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| Legislative Report |
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The latest news from the State Capitol |
Watch This Weeks Mon-Valley Moment!
On this week’s #MonValleyMoment I’d like to tell you about one of the many groups in Southwestern PA that is helping those in need in the 49th District, BHO (Bikers Helping Others). Recently, I was invited to participate with one of their efforts that impacts our quality of life here.
Bikers Helping Others is a nonprofit organization consisting of fun-loving, passionate motorcycle enthusiasts assisting individuals or families with securing necessary resources when traditional means of assistance may not be adequate or available.
Watch this week's episode to find out more about what we did together!!
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House to Take Up ‘Smart Justice’ Initiative
The House returns to session next week with a number of items on the agenda, including a package of bills aimed at reforming our criminal justice system.
The “Smart Justice” initiative, which advanced through the House Judiciary Committee earlier this week, seeks to reform Pennsylvania’s probation and parole system, reduce recidivism, and help formerly incarcerated individuals find jobs that will help them avoid some of the pitfalls that keep many in the state’s penal system.
Pennsylvania has the second-highest percentage of citizens on probation or parole in the country, and our prison population has increased by approximately 850% over the past 40 years at a cost of $2.4 billion per year to taxpayers. A recent study of information from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections showed that nearly one-third of prison beds were occupied by people who violated terms of their probation or parole.
Our goal is to strike a balance between ensuring people are held responsible for their actions while also removing barriers for people looking to rebuild their lives once they have served their time. We are working to keep our communities safe while also looking to protect taxpayers by supporting people who want to be productive members of our society.
Learn more about the measures we will be considering in the House next week here.
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Tis the Season!
It's time to get into the holiday spirit.
The Capitol Christmas tree is shining bright after the official tree-lighting ceremony this week. The 18-foot tall Douglas Fir tree comes from Crystal Spring Tree Farm in Lehighton, Carbon County, and was donated by the Pennsylvania Christmas Tree Growers Association.
This year's tree is decorated with more than 800 LED lights and 500 ornaments created by senior citizens and preschoolers across the state. The tree will remain on display in the Capitol Rotunda throughout the holiday season.
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Protect Against the Flu
With more than 2,600 laboratory-confirmed cases of flu statewide, the Department of Health is urging residents who have not already gotten a flu vaccine to do so.
Guidelines recommend everyone 6 months of age and older should get the vaccine each season. It takes about two weeks for the antibodies from the vaccine to develop protection against infection.
Influenza is a contagious disease, caused by the influenza virus. It attacks the nose, throat and lungs and may include the following symptoms: fever, headache, tiredness, dry cough, sore throat, nasal congestion and body aches.
To further prevent the spread of flu, Pennsylvanians are also encouraged to practice healthy habits such as covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze, frequently washing your hands during flu season, and remembering to disinfect commonly touched objects such as door knobs, light switches, countertops, cell phones and computers.
If you do become sick with the flu, it is important to stay home and rest. If you are at risk for developing serious complications from the flu, or feel extremely ill, you should see a medical professional immediately.
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Environmental Education Grant Application Deadline Approaching
Schools, county conservation districts, nonprofits, businesses and other eligible organizations have until Tuesday, Dec. 31, to apply for the 2020 Environmental Education Grants program.
Projects with a local focus may receive up to $3,000, and regional or statewide initiatives may receive up to $20,000.
Formal and nonformal education projects are eligible. Project examples include tours, hands-on workshops and demonstrations focused on watershed stewardship and community action, renewable energy, energy conservation, vehicle idling, alternative transportation and healthy air quality.
Since its inception, the Environmental Education Grants program has provided more than $12 million in grants to more than 1,890 organizations statewide.
Application instructions and program guidelines are available here.
Applications must be electronically submitted through the eGrants web portal.
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Building Our Workforce, Training Opportunities
The Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) is now accepting applications for $6.6 million in PAsmart Apprenticeship grants to help more workers “earn while they learn” and gain the hands-on skills for good jobs in high-growth industries.
Building on the House GoodJobs4PA initiative launched earlier this year, the grant program is designed to build a diverse talent pipeline into the building and construction trades; expand registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships in non-traditional industries with an emphasis on health care, manufacturing and information technology; and support registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships through ambassador networks across the Commonwealth.
Eligible applicants include organizations that serve as sponsors or intermediaries of registered apprenticeships including businesses, community-based organizations, economic development organizations, industry associations, labor organizations, local education agencies, local workforce development boards, nonprofit organizations, post-secondary institutions, public libraries and STEM ecosystems.
The deadline to apply is Jan. 10, 2020. Grant materials, requirements and information about the bidder’s webinars are available on the department’s website here.
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| Office Locations |
| Belle Vernon, 10 Main St. Belle Vernon, Pa 15012 (724) 929-2660 / California, 130 Woodland Court, Brownsville, Pa 15417 (724) 938-5355 |
| B-15 Main Capitol, PO Box 202049, Harrisburg PA 17120-2049 | (717) 783-8655 / 3-8655 |
| Email Address: BCook@pahousegop.com |
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