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In this Update:
Senate Votes to Preserve Prescription Assistance for Seniors
Legislation to protect thousands of Pennsylvania seniors from losing access to life-sustaining prescriptions passed the Senate unanimously. Senate Bill 731 would exclude Social Security cost-of-living adjustments from income eligibility calculations for the PACE and PACENET programs. The bill would extend the current exclusion from the end of this year to Dec. 31, 2027. Funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, the PACE and PACENET programs have provided hundreds of thousands of adults 65 and older with low-cost prescriptions. It now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Bill to Strengthen Enforcement of PFA Orders Passes Senate
The Senate unanimously approved legislation I authored to improve the enforcement of Protection from Abuse (PFA) petitions and orders and properly reimburse law enforcement agencies. A longstanding imbalance in the law directs a portion of PFA-related court fees to county sheriffs, even when local police departments or state troopers process the paperwork. Senate Bill 302 would require sheriffs to transfer the $25 service fee collected through the existing surcharge to the agency completing the service. Law enforcement officers put themselves on the line every time they serve a PFA. It’s only right that the agencies performing this vital work receive the support and reimbursement they deserve. This bill ensures that fairness is built into the process. The bill would also address a critical safety concern and reinforce professional enforcement standards by authorizing only sheriffs or trained law enforcement officers – not private individuals – to serve PFAs. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Lehman Township Police Department Receives State Accreditation
Congratulations to the Lehman Township Police Department on achieving accreditation through the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association Accreditation Program. Developed by experienced law enforcement executives, accreditation offers a practical and cost-effective framework to enhance the professionalism of police agencies across the commonwealth. Participants receive assistance in evaluating and improving overall performance and must comply and adhere to 139 rigorous standards. After 12 years of hard work and dedication, LTPD joins five other departments in Luzerne County in earning this distinction, including two in the Back Mountain. Senate Approves Bill to Improve Access to Stroke Resources
The Senate unanimously passed legislation that would improve access to stroke resources. Senate Bill 411 would establish a statewide stroke registry administered and maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The registry would improve patient outcomes by giving emergency medical service providers, hospital stroke teams and other health care providers additional resources. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, strokes are the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States. Each year, more than 795,000 people experience a stroke. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Dedicating the Walter Derhammer, Sr. Memorial Bridge
Family, friends and elected officials gathered to dedicate the Walter Derhammer, Sr. Memorial Bridge in Monroe Township. Walt dedicated more than 40 years to his community as a township supervisor, roadmaster, and member of the planning commission. In recognition of his commitment, the bridge over Leonard Creek on Dietz Mountain Road, located just down the road from his home, now bears his name. Walt is missed by all who knew him, but the legacy of service he left behind will never be forgotten. He was someone the public could always count on when needed. Hand-Held Cell Phone Ban for Motorists Now in Effect
A law to increase safety on Pennsylvania roads passed by Senate Republicans that makes it illegal to use a handheld cell phone while driving is now in effect. Use is also prohibited when a vehicle is stopped in traffic or at a red light. Drivers may talk using hands-free devices, but holding a phone to make a call, text, get driving directions or check social media is now a citable offense. For the next year, officers may issue written warnings. Formal citations will be issued beginning June 6, 2026. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, distracted drivers were involved in more than 11,000 crashes in Pennsylvania in 2023, outpacing the number of crashes caused by impaired drivers. Celebrating Dairy Month with a Refreshing Farm Show Milkshake
June is Dairy Month, and the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association is celebrating by taking their famous Farm Show Milkshakes on the road through a series of pop-up mobile events in the Harrisburg area. This popular treat sure hit the spot on a hot summer day. 23andMe Consumers Can Still Protect Their Information
While 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy, consumers should know they still have rights. Notably, if a consumer’s personal or genetic information was exposed in the 2023 data breach, they may file a claim electronically by July 14. People may also wish to delete their profiles and accounts to ensure their personal data is erased from the 23andMe system and not sold as part of the bankruptcy process. Attorney General Dave Sunday says consumers can learn how to delete their genetic data from 23andMe, destroy their 23andMe test sample and revoke permission for their genetic data to be used for research here. Remembering D-Day and Those Who Gave Everything
In one of the most important military actions in history, the Allies began the liberation of Western Europe on June 6, 1944. Each year, there are fewer surviving D-Day veterans, which makes it even more important that we preserve their legacy through education. We must never forget the more than 2,500 Americans who lost their lives turning the tide in World War II. The cost of freedom is high, and they gave everything to defend it for all of us.
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