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The Weekly Roundup
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Another New Law to Fight Opioid Abuse
A new law that requires opioids to be prescribed electronically will bring consistency in the way prescriptions are filled and will also prevent the fraudulent use of prescription pads to fuel the opioid crisis.
Act 96 of 2018 will make it more difficult to have fake prescriptions filled, while also making it more convenient for patients who have a legitimate need for the medication. Currently, most all medications are prescribed electronically.
Another benefit of e-prescribing is that the tracking of the prescription can go directly to the state’s prescription drug monitoring database to help ensure only those who have a legitimate medical need for these drugs can access them.
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Raising Awareness
My thanks to everyone who made last week’s Drug & Alcohol Awareness Expo at Jim Thorpe Area High School such a huge success! All of the organizations which were there are trying to make a difference in the fight against substance abuse in our communities and they deserve our support.
We also presented certificates to winners of the student essay contest sponsored by the Carbon Monroe Pike Drug and Alcohol Commission. All of the kids who entered did a fantastic job! More photos available here.
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Security Grants Awarded to Local School Districts
It was announced this week that every Pennsylvania school district that applied for one has been awarded a $25,000 grant to enhance its safety and security.
School districts in the 122nd Legislative District that will receive the funding include Hazleton Area, Jim Thorpe Area, Lehighton Area, Palmerton Area, Panther Valley and Weatherly Area.
The new $60 million grant program, which I supported, was created as part of a comprehensive school safety bill that was signed into law in June and included in the current state budget.
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Phone Scam Warning
We want to warn you about a phone scam that appears to be targeting folks in our area. My office has received complaints from several constituents who say they were called by someone who told them they won money in the Mega Millions lottery and needed to send them cash to receive their prize. The caller also asked for personal information.
This is obviously a scam. If you should receive such a call, report it to your local police or contact the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office of Consumer Protection at scams@attorneygeneral.gov or 800-441-2555.
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Governor’s Vetoes Perplex Lawmakers
The governor’s decision to veto important cost-saving and education measures last week has left lawmakers scratching their heads.
The bills would have dramatically reduced the state’s debt (House Bill 83), required the Department of Human Services to institute work requirements for Medical Assistance recipients (House Bill 2138), and expanded career and technical education (CTE) opportunities for students across Pennsylvania (House Bill 2157).
Specifically, both House Bill 83 and House Bill 2157 passed with overwhelming bipartisan majorities in both the House and Senate. House Bill 83 could have reduced outstanding general obligation debt by $1 billion over 20 years, and House Bill 2157 would have made it easier for schools to establish and renew vocational programs.
This is the second time that Gov. Tom Wolf has vetoed work requirements for able-bodied individuals on Medical Assistance, even though work requirements are in place for food stamp assistance.
All three bills are expected to be reintroduced in the new 2019-20 legislative session.
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Remembering the Victims
This week, a beacon of blue was the only light shining at the state Capitol as a tribute to the 11 victims of the shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.
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Schedule Now for Spring 2019 Capitol Tours
The Capitol tour office is now taking reservations for the 2019 spring season. The late spring and early summer seasons are the busiest time for Capitol tours. Dates fill up fast, so make your reservation as soon as possible.
You can call the Capitol tour office directly at 1-800-868-7672, or call my office and we’ll set it up for you. When you call, have your group name, total number of participants and best contact information ready.
You are also welcome to visit the Capitol in small groups, including as single participants or individual families. Reservations are still recommended.
I look forward to seeing you in Harrisburg. Learn more here.
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Turn Those Clocks Back This Weekend
Daylight saving time will end at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 4, and you are reminded to turn your clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night.
It is also recommended that you check or change the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced every 10 years, and located near bedrooms and on each level of the residence.
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| Office Locations |
| 110 North Third Street, 2nd Floor, Lehighton, PA 18235 | (610) 377-6363 |
| 2681 State Route 903, Unit 3, Albrightsville, PA 18210 | (570) 722-8700 |
| Room 403 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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