aspect in running your business. My district office is hosting Pitt SBDC hours on Nov. 20 for constituents to make appointments any time between 9 am- 4pm. To RSVP, please call our office at 412-785-3070. Auditor General’s Activity Book Contest Accepting Submissions
Pennsylvania students in grades K-12 are invited to help the state Auditor General’s office design the cover of its new Be Money $mart activity book. The book will include coloring pages, word searches, word scrambles, crosswords and budgeting sheets – all focused on financial literacy. The deadline to submit a design online has been extended to Nov. 14. The winner’s artwork will be featured on the cover of the new activity book, recognized at the PA Farm Show, and will win their school a visit from Auditor General Tim DeFoor. The activity book will be distributed statewide through libraries, YMCAs and credit unions. Coming Together for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month was a time of reflection and unity. Senators from both sides of the aisle took part in October’s Rock the Ribbon campaign to acknowledge the strength of those impacted and the continued importance of awareness. Please share this information with a friend or family member. It could save their life.
I’m proud to represent you in Harrisburg. Please contact me if my team can assist you with any state-level issues or services, including PennDOT, PA Department of Revenue, PA Department of Aging, PA State Treasury, etc. I’m always happy to hear from constituents, but if you need assistance or have concerns regarding a federal issue, you may want to contact your U.S. Senators and/or your member in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thank you. For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive my e-newsletters, you can get on the mailing list here. |
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