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In this Update:
Johnstown Veterans Day Parade
This week, I was in downtown Johnstown for the 28th Annual Johnstown Veterans Day Parade! Thank you to the Conemaugh Valley Veterans for hosting the parade and thank you to all veterans for your service to our country. Langerholc Bill Creating Rape Kit Tracking System Signed into Law
A bill sponsored by Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) to establish a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system was signed into law as Act 122 of 2024. Act 122 of 2024 allows survivors to track the status of their rape kits throughout the testing process, from collection to destruction. With this legislation, Pennsylvania will join 35 states and the District of Columbia that have already implemented rape kit tracking systems. Act 122 strengthens our commitment to empowering survivors and holding offenders accountable. Establishing a rape kit tracking system in Pennsylvania will enable sexual assault survivors to monitor the status of their kits during an investigation, bringing transparency and accountability to the process. In addition to creating a rape kit tracking system, Act 122 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 bill 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. Act 122 also empowers survivors by clarifying existing rights and enshrining new statutory rights for survivors of sexual assault. Langerholc joined Gov. Josh Shapiro and Erika Brosig, Chief Operating Officer from Victim Services Inc. for a ceremonial bill signing in the Governor’s Reception Room. “The very nature of sexual assault is that it takes away power from the survivor. Having this tracking system will give survivors some of their power back and facilitate healing right from the start. We are so grateful for Senator Langerholc’s unwavering support for sexual assault survivors in the commonwealth. He has truly been a champion for the movement,” said Erika Brosig. Act 122 builds on Langerholc’s leadership in supporting survivors of sexual assault. In 2018, he sponsored Act 164 to streamline the process of collecting sexual assault evidence and require regular reporting on related data. In 2019, he sponsored Act 29, which enacted a comprehensive bill of rights for survivors in Pennsylvania. Holiday Drive
If you are looking for a way to help those in need in our community, you’re in luck. My office is collecting donations of toiletries, socks, gloves hats, and blankets to help those less fortunate. The cold weather is upon us, so together we can help make a difference. Donations can be dropped off at my Richland District office, 999 Eisenhower Blvd., Suite E. The donations will then be taken down to the Johnstown Soup Kitchen – SVDP before Christmas. Cambria County Association of Township Officials Fall Convention
Last week, the Cambria County Association of Township Officials held its 111th Fall Convention. Centre County Farm City Dinner
Also, this week was the 2024 Centre County Farm City Dinner in Spring Mills. Ribbon Cutting at Nat 20 Ink in Cambria County
Last week, my staff attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the Nat 20 Ink tattoo parlor in Cambria County. Happy Valley Adventure Bureau Hospitality Awards Night
This week, the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau hosted its 3rd Annual Hospitality Awards Night. Congratulations to all finalists and winners! Ribbon Cutting at Veterans Business Outreach Center at Penn State
This week, my staff attended a ribbon cutting ceremony for the U.S. Small Business Administration Veterans Business Outreach Center at Penn State in Centre County. New Law Makes Workers’ Comp More Efficient
Act 126 of 2024 moves more benefit payments from paper checks to direct deposit. Individuals entitled to compensation may request funds be deposited into an account of their choosing. The law also allows insurers to no longer have to offer paper checks as a payment as long as the individual has a bank account that accepts direct deposit. The reforms, which are also more cost-effective, were unanimously recommended by the Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council. Shooting Ranges Open to the Public
Whether you’re a hunter preparing for rifle season or would simply like to maintain your shooting skills for self-defense, you can take aim at a public shooting range. The Pennsylvania Game Commission offers recreation opportunities at public rifle, pistol, archery and shotgun ranges on 40 state game lands throughout the state. It constructed or renovated more than a dozen public shooting ranges this year alone, with plans to upgrade more. You must possess an annual shooting range permit or a current general hunting or furtaker license to use the public shooting ranges. Find a shooting range near you. Fish and Boat Commission is Accepting Boating Facility Grant Applications
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has two grant opportunities for qualifying organizations to capitalize on the surge in new boating activity. The Boating Facility Grant Program provides grants for planning, acquisition, development, expansion and rehabilitation of public boating facilities on PA waterways. Townships, boroughs and municipal and county governments can learn more and apply online by Nov. 30. The Recruitment, Retention and Reactivation (R3) Grant Program will reimburse up to $25,000 for eligible expenses that support R3-related educational programs and increase learning opportunities for anglers and boaters. Learn more and apply online by Dec. 6. Senate Republicans Organize for 2025-26 Session
Voters returned a 28-22 Republican majority to the state Senate for the 2025-26 legislative session. All Republican incumbents were re-elected and two new Republican senators are on the way to Harrisburg. To drive priorities of protecting jobs, empowering families and defending freedoms, Senate Republicans re-elected our leadership team for the upcoming session. Senate Republicans are united in our efforts to prioritize the needs of Pennsylvanians. We remain focused on helping families restore economic freedom while positioning communities to thrive. Increasing energy independence, expanding access to well-paying jobs and making communities healthy and safer are top initiatives in our work to move Pennsylvania forward. Seasonal PennDOT Jobs Open Now
PennDOT is hiring individuals for its winter maintenance program that runs until April 2025. The jobs pay from $17.00 to $27.75 an hour and could become a career. Roles include equipment operators, dispatchers, mechanics, tradesman helpers, semi-skilled laborers and tunnel maintainers. Job requirements vary based on position. Learn more regarding required experience, training and eligibility. Submit an online application. Call 855-524-5627 if you have trouble accessing your account. Being Prepared for Fall Driving Hazards
Fall brings different driving hazards, including wet leaves, fog, sun glare and frost. Drivers can use fall driving tips from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to make their commutes safer. Extra caution is needed on roads covered with wet leaves, which can be as slippery as ice. When driving in fog, it’s best to use low-beam headlights to avoid the glare created by high beams. Morning frost and icy spots can cause issues as overnight temperatures drop toward freezing. Ice is more likely to form on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas. Pennsylvania drivers face the third-highest chance of being involved in an animal-related crash in the nation. To report a dead animal for removal from a state road, call the PennDOT at 1-800-FIX-ROAD. Call the Game Commission at 1-833-742-9453 for local roads. Recognizing National Diabetes Awareness Month
The men, women and children who live with prediabetes and diabetes face challenges not only with their health but also with the financial impact of the disease. However, there is support available, including health tips and food ideas. Healthy eating for prediabetes and diabetes can be delicious and satisfying using recipes like these. Tools and resources are available regarding health care affordability and driving with diabetes. There is also helpful information for caregivers. |
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