|
||||
|
In this Update:
Gebhard Introduces New Bill to Support Local Clubs
I introduced legislation this week that would provide much-needed relief to Pennsylvania’s civic organizations, fire companies, veterans’ groups and other nonprofits by increasing the prize limit for small games of chance. Under current law, clubs and organizations are limited to awarding no more than $35,000 in prizes from small games of chance each week. That cap has not been updated since 2013, despite inflation and the rising costs of community programs these organizations fund. Senate Bill 995 would raise the weekly limit to $60,000, ensuring local groups can continue generating the revenue they rely on to support vital community services. Small games of chance revenue support a wide range of community benefits, from funding lifesaving equipment for first responders to offering scholarships to local students. I was glad to have worked with the PA VFW Association and State Commander William Roland on this effort. Veterans Appreciation Breakfast
Join me along with State Representatives Russ Diamond, Tom Jones, and John Schlegel for a special breakfast honoring our veterans. The event is free and will be hosted at the Campbelltown Fire Hall on Saturday, November 15 at 9 a.m. Veterans may register themselves and one guest by calling 717-274-6735 or online at: https://senatorgebhard.com/psrc-events/veterans-breakfast-111525/. United Way of Lebanon County’s 2025-26 Campaign Kickoff
I was happy to attend the United Way of Lebanon County’s 2026-26 Annual Campaign Kickoff Breakfast on Wednesday, September 10th at the Lebanon Expo Center. We heard from special guest and speaker, former Philadelphia Eagle, Brandon Graham. He shared a powerful message on leadership, community involvement, and the power of giving back. Please consider donating to this great local organization as you know every dollar stays right here in our community. Protecting Animals from Painful Experiments
The Senate unanimously approved legislation aimed at protecting dogs and cats from painful, taxpayer-funded experiments. Senate Bill 381, also known as the Beagle Bill, would:
Senate Bill 381 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. Concealed Carry Seminar on Sep 25 at Cabela’s
There’s still time to sign up for my Concealed Carry Seminar with Rep. Jamie Barton (R-124) on Sep. 25, 6-8 p.m. at Cabela’s, 100 Cabela Dr, Hamburg. The event will feature information about Pennsylvania’s concealed carry laws, the Castle Doctrine, reciprocity laws, and how to safely interact with law enforcement while carrying a firearm. Berks County Sheriff, Mandy Miller, will lead the discussion and answer questions about Pennsylvania’s concealed carry laws. This is a great opportunity to become better informed and ask questions in an educational setting. We hope to see you there! You can RSVP online at https://senatorgebhard.com/psrc-events/ccs-092525/ or call 717-274-6735. School Bus Bill Improves Safety for Pennsylvania Children
Legislation to improve school bus safety and better protect children traveling to and from school was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 65 increases the required stopping distance from 10 feet to 15 feet for drivers approaching from the opposite direction when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing. It also raises penalties for violations, including higher fines and license suspensions for repeat offenders, and mandates additional driver education or examinations. It also establishes penalties for drivers who fail to prepare to stop when a school bus activates its flashing amber lights, adding an important layer of accountability. During Operation Safe Stop in October 2024, law enforcement and bus drivers across 22 school districts reported 131 violations in a single day, underscoring the urgency of these reforms. Senate Approves Bill to Expunge COVID-Era Citations
The Senate approved legislation to expunge punitive COVID-related citations issued by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) against small businesses with liquor licenses. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Every other commonwealth agency has dropped enforcement actions for COVID-era rule violations, recognizing the difficult situation restaurants faced. However, the PLCB has been using its license renewal process to punish license holders for not complying with COVID-related executive orders. This includes issuing conditional licenses, which come with higher insurance premiums, and requiring the sale of a liquor license, effectively putting someone out of business. Senate Bill 241 would help local businesses by expunging COVID-related citations from the record of restaurants and bars that are under the purview of the PLCB. Helping Disabled Veterans Enjoy Outdoor Activities
The Senate passed legislation supporting opportunities for Pennsylvania’s disabled veterans to participate in outdoor traditions. Senate Bill 533 would streamline requirements for hunting and furtaking licenses and refine special permits for regulated hunting grounds to specifically benefit disabled veterans who take part in hunting events. The legislation makes it easier for organizations to host hunts for disabled veterans by clarifying the permitting process and reducing unnecessary barriers, ensuring more veterans can be included in these events. Senate Bill 533 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Importance of Community Pharmacies Highlighted at Briefing
Community pharmacies and the important role they play for Pennsylvania residents was the focus of an informational briefing with pharmacists, the state Department of Human Services, the Insurance Department and others. Roughly 600 pharmacies have closed across the commonwealth within the last two years, reducing access to professionals serving on the frontlines of health care. The Senate Community Pharmacy Caucus discussed the impacts of Act 77 of 2024, the Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) reform measure. The law banned harmful practices, strengthened network adequacy requirements, increased PBM transparency and accountability and implemented additional oversight. Further action needed to protect community pharmacies was among the topics explored at the briefing, which can be viewed here. Remembering September 11, 2001
Once again, we pause on Sept. 11 to remember the tragic events on that date in 2001 – attacks that changed our nation forever. I was honored to attend Sen. Doug Mastriano’s Flight 93 Memorial Ceremony. Flight 93 crashed in a field near Shanksville, PA, after passengers and crew bravely fought back against terrorists. All 40 passengers and crew gave their lives, preventing an attack on the U.S. Capitol. We honor the nearly 3,000 people killed in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania, and hold in our hearts the families left behind. The first responders who courageously gave their lives to save others remain a source of inspiration for a nation brought together in grief and determined to keep America’s enemies at bay. Local Events
Tuesday, September 9-13: The Denver Fair Friday, September 12-14: Hinkelfest Saturday, September 13: Fall Music Fest at The Fogleman Farmstead Saturday, September 13; 10am: Harvest Fair and Folk Art Craft Show Saturday, September 13; 10am-3pm: Wool Feather Tree Class with Amy Scheg Saturday, September 13; 9am: Mid-Atlantic Reptile Show Sunday, September 14; 12-3pm: Bethany Children’s Home Summer Concert Series Monday, September 15; 10-11am: Preschool Story Hour
*Please do not reply to this email, as that mailbox is unattended. To better serve the constituents of the 48th District, I have set up a contact form on my website. Please email cgebhard@pasen.gov if you would like to send me a message. If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here. Follow me on Facebook, Twitter, or visit https://senatorgebhard.com/ |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorgebhard.com | Privacy Policy |
