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In this Update:
Senate Votes to Help Fire and EMS Departments
The Senate passed legislation to address Pennsylvania’s volunteer firefighter shortage that, if left unaddressed, threatens to cause local tax hikes to fund paid services. The bill would also fix recent issues with emergency services grant funding. Senate Bill 466 would allow job training credits to count toward Firefighter I Certification, giving volunteer recruits a more flexible pathway to credentialing. It would also correct a recent administrative error that led to a number of Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services grants being rescinded. Many departments had already budgeted for those funds, and the bill would ensure they receive the support they were promised. To prevent similar issues, the bill would also establish a one-time, 15-day grace period – available once every three years – for fire and EMS companies to submit required reports without needing to demonstrate undue hardship. It moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Ambulance Association Highlights Challenges Facing Rural EMS Providers Tina Henning of FWM Emergency Squad in Mehoopany joined numerous rural EMS providers, along with the Ambulance Association of Pennsylvania, to discuss the issues they are facing. Some ambulance services have been forced to close due to Medicare/Medicaid payments, staffing difficulties, driver skill level requirements and other challenges. Bill Ensuring Sportsmen’s Rights are Protected Receives Senate Support
Legislation to protect sportsmen’s rights by aligning state law with the federal and state constitution passed the Senate and is headed to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Pennsylvania Game Code contains sections indicating it is unlawful to refuse to answer questions from representatives of the Game Commission. However, that violates the United States and Pennsylvania constitutions, which ensure no person may be “compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself” and “he cannot be compelled to give evidence against himself.” Senate Bill 518 would remove the offending sections, ensuring the protection of sportsmen’s constitutional rights. New Sextortion Scam Blackmails Children
A disturbing new scam involves organized groups of Nigerian cybercriminals targeting American children online. After befriending them – sometimes even posing as their classmates – and exchanging nude photos, the criminals blackmail them and demand money. Organized Nigerian criminals have increased this practice, known as sextortion, by 1,000% in the last 18 months. It can cause unthinkable consequences, including even suicide after a child is told that the image will be sent to their family, friends and everyone in their school if they don’t pay. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children offers a helpful tool to anyone facing this overwhelming scenario. Take It Down is a free service that allows a child to have a “hash value” – essentially a digital fingerprint – assigned to the photo being used against them. The “hash value” is then sent out to participating sites such as Instagram, Snapchat and even pornography sites that put a block on the image so it cannot be seen, shared, or spread, rendering it useless for the blackmailer. A child never has to upload the photo to the service, nor does anyone ever view the image in the process. Responding to Uncertainty Surrounding Penn State Wilkes-Barre
In light of reports that Penn State University is considering the closure of several of its Commonwealth Campuses, including Penn State Wilkes-Barre, I have joined my colleague Rep. Brenda Pugh in calling for transparency, accountability and a commitment to the communities the campuses serve. This is an unfortunate juncture for our communities and for the future of higher education in the region. Penn State has disserved us by using a process that was secretive, arbitrary, and lacking in analysis of community viewpoints and needs. While Penn State has said no final decision has been made, the Pennsylvania Department of Education has confirmed that the university has not formally initiated the required process to close any campus. Under state law, such a closure must be submitted for review and approved by the Secretary of Education following detailed evaluation. That process has not yet begun. In the meantime, we are introducing a bill requiring public hearings prior to shuttering any state-related universities. They are also exploring the creation of a special initiative – like the State Facility Closure Transition Program – to ensure adequate community support in directly impacted and contiguous areas. Our Commonwealth Campuses play an essential role in expanding educational opportunity in rural and underserved areas. The Wilkes-Barre campus is a cornerstone for our region – economically, academically and civically. Before any decision is made, there must be a full, transparent process, guided not only by regulations but by a genuine commitment to the students and communities who depend on these campuses. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and press for meaningful dialogue and public input as developments unfold. Win Money for Your Child’s Education
In honor of PA 529 Day on May 29, Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity invites families to contribute $10 or more to their child’s PA 529 account in May to be automatically eligible for one of six regional awards of $5,529. PA 529 plans allow families to use their savings to pay for a wide variety of education expenses, including at any qualified educational institution, from K-12 to college and career training programs. If the child doesn’t pursue education, the beneficiary can be updated to certain family members or used to repay the principal and interest on a qualified education loan for a PA 529 beneficiary or sibling. Anyone – parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and family friends – can contribute to a PA 529 plan. Saving with PA 529 does not impact a student’s eligibility for Pennsylvania state financial aid. Learn more. Students from The Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children Visit Capitol
Students from The Scranton School for Deaf and Hard of Hearing Children visited Harrisburg this week. Following a tour of the Capitol and visit to the House and Senate chambers, Lilly Butts of Susquehanna County, and David Pirl of Pike County, joined me for a photo in the Senate Rules Room. Election Day is Tuesday, May 20
Election Day is Tuesday, May 20, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are in line by 8 p.m., you will be able to vote. If you applied for a mail-in or absentee ballot, your county election office must receive it by Tuesday, May 20, at 8 p.m. Track your ballot to confirm it was received. Any voter who requested to vote using a mail-in or absentee ballot but would prefer to vote in person may do so. Bring the ballot and the envelope to surrender at the polls. If you don’t have those materials, you may vote using a provisional ballot. Call 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772) if you experience any issues.
Please do not reply to this email. If you would like to contact Senator Baker, submit a web contact form here: https://www.senatorbaker.com/contact-me-2/ |
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