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In this Update:
Recognizing April 2024 as PA Faith Month
https://vimeo.com/pasenategop/41024-dush-sr257?share=copy On Wednesday, I spoke on the Senate floor in support of my resolution to officially recognize April 2024 as Faith Month in Pennsylvania. Our commonwealth was founded as a haven for religious freedom, diversity and tolerance by William Penn, who boldly proclaimed: “Men must be governed by God, or they will be ruled by tyrants.” Senate Resolution 257 acknowledges that eternal vigilance and divine providence is desperately needed to stop the relentless, intolerant discrimination, persecution and criminalization of people of faith, faith-affirming private employers and, especially, faith-based charities that have a rich history of helping the sick, poor and afflicted. By designating April 2024 as Faith Month, the Pennsylvania Senate is encouraging all commonwealth citizens to respectfully engage in and freely share their faiths. Just as William Penn and America’s founders originally intended, this includes prayer, worship and all other peaceful displays and expressions of religious liberty and thanksgiving. Making the Case for Convention of States
https://vimeo.com/pasenategop/41024dushcos?share=copy As the prime sponsor of Senate Resolution 77, I have long championed a limited “Convention of States” for proposing amendments under Article V of the U.S. Constitution. Under my resolution, all proposed amendments submitted for consideration would need to be narrowly focused on imposing fiscal restraints on the federal government; limitations on federal government power and jurisdiction; and term limits for Congress and federal officials. In short, such a convention would create the needed opportunity for states to hold the federal government accountable to the Constitution and the voices of the people. Click on the video link above to watch my remarks from Wednesday’s Convention of States PA Capitol Rally Day. Celebrating Eagle Scout Excellence
Earning the rank of Eagle Scout is a prestigious milestone. Very few rise to the rank because of the commitment and sacrifice it takes. This past weekend, I had the honor of recognizing two high-achieving Eagles by participating in their Eagle Scout Court of Honor ceremonies. The first ceremony I attended was for Damon Tucker, a member of Troop 35 in Beechwoods. The son of William and Colleen Tucker, he has proudly served his troop as Den Chief, Guide, Quartermaster and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. For his Eagle Scout community service project, Damon built a walkway and a concrete pad at Toby Terrace Council for Human Dignity in Brockway. He also added picnic table access and extra outdoor seating. Congratulations to Damon, his parents and everyone who has helped guide him to this outstanding achievement! Congratulations are also in order for Kyle Uhler, of Milesburg Troop 45, for achieving the highest rank in scouting. The son of Kerry Alan and Susan Uhler, Kyle has proudly served his troop as Scribe, Librarian, Patrol Leader and Assistant Senior Patrol Leader. Following in his father’s Eagle Scout footsteps nearly 30 years later, to complete his Community Service Project, Kyle once again restored the circa 1900 snowplow display for the Bellefonte Historical Railroad Society (www.Bellefontetrain.org). Best wishes and Godspeed to Kyle and all those who have kept him focused and on track throughout his journey to Eagle Scout. Bill Requiring Prosecutors to Notify ICE of Illegal Migrants Passes Senate
The Senate approved legislation that would require prosecutors across the state to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) whenever illegal migrants are charged with violating state law. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Currently in Pennsylvania, violations of state law by illegal migrants are not required to be reported to ICE, but Senate Bill 1127 would ensure illegal migrants who violate our laws are held accountable. The change will better safeguard our communities and protect Pennsylvania’s law-abiding citizens. Earlier this year, two NYPD officers were assaulted in broad daylight by illegal migrants. Several of the offenders had been previously arrested but not reported to ICE and were released back on the streets. The shocking crime prompted New York City Mayor Eric Adams to call for ICE to be informed when illegal migrants have been charged with violations of state law. Senate Approves Bill Prioritizing Community Safety
The Senate passed legislation this week to strengthen the bail determination process for dangerous individuals: repeat violent offenders, drug dealers trafficking fentanyl and those who assault law enforcement officers or evade arrest on foot. Senate Bill 1120 would only allow cash bail to be used and ban release on own recognizance or unsecured bail from being issued to those who pose a threat to public safety while they await trial. The bill is part of the Senate Republican effort to improve community safety across Pennsylvania, as an average of 14 Pennsylvanians die every day from a drug overdose. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. According to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency, fentanyl is 100 times more potent than morphine and approximately 50 times more potent than heroin. Two milligrams of fentanyl – the amount that fits on the tip of a pencil – is enough to kill an average person. Beware of E-ZPass Scam
A new phishing scam is targeting E-ZPass account holders requesting information to settle outstanding toll amounts. The texts claim to be from “Pa Turnpike Toll Services” and center around urgent requests with your account that would result in a late fee if the balance does not get settled. Similar scams have been reported by toll agencies across the country in the past several days. Customers who receive an unsolicited text, email or similar message suggesting it is from E-ZPass or another toll agency should not click the link. E-ZPass account holders can use approved safe methods to check their accounts such as the PA Turnpike E-ZPass website or the PA Toll Pay app available from the Apple App Store or Google Play store. Those who receive a fraudulent text can file a complaint with the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center at www.ic3.gov. The site is dedicated to sharing information on internet crimes across law enforcement agencies. Increasing Student Safety, Eliminating Vehicle Owner Fee
As a result of action taken by Senate Republicans, students will be safer on their journey to and from school. Because of legislation now in effect, school districts may install and operate automated camera systems on school buses to capture motorists dangerously near school busses. Violations identified by the camera system will be reviewed by police under agreement with the school district. After that review, the school district may issue a violation and a $300 fine to the vehicle owner. These violations are civil penalties only and no points will be assessed to driver’s licenses. Vehicle owners may request a hearing before a PennDOT hearing office, at no cost to the vehicle owner, if they feel they are innocent. Before the passage of the legislation, the vehicle owner was responsible for paying applicable civil filing fees.
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