Real ID Update: Bill Encourages Freedom of Choice

Instead, residents may choose to purchase a REAL ID or continue using the current form of state driver’s license or photo ID as a standard form of identification for activities other than air travel or entering federal buildings.

Lawmakers believe offering choice is the best way to ensure Pennsylvania complies with the requirements of federal law while also avoiding unnecessary burdens on taxpayers who would face higher costs for the new form of identification.

The General Assembly must act by June 6 in order to be considered for an additional extension from the Department of Homeland Security.  Both the passage of this legislation and the extension will allow Pennsylvania to take the important steps necessary for the Commonwealth to reach full compliance with the federal law. 

Over the last five years, Pennsylvania has ranked highest in the nation in confirmed cases of Lyme disease, with 10,817 in 2015. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection released a study last year confirming a high risk of Lyme in every county of the Commonwealth.

House Bill 174 would require health insurers to cover treatment plans for Lyme disease or related tick-borne illnesses as prescribed by a patient’s health care practitioner, regardless if the treatment plan includes short-term or long-term antibiotic treatment. The bill now goes to the full House for consideration.

May is also Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. Individuals should be aware of early, disseminated, and late/persistent symptoms and that a negative Lyme test cannot rule out Lyme disease. The early clinical diagnosis and appropriate treatment of these tick-borne disorders and diseases can greatly reduce the risks of continued, diverse and chronic symptoms which can affect every system and organ of the human body and often every aspect of a person’s life.

For tips about how to protect yourself from Lyme disease, click here.

Strengthening Public Corruption Laws

Public officials and employees who are convicted of public corruption crimes would be forced to forfeit their government pension under legislation that passed the House this week.

House Bill 939 would hold state, county or municipal government officials and public employees, including judges, teachers and other school district employees, accountable for crimes related to their official duties by requiring them to forfeit their government pension.

They would also need to pay appropriate restitution when they plead guilty or no contest to any crime related to their official government position or any felony offense related to their office or employment. This would prevent public officials from cutting deals under which they agree to plead guilty to a lesser crime to keep their pensions.

The bill, which now goes to the Senate, would also impact federal crimes that are classified as felonies or are punishable by a term of at least five years in prison.

You need not be a veteran or a member of the American Legion to participate in this community fellowship activity. For more information and to RSVP, call the Post at 570-278-1649 or email Janice Gavern at janicegavern@gmail.com.

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