Dear Neighbor, I hope you are well! I wanted to take this opportunity to update you on several happenings in the district as well as Harrisburg. 

As always, I hope you find this informative and useful.

Special Session this Week

This week we're in Harrisburg for a special session to consider and vote on HB 1 and HB 2, two bills that would provide the opportunity for adult victims of childhood sexual assault to finally seek the justice they deserve by holding those responsible accountable. After debate on Tuesday, these bills are poised to see final consideration and, hopefully, passage very soon. 

HB 1 and HB 2 are essentially the same bill with equal language and equal aims. However, HB 1 is a constitutional amendment that would take longer to become law while HB 2 is a bill that, once passed by the General Assembly and delivered to the Governor for signature, becomes law immediately. I fully support both measures and plan to vote in the affirmative for their passage. The reasoning behind the dual path is to provide the Senate with options. Once debated and passed by the House, both bills will go to the Pennsylvania Senate for consideration. 

As the week progresses, I hope to provide updates on my social media channels and will keep you updated on these bills in next week's email. 

Government Reform Legislation Introduced

This week I have introduced my Ethics and Government Reform Legislation which includes an Ethics Reform Package, Publication of Member Meetings, Remote Voting in Committee, and Town Hall Meetings for Constitutional Amendments to name a few. Pennsylvania's ethics laws need an update that can provide accountability and improve public confidence in our government. 

My Ethics Reform package would limit campaign donations for those seeking office in Pennsylvania, create stronger gift bans that includes transportation, lodging, hospitality, cash, gift, or anything of economic value given to public officials and employees from a person seeking a business or financial relationship, and lastly increase waiting periods for public officials and employees from becoming a compensated lobbyist for five years after leaving the public sector. 

Publication of Member Meetings would require all meetings between a legislator and a non-constituent to be published on the member's official state website to improve transparency and hold members accountable to their constituency. 

If you have questions about the legislation mentioned or others that have been introduced, please reach out to my district office and my staff will be able to assist you.

Beware of Tax Scams

The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue wants you to be on the lookout for tax season scams designed to trick people into releasing their personal information. One reoccurring scam includes fake letters sent to taxpayers through the mail that read, "Final Demand for Payment".

Please be on guard for these scams and report this scam, along with other potential scams, to the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue's Bureau of Fraud Detection & Analysis or Pennsylvania's Attorney General. 

Veterans Event Invite

Last week I was invited to a Veterans Expo by my friend and colleague Representative Ben Sanchez where we were able to speak with Veterans on their benefit accessibility and the challenges they face when navigating the Veterans Benefits available to them.

We continue to work toward the goal of comprehensive care for the veteran community and solve the current disconnect.

Please continue to stay safe, healthy and well-informed.

And, if you have questions about any state-related issue, please contact my office at 484-200-8263 or email [email protected].

Sincerely,

Rep. Joe Webster
State Representative
150th Legislative District

PA House of Representatives Democratic Caucus
PO Box 202250 Harrisburg, PA 17120-2250

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