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In this Update:
Failed Bradford Hospital Transfer Warrants AG Review
On Oct. 5, I issued my official statement regarding the inability of Kaleida Health to complete an agreement that would have transferred ownership of the former Bradford Regional Medical Center campus to Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM). The situation facing Bradford is unacceptable, particularly when you look at the promises and expectations that accompanied Kaleida’s entry into our community and the significant reduction in life-saving healthcare services that have occurred over time—most notably the closing of Bradford Regional’s emergency room. The people of Bradford and surrounding communities deserve a sustainable, long term healthcare system. Unfortunately, Kaleida Health is not protecting the public’s interest for the original charitable purposes associated with the former hospital. I am also deeply concerned by reports of Kaleida Health pressing an unreasonable 10-year, non-compete clause on all attempted purchasers of Bradford Regional Medical Center. This brand of forced service market segmentation naturally results in market division which clearly violates the Sherman Anti-Trust Act. Given the potential implications for preserving healthcare competition and rural healthcare access throughout the Bradford region, I have formally requested that the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General fully review the original charter and charitable purpose of Bradford Hospital, 1885 Articles of Incorporation, 2018 merger and related transaction documents that resulted in Kaleida’s control of Bradford Regional Medical Center, and whether the treatment of Bradford Hospital’s charitable assets have been appropriately maintained. Regardless of any pending or future investigations, I will continue moving forward with Bradford area community leaders, McKean County officials, healthcare organizations, and other local, state and federal partners to identify innovative and affordable healthcare solutions our citizens and patients expect and deserve. Our immediate priority is access to 24/7 emergency evaluation, stabilization, treatment and transfer. This work takes time, and we’re committed to getting it right. Of course, none of these outcomes are possible without firmly establishing a foundation built on maximum transparency and accountability. Survey Registers 97% Support for Increasing Anti-Human Trafficking Engagement
On Wednesday, I joined with Jordan Pine, founder, president and CEO, Greenlight Operation and several PA lawmakers for a state Capitol news conference to reveal the key findings and policy implications contained in the first-ever, statewide Anti-Human Trafficking Survey. Greenlight Operation and Messiah University surveyed nearly 200 expert community stakeholders — including survivors, law enforcement, faith-based organizations, educators and social services providers — who participated in 10 regional policy forums that Jordan and I presented across the Keystone State. Here are the key findings:
Fully recognizing the Keystone State’s geographical location makes it a prime hot spot for sex trafficking, labor trafficking, prostitution and organized crime, this survey is only the beginning of our systematic approach to combatting this scourge against all humanity. As chairman of the PA Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus, I hope these findings will help direct our state’s limited resources to the needed areas of better assisting victims, ensuring survivors thrive, and giving law enforcement the necessary tools to effectively apprehend and prosecute the buyers and traffickers. We must continue working together to shepherd more high-priority legislative initiatives across the finish line to prevent further destruction of innocent lives. Through force, fraud and coercion, human traffickers push their victims into demeaning forms of abuse, including domestic servitude and commercial sexual exploitation. If you suspect someone is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Senate Acts to Strengthen Property Rights
Property rights are enshrined in both the U.S. and the Pennsylvania constitutions, and the Senate approved legislation to strengthen protections against warrantless entry onto private property by Pennsylvania Game Commission personnel. Senate Bill 1431 would require Game Commission personnel to obtain a valid warrant before entering private property, including posted land, unless a judicially recognized exception to the warrant requirement applies. Current law gives Game Commission personnel broad authority to enter land outside buildings, whether posted or otherwise. Senate Bill 1431 would place clear limits on that authority while preserving recognized exceptions to the warrant requirement. Read more about the effort to strengthen property rights. Measures Helping Nonprofit Fundraising Efforts Approved by Senate
The Senate approved two bills to give a boost to civic organizations, fire companies, veterans’ groups and other Pennsylvania nonprofits that rely on small games of chance for crucial fundraising. Under current law, clubs and organizations are limited to awarding no more than $35,000 in prizes from small games of chance each week. That cap has not been updated since 2013, despite inflation and the rising costs of programs these organizations fund. Senate Bill 995 would raise the weekly limit to $60,000, ensuring local groups can continue generating the revenue they rely on to support vital community programs and services. Read more about this bill. Senate Bill 465 would allow licensed clubs to retain up to 50% of their small games of chance proceeds, up from the current 40%. Clubs would continue to be required to use at least 50% of proceeds for public interest purposes. The change would provide clubs with more flexibility to cover operating costs while continuing to support their communities. Read more about this measure. The bills were sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Passes Bill to Establish Animal Abuser Registry
The Senate approved Senate Bill 1311, known as Aimee’s Law, to help prevent convicted abusers from obtaining more animals by establishing a statewide animal abuser registry. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. People selling, transferring or offering dogs, cats or horses for adoption would be required to check the registry, which would be maintained by Pennsylvania State Police, and refuse placement with anyone listed. These requirements will help shelters, rescues and others placing animals in new homes identify convicted abusers before another animal is put at risk. The legislation is named after a six-month-old husky found abandoned in a crate beneath a bridge in Erie during subzero temperatures. She was severely underweight, covered in filth and suffering from frostbite on all four paws. Despite the rescuers’ efforts to save her, Aimee did not survive. Read more about Aimee’s Law. School Bus Driver Safety Bill Approved by Senate
Approximately 1.5 million children are transported on school buses every day in Pennsylvania, and the Senate approved legislation aimed at keeping reckless bus drivers from getting behind the wheel. Senate Bill 1262 would increase penalties for school bus drivers who transport children while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or a dangerous combination of both. Read more about this school bus safety measure. The latest Senate action follows passage last year of Senate Bill 65, which would increase the required stopping distance for drivers approaching from the opposite direction when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing. Both bills await passage in the House of Representatives. Standing with Breast Cancer Survivors
I was proud to join the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition at the State Capitol as we kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month by turning the East Wing Fountain pink. It was especially meaningful to stand alongside breast cancer survivors and thrivers, advocates and families from across Pennsylvania who continue to bring hope and strength to this important cause. The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and ensuring women have access to the screenings, care and support they need. And here in Pennsylvania during October, we’re reminded that breast cancer is not a red or blue issue – it’s pink. It affects every one of us. Together, we can raise awareness, support those facing breast cancer and celebrate the survivors and thrivers who inspire us every day. |
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