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Dear Friends, Pennsylvania’s vast energy reserves have long been a cornerstone of its economy. Unfortunately, the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) carbon tax has added to the financial burdens faced by Pennsylvania residents. As housing, gas, and food prices continue to rise, this tax has become increasingly burdensome. I’m delighted to announce that the Senate has approved legislation to repeal this tax. By focusing on maximizing our state’s energy potential, we can strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy for years to come. Sincerely,
In this Update:
Senate Urges Congress to Pass the TREAT PTSD Act
As an army veteran, I’m pleased to report that the state Senate this week adopted my measure urging Congress to provide lifesaving therapy to Americans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Senate Resolution 311 calls on Congress to pass the Treatment and Relief through Emerging and Accessible Therapy for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Act, also known as the TREAT PTSD Act. The TREAT PTSD Act would require the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs and U.S. Department of Defense to provide veterans suffering from PTSD with access to a lifesaving therapy known as stellate ganglion block (SGB). SGB works by applying an injection into the bundle of nerves that send signals of fight or flight to the body. The treatment relieves feelings of stress quickly for those with PTSD and provides them with a renewed chance to heal. This procedure has been used for nearly 100 years for pain conditions, including shingles and phantom limb pain. Full release here. Senate Committee Approves Bill Offering Bonus for Global War on Terror Veterans
The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee this week approved a bill I am a co-prime sponsor of, that would authorize bonus payments for Pennsylvania military veterans who served in the Global War on Terror. The bill would authorize bonuses for Pennsylvania residents who served during the Global War on Terror, including Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Veterans would be eligible if they were Pennsylvania residents while they served and are current residents of the commonwealth. Military veterans who were engaged in active service during the Global War on Terror would be eligible for a $500 bonus. Veterans engaged in active service in direct support of the Global War on Terror would receive a $1,000 bonus. Those recognized as engaging in direct support would include veterans who received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal or Inherent Resolve Campaign Medal. Veterans designated as a prisoner of war and the family of a veteran killed in action during the Global War on Terror each would receive a $5,000 bonus. Full release here. Montgomery County To Begin Mailing Ballots for Upcoming Election Next Week
The Pennsylvania Department of State has certified the ballot, and Montgomery County is now in the process of printing ballots to registered voters. The 115,000 voters who have already requested mail-in ballots will be the first to receive them. Key Points for Voters:
By following these guidelines and staying informed, voters can ensure their ballots are cast correctly and counted. Honoring our First Responders
I’m excited to announce that I’m creating a ‘Wall of Heroes’ collage to honor the dedicated first responders in our community on National First Responders Day, October 28th. This display will be featured both in my district office and online, showcasing the exceptional work of these unsung heroes. To be included on the Wall of Heroes, please submit a high-resolution photograph that represents your organization. This could be a group photo, emblem, emergency vehicle, or any other relevant image. Your photo will be displayed alongside other first responders in a tribute to their service and sacrifice. To participate, please submit your photo using this form. Let’s show our appreciation for the men and women who put their lives on the line to protect our community. Together, we can create a lasting tribute to their service and sacrifice. Veterans Appreciation Breakfast
I cordially invite you to my annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast on Saturday, November 23, 2024, from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM. The event will be held at the East Greenville Fire Company’s Banquet Hall, located at 401 Washington Street, East Greenville, PA 18041. We are honored to recognize the invaluable service of our veterans and their families. This event will feature a keynote address by Senator Ryan Aument (R-36), as well as certificates of appreciation from the Pennsylvania Senate. For Montgomery County veterans, if you are interested in receiving a Veterans ID card, please bring your DD214 and a photo ID. An official will be on hand to assist you. Your dedication and sacrifice have made an immeasurable impact on our nation. We look forward to honoring you at this free event. To RSVP, please contact my office at (215) 541-2388 or register online. Marlborough Township Police Department Blood Drive
Don’t miss the Marlborough Township Police Department’s blood drive this Friday (9/20) from 12-5 PM! Scan the QR code to schedule your appointment. Your blood donation can make a lifesaving difference. September Food Drive
September is National Hunger Month. I am hosting a food drive to support our local community. My office will be accepting non-perishable food items at my Red Hill office until September 30. Donations can also be dropped off at my mobile office locations during office hours only. Every donation, no matter how small, helps. Have questions? Please give my office a call at (215) 541-2388. Senate Approves RGGI Electricity Tax Repeal
The Pennsylvania Senate approved legislation to repeal the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) electricity tax enacted through an executive order by the Wolf administration in 2019. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. RGGI, a multi-state compact, would increase electricity rates for consumers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs and lead to the closure of Pennsylvania power plants. No new investments in baseload generation have come to Pennsylvania in the five years since the Wolf administration attempted to enter the state into RGGI. Govs. Tom Wolf and Josh Shapiro have faced sharp criticism for pushing Pennsylvania to participate in RGGI despite bipartisan objections from the General Assembly. Last year, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruled Pennsylvania’s entrance into RGGI may only be achieved through legislation duly enacted by the General Assembly, not merely through rulemaking by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and the Environmental Quality Board (EQB). This ruling has been appealed to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court by Shapiro, and that appeal remains pending. Senate Bill 1058 will repeal the CO2 Budget Trading Program regulation that was put into effect by DEP and EQB. New Vitae Wellness and Recovery Visit
I recently visited New Vitae Wellness and Recovery and was impressed by their commitment to ethical, holistic, and strength-based care in the areas of behavioral health, addiction, traumatic brain injuries, and mental health. Their staff truly embodies their mission of offering compassionate residential and clinical supports through evidence-based and holistic care. This dedication, combined with their wide range of services, creates a supportive and empowering environment. Skippack Fire Company Celebrating 125 Years
Recently, we celebrated the incredible legacy of the Skippack Fire Company. Founded in 1899, this dedicated volunteer organization has been a cornerstone of our community for over a century. Their selfless service has extended far beyond Skippack Township, providing essential fire protection to neighboring areas throughout the years. As we reflect on their 125th anniversary, let’s express our gratitude for the countless lives they’ve saved and the countless hours they’ve dedicated to keeping us safe. Thank you, Skippack Fire Company, for your unwavering commitment to our community! Bill to Establish Safe Exchange Zones Passes Senate
The Senate passed the Denise Williams Act, which would create a grant program to be used to establish Safe Exchange Zones throughout Pennsylvania. The bill advances to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 173 is named in memory of Denise Williams of Cambria County, who went to purchase an item found on Facebook Marketplace and was brutally murdered during the exchange. This legislation would help establish safe areas for individuals to exchange goods purchased through an online marketplace, carry out child custody exchanges and conduct similar interactions. These zones will be equipped with video surveillance and be located either within 100 feet of a law enforcement office or near a public area with an active public presence. The establishment of Safe Exchange Zones will be voluntary and contingent upon approval of the participating law enforcement agencies. Senate Passes Juvenile Justice Reform Bills
The Senate passed bills to reform the state’s juvenile justice system by implementing Juvenile Justice Task Force Report recommendations to help streamline the expungement process, provide fair and impartial legal representation for juveniles and improve accountability and oversight in juvenile court proceedings. The two bills now head to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 169 would update the juvenile court system by requiring disposition review hearings every three months instead of nine. The hearings are designed to ensure juveniles receive necessary services and treatment, assess their threat to the community and decide if they should remain in placement or be released under supervision. The court would also set the date for the next review hearing. Senate Bill 170 would modify the expungement of juvenile records by reducing the waiting period for expungement from five years to two years for most misdemeanors, while maintaining the five-year period for felonies, misdemeanor firearm offenses and indecent assault. The bill would also standardize the expungement process by requiring the chief juvenile probation officer to initiate expungements for eligible individuals, with the district attorney having the opportunity to object. Exceptions to expungement, such as for sex offenses and cases with subsequent convictions or pending proceedings, would remain unchanged. September is College Savings Month
Saving for your child’s higher education can be daunting, but starting early – even if you are only able to set aside a little – can make a big difference. You can prepare for your child’s future and enjoy tax advantages using the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program. The two plans, the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan and the PA 529 Investment Plan, do not impact Pennsylvania state financial aid eligibility. Both plans can be used to pay for education costs like tuition and fees, books, supplies, and room and board at technical schools, community colleges, four-year institutions and apprenticeship programs.
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