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The Weekly Roundup
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Finding the “Next Step” for Treating Addiction
I recently attended the first meeting of an advisory committee that’s conducting a study of the best options for getting Pennsylvania residents struggling with addiction from the emergency room to treatment.
The study is linked to my legislation for creating a “warm handoff to treatment” program statewide, similar to one that is having great success in the Lehigh Valley.
The committee will present a report on its findings and recommendations to the House of Representatives within 18 months. Learn more here.
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CCTI Receives Donation
Students at the Carbon Career and Technical Institute will benefit through the generosity of the Cabot Oil and Gas Corporation, which presented a $10,000 donation to the school last week. The gift was made possible through the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program.
EITC serves as an incentive for businesses to create student scholarships at public and non-public schools, and I’ve always been a big supporter of the initiative. Thank you, Cabot!
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‘Do Not Call’ List Gets an Update
Legislation to improve and strengthen Pennsylvania’s Do Not Call list has been signed into law.
Act 73 of 2019 amends the 1996 Telemarketer Registration Act by removing the renewal requirement and providing residents with the ability to register their phone numbers on the Pennsylvania Do Not Call list permanently. Currently, phone numbers must be re-registered every five years. The measure also allows businesses to register their numbers.
In addition, the bill aims to reduce the annoyance of telemarketing calls by banning the calls on legal holidays. Computerized auto-dialers (robocalls) would be required to give residents an “opt-out” option at the beginning of the call.
For more information or to register your phone number, click here.
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DEP to Host Public Hearing on Proposed Windmill Project
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) will host a public hearing regarding Broad Mountain Power’s application for a National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) permit for the proposed Broad Mountain Wind Project to be located in Nesquehoning Borough and Packer Township, Carbon County.
The hearing will take place on Monday, Oct. 21, from 6-9 p.m. at Weatherly Area Middle/Elementary School located at 602 6th St. in Weatherly.
The company plans to construct 21 windmills on a 290-acre tract of land on top of Broad Mountain, which spans both communities. The NPDES permit is required for stormwater discharges associated with the proposed construction activities. Representatives from DEP and Broad Mountain Power will be on hand to listen to the testimony.
Learn more about the hearing, including how to register, here.
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In the District
It was my honor to present a House citation to Salem United Methodist Church in Aquashicola in recognition of the church’s 175th anniversary during its recent celebration.
My wife and daughters joined me for the Bike Trail Ride Fundraiser that benefited Family Promise of Carbon County. They do such great work helping the homeless in our communities.
Happy 50th anniversary to Lewis and Maureen Hirochek of Nesquehoning! I had the pleasure of presenting them with a House citation in recognition of their marital milestone. The Hirocheks have been blessed with three children and five grandchildren.
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Take PennDOT’s Customer Satisfaction Survey!
The department wants to know what you think about its performance during the summer maintenance and construction season.
Here’s the link to the brief survey. All responses are anonymous unless you choose to provide your contact information.
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Every October, the fountain at the Pennsylvania State Capitol turns pink to help bring attention to Breast Cancer Awareness Month and serve as a symbol of hope to all who have survived the disease.
Breast cancer affects about 1 in 8 women in the U.S., but the good news is that most can survive if the disease is found early and treated.
The Department of Health is highlighting a free early detection program that you can learn more about here.
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Spotted Lanternfly Poster Contest for Kids
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is holding a spotted lanternfly poster contest for students in grades one through eight. The purpose of the contest is to help educate them and their families about the importance of inspecting items prior to leaving the quarantine area, which includes Carbon County, where the insect is a growing problem.
Each division winner will receive a prize and their artwork will appear on a page in the 2020 Spotted Lanternfly Awareness Calendar.
The deadline to enter is Oct. 31. Learn more here.
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Fall in Love with PA’s Autumn Colors
Fall colors are arriving in many areas of the state, so it’s time to start planning that fall getaway!
According to the Pennsylvania Tourism Office, Pennsylvania has a longer and more varied fall foliage season than any other state in the nation.
To find the best places to view fall foliage and track the locations of the peak colors throughout the state, click here.
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