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Save the Date
I will be sponsoring Unclaimed Property Search Events in Chambersburg and Gettysburg on August 27. More details to follow!
In this Update:
- Senate Approves my Bill to Establish Vietnam War Veterans Day in PA – SB1160
- Senate Approves my PA VETConnect Bill – SB447
- Senate Votes to Expand Authority of Hospice Licensed Practical Nurses
- Online Dashboard Shows Tick Hot Spots
- Promoting Safe Driving Habits
Senate Approves my Bill to Establish Vietnam War Veterans Day in PA – SB1160
Wednesday, the state Senate advanced a bill I introduced that would mark March 29 each year as Vietnam War Veterans Day in Pennsylvania.
“Our Vietnam War veterans served our nation with courage, honor and dignity,” Mastriano said. “Vietnam veterans did not always receive the warm welcome home enjoyed by previous generations of veterans. This bill would ensure our Vietnam veterans are reminded each year that Pennsylvania appreciates the sacrifices they made in service of our country.”
President Barack Obama in 2012 signed a proclamation designating March 29 as the annual observance of Vietnam War Veterans Day.
President Donald Trump in 2017 signed into law the Vietnam War Veterans Recognition Act designating March 29 as National Vietnam War Veterans Day. The law also amended the flag code to include National Vietnam War Veterans Day on the list of days when the American flag should be flown.
I introduced Senate Bill 1160 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War.
The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Senate Approves my PA VETConnect Bill – SB447
This week, the state Senate approved my legislation that would establish in law the PA VETConnect program to help Pennsylvania veterans access programs, services and benefits in their communities.
“Our military veterans earned access to certain benefits and programs through their service to our nation,” Mastriano said. “This program connects veterans with the resources available in their communities and across the commonwealth. It’s important for us to protect this program by having it codified in Pennsylvania law.”
Senate Bill 447 would establish in law the PA VETConnect program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and helps the commonwealth’s more than 700,000 veterans access services in their communities. The database of resources enables local veteran advocates – including staff at county veterans affairs offices – to point veterans to information, resources, programs and services in their area and across the commonwealth.
My remarks in the Senate during consideration of the bill can be viewed here.
Senate Bill 447 previously was approved by the House of Representatives and now heads to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.
Senate Votes to Expand Authority of Hospice Licensed Practical Nurses
The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 1080 to enable licensed practical nurses (LPNs) working in a hospice setting to make death pronouncements, saving money and limiting unnecessary emotional distress for the patient’s family.
Pennsylvania law currently allows registered nurses (RNs), medical doctors, physician assistants and coroners to make death pronouncements.
Many hospice facilities across Pennsylvania face workforce shortages. Giving LPNs the authority to make death pronouncements can help hospice facilities address their staffing issues.
Online Dashboard Shows Tick Hot Spots
Tick season is in full swing, but there are ways to continue to enjoy the many benefits of the Great Outdoors while minimizing the risk of becoming a victim of a tickborne disease. Pennsylvanians should take precautions every time they spend time outside as the state leads the nation in the number of Lyme disease cases.
A new Pennsylvania Department of Health online dashboard shows where ticks are prevalent and the latest data on tickborne disease activity, such as Lyme disease.
Tick bites can be limited using preventative measures. Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% permethrin. Use Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellents. Walk in the center of trails and avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter. When returning indoors, check your clothing, gear and pets for ticks. Shower within two hours and check your body using a full-length mirror.
Promoting Safe Driving Habits
Recognizing this week as Operation Safe Driver Week, which aims to reduce driving behaviors, here are some helpful tips so we can all enjoy the roadways safely.
Speeding has been a factor in more than a quarter of crash deaths since 2008. Nearly half of passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2019 were not wearing seatbelts.
Distracted driving is another behavior that puts people at risk. The AAA Traffic Safety Culture Index revealed that 88% of drivers believe distracted driving has outpaced all other traffic-related issues as a growing safety concern. In June, the Senate passed legislation, now law, limiting the use of handheld cellular and other devices while driving.
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