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The Weekly Roundup
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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REAL ID Deadline Less Than One Year Away
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is reminding customers that federal enforcement of the REAL ID Act will begin at airports and secure federal facilities nationwide starting on Oct. 1, 2020.
As of that date, you will have to have a federally accepted form of identification – such as a Pennsylvania REAL ID driver’s license or identification card, or a U.S. passport/passport card or military ID – to board a commercial flight (including domestic flights) or visit a secure federal building that requires ID at the door.
Since March 2019, when REAL ID first became available in the Commonwealth, more than 400,000 Pennsylvanians have chosen to get a REAL ID-compliant product. Based on data from other states with optional REAL ID programs, PennDOT anticipates that approximately 1.3 million of its customers will get a REAL ID before the federal enforcement deadline next year.
Federal regulations require that to be issued a REAL ID-compliant product, PennDOT must verify a variety of documents to prove a person’s identity, including documentation of name changes, as well as their Social Security number and place of residence.
For information about required documents, how to get them verified and other frequently asked questions about REAL ID, click here , or contact one of my district offices.
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Drug and Alcohol Awareness Expo Set for Oct. 24
It’s almost time for our annual Drug and Alcohol Awareness Expo, which will take place on Thursday, Oct. 24. The free event will run from 6-8 p.m. at Panther Valley High School, located at 912 Coal Region Way in Lansford.
The expo will feature more than 30 exhibitors with information about preventing drug and alcohol abuse and promoting healthy habits. Information about Narcan, the heroin overdose antidote, will be available, as well as a mock teen bedroom for parents to learn where drugs are hidden. A private room will also be available for discreet discussions with a physician.
This event is open to all ages, and children are invited to wear Halloween costumes to trick-or-treat with our vendors. A prescription drug-drop box will be on-site for the safe disposal of unwanted or expired prescription drugs. We hope to see you there!
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Focusing on Education
It was a pleasure to attend Wednesday’s open house at Behavioral Health Associates’ Willow Academy in Lehighton, where I met with members of the instructional staff. They do great work there helping students return to their home schools.
On Tuesday, I joined other elected officials for a visit to classrooms in the Northern Lehigh School District sponsored by the Carbon Lehigh Intermediate Unit. We got to meet with students and instructors in the special education program.
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DEP Postpones Public Hearing on Windmill Project
The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has postponed the Monday, Oct. 21, public hearing on the Broad Mountain Wind Project in Carbon County due to ongoing construction at Weatherly Area Elementary/Middle School, the original location. DEP is working to secure another date and location for the hearing.
The hearing was to take testimony regarding Broad Mountain Power’s application for a National Pollutant Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) permit to construct 21 windmills on Broad Mountain in Nesquehoning Borough and Packer Township. The NPDES permit is required for stormwater discharges associated with the proposed construction activities.
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Regional Issues Discussed
We had a great conversation at last week’s Legislative Roundtable in Barnesville sponsored by the Northeast PA Manufacturers and Employers Association.
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Medicare Open Enrollment Starts Oct. 15
The state Department of Aging is reminding beneficiaries of the Medicare open enrollment period starting Tuesday, Oct. 15, and continuing through Saturday, Dec. 7. During this time, you may make changes to your current Medicare coverage, as well as join, switch or drop Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Coverage plans.
Pennsylvania offers a free health insurance counseling program, APPRISE, through the local Area Agency on Aging. APPRISE counselors are specially trained staff and volunteers who can provide objective, easy-to-understand information at no cost to you. They can help you understand Medicare eligibility, enrollment, financial assistance programs and coverage options, among other Medicare-related topics.
For more information, contact the local Area Agency on Aging or call the toll-free APPRISE Helpline at 1-800-783-7067, which is available Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more here.
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Recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month
With approximately 95,000 victims seeking services through the Commonwealth’s domestic violence programs each year, the state House unanimously approved House Resolution 467 designating October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Pennsylvania.
Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior used to establish power and control over an intimate partner, causing both physical and emotional harm. Victims may be subjected to abuse, harassment, threats, vandalism, trespassing, burglary, theft and stalking.
As one of the most chronically underreported crimes, domestic violence affects men and women in all racial, ethnic, religious, educational, social and economic backgrounds.
Learn more here.
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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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