Dear Neighbor, I hope you are well! I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on several happenings in the district as well as Harrisburg. 

As always, I hope you find this informative and useful.

Budget Hearings Update

I'm in Harrisburg again this week to continue our budget hearings. We've heard from the State Police, Department of Aging, Department of Health, Department of Drug & Alcohol Programs, and the Department of State. State Police discussed staffing issues, training facilities, and the potential for increasing community policing and partnerships. We asked the Department of Health about medical debt, maternal health, and staffing issues. And the Department of State answered our questions about licensing and elections. 

I asked Health about staffing shortages for our public health nurses and how we're doing overall. They reported that staffing levels for public health nurses in our state health centers are doing well but there are other areas where a lack of nurses can be felt. Health also mentioned their work on PA's public health infrastructure, and they are building on previous successes to ensure our commonwealth is ready for any public health concerns.

Tomorrow we will hear from the Department of Corrections and the Department of Transportation. If you have any questions about the budget talks, please reach out to my district office at 484-200-8263 or at [email protected]

National Vietnam War Veterans Day

Today is National Vietnam War Veterans Day, marking the 50th anniversary of when the last U.S. troops left Vietnam. The conflict saw more than 2.7 million Americans serve in Vietnam, with over 50,000 American casualties and hundreds still missing in action to this day. On this day we honor the veterans and their families for their service in the U.S. Armed Forces and the sacrifices made during this conflict. 

Senior Fair

My 2023 Senior Fair is April 20th at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center & Fairgrounds. Join me and representatives from federal, state, county, and community organizations who will be on hand to answer your questions and explore what's available to you. We will offer the popular SEPTA Senior Rail Passes, Fraud Sleuth, and Veteran ID Services. 

Please RSVP here: https://forms.gle/yynJnu2y1gVzSCXE7

Nashville School Shooting

On Monday, another community in America witnessed a school shooting that left three children and three adults dead as firearms are now the leading cause of death for children and teens in America. This tragedy is preventable, this tragedy is a disgrace, and the gender identity of those who commit these heinous acts remains irrelevant to the fact that Congress and state legislatures - including Pennsylvania's - must pass comprehensive red flag laws, waiting periods, and an assault weapons ban. 

We needed gun reform 24 years ago after Columbine. We needed gun reform 11 years ago after Sandy Hook. We needed gun reform a year ago after Uvalde. And we still need it today. 

International Trans Visibility Day

This Friday is International Transgender Day of Visibility to acknowledge the contributions of trans individuals for progress and recognize the overwhelming discrimination and hate trans people endure every day.

Across our country over 300 anti-LGBTQ bills have been introduced in State Legislatures and in Congress, fueling the cruelty and hostility toward fellow Americans. It's more important than ever to show our support to the LGBTQ community and trans individuals and I remain committed to my work on the LGBTQ Caucus and passing the PA Fairness Act. 

Please continue to stay safe, healthy and well-informed.

And, if you have questions about any state-related issue, please contact my office at 484-200-8263 or email [email protected].

Sincerely,

Rep. Joe Webster
State Representative
150th Legislative District

PA House of Representatives Democratic Caucus
PO Box 202250 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2250

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