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Marking the End of World War 1
On Sunday, I participated in an event at the Veterans of Foreign Wars 191 Pvt. James Perry Post to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War 1. While there are very few people still alive who remember that day, it is important to commemorate this significant day in world history.
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Hearing Seniors’ Concerns
On Friday, I toured Presbyterian Senior Care Network’s Bellmead Apartments, an affordable housing community in Washington. As part of my visit, I shared coffee and donuts with the residents, while discussing a variety of state-related issues.
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Giving the Gift of Life
Legislation that would help encourage organ and tissue donation in Pennsylvania is now on the governor’s desk.
Senate Bill 180, which unanimously passed the House last week, would expand the list of those persons authorized to decide on behalf of a decedent whether his or her organs are donated.
Among other provisions, it would also permit a minimally invasive blood or tissue test to be conducted to determine the suitability of a donor; call for education regarding organ and tissue donation and transplantation for high school students, as well as nursing and medical students; and increase the voluntary contribution made by citizens from $1 to $3 for driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals.
Currently, more than 800 Pennsylvanians are waiting for an organ transplant.
More information about organ donation in Pennsylvania is available here.
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Prescription Drug Coverage Expansion to Cover 17,000 More Seniors
Legislation to expand eligibility for the state’s PACENET prescription drug coverage program passed the House last week and the state Senate this week. It has been sent to the governor for his review. Up to 17,000 Pennsylvania seniors are expected to benefit from this expansion.
House Bill 270 would increase the annual maximum income limits in the PACENET program to $27,500 for a single person and to $35,500 for a married couple. Current maximum income requirements for the PACENET program, which covers those individuals with incomes exceeding PACE maximums, are $23,500 for a single individual and $31,500 for a married couple annually.
Additionally, the bill would allow two new pharmacy-based programs to be developed under the PACE program to assist seniors in monitoring their prescription drug usage.
This eligibility expansion would be the first since 2004, and it is funded by proceeds from the Pennsylvania Lottery.
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Designation to Raise Awareness of Domestic Violence
To raise awareness of domestic violence and encourage victims to seek help, House Resolution 1046 passed the House to designate October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.
Domestic violence – a pattern of abusive behavior used to establish power and control over an intimate partner – affects men and women in all racial, ethnic, religious, educational, social and economic backgrounds. It takes many forms, whereby victims are often subjected to abuse, harassment, threats, vandalism, trespassing, burglary, theft and stalking.
Last year, 117 people were killed in Pennsylvania by someone who was supposed to love them. More information about domestic violence is available here.
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PennDOT Improves Customer Care Website
To make it easier to report concerns on state roads, PennDOT has modernized its online customer care center.
The new website will include new mapping capabilities, optional photo uploads and a mobile-friendly interface.
Concerns are sorted into several categories: road or bridge conditions; removing debris from a roadway; traffic, signs or signals; ongoing roadwork or projects; or general questions and concerns.
Motorists are asked to be as specific as possible when providing locations of concerns. Motorists should report the county, municipality, street name and state route number, which can be found on small black and white signs posted along state highways. In addition, a description of any familiar landmarks are helpful for PennDOT to locate the problem area.
As of Sept. 30, the previous Customer Care Center had nearly 45,000 concerns submitted this year, according to PennDOT, with more than 96 percent of those concerns being resolved.
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Poster Contest Encourages Youth to Know When, Know How
As part of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board’s 27th annual Alcohol Awareness Poster Contest, this year’s theme is based on the agency’s new alcohol education campaign “Know When, Know How.” This campaign teaches parents how to start a conversation with their children about the dangers of underage drinking.
The contest is open to all Pennsylvania students in kindergarten through 12th grade, including those who are homeschooled or in private or parochial schools. Students may enter through their schools, clubs, Scout troops or individually.
Entries must feature a clear no-use message about underage drinking and may be created using any artistic medium. Students are encouraged to use positive messages and images, such as the benefits of being alcohol free or alternatives to underage drinking.
Several students with winning entries will receive $50, and one student from each grade (K-12) will receive $25. Some of the winning designs may be reproduced in various formats and distributed across Pennsylvania.
Entries must be postmarked no later than Friday, Nov. 16. For additional information about submission dates, guidelines and prizes, review the contest guidelines and entry form available at lcb.pa.gov under “Education,” then “Poster Contest."
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| Office Locations |
| District office: Details coming soon |
| Capitol office: 143B East Wing, P.O. Box 202048, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2048 | Tel: 717-787-3315 |
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| Email: toneal@pahousegop.com |
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