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In this Update:
Six More Farms Preserved in Lebanon and Berks Counties
This week, four farms in Lebanon County and two farms in Berks County, totaling more than 455 acres, were preserved by the State Agriculture Land Preservation Board. I applaud the dedication of these families and the ongoing efforts of the Lebanon County Conservation District and Berks County Conservation District to protect our region’s rich agricultural heritage. Preserved Farms:
Gebhard, Mastriano Introduce Legislation to Protect Federal Immigration Enforcement Officers
My bill with Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) to strengthen penalties for criminals who commit offenses against federal immigration enforcement officers and agents operating in Pennsylvania was officially introduced. Senate Bill 1021 would ensure that individuals who assault, threaten or obstruct immigration enforcement personnel face consequences that reflect the severity of their crimes. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security recently reported an 830% increase in assaults against Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers compared to the previous year. Specific documented incidents include:
Immigration enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to enforce the law and protect our communities from dangerous criminal activity. They deserve our full support and protection from the escalating threats and violence directed against them. Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection Saves Lives
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. But when detected at its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is over 90%. The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition turned the State Capitol East Wing Fountain pink to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The action honors survivors, remembers those lost and encourages early detection through annual mammograms. Learn more about breast cancer and the tools available for early detection here. I also had the chance to see WellSpan’s mobile mammography unit. Since launching in 2021, the program has screened more than 4,600 women at local events and convenient locations in the community. To request the mobile mammography vehicle to visit your business, visit www.WellSpan.com/BreastCancer. Standing Up for PA Taxpayers
With the state budget more than 100 days overdue, we are continuing to push for a balanced budget that respects taxpayers and will not lead to massive tax increases just a year or two from now. Unfortunately, Democrats in the House of Representatives have again proposed an irresponsible plan that seeks to spend billions more than taxpayers can afford by using one-time dollars. The most prudent action for the House to take would be to immediately pass the budget approved by the Senate back on August 12 – that would get money flowing to counties, schools and social service agencies. It’s time to put people above politics. Senate Republican leaders discussed the impasse here. Senate Acts to Waive Interest on Short-Term Budget Impasse Loans
Pennsylvania counties, early education programs, rape prevention and domestic violence prevention centers could pay no interest on loans from the Pennsylvania Treasury under legislation approved by the Senate. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Under current law, the Pennsylvania Treasurer may provide investment loans during a budget impasse but must charge interest on those loans. Treasury’s Budget Bridge Loan program would provide up to $500 million in low-interest loans from the Liquid Asset Pool Investment Fund for county governments, domestic violence and rape crisis centers, Head Start agencies and approved providers under the Pre-K Counts program. Those investment loans would cover up to 25% of a recipient’s state budget appropriation from the previous fiscal year. Senate Bill 1040 would authorize the state treasurer to waive interest charges on loans issued during a budget impasse and help prevent additional costs for taxpayers and communities. Ensuring U.S. and Pennsylvania Flags Are Made in America
Reflecting a growing effort to support American manufacturing, the Senate approved legislation ensuring every U.S. and Pennsylvania flag purchased by the commonwealth is made entirely in the U.S. using American materials. Senate Bill 784 requires the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to procure only flags that are both produced and constructed from materials sourced within the U.S. Each flag must also carry a label reading “Made in America.” The measure not only promotes American-made products within state procurement practices, it prevents the use of taxpayer dollars to purchase flags from nations that do not share the values of Pennsylvania citizens. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Examining the Use of AI in Education and Workforce Development
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom and how schools are adapting programs to prepare students for changing workforce demands were the topics of a public hearing held by the Senate Education Committee and the Senate Communications and Technology Committee. The joint panel heard from educators as well as workforce development and policy experts who discussed the need to embrace AI responsibly, in a manner that retains student critical thinking, ensures ethical and safe use, and prepares students to fill in-demand jobs. Hearing video and written testimony can be found on the Senate Communications and Technology Committee and Senate Education Committee websites. 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/. Unclaimed Property and State Resource Expo
Join me along with State Representatives Dave Zimmerman and the office of State Treasurer Stacy Garrity for an Unclaimed Property and State Resource Expo. The event will be hosted at the Reinholds Fire Company on Saturday, October 25 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. We will be able to assist with processing unclaimed property request and a variety of state-related issues such as birth certificates, property tax/rent rebate applications, handicap placards, and answer state-related questions. Please register by calling 717-274-6735 or online at: https://senatorgebhard.com/psrc-events/veterans-breakfast-111525/. Local Events
Saturday, October 10-11: Reading Regional Airport Career Fair, Seminar, Show & Hangar Party Saturday, October 11; 11am: Coleman Memorial Park Harvest Festival Saturday, October 11; 11:30am-2:30pm: Family Fall Fest Sunday, October 12; 10am-4pm: Palmyra Sportsmen’s Association Family Fun Field Day Sunday, October 12; 11am-4pm: Apple Cider Festival Thursday, October 16; 6pm-4pm: Book Fairs Forever Saturday, October 18; 4pm-7pm: 2nd Annual Jonestown Fall Fest Tuesday, October 21; 9-10:30pm: YMCA Trunk or Treat
*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/ |
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