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The Weekly Roundup
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Another Weapon in the War on Drugs
Legislation that would help health care professionals identify and treat patients who previously overdosed on opioids is scheduled for a final vote in the House next week.
House Bill 1005 would require first responders and hospital personnel to record the use of Narcan, Naloxone or any other opioid overdose agent in the patient’s record in a state database.
These medications are designed to rapidly reverse an opioid overdose.
I sponsored an amendment to the bill which adds definitions and clarifications that was passed by the House this week.
In our fight against opioid abuse, one of the greatest tools health care professionals have is information. This bill provides them with a patient’s drug abuse history, which can mean the difference between life and death.
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Remembering D-Day and Honoring Our Veterans
The Pennsylvania House of Representatives paid tribute to World War II veterans this week and commemorated the 75th anniversary of D-Day with a resolution. One of those veterans took part in the invasion. Joseph “Zeb” Zebertavage served as an anti-aircraft gunner on the USS O’Brien.
The 10 veterans are pictured here with House members who have served in the United States Armed Forces. We thank them all for their service to our great nation!
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Continuing Support for PA Military, Veterans
In recognition of the service and sacrifice of active duty military and veterans in the Commonwealth, the House is always working to enact policies that help and support these men and women and their families.
This week, we approved House Bill 630 to extend Pennsylvania’s current employment protections to Pennsylvania citizens who are members of another state’s National Guard and are called up to serve outside of the Commonwealth.
We also approved House Bill 1050 to ensure an in-state tuition rate for military families as soon as a student enrolls in a public college or university, regardless of whether his or her military parent is reassigned out of the state. Both bills are now pending consideration in the Senate.
Finally, lawmakers joined with representatives of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) to send off seven new vans that will help DAV volunteers transport veterans to their VA medical appointments.
For more information about state services and support for our military and veterans, visit the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs website at www.dmva.pa.gov.
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Economic Outlook
General Fund revenue collections for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania during May were $2.62 billion, which was $14.9 million less than the official estimate. So far this fiscal year, General Fund collections total $31.8 billion, which is $813 million more than anticipated. Learn more here.
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State Program Provides Free Produce to Seniors
Area seniors are encouraged to take advantage of a state program that provides vouchers worth $20 that can be used to purchase produce at participating farmers markets and roadside stands.
Vouchers are provided on a first-come, first-served basis by the Carbon County Office on Aging. Four $5 vouchers will be handed out per person.
To qualify, seniors must be 60 or older by Dec. 31, 2019. Proof of age and county residency are required (photo ID).
Participants must also have a total household income, before taxes, of less than $23,107 for a single person and $31,284 for a couple.
Vouchers will be distributed from 1-3 p.m. at the following dates and locations in the 122nd Legislative District during the month of June:
- Monday, June 10, Lehighton Senior Center, 243 8th St., Lehighton.
- Tuesday, June 11, Weatherly Senior Center, 335 3rd St., Weatherly.
- Thursday, June 13, Nesquehoning Fire Co., 953 Catawissa St., Nesquehoning.
- Tuesday, June 18, Palmerton Senior Center, 501 Delaware Ave., Palmerton.
- Wednesday, June 19, Jim Thorpe/Penn Kidder, Bear Creek Plaza, Route 903, Jim Thorpe.
- Monday, June 24, Lehighton Senior Center, 243 8th St., Lehighton (This event is only if you are unable to go to previous distributions and vouchers are still available.)
To find a qualified location, visit www.RepHeffley.com and click on “PA Senior Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program.”
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In the District
It was my pleasure to say a few words before the start of the Care Net of Carbon County’s 5K Fun Run/Walk for Life last Saturday. Thank you for inviting me!
Cha’s Gourmet Restaurant in Lansford is now open for business! Thanks for asking me to take part in last Saturday’s ribbon-cutting ceremony.
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| Office Locations |
| 204B Bridge St., Weissport, PA 18235 | (610) 377-6363 |
| 2681 State Route 903, Unit 3, Albrightsville, PA 18210 | (570) 722-8700 |
| Room 420 Irvis Office Building, PO Box 202122, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2122 | (717) 260-6139 |
| Email: dheffley@pahousegop.com |
| TTY: 855-282-0614 |
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