|
||||
|
In this Update:
PA Supreme Court Rules Counties Must Comply with State Election Law
The state Supreme Court has reiterated its previous stance and ruled that undated or misdated mail ballots should not be counted in the 2024 election. It upholds prior rulings clarifying mail and absentee ballots that fail to comply with the Pennsylvania Election Code “shall not be counted” for the purposes of the Nov. 5 election. This is a win for voters and the rule of law. Senate Republicans will continue to work to boost election integrity and ensure free, fair and secure elections. Cornwall Manor Celebrates 75 Years
Congratulations to Cornwall Manor on celebrating 75 years in operation. In 1949, Cornwall Manor was founded as a continuing care retirement community located in Lebanon County with only 11 residents. Today, Cornwall Manor’s campus spans over 195 acres and is home to over 600 residents. I was happy to stop by and recognize their anniversary with a Senate Citation. They have continued to provide excellent care for residents, and I am sure they will be here for many years to come. New Law Creates Rape Kit Tracking System
To empower survivors and hold offenders accountable, a bill establishing a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system was signed into law as Act 122 of 2024. Act 122 allows survivors to track the status of their rape kits throughout the testing process, from collection to destruction. The law clarifies existing rights and enshrines new statutory rights for survivors of sexual assault. It also brings Pennsylvania into compliance with the Fairness for Rape Kit Backlog Survivors provision of the recent Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization. To comply with VAWA, the law provides a waiver for survivors who file untimely claims for compensation due to delays in rape kit testing. Survivors will not need to undergo an appeal process for consideration of this waiver. WEPA Empowerment Center Opens Healthcare Training Suite
Located at 9 South 9th Street, WEPA Empowerment Center has officially unveiled its new Healthcare Training Suite. They will offer classes for Certified Nurse Aide, Medical Assistant, Certified Phlebotomy Technician, Dental Assistant, and Healthcare Office Assistant with only a $50 processing fee. This fall, I was pleased to announce a Local Share Grant for $400,000 to help with the cost to rehabilitate the center that is in the historic elks building in downtown Lebanon. Congratulations to Maureen Westcott on Retiring from Arc Lebanon Lancaster
Happy retirement to Maureen Westcott, the executive director of the Arc Lebanon Lancaster. She had been with the nonprofit that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities since 2013. Known as a passionate advocate and caring person, she has helped stabilize the funding of the organization and left it in a great place. I wish her well and thank her for all she has done for the community. Bill Allowing Year-round Motorcycle Inspections Now Law
Legislation giving people who are trying to take safety precautions more convenience is now law after receiving unanimous Senate and House support. It allows year-round motorcycle safety inspections in Pennsylvania. Even though motorcycles can be purchased and driven on Pennsylvania roadways throughout the year, the state Vehicle Code previously only allowed safety inspections to be performed from March to October. The legislation eliminated the old restriction to give motorcycle operators more opportunities to complete required inspections. Motorcycle registration with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will continue to be tied to the month the vehicle is to be inspected. Senate Passes Bill to Honor Gold Star Families
It’s important to recognize fallen service members and the families they left behind. I supported a new law that will authorize construction of a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at the State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg. The monument will be sponsored by the Woody Williams Foundation, which was established to honor and support Gold Star Families. It will be built to reflect five main philosophical pillars of the foundation: homeland, family, patriot, sacrifice and legacy. The monument will give Gold Star Families a permanent place to gather, remember and honor their fallen loved ones. It will also remind the public of the ultimate sacrifice made by the country’s bravest patriots. The monument will be constructed south of the Auditorium Forum Building, east of the Irvis Office Building and north of Walnut Street. New Maple Map Paves the Way for a Tasty Treat
Pennsylvania maple is a true taste of fall, and it’s simpler than ever to enjoy maple syrup and related candies, popcorn and sauces produced right here in the commonwealth. The new Maple Map highlights local producers and businesses all across the state. Using the interactive mapping application makes it easy to find delicious snacks to help you enjoy the season. It also provides maple syrup recipes and a list of restaurants and coffee shops with maple menu offerings. November is Child Safety and Protection Month
Our children are our most precious resource. During Child Safety and Protection Month, we focus on the dangers kids face every day and resolve to do our part to minimize these risks and provide support. Senate Republicans have placed a high priority on keeping kids safe, through advancing several bills during the current legislative session to improve child safety, including:
Local Events
Friday, November 22, 6-7pm: Downtown Lebanon Tree Lighting Friday, November 29, 5:30pm-8pm: Ephrata Tree Lighting & Santa’s Arrival Saturday, November 23, 10am: 2024 CLA Holiday Parade Saturday, November 23, 9am-2pm: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Holiday Bazaar Saturday, November 23, 10am-1pm: 2024 Reading Holiday Parade
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 click here if you would like to send me a message. To subscribe to Senator Gebhard’s newsletter click here. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter, or visit https://senatorgebhard48.com/ |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2024 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorgebhard.com | Privacy Policy |
