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| Weekly Roundup |
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The latest news from the State Capitol |
Honoring a PA Olympian
It was my pleasure to introduce Mike Minor on the floor of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives this week in recognition of his exceptional athletic achievements.
Mike won two medals during the March 2018 Paralympic Games, which were held in PyeongChang, South Korea.
A first-time Paralympian (he was born without part of his right arm below his elbow), Mike earned a gold medal in the banked slalom event and a bronze medal in boardercross. Mike was born and raised in Scranton, but now lives and trains in Colorado. It was impressive to see both medals.
Following his presentation to the House members, we had our picture taken with Speaker of the House Mike Turzai.
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No Welfare for Drug Dealers
To help ensure public assistance benefits are dedicated to those truly in need, the House endorsed legislation this week to prevent convicted drug dealers from receiving welfare.
House Bill 129 would prohibit individuals convicted of violating the Controlled Substance Act from eligibility for public assistance. The applicable sections of the Controlled Substance Act are the so-called “kingpin” provisions which relate to a specific set of offenders who sell and deliver large quantities of illegal drugs.
When individuals are arrested for drug trafficking crimes, a subsequent search by law enforcement often reveals large sums of money and information indicating that the individual was receiving welfare benefits.
The bill now moves to the state Senate for consideration.
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Wayne County Dairy Royalty Visits the Capitol
Here I am with 2018 Wayne County Alternate Dairy Princess Carmen Rutledge, 2018 Wayne County Dairy Princess Allison Hardler, and fellow Wayne County Rep. Mike Peifer during Dairy Day at the PA Capitol.
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Ensuring Justice, Safety for Crime Victims
In an effort to help ensure justice and safety for crime victims, the House Judiciary Committee this week reported out six bills to empower victims and safeguard them from being penalized or ignored by the justice system.
Among the bills in the package are those designed to give child victims safe harbor protections, particularly so they can get the crucial help and services they need; prevent young children and those with intellectual disabilities and autism from feeling victimized all over again by testifying against their abuser; exclude evidence of past sexual victimization from trials; and amend the state Constitution to include a Victim’s Bill of Rights (Marsy’s Law).
Additionally, the package includes a comprehensive rewrite of the state’s anti-hazing laws. Of note, the bill would encourage students to seek emergency assistance for those who have been hazed, and individuals would be immune from prosecution for hazing and underage drinking if they call 911 or law enforcement, believe they’re the first to call for help, and remain with the victim until emergency personnel arrive.
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Protecting Our Students
Keeping students safe was the goal of bipartisan legislation endorsed by the House Education Committee this week.
The first measure, House Bill 2327, would allow public school entities, such as school boards, to go into private, executive session for school safety discussions. This would prevent information about a school’s security measures from falling into the wrong hands and compromising student safety.
The second, House Bill 2215, would require school entities to conduct one school security drill per school year in each school building in place of a monthly fire drill. This would take Act 55 of 2017, which was passed last year to encourage schools to conduct the safety drill yearly, one step further to enhance school safety.
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Happy Birthday, Fred!
I recently had the opportunity to join in on a very nice birthday celebration. Pictured with me is former Rep. Sandy Major, Sen. Lisa Baker and the birthday boy, Fred Benson. Fred is a great friend and I was honored to be there to recognize him on his special day.
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| Office Locations |
| 16501 State Route 706, Suite 2, Montrose, PA 18801 | Phone: 570-278-3374 |
| 32 Commercial Street, Suite 300, Honesdale, PA 18431 | 570-253-5533 |
414 Irvis Office, PO Box 202111, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2111
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| Email Address: JFritz@pahousegop.com |
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