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In this Update:

• Introducing Clean Air Preservation Act,  SB1264
• Senate Committee Advances Military Promotions
• Senate Republicans Continue Negotiations for Pro-Growth, Responsible State Budget
• Senate Votes to Stand with Israel
• Set for Enactment: Senate Bill Expanding Access to Telemedicine Services
• Bill Giving Parents Flexibility with Their Children’s Education Passes Senate
• Set for Enactment: Bill Providing Free Credit Monitoring for Data Breach Victims
• June is National Fireworks Safety Month

Introducing Clean Air Preservation Act,  SB1264

Weather and climate modification are becoming increasingly prominent topics in public discussions, particularly considering current climate conditions and extreme weather events. Although geoengineering might seem novel to some, the practice of modifying weather and climate has a long history.

For decades, cloud seeding methods have been used in the US for small-scale weather modification, especially in western states. This technique involves injecting chemicals into the atmosphere via aircraft, ground generators or a combination of both, to seed clouds with the goal of increasing rainfall or snowpack.

Public opposition to weather engineering activities has been growing. Critics argue that methods like aerosol injection increase air pollution and may induce severe weather events. Despite more than 70 years of weather modification, the efficacy of cloud seeding remains unproven. Some scientists assert that there is insufficient evidence of its effectiveness and caution that cloud seeding could potentially cause extreme droughts or flooding.

Silver iodide, a common chemical used in cloud seeding, is toxic and regulated under the Clean Water Act as a hazardous substance. A peer reviewed study published in the Journal of Ecotoxicology and Environmental Safety concluded that repeated cloud seeding can heighten toxicity levels in ecosystems as seeding pollutants accumulate in the environment.

Learn more about this issue and the legislation I have introduced to address it by reading the rest of this column on my website.

Senate Committee Advances Military Promotions

As chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, I convened a meeting this week where my colleagues and I advanced the nominations of nine Pennsylvania National Guard officers designated for promotion.

The committee unanimously reported the following officers’ promotions with a favorable recommendation:

• Col. Scott Harron, Air National Guard, nominated for brigadier general.
• Col. Lynn Lee, Air National Guard, nominated for brigadier general.
• Col. Brian Lehew, Air National Guard, nominated for brigadier general.
• Col. Jaime Ramirez, Air National Guard, nominated for brigadier general.
• Col. Traci Wallace, Air National Guard, nominated for brigadier general.
• Col. Frank McGovern IV, Army National Guard, nominated for brigadier general.
• Col. Francis Montgomery, Army National Guard, nominated for brigadier general.
• Col. Shawn Wray, Army National Guard, nominated for brigadier general.
• Brig. Gen. John Pippy, Army National Guard, nominated for major general.

To watch the VAEP Committee Meeting, please visit,  6/26/24 – Public hearing to Consider PA National Guard Officers Up for Promotion and Consideration of SR 311 on Vimeo

Learn more about these National Guard officers and a bill that also was approved by the committee by reading the rest of this article on my website.

Senate Republicans Continue Negotiations for Pro-Growth, Responsible State Budget

State budget negotiations are ongoing in Harrisburg, and we are encouraged by the dialogue between the Senate, House and governor. While it appears clear at this point that we will not have a full budget agreement which could be implemented by June 30, we are hopeful to reach a consensus very soon and avoid any negative impacts on the people of Pennsylvania. The Senate will return to session on Monday, July 1, at 3 p.m.

Senate Republicans continue to push for a spending plan that respects taxpayers, ensures existing resources are used wisely, and leads to economic and demographic growth in Pennsylvania. Since Gov. Josh Shapiro presented a budget plan in February that would increase overall spending by $3.2 billion, we have voiced the amount he wanted to spend is much higher than Senate Republicans believe is fiscally responsible.

Learn more about the process of enacting the 2024-25 state budget and watch the Senate in session here.

Senate Votes to Stand with Israel

The Senate approved legislation that would prohibit the PA Treasury’s Office, the State Employees’ Retirement System, the Public School Employees’ Retirement System and the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System from boycotting or divesting from Israel. The measure also would cut off state tax dollars from going to higher education institutions that boycott or divest from Israel.

Senate Bill 1260 sends a loud message that the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania stands with its top ally in the Middle East – Israel. On Oct. 7, 2023, more than 1,000 Israelis, mostly civilians, were murdered by Hamas terrorists. U.S. college campuses experienced volatile antisemitic protests that called for the complete destruction of Israel. Jewish students were required to shelter in place in their dorm rooms out of fear for their lives. Protesters were successful in getting some colleges to consider divesting from Israel, as well as companies that do business with the Israeli government.

In the wake of the Oct. 7 terrorist attacks, Pennsylvania’s Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who supports the legislation, invested an additional $20 million in Israel bonds, bringing the Treasury’s total investment in Israel to more than $56 million.

Set for Enactment: Senate Bill Expanding Access to Telemedicine Services

Legislation expanding access to telemedicine in Pennsylvania received final Senate approval and will be sent to the governor for enactment.

Telemedicine allows individuals to access health care services online using a computer, tablet or smartphone. It allows medical services to be provided to some of the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians who otherwise would not be able to receive them due to location or other circumstances.

Senate Bill 739 sets a base for how telemedicine will be covered by insurance companies and medical providers in Pennsylvania. The legislation requires:

• Health insurance policies to provide coverage for covered health care services delivered through telemedicine consistent with the insurer’s medical policies.
• Insurers to pay providers for covered health care services delivered through telemedicine consistent with the terms of the contract between the insurer and participating network provider.
• Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) programs to pay for covered health care services consistent with federal and state law.

Bill Giving Parents Flexibility with Their Children’s Education Passes Senate

To ensure children with autism, developmental delays or intellectual disabilities are better prepared to enter the classroom, the Senate passed a bill allowing parents or guardians to delay their children attending school for as long as one year.

Senate Bill 1157 would allow them to request a waiver from the Department of Education to delay compulsory attendance when their child reaches the age of six if:

• The child has been diagnosed by a qualified health professional with autism spectrum disorder or has been identified by the state as having developmental delays or intellectual disabilities.
• The child has been evaluated by a qualified health professional in the last six months and has been recommended for continued intensive early intervention services.
• The parent or guardian provides evidence of alternative services being provided or documentation of their efforts to obtain such services.

The bill would offer individualized learning and specialized approaches so children are able to develop the social and emotional skills necessary for future success.

Set for Enactment: Bill Providing Free Credit Monitoring for Data Breach Victims

Bipartisan legislation to strengthen notification requirements for data breaches and provide affected citizens with free credit monitoring for a year and a credit report is set to be signed into law. The bill was approved by the House of Representatives this week, following Senate passage last year.

Senate Bill 824 would cover instances in which an individual’s first and last name or first initial and last name have been accessed in combination with any of the following information: Social Security number, bank account number, driver’s license or state ID number. The bill also strengthens state notification requirements and mandates Attorney General notification if a data breach occurs in the commonwealth.

A record 3,122 data breaches occurred nationally in 2023, affecting hundreds of millions of Americans and costing billions of dollars, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center. It marked a 72% increase in data compromises from the previous all-time high in 2021.

June is National Fireworks Safety Month

Independence Day is right around the corner, which means many of us will enjoy celebrations that include an American tradition: fireworks. Being aware of restrictions on consumer fireworks can help prevent injuries and property damage.

They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of a building or vehicle, regardless of whether the building or vehicle is owned by the user of the consumer fireworks. Fireworks cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or another drug.

Read more about state restrictions, and check with your local municipality for applicable local ordinances.

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