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Treasury Offers Bridge Loans as Budget Impasse Continues
The Pennsylvania Treasury announced last week it is making $500 million in loans available to county governments and Head Start providers to help them meet the needs of the state’s most vulnerable citizens during the ongoing budget impasse.
The budget is now more than three months past due, and despite being back in session this week, Democrats – who control the agenda in the House – did not advance a budget bill to the governor’s desk that could immediately get funds flowing, not only to counties and Head Start but to all programs and agencies funded by the Commonwealth.
Instead, Democrats worked on passing a “heavy hitting” pet custody bill – certainly not an issue anyone has raised a concern about to me! -- but this is what the one-seat, “humble majority” wanted to work on while our budget is three months late.
We are urging House leadership to advance the equivalent of last year’s budget to the governor’s desk. Doing so would secure the funding we need now while giving us time to negotiate changes between now and Christmas.
We need the governor to step away from his infatuation with RFK Jr. for just a few hours and come back to Harrisburg to get this budget done NOW. Let’s focus on the Commonwealth and get a responsible and sustainable budget done. It is time to get our house in order!
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Standing Up for Your Second Amendment Rights
Majority House Democrats called up four gun-control bills for votes this week, and I voted “no” on every one of them.
Three of the four measures failed by a vote of 101-102. House Bill 1859, often called the Red Flag law, would have allowed for the confiscation of a person’s firearm without due process, a clear violation of the U.S. and Pennsylvania constitutions. House Bill 1099 would have limited the types of materials that could be used to construct firearms. House Bill 1866 would have banned so-called machine gun conversion devices.
I am disappointed that a bill to expand background check requirements to include private sales of long guns narrowly passed. However, it is unlikely House Bill 1593 will ever be taken up by the Senate.
We have laws on the books already that would address these issues without violating the Constitution. I will always stand up for your Second Amendment rights.
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Defining Success
Recently I had the opportunity to serve as keynote speaker at the Central PA Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast. It is always encouraging to share updates from our communities while also learning about exciting things happening in surrounding communities. It was a fun, interactive audience as we discussed what success looks like. For each of us, success can mean something different.
As the balance of power in the Pennsylvania Legislature has shifted, achieving legislative success has become more challenging. This has prompted me to refine my office’s mission grounded in service, humilty, respect and resolve. By pausing to reflect on moments of success, we strengthen organizational culture and stay focused on future accomplishments.
Looking back over the past six months, I am encouraged by the progress we’ve made together. My team and I have hosted events supporting young entreprenuers and protecting seniors from scams. It is important the next generation of entreprenuers knows their community is behind them, as well as protecting our seniors and their hard-earned money.
When I first began this role, I also never expected to be hosting Human Trafficking Awareness events. But as I learned more about this issue, I knew I had to act. Last spring, our district hosted two human trafficking awareness events that drew nearly 300 people. The focus was on online exploitation of minors, and from those efforts, we have heard testimonies of children’s lives being saved. I remain committed to advancing legislation that delivers real-world impact.
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Medicare Open Enrollment is Here – Protect Yourself from Scams
It is that time of year again. Medicare Open Enrollment season is here, and scammers are active.
Protect yourself from Medicare scams. Stay alert, take your time, do not give out personal information to unknown callers, and don’t let scammers take advantage of you!
You can read the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) consumer alert notice here.
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Who’s Eligible for a Refund from Amazon?
You may have heard that Amazon will pay $2.5 billion to settle the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) charges for enrolling millions of people in Prime subscriptions without their consent and then making cancellations difficult. Since $1.5 billion goes back to consumers, you may be asking: Who gets it? How? And what do I need to do?
NOTHING! Refunds will automatically go out by Dec. 25. Do not be fooled by scammers. No one from FTC or Amazon will ask you for money
You can learn more here.
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Concealed Carry Seminar
Seats are filling up fast! Don’t miss this opportunity to learn about PA’s firearm laws and gain insight on how to safely interact with police when carrying a firearm. You will also learn the legal aspects of the state’s Castle Doctrine, which allows a homeowner to use deadly force, if necessary, when threatened by an armed intruder.
Register at RepOwlett.com to reserve your seat or call the Wellsboro office at 570-724-1390 or the Troy office at 570-297-3045.
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Senior Expo
Fall seems the perfect time for the Senior Expo. Senior citizens, their family members and caregivers are invited to join us for the opportunity to gather information, ask questions and connect with nearly 80 exhibitors from government agencies, health care and long-term care service providers, insurance and financial services, and more. No registration required.
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Fall, Winter Trout Stocking Underway
Now through mid-December, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will be conducting its fall and winter trout stocking at dozens of waterways across the Commonwealth.
PFBC will stock approximately 116,500 hatchery-raised adult Rainbow, Brown and Brook Trout in 118 stream sections and lakes. These stockings will replenish some of the most popular fishing spots across the Commonwealth and provide ice fishing opportunities as conditions allow throughout the winter. Trout stocked during fall and winter can be fished immediately.
Click here to learn more and access stocking schedules.
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October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
To honor those who have fought breast cancer or who are fighting it now, the fountain at the Pennsylvania State Capitol’s East Wing has been dyed pink again this year in recognition of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the United States, except for skin cancers. It accounts for about 30% (or 1 in 3) of all new female cancers each year. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, second only to lung cancer.
The pink fountain is also a reminder to all women of the importance of mammograms and early detection. People with low to moderate income who are uninsured or underinsured and meet certain age requirements may qualify for testing through the Pennsylvania Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To learn about the program and eligibility, click here.
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