Condolence Resolution for Fallen Brackenridge Police Chief

On Monday, the Senate unanimously adopted SR10, a Condolence Resolution recognizing the life and service of Brackenridge Police Chief Justin McIntire, who was killed in the line of duty on January 2, 2023. 

Thank you to the first responders from across Allegheny County—police officers, EMT, paramedics, and 911 dispatchers—who coordinated the response to this incident, responded in person, provided coverage for those on scene, and who work every day to keep our communities safe.

I want to recognize Tarentum Borough Patrolman Jordan Schrecengost, who was also shot during the pursuit on January 2. Officer Schrecengost was treated for his injuries and has since been able to return home to his family. 

Chief McIntire was fixture of the Brackenridge community, and will be missed by many, which is obvious from the enormous outpouring of support. I know you will all join me in sending your thoughts and prayers to the family, friends, and loved ones of Chief McIntire and the entire Allegheny Valley community during this incredibly difficult time.

Legislation

New Committee Assignments

 

I was thrilled to be named to the Minority Chair of the Senate Education Committee last week! It is an absolute honor to continue to serve in this capacity and I look forward to working with the students, families, and educators of Pennsylvania. In addition to being named Minority Chair for the Senate Education Committee, I was also pleased to be named to the following committees for the 2023-24 Session: Agricultural & Rural Affairs, Game & Fisheries, Transportation, and Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness. I look forward to the challenge of the up-coming session year and working hard for all of my constituents. 

Reforming the PA Senate Rules

At the beginning of each two-year session, the Senate passes rules that govern how we operate. These rules dictate everything from how committees are organized, to who can call a vote on bills, and could even mandate lawmakers to publicly post how their offices spend taxpayer dollars.

Senator Katie Muth and I again tried to reform the Senate rules to allow for more transparent, accountable representation that enables the voices of ALL Pennsylvanians to be heard in Harrisburg, but those efforts fell flat. 

I introduced SR 6, a set of Financial Rules that would require the posting of all legislative expenses on the Senate public website. Unfortunately, this resolution was referred to the Rules Committee, where it will likely sit without ever receiving consideration. This resolution was similar to SB 838, legislation I introduced last year that would permanently codify these provisions into law. I plan to reintroduce this legislation for the 2023-24 Session.

One of the most sacred trusts that we hold as public servants is to be good stewards of taxpayer dollars. That's why I don't take a per diem or a state car. It's also why I've chosen to post the expenses authorized by my office on my personal website every month both exactly as it's shown in our expense system and in an easily searchable format.

But it shouldn't be a choice for me or any individual member to tell taxpayers where their money is being spent. The Senate should be open and transparent with taxpayer money as a matter of course, not as a matter of individual choice. 

I also introduced SR 5, an update to the Senate Ethics Rules that would have created an explicit policy on how the Senate handles sexual harassment complaints because currently, we don't have one.

My Rules would have largely mirrored the Rules put in place by the House, but would have extended protections to all individuals working with Members, Officers, or employees of the Senate, including outside contractors, lobbyists, and visitors. It shouldn't matter where your paycheck comes from-- you should be protected from sexual harassment. My Rules would have also provided clarification around confidentiality and transparency and extended the statute of limitations for filing a complaint from 1 to 5 years.

Unfortunately, as with the Rules I offered that would require the disclosure of all legislative expenses, this Rule was sent to committee, where it will likely never receive a vote.

Senator Muth, my Democratic colleagues, and I aren’t done, though. We'll keep working to make these non-partisan, commonsense changes and ensure fair representation for everyone.

You can read more about our attempts to introduce Senate rule changes last week at  Will a surprise speaker pick make the Pennsylvania House less partisan? | WITF.

For more information on our set of Rules Reforms, visit Senate Rules Reforms (senatorlindseywilliams.com).

Pennie Open Enrollment Ends this Sunday, January 15! 

Pennie is Pennsylvania’s own state-based health insurance marketplace, the official destination for shopping and purchasing quality health insurance plans, and the only place to access financial assistance, if eligible.

Pennie can help individuals and families without access to employer coverage, as well as uninsured Pennsylvanians. The 2022 Open Enrollment Period for Pennsylvanians opened Nov. 1 and runs through January 15, 2023. You must enroll by January 15th to get coverage starting February 1.

To learn more about Pennie, health insurance options, and financial assistance availability, please visit https://pennie.com/ or call 1-844-844-8040.

Free Medicare Advantage Counseling

Confused by all the Medicare Advantage enrollment advertisements you see sponsored by private companies? Consider calling Pennsylvania’s Medicare counseling program - Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI). 

PA MEDI is available through local Area Agencies on Aging and their counselors do not sell Medicare insurance products, nor do they endorse any insurance company, product, or agent. Counselors will provide free, confidential, and unbiased personalized assistance to help you apply for programs that optimize your cost savings and access to health care and benefits. 

The Affordable Connectivity Program

Eligible Pennsylvania households have an opportunity to save up to $30 per month on their internet service through the Affordable Connectivity Program! Learn more about the household requirements at Home - ACP - Universal Service Administrative Company (affordableconnectivity.gov).

Blood Drive in Ross Township this Weekend!
Ross Community Center, Sunday, January 15, 12pm - 5pm

Give back to your community by donating blood at West View Ross Athletic Association’s annual blood drive held in conjunction with Vitalant. The first 40 qualifying donors will receive a $50 discount towards a registration for the upcoming spring season! 

Pittsburgh Mulches Christmas Trees!

City of Pittsburgh residents can drop off their Christmas trees to be recycled into free mulch until January 26, 2023, at 12 convenient locations including Highland Park and Homewood North. Do your part to divert Christmas trees from our landfills and provide free mulch for City residents!