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In this Update:
Prison Closings, Philly-SEPTA Bailout Prove Shapiro Does Not Care About Rural PA
Governor Josh Shapiro’s and his Department of Corrections’ final decision to close SCI Rockview and Quehanna Boot Camp is once again locking-down Rural Pennsylvania’s economy in solitary confinement with little hope for parole through future economic recovery. Much like “FLEXING” $153 million out of federal money meant to repair roads and bridges across the rest of Pennsylvania to bailout SEPTA/Philadelphia alone, the governor is once again sending the gut-punching message that he simply DOES NOT CARE about the needs and economic well-being of the rural citizens and families I serve. While Josh Shapiro’s political priorities remain confined to Philadelphia and the rest of the Southeast, the further reduced ability of rural families to even put food on the table or fill their gas tanks at the pump remain my biggest concerns. Again, the Department of Correction’s numerical justification for closing these highly-effective correctional facilities is simply an equation that does not add up. Closing these prisons will not save taxpayers tens of millions of dollars but will necessarily result in soon-to-be displaced employees—with children—being forced to decide between traveling hundreds of miles further for work at another state corrections facility; or settling for a lower-paying job just to stay in the area. Of course, with any move, there is also the very realistic possibility that children could be forced to change schools in the middle of the academic year. As a former corrections officer, one of my major public safety concerns is that we may end up seeing a significant increase in recidivism rates simply because two of the best performing correctional institutions in the Commonwealth are no longer going to be there to offer in-prison GED and technical training options for these inmates. From the perspective of supporting Rural PA Agriculture, all family farmers at risk of having their properties confiscated through eminent domain due to the Shapiro/PennDOT I-322 Connector project should have “first dibs” on the pristine farmland at SCI Rockview. What is needed most from the Shapiro administration moving forward, is for the governor to stop placing his Washington D.C. political aspirations above the people and needs of Rural Pennsylvania—regardless of voter demographics. Record-Breaking Right-to-Life Presence Surrounds PA Capitol
It was wonderful to see thousands of people, and especially so many young people, gathered in front of the Capitol for this year’s Pennsylvania March for Life! This event reminds us annually that each of us need to ask several important questions such as:
These are ethical and moral questions that impact so many facets of our daily lives. I encourage everyone to approach this NOT as a legal problem, but rather from an ethical and moral perspective. What are the long-term natural consequences to individuals, families, and society? How do our actions and views at the beginning of life impact on our views at the end of life? I am fascinated with Northwestern University’s relatively new discovery of the Spark of Life which captures the “Scientific Fireworks” of the exact moment in time of human conception. What does this mean? Are there moral and ethical implications from this discovery? The Bible says He [God] knew us before He knit us together in our mother’s womb (Jeremiah 1:5). What implications does this have on the conversation of when life begins? Let’s continue to pray for the women throughout Pennsylvania still living with the scars of abortion . . . that they can find peace, forgiveness, and healing. Also, please continue to pray for those who find themselves in situations with unplanned pregnancies and feel that they have no place to turn. If you find yourself in such a situation, please reach out to my offices or a friend who knows how to contact a Crisis Pregnancy Center. There is always hope for those seeking help. Exploring Land Acquisitions, Outdoor Assets in Cameron and Elk Counties
On Sept. 25, I had the privilege of co-hosting a PA Senate Game & Fisheries Committee hearing in Cameron County to discuss Pennsylvania Game Commission land acquisitions—their process, decision-making criteria, the needs of sportsmen and women across the Commonwealth, regional differences and local impacts. Thanks to Chairman Senator Greg Rothman and Senator Scott Hutchinson for co-hosting and helping to organize the public hearing and to the Driftwood Senior Center for hosting us. I’m grateful to all participants for sharing their knowledge and perspective. We concluded our day at the Elk Country Visitor Center with a horse drawn wagon ride and elk viewing tour led by the Keystone Elk Country Alliance – Elk Country Chapter. Remembering Three Police Officers Killed in the Line of Duty
Three police officers were killed and two wounded serving a warrant Sept. 17 in York County, a heartbreaking reminder of the risk faced every day by those standing on the thin blue line between order and chaos. The fallen officers, Detective Mark Baker, Sgt. Detective Cody Becker and Detective Isaiah Emenheiser, were members of the Northern York County Regional Police Department. Their shocking deaths highlight how crucial it is to stand behind law enforcement officers and give them the tools and support they need to serve communities in the safest manner possible. May their families find comfort in this incredibly trying time. Open Government: How to Access Senate Bills, Votes and More
Pennsylvania Senate votes, debates, bills and much more can be accessed via the General Assembly’s website. Citizens can learn who represents them, read bills and amendments, review text of floor debates in the official Senate Journals, and see how senators voted on bills in committee and before the full Senate. The committee meeting schedule is also available, along with co-sponsorship memos and monthly expense reports for each senator. Senate sessions are livestreamed, and video from previous sessions is available back to Jan. 2025. Pennsylvania statutes (our state laws), the state constitution, recently enacted laws, rules and regulations (PA Code), the PA Bulletin, and more can be viewed by going to the Statutes section. Reporting School Threats Anonymously
Another school year is underway, and the Safe2Say Something program is available to train students and school employees how to recognize warning signs from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others, and to anonymously report the threat before it is too late. Once a tip is reported, a crisis center assesses it and sends it to school administrators and/or law enforcement for intervention. This youth violence prevention program is run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. Since 2019, the Safe2Say Something tipline has received more than 178,000 tips covering threats to schools, bullying and potential self-harm. Don’t be Fooled by Fraudulent Ticket Sellers
The arrival of the NFL and college sports seasons is a good time to check out the playbook for avoiding fraudulent ticket sellers. Attorney General Dave Sunday offers these suggestions to avoid being scammed:
To report a scam, or if you believe you have been scammed, file a complaint at www.attorneygeneral.gov or by calling 717-787-3391. Resource for New Moms: Maternal Mental Health Hotline
New moms can experience mental health challenges during or after pregnancy. Some common signs of postpartum depression are:
Call or text the Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262) for free, confidential support 24/7. Find out more here. |
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