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In this Update:
* Franklin Fall Farm Fun Fest
* Honoring Dr. Sweetland
* SB142 – Abolishing the Funeral Directors Remarriage Penalty
* Fair Queen Advocacy Day
* Meeting Homeschool Students at Capitol
* Senate Votes to Strengthen PA’s Sexual Offender Registry
* Bill to Minimize Utility Disruptions, Protect Workers Passes Senate
* Senate Approves Bill Exempting Milk Haulers from Travel Bans
* $10 Million Available to Farmers for Agricultural Innovation
* October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
* State Pumpkin Contest Open Until Oct. 20
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** Franklin Fall Farm Fun Fest
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I had a wonderful visit to the Reich-Dale Farm on the Franklin County Farm Bureau Legislative Farm Tour. The Reichard family were gracious hosts and made the best of a rainy day.
** Honoring Dr. Sweetland
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Above is my comments honoring Dr. Sweetland, a retired Doctor who tried to save the life of Corey Comperatore during the shooting at the Trump Rally in Butler, Pennsylvania.
** SB142 – Abolishing the Funeral Directors Remarriage Penalty
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My legislation, SB142, Abolishing the Funeral Directors Remarriage Penalty was voted out of the House Professional Licensure Committee. To view my remarks please visit, 10/2/24 – SB 142 (House Professional Licensure Cmte) on Vimeo ([link removed])
** Fair Queen Advocacy Day
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It was a privilege to meet Franklin County Fair Queen, Carlea Hutchinson and Shippensburg Fair Queen, Abby Bucher to hear their concerns regarding local agriculture and fairs.
** Meeting Homeschool Students at Capitol
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It is always wonderful to see young students touring Pennsylvania’s Capitol and learning of our state’s history.
If you are interested in visiting the Pennsylvania State Capitol building, please click here ([link removed]) to help plan your visit.
** Senate Votes to Strengthen PA’s Sexual Offender Registry
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The Senate unanimously approved legislation to protect children from sexual predators ([link removed]) by closing a loophole in existing state law. The legislation now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Senate Bill 1317 ([link removed]) would add the crime of sexual assault by a sports official, volunteer or employee of a nonprofit association as a Tier II sexual offense, requiring individuals convicted of this offense to register as a sexual offender under the Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act. Under current law, those convicted of this offense are not required to register as sex offenders.
The bill supports the Senate Republican priority of cultivating healthy and safe communities ([link removed]) .
** Bill to Minimize Utility Disruptions, Protect Workers Passes Senate
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The Senate unanimously passed a bill to improve and extend protection of Pennsylvanians and the workers ([link removed]) who maintain essential underground utilities such as gas, water, telecommunications and more. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Senate Bill 1237 ([link removed]) would make permanent the PA One Call Law, which has been extended for 50 years and is set to expire on Dec. 31. PA One Call prevents accidents that threaten the safety of Pennsylvanians, construction workers and other excavators. It also minimizes utility service disruptions by ensuring underground utility lines are properly marked prior to any digging.
The bill would also enhance safety protocols by improving communication between excavators, facility owners and the Public Utility Commission, as well as requiring better documentation of underground utility lines. To prevent dangerous situations, the legislation calls for expanded timelines for filing violation reports and additional consequences for non-compliance.
** Senate Approves Bill Exempting Milk Haulers from Travel Bans
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The Senate approved legislation to exempt milk haulers from travel bans ([link removed]) imposed during a declaration of disaster emergency. It heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Senate Bill 153 ([link removed]) would allow a licensed milk hauler to transport milk on highways even during weather-related commercial travel bans. These vehicles would be required to display a decal that would be developed and issued by the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board.
Dairy producers and processers had to dispose of milk due to weather-related commercial vehicle travel bans, rather than have it transported to market. This adversely affects their already tight profit margins, threatening farmers financially and making them more likely to be forced out of the industry – compromising Pennsylvanians’ access to healthy beverages and foods.
** $10 Million Available to Farmers for Agricultural Innovation
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To support farmers who supply our communities with healthy foods and beverages, Senate Republicans dedicated $10 million for the new Agricultural Innovation Grant Program in this year’s budget.
Funding can be used to improve efficiency on the farm or in processing, generate energy while reducing nutrient waste leaving the farm and support crops that effectively store carbon or replace non-renewable resources. It can also be used to address practical challenges including data collection, biosecurity and odor remediation.
Learn more ([link removed]) about eligibility and apply online ([link removed]) by Nov. 15.
** October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
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As we kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania, we honor the brave survivors, fighters and advocates who inspire us all in the battle against breast cancer. Each year, we turn the Capitol fountain pink as a powerful reminder of our commitment to raising awareness, advancing research and supporting early detection efforts.
This month serves as an important time to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the work that still lies ahead. One in eight women will get breast cancer in her lifetime, so early detection and access to life-saving treatments remain critical. We stand united in spreading awareness and fostering hope, reminding everyone that we can make a lasting impact in the fight against breast cancer.
Stay up to date here ([link removed]) .
** State Pumpkin Contest Open Until Oct. 20
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The Department of Agriculture has announced its PA Preferred® Pumpkin Palooza Contest. Participants are encouraged to express their creativity by painting or carving a pumpkin.
Pumpkins must be purchased from a Pennsylvania farm, and contestants must be a Pennsylvania resident. Three age divisions include child (11 and younger), youth (12-17) and adult (18 and older).
Contestants should email a photo of their submission, with the subject “PA Pumpkin Palooza Entry,” to
[email protected] (mailto:
[email protected]) by Oct. 20. Winners, who will be emailed on Oct. 24, will receive a PA Preferred swag bag. Learn more ([link removed]) .
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