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In this Update:
Senators Gebhard and Dillon Take a Stand for Child Safety and Responsible Gaming
Unfortunately, at nearly every Gaming Control Board hearing, we hear about the rise in cases of children, as young as two months old, left unattended while their parents gamble on the casino floor. In 2022, the Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board reported over 285 incidents involving 464 children left unattended by gambling guardians. I was happy to work with Senator Jimmy Dillon on legislation to address this disturbing trend. Senate Bill 1021 responds to this alarming trend with practical measures designed to safeguard our youngest citizens and assist those battling gambling addiction. Currently, law enforcement is notified, and the most common charge is misdemeanor endangerment while the PGCB places the adult on the Involuntary Exclusion List prohibiting that individual from entering a gambling establishment. SB 1021 would increase that charge to a felony of the third degree, maintain placement on the Exclusion List, require notification of the county Children and Youth Office, and require gaming establishments to provide notice of this offense through use of: signage and pamphlets. The bill also requires casinos to establish polices and train staff related to the identification and care of unattended minors. With a bipartisan majority of 13 to 1, SB 1021 passed out of the Senate Judiciary Committee this week. This vote is a critical step forward in ensuring the safety of minors and addressing issues related to gambling addiction in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania FFA State President Crystal Bomgardner and FFA State Reporter Maggie McAteer Recognized at Capitol
In honor of National FFA Week, PA Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee Chair Senator Elder Vogel Jr. recognized the Pennsylvania FFA State Officers in the Capitol. Two of the State Officers were from Lebanon County, and I was honored to recognize them. Crystal Bomgardner (Northern Lebanon High School) is the Pennsylvania FFA President and Maggie McAteer (Annville-Cleona High School) is the Pennsylvania FFA Reporter. Crystal was elected in June 2023 to serve as president of the state chapter of FFA. She had previously served as Lebanon County Dairy Princess and an alternate state diary princess in 2021. She has taken a gap year from college to be able to serve as a state officer but plans on pursuing a political science degree. Maggie McAteer was also elected in June 2023 to serve as reporter of the chapter of FFA. She has helped children with disabilities work with animals and do farm visits with the local IU-13 classes in Lebanon County. Maggie plans on attending Delaware Valley University to double major in agribusiness and agricultural communications. You’re Invited: 2024 Tax Seminar
Join us for an informative seminar on federal, state, and local taxes! 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄: The Lebanon Expo Center, 80 Rocherty Rd, Lebanon 𝐖𝐇𝐄𝐍: Wednesday, March 27, 1 pm – 4 pm Please RSVP for the seminar by Friday, March 22, online at www.SenatorGebhard.com/Tax-Seminar-Registration or by calling 717-274-6735. Calling on Shapiro to Send PA National Guard to Defend Texas Border
The Senate approved a measure calling on Gov. Josh Shapiro to protect Pennsylvania communities by supporting Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s request to respond to America’s illegal immigration crisis. Senate Resolution 251 implores Shapiro to reverse course and deploy the Pennsylvania National Guard along Texas’s southern border with Mexico as part of Operation Lone Star. The border security initiative has led to more than 500,000 illegal immigrant apprehensions, more than 40,000 criminal arrests and the seizure of more than 468 million lethal doses of fentanyl, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. A 2023 report indicates at least 251,000 illegal immigrants reside in Pennsylvania with an annual burden of more than $1.6 billion on taxpayers. That equates to a cost of approximately $318 per Pennsylvania household annually, according to the Federation for American Immigration Reform. Senate Passes Public Safety Bills Targeting Opioid Overdoses, Human Trafficking
The Pennsylvania Senate approved two measures this week boosting community safety by targeting opioid overdoses and human trafficking. Both bills, which head to the House of Representatives for consideration, are part of the Senate Republican effort to improve community safety across Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1054 strengthens the Overdose Information Network (ODIN) law, which requires all law enforcement in Pennsylvania to input reports of an overdose within 72 hours of the incident into the ODIN system. The ODIN database enables law enforcement agencies to quickly record, analyze and share information concerning fatal and non-fatal drug overdoses and naloxone administrations. The bill would ensure overdose reporting by EMS providers is incorporated into the statewide mapping system. EMS providers are responsible for handling more than 80% of overdoses annually in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1111 would ensure that individuals who are convicted of certain human trafficking offenses – as well as attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit those offenses – are subject to the same Megan’s Law reporting and evaluation requirements as other sexual offenders. Struggling Homeowners Can Apply for Assistance
To help homeowners struggling as a result of pandemic-related financial hardships, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) reopened a program that had been paused to address a backlog of applicants. The majority of pending applications has been processed and an assessment of remaining American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funds has been made, so PHFA is accepting additional applicants until the remaining monies are exhausted. New applicants can use the funds for pandemic-related mortgage reinstatement, forward mortgage assistance, tax assistance and delinquent utility bills. Interested Pennsylvania homeowners can find more information, eligibility requirements and instructions about how to submit an application here. Help Available for High-Priority Specialty Crop Farmers
To stimulate market growth or boost the competitive position for high-priority crops, grants are available for projects that benefit Pennsylvania’s growers as a whole, rather than an individual grower. Specialty crops eligible for Pennsylvania’s grant program and deemed high priority include hardwoods; honey; hemp and flax for fiber; and hops, barley, rye and wheat for brewing, distilling and malting. Proposals must be submitted through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Electronic Single Application by Friday, April 19, at 5 p.m. Full grant guidelines are available here. Recognizing Agriculture’s Impact on Our Lives
In Pennsylvania, we are blessed that agriculture is one of our top industries as it helps to provide us with food security without having to rely as much on other states or even other countries. National Agriculture Week, observed March 17-24, encourages every American to understand how food products are produced; appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant, and affordable products; value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy; and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food, and fiber industries. Local Events
Sunday, March 24, 1pm: South Hills Park Easter Egg Hunt Sunday, March 24, 9am-6pm: Free Car Wash to benefit Bethany Children’s Home Saturday, March 23, 2pm: Lower Heidelberg Township Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, March 23, 10am: Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry’s 4th Annual Egg Hunt Saturday, March 23, 9am-11:30am: Debt Elimination Seminar by WEPA Empowerment Center Friday, March 22, 6pm-10pm: SARCC Monte Carlo Wild West Night Saturday, March 23, 9am: Making A Difference Community Clean-Up Saturday, March 23, 9am-10:30am: Cleona Community Easter Candy Scramble
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