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Dear Friends,

This September, I will be hosting an event to highlight Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month, Senate Resolution 359. I will be joined by fellow veteran colleagues in the Senate as well as Major General John R. Pippy, Brigadier General John Wenzel, Matt Cahil of the Green Star Families of America, and other local veteran organizations.

While suicide is a public health issue throughout the United States, sadly, veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than those who never served in the military, and the risk factor for female veterans is even higher at 2.2 times.

If you are a veteran in crisis, or are concerned about one, free and confidential support is available 24/7. Please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988, then press 1.

Sincerely,

In this Update

• Public Comments Due Monday on PA Dept. of Health Overreaching Regulations
• DMVA Encourages Pennsylvanians to Support Veterans During National Suicide Prevention Month
• Key Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Still Awaits House Action
• Let Students Know It’s Safe2Say Something
• Homeland Security Grant Webinar Oct. 15
• “See Tracks? Think Train” Week Promotes Rail Safety

Public Comments Due Monday on PA Dept. of Health Overreaching Regulations

The Pennsylvania Department of Health recently proposed sweeping new regulations that would vastly expand state government’s power over the lives of Pennsylvanians. This includes expanding the government’s authority to enter private residences and schools without a warrant, access private citizens’ health information, speak with children without parental consent, enforce mask mandates and much more.

More details about what these regulations could mean for Pennsylvanians are available here.

I encourage all citizens to submit public comments on the regulations to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission before the public comment period ends this coming Monday, Sept. 21. Full instructions for submitting comments are available at the commission’s online comment page.

DMVA Encourages Pennsylvanians to Support Veterans During National Suicide Prevention Month

During National Suicide Prevention Month, and the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) reminds Pennsylvanians of the resources available to those in crisis or needing additional support. Suicide remains a significant concern within the veteran community. Data from 2022 found that male veterans over age 35 experienced increased suicide rates, while female veterans, aged 18-34, had the highest suicide rates among their peers.

Over 650,000 veterans live throughout the Commonwealth; one veteran suicide is one too many, and DMVA asks everyone to reach out to the veterans in their lives and let them know that they are seen, heard and cared for.

If you are a veteran in crisis — or you are concerned about one — free, confidential support is available 24/7. Call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and then pressing 1, send a text message to 838255, or chat online. 

To raise awareness, I have introduced Senate Resolution 359 to highlight Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.

Military veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than Americans who never served in the military. For female veterans, the risk factor is 2.2 times more likely. 

Pennsylvania is taking part in the Veterans Administration (VA) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s Challenge to Prevent Suicide among our Service Members, Veterans and their Families. In Pennsylvania, this initiative is led by the DMVA, in partnership with sister agencies and departments, several educational institutions, and a broad group of not-for-profit and faith-based organizations to develop and implement statewide and regional suicide prevention best practices. The team actively focuses on reducing veteran suicide every day, all year long.

Another resource available to veterans facing challenging times is DMVA’s PA VETConnect, an outreach program that enables the DMVA to concentrate services from within communities where our veterans live. This initiative allows DMVA to utilize community-based providers to fill gaps in services for homelessness, employment, mental health, addiction and more. Click here for more information.

To learn more about the DMVA and all its suicide prevention awareness efforts, visit online at www.dmva.pa.gov or follow us at www.facebook.com/padmva or www.twitter.com/padmva.

Key Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Still Awaits House Action 

Property owners scored a key victory this legislative session when the Senate approved a measure to protect and financially compensate them if targeted by eminent domain abuse. However, the bill has languished in the House of Representatives for more than a year.  

Senate Bill 225 would ensure business owners and farmers whose properties are seized through eminent domain are compensated for loss of “goodwill,” which goes beyond the assessed value. For farms, the land may possess characteristics that make it particularly special, such as fertile soil. In the case of another business, goodwill may be the location, access to utilities and other factors. 

This bill received unanimous support in the Senate and there’s no reason for the House not to act. Read more about this bill and federal efforts to end eminent domain abuse here.

Let Students Know It’s Safe2Say Something

As students settle in for the new school year, they should know about a resource available if they’re concerned about the wellbeing of themselves or others.

Authorized by the General Assembly, Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” before it is too late.

Students can report concerns by phone at 844-723-2729, by emailing [email protected] or on the Safe2Say website, where they can also download the Safe2Say Something app.

Homeland Security Grant Webinar Oct. 15

When a crisis strikes, faith-based communities are often among the first places people turn for help, hope and support.

Houses of worship, nonprofits, schools and community organizations can learn how to play a vital role before, during and after a crisis via a free Pennsylvania Department of Homeland Security webinar Oct. 15.

Participants will gain practical tools and resources to help their organization respond with compassion, coordination and confidence. Learn more at the webinar registration page.

“See Tracks? Think Train” Week Promotes Rail Safety

Pennsylvania recorded 56 collisions at rail grade crossings last year, resulting in three fatalities and 24 injuries. There were also 34 deaths and 15 injuries involving people trespassing on rail property. Nationwide, a person or vehicle is struck by a train roughly every three hours.

Railroad tracks are private property and should never be used as a walking path, shortcut or setting for photographs. Drivers and pedestrians should always expect a train, cross only at designated crossings and obey warning lights and crossing gates.

“See Tracks? Think Train” Week Sept. 21-27 aims to raise awareness of the danger, reduce collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and discourage trespassing on or near railroad tracks. You can find more rail safety information here.