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In this Update:
Cambria County Veterans Breakfast
Attention Veterans in Cambria and Bedford Counties: Join me on November 3rd for a Veterans Appreciation Breakfast. The breakfast will be held at East Hills Recreation at 101 Community College Way in Johnstown. Doors will open at 8 AM. Registration is required. Register here or call my office at 814-266-2277. Langerholc’s Agricultural Home Delivery Bill Heading to Governor’s DeskThis week the Senate and House passed my bill that assists farmers with their home delivery of agricultural products. Senate Bill 736 will permit farmers to transport agricultural products for home delivery without requiring an additional commercial registration. Currently, farmers need both a farm registered vehicle as well as a commercial registration. This legislation will help farmers deliver their produce to the home consumer with a farm vehicle registration plate. Home delivery has exploded, especially in light of the pandemic – this bill will ensure both farmers and consumers win. The bill is supported by the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau. It now heads to the governor’s desk. House Bill 140 Passes SenateCrime in our Commonwealth is on the rise with little to no respect for law enforcement. Whether it be the transient population scourging our communities in Johnstown or the marked increase in the Greater Philadelphia area we cannot sit idly by and do nothing. I spoke in favor of House Bill 140 which would appoint a special prosecutor to enforce the laws and prosecute individuals who commit crimes on SEPTA – an area their current District Attorney has completely failed in. I was proud to have the support of my Senate Republican colleagues in passing this measure. I look forward to the House concurring on the Senate’s amendments and Governor Wolf signing this important piece of legislation. Upcoming Blood Drive
Have you registered for our Blood Drive on November 1st? If not, it’s easy. Just go to RedCrossBlood.org and enter: RICHLAND or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767). Someone in the U.S. needs blood and/or platelets every 2 seconds. This is why we need your help. There is an urgent need for blood and platelet donors. Help save lives and register today. Recognizing the 2022 Hollidaysburg Little League TeamI joined Senator Judy Ward in honoring the 2022 Hollidaysburg Little League team for their achievements at this summer’s Little League World Series. Brody Dull and Aspen Anderson are from Bedford County and I look forward to watching their future success. Recognizing the 2022 PIHL Girls High School Ice Hockey ChampionsI had the honor to introduce an impressive group of young athletes from across Western Pennsylvania who won the 2022 PIHL Girls High School Ice Hockey Championships. Members of this impressive team from my Senatorial District include Julia Clement, Nora Mullen, and Shannen Mullen. Congrats! Visit to the Western Pennsylvania Operating Engineers Joint Apprenticeship & Training Program
I enjoyed learning about the Western Pennsylvania Operating Engineers Joint Apprenticeship & Training Program. Thank you for the tour and conversation. Flood City Youth Fitness Academy’s Community Night
My staff attended the Flood City Youth Fitness Academy’s(FCYFA) Community Night this week. Students from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown and volunteers were on hand providing fun activities and educational opportunities through the CODE 4 STEM program. Great job by all that provide such a positive impact on the youth of the Johnstown area! Clearfield License Plate Replacement Event
Thank you to everyone who came out to the License Plate Replacement Event in Clearfield County this week! Senate Approves Measures to Support Police and Crime Victims
Taking further action to stem the rise in violent crime in Pennsylvania, the Senate this week passed measures to support law enforcement and crime victims. House Bill 103 seeks to better protect our law enforcement officers against harassment by strengthening penalties against criminals who intentionally spit on or throw bodily fluids at officers. House Bill 1546 further protects law enforcement officers by prohibiting the release of a public safety official’s home address or telephone number. While criminal prosecutions punish offenders, restitution for crime victims often falls short. When that happens, victims often turn to the civil justice system. The Senate passed House Bill 2525 to make it easier for crime victims to obtain relevant information learned by law enforcement during the investigation of the crime. Crime victims can then use that information in civil legal actions to recover damages for their injuries. In addition, the Senate approved House Bill 140 to help fight rampant crime in Philadelphia. It requires the appointment of a special prosecutor to investigate and prosecute crimes committed within its mass transit system. These efforts build on the work that has been accomplished over the past two years to protect crime victims, prevent human trafficking and strengthen penalties for criminals who seek to elude officers. Senate Acts to Add Sex Traffickers to Sex Offender Registry
A measure requiring offenders convicted of a sex trafficking-related crime to register as sex offenders received final legislative approval this week. Senate Bill 118 adds these crimes to the reporting requirements of Pennsylvania’s Megan’s Law. The law requires the State Police to maintain a public, online registry of persons who reside, work or attend school in the Commonwealth and who have been convicted of or pleaded guilty to certain sexual offenses in Pennsylvania or another jurisdiction. Most defendants in the FBI’s human trafficking cases had prior criminal records and are prone to recidivism. The Megan’s Law Registry has proven to be a deterrent to subsequent sexual offenses committed by those who are on it. The bill was sent to the governor for enactment. Measure to Improve Notification of Government Data Breaches Sent to Governor
Legislation requiring that state agencies, their contractors and local governments provide timely notification to victims of a data breach received final approval. Breaches involving personally identifiable information must be reported within seven days of such a breach being determined, under Senate Bill 696. In addition to timely notification, the measure requires the state Attorney General to be notified of a state-level breach and county district attorneys to be notified of county, municipal and school district breaches. The bill was sent to the governor for enactment. Health Care Reform Measure Receives Final Approval
The Senate gave final approval of a measure that would standardize and streamline the process of prior authorization and step therapy for medical services. Prior authorization is the process in which health care providers obtain advance approval for purposes of payment coverage and reimbursement from an insurer before a specific procedure or service is delivered to the patient. Step therapy allows insurers to recommend different drug treatment option(s) to patients to address costs. A recent survey of physicians found that 91% of doctors said prior authorization delays can lead to negative clinical impacts on patients, and 78% of doctors said that prior authorization delays can lead to their patients abandoning treatment plans. Senate Bill 225 would create standards and timely feedback for commercial health insurance plans, as well as Medicaid plans, when health care providers seek prior authorization approval from insurers. The bill also reforms step therapy protocols. The bill was sent to the governor to be signed into law. Recognizing the Contributions of First Responders
We sometimes take for granted the sacrifice and dedication of first responders, without whom our communities could not safely function. Thank you, police officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and everyone else who answers the call, anytime, day or night. Time for Trick or Treaters
Communities will be holding Halloween nights between now and Oct. 31. In addition to stocking up on candy, please keep an eye out for distracted children crossing streets and scurrying about. |
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