Senator Pennycuick E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Mobile Office Hours
  • Committee Approves Pennycuick, Farry, Boscola Bill Creating Task Force on Women Veterans’ Health Care
  • VAEP Nominations and Committee Meeting
  • Pennycuick and Dillon Bill Provides Victims of Data Breaches with Better Notification, Free Credit Reports and Monitoring​
  • Evan T. Lobley’s Court of Honor
  • Yang’s Martial Arts School 22nd Annual Black Belt Ceremony
  • Watch Out for This Rental Scam
  • General Fund Tax Revenues Below Estimate Again
  • Helping Nonprofits and Local Governments Stretch Investment Dollars
  • June is National Men’s Health Month
  • Bicyclists and Motorists Must Safely Share the Road

Mobile Office Hours

Committee Approves Pennycuick, Farry, Boscola Bill Creating Task Force on Women Veterans’ Health Care

Legislation aimed at providing care for the unique health needs of women veterans was unanimously approved by the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.

Senate Resolution 46, which would establish the Task Force on Women Veterans’ Health Care in Pennsylvania will study health issues facing women veterans and make recommendations to the governor and General Assembly. The panel would be composed of individuals with relevant specialties, including the chair of the State Veterans’ Commission and health care providers.

Additionally, the measure would pave the way for Pennsylvania to potentially receive additional federal funding to address women veterans’ health care issues.

There are nearly 60,000 women veterans in Pennsylvania. By 2045, it is estimated that women will make up approximately 18% of Commonwealth veterans.  The particular health needs of women can often be overlooked in providing services to a large, predominantly male, veteran population. This task force will recommend steps to make that less likely.

Read more here.

VAEP Nominations and Committee Meeting

This week, the VAEP committee considered the following PA National Guard Officers up for Promotion: Brigadier General Mark A. Goodwill (Air) to Major General Colonel Edward J. Fink, Jr. (Air) to Brigadier General Colonel Rebecca A. Gray (Air) to Brigadier General Colonel Deane E. Thomey (Air) to Brigadier General Brigadier General Jeffrey S. Heasley (Army) to Major General Brigadier General Laura A. McHugh (Army) to Major General Colonel Jon D. Farr (Army) to Brigadier General Colonel Robert C. Jorgensen (Army) to Brigadier General Colonel Reece J. Lutz (Army) to Brigadier General.

Watch here.

Pennycuick and Dillon Bill Provides Victims of Data Breaches with Better Notification, Free Credit Reports and Monitoring​

Senator Jimmy Dillon (D-5) and I have introduced legislation to strengthen notification requirements for data breaches and provide affected citizens with free credit reports and monitoring for six months and one year, respectively.

Every day, bad actors are attempting to steal sensitive data from organizations all across the Commonwealth. Cybercrime is always evolving, creating new victims and hardships, and state law hasn’t kept up to protect those who fall victim at no fault of their own. Our bill will help Pennsylvania families monitor and recover in the event of a data breach, helping to secure their finances and peace of mind.

Senate Bill 824 requires businesses and organizations to notify the Attorney General when a data breach impacts more than 500 individuals. Those affected will be offered access to a free credit report once a month for six months following notification and credit monitoring services for one year.

The bill now heads to the Senate Communications and Technology Committee for consideration.

Read more here.

Evan T. Lobley’s Court of Honor

Recently, I had the pleasure of attending Evan T. Lobley’s Court of Honor. Evan is a member of the Boy Scout Troop 178, Kulpsville. For his Eagle Scout project, Evan refurbished and repainted benches around the firepit at Christ Covenant Church in Towamencin Township. He also helped build a small shed for firewood storage and creating a small path to the area. From the beginning date of planning, through the completion, a total number of 116 hours were spent by 27 scouts, adult scouters, family & friends. Evan specifically dedicated 53 hours of planning and supervising this project. We are extremely proud of your accomplishments, Evan!

Yang’s Martial Arts School 22nd Annual Black Belt Ceremony

Recently, I had the great pleasure of attending Yang’s Martial Arts School 22nd annual Black Belt Ceremony where we recognized students that earned their first black belt after years of dedication, focus and hard work. Additionally, I was honored to have received an honorary black belt alongside Rep. Madeleine Dean, Senator Maria Collett, Rep. Steve Malagari and Mayor Garry Herbert. The ceremony included a Korean Folk Dance exhibition presented by the Korean Culture Ministry and a martial arts demonstration led by Master Dr. Troy Dougherty. Thank you Master Yang for investing in our youth, and building a positive and diverse community through your martial arts programs!

Watch Out for This Rental Scam

The Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General warns people in the market for rental properties to be aware of sophisticated scammers placing fake ads and altering existing, legitimate ads to obtain personal information, security deposits and rent payments.

Protect yourself by being wary if you cannot physically see the property. Avoid purchasing gift cards for payment, providing your Social Security number without verifying with whom you are dealing and wiring payments for application, security deposit or first month’s rent.

Read more here.

General Fund Tax Revenues Below Estimate Again

Each month, the Senate Appropriations Committee prepares an update about the state’s financial health. The most recent report shows that General Fund tax revenues were $90.7 million lower than the monthly estimate in May, the third time in the past five months that tax revenues have failed to meet projections.

For the 2022-23 Fiscal Year, which ends June 30, Personal Income Tax collections are nearly $400 million below projections.

The full update, including the monthly revenue report, is available here.

Helping Nonprofits and Local Governments Stretch Investment Dollars

Nonprofits and local governments can take advantage of an investment opportunity offered by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department. The program, known as INVEST, is similar in concept to money market funds and offers two short-term pools and custom options.

For more than 30 years, INVEST’s performance has matched or exceeded that of its competitors. INVEST offers daily liquidity and has no minimum balance requirements. More than 260 entities – like townships, school districts, counties, volunteer fire companies, libraries and other nonprofit organizations – have assets of approximately $1.317 billion in INVEST portfolios.

If you would like more information about INVEST, please call 866-300-4603, email investoperations@patreasury.gov, or visit patreasury.gov/invest.

June is National Men’s Health Month

To promote awareness of preventable health problems, June is recognized as National Men’s Health Month. It also encourages early detection and treatment of diseases including cancer, heart disease and depression among men who may be more hesitant to make doctor visits a priority.

Medical experts say men should focus on taking care of their bodies by eating right, exercising and working to prevent disease. Part of being healthy is also cultivating good mental health.

For the benefit of men and all Pennsylvanians, Senate Republicans will continue to press for mental health funding that stimulates innovation within our health care delivery system.

Bicyclists and Motorists Must Safely Share the Road

Bicyclists and motorists, who both have the right to use Pennsylvania roads, also have responsibilities to ensure everyone gets home safely.

Both parties must obey all the rules of the road and allow at least 4 feet of separation when passing. Motorists are allowed to overtake a bicycle in a no-passing zone, provided they leave a 4-foot clearance. 

Learn more about Pennsylvania’s bicycle laws.

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