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In this Update:
Best Wishes for a Blessed Easter
Jesus has risen! Warmest wishes for you and your family as we prepare to celebrate Resurrection Sunday and rejoice in God’s promises of joy, peace, hope, redemption and eternal life. Senate Passes Bill Reforming Nomination Process for Agency Heads
To restore balance and transparency in state government, the Senate recently passed a bill, that I co-sponsored with Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill, to rein in the use of unconfirmed state agency leaders. Senate Bill 472 advanced to the House of Representatives for consideration. Former Gov. Tom Wolf appointed 11 individuals to lead various state agencies in the “acting” capacity and never nominated them to the Senate as part of the official confirmation process. Additionally, 21 cabinet officials served in “acting” capacity longer than 90 days. This allowed key decisions to be made without public scrutiny. With the passage of the bill, an individual serving in a leadership role without official confirmation by the Senate would be designated as “Deputy Head of Department.” The designation could be used once during a governor’s term. These individuals would have to appear before the General Assembly during the annual budget process. They would not receive elevated compensation or additional benefits beyond their peers. Most importantly, they would not be allowed to remain indefinitely without Senate review and would not be permitted to serve longer than 90 days. Voter Registration Deadline is May 5
The deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania’s May 20 primary election is Monday, May 5. Your county election office must receive your application for a mail-in or absentee ballot by Tuesday, May 13, at 5 p.m. To legally register, individuals must be a citizen of the United States, reside in their local voting precincts at least 30 days prior to the election and be at least age 18 on Election Day, Tuesday, May 20. Once registered to vote, you are not required to register again unless you change your residence, name or political party affiliation. Voter registration forms, mail-in ballot applications and absentee ballot applications are available here or from your local county’s Board of Elections. You can also use the site to check your registration status. Free Cleanup Supplies for PA Communities
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is working to improve the state’s communities by cleaning up litter. Now through May 31 while supplies last, free work gloves, safety vests and trash bags are available to groups who register their cleanup event. Donated landfill space is offered for trash collected during cleanups held in April. Tires cannot be accepted, and groups should plan for proper disposal of electronics that are found. Read more about how to organize a cleanup event. Please email or call Michelle Dunn with Pick Up Pennsylvania at 724-836-4121, extension 113, with any questions. In 2024, more than 77,000 volunteers picked up more than 3.2 million tons of litter and trash. Another 4.5 million pounds of materials were recycled and more than 14,000 trees, flowers and other greens were planted.
For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive my mission reports, you can get on the e-newsletter mailing list here. |
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