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In this Update:
Making Pennsylvania Safe Again
Pennsylvania citizens of all ages deserve to be safe. Last week, I voted to hold dangerous criminals fully accountable as Senate Republicans advanced three key bills to protect our children, families and communities. Holding The Line Against Drug Injection Sites in PA Communities Rather than helping to overcome addiction, these sites operate under a “bring your own drugs” policy and naturally attract drug dealers. Drug trafficking occurs in plain sight, and drug-related violence increases as dealers protect their turf. As a veteran, retired corrections officer, father and grandfather, I find the idea of establishing “supervised” safe injection sites for the purpose of overseeing the injection of lethal drugs, such as heroin, absolutely appalling and positively insane. To counteract the dependence-enabling message that illegal drugs can be injected safely, we must actively identify and support effective solutions that actually save and restore the lives of addicted individuals. Requiring PA Prosecutors to Report Illegal Aliens for ICE Deportation Senate Bill 471 would also override sanctuary policies in cities such as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh that obstruct communication between local law enforcement and federal agencies. Strengthening Bail Requirements for Public Safety All of these bills reflect my commitment as a former law enforcement officer to fighting crime and ensuring that the dedicated men and women who have sworn an oath to protect and serve have the tools they need to uphold justice. Each measure builds upon broader efforts to make Pennsylvania a safer place to live, work and raise a family. McKean County: Let’s Be the Informed Generation that Ends Human Trafficking
In conjunction with Sexual Assault Awareness and Child Abuse Prevention Month (April), the Zonta Club of Bradford, McKean County, is hosting a free community “𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐊𝐞𝐞𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐠” event to help raise awareness about internet threats and human trafficking of our children. This highly-informative community forum will take place 𝐖𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐝𝐚𝐲, 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝟏𝟔, at Riverstone Community Church in Bradford. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and our presentations will begin promptly at 6 p.m. I am greatly looking forward to sharing the podium with McKean County District Attorney Stephanie Vettenberg-Shaffer. Please review the flyer above for more information. Senate Passes Bill Benefitting Career and Technical Schools
Career and technical education prepares students for rewarding, family-sustaining careers, often at a significantly reduced cost compared to attending college. Pennsylvania is in great need of people with this training, and there are many job openings waiting to be filled. To ensure people have the training needed for these jobs, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 315. The legislation would provide more certainty regarding grant funding for career and technical education equipment by making funding calculations before the school year in which the allocation occurs. Currently, schools are reimbursed after they have made purchases based on calculations made near the end of the school year. Read more about career and technical education opportunities in the commonwealth. Purple Star Schools Support Military Children
Military children face unique challenges as a result of frequent moves and parental deployments. To give them the best chance of success, Senate Republicans passed Act 69 of 2022. The law created the Purple Star designation for schools that demonstrate their commitment to supporting military families. Many schools have embraced this program and stepped up to help the children of our service members. Purple Star Schools go the extra mile to provide stability, resources and a welcoming community for military children, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive. Pennsylvania has 37,000 children with parents serving in the military – and 80% of these children are in kindergarten through grade 12 and attend public schools. Learn more about Purple Star Schools. School Safety Report Available Now
Students deserve to feel safe while they’re learning, and their families should be confident that extensive efforts are made to ensure that happens. Senate Republicans have prioritized fostering healthy and safe communities, which include schools. Part of that work includes requiring and conducting a report to evaluate school safety initiatives and how they can be adjusted to more effectively protect students. The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee’s report highlighted the need for security assessments of school buildings and certification requirements for school safety and security coordinators. Other key findings include collecting and analyzing more relevant data – such as tips made using the Safe2Say Something Program – and improving how the data already being collected is shared. Find the full report here. Program Increasing Digital Connectivity to Provide Laptops
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) is accepting applications for its Digital Connectivity Technology Program. Through the program, the PBDA will purchase and distribute $20 million in devices such as laptops for eligible public-facing institutions including libraries, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, and other institutions that can offer internet access to individuals who lack the technology. PBDA strongly encourages interested applicants to review the program FAQ before applying. The FAQ, pre-recorded webinar providing an overview of the program, guidelines and online application are available here. Applications must be submitted by Friday, May 30. Passover Begins on April 12
Saturday marks the beginning of Passover, the eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites’ emancipation from slavery in ancient Egypt. I hope it’s a warm occasion of family and friends for all who observe.
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