Senator Vogel E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Highlights in the 47th
  • Area Veterans are Invited to Join Us for Our Annual Veterans Breakfast on Nov. 7!
  • Bill to Improve Early Literacy Poised for Enactment
  • Senate Passes Bill to Extend Lemon Law Protections to Motorcycles
  • Bill to Improve Elevator Safety Standards Passes Senate
  • Prepare Now for the Nov. 5 Election
  • Know Your Breast Cancer Risk

Highlights in the 47th

I had the pleasure of attending the National Blue Ribbon School Ceremony recognizing Economy Elementary School’s designation as a Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education! Congratulations again on this incredible milestone!

Congratulations to MPLX Bluestone Gas Processing Plant on achieving their ENERGY STAR certification – the first one in the industry to achieve this nationwide!

The Bridge Educational Foundation recently announced Beaver and Butler County families will be receiving $13,000 in tuition scholarships made possible with the support of Waste Management through PA’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) Program.

It was a pleasure to join students and their families to celebrate the positive impact that the EITC program has on them and our community.

Congratulations to the Second Baptist Church in Rochester which celebrated its 130th Anniversary over the weekend!

Beaver Falls has gained another new business! Content House Whitted Media, a broadcasting and media production company, recently held its grand opening and ribbon cutting that my staff was able to attend. Welcome to the area!

Earlier this month, I joined my colleague Senator Rosemary Brown in support National Midwifery Week and her legislation Senate Bill 1262, of which I am a cosponsor, which would help expand access to maternal health care in PA.

We got some more fall festivities in the books! My staff attended the Mars Applefest and the crowds and weather did not disappoint!

Area Veterans are Invited to Join Us for Our Annual Veterans Breakfast on Nov. 7!

The Community College of Beaver County (CCBC) and I would like to invite area veterans to our annual veterans breakfast on Thursday, Nov. 7, at 9 a.m., at the CCBC Dome located on 1 Campus Drive in Monaca.

We ask veterans to please RSVP by Nov. 1 via email (marketing@cbcc.edu) or phone (724-480-3554).

As always, the goal of this event is to honor and recognize our veterans for their service and sacrifice, and we look forward to seeing all who attend!

Bill to Improve Early Literacy Poised for Enactment

The Senate and House unanimously passed and sent to the governor legislation to give students the best chance at lifelong success through a strong, evidence-based reading program.

Senate Bill 801 would provide schools with resources to dramatically improve early literacy in Pennsylvania. First, it would bolster reading instruction by giving schools a comprehensive list of evidence-based reading curricula. Second, it would help schools identify struggling readers early via universal screening by providing a list of high-quality screeners. Third, it would ensure educators are properly trained to use the structured literacy curriculum and screeners by creating a list of high-quality professional development programs.

Low literacy scores are a problem that spans the geographic and demographic spectrum, with urban cities and rural communities struggling to help their students read proficiently at their age level. Studies show that childhood reading difficulties can produce long-term effects and dramatically impact someone’s chances of success.

Senate Passes Bill to Extend Lemon Law Protections to Motorcycles

The Senate unanimously approved legislation that would extend Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law protections to cover motorcycles. Senate Bill 155 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law provides protections for customers who purchase or lease a car that is registered in the commonwealth. The law protects customers who experience defects with their car during the first year or 12,000 miles of leasing or ownership. Manufacturers are given three opportunities within a year to repair the defect. If the problem still cannot be corrected, the customer is eligible for a replacement or refund.

The state Lemon Law currently only applies to cars.

Bill to Improve Elevator Safety Standards Passes Senate

The Senate unanimously passed legislation to improve elevator safety standards in Pennsylvania. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Following the deaths of a correctional officer and an inmate who plunged down an elevator shaft in a violent confrontation, the Elevator Safety Board was established to address critical issues surrounding elevator construction, maintenance and inspection. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has revised the national elevator code seven times since 2002, yet Pennsylvania still adheres to outdated standards that don’t reflect current safety practices. The board submitted its recommendations to update these codes to the Department of Labor and Industry in 2020, but the agency has not acted.

Senate Bill 1230 requires the Department of Labor and Industry to adopt an updated safety code, effective July 1, 2025. Prior to adoption, the Elevator Safety Board may recommend modifications based upon its professional expertise and industry experience. The legislation would establish timely benchmarks, making sure necessary upgrades will not be delayed further. 

Prepare Now for the Nov. 5 Election

Election Day on Nov. 5 is approaching. Make sure you’re able to participate by registering to vote no later than Oct. 21. If you’ve moved, this is also a great time to double check that you’re registered to vote at your current address.

Anyone who wishes to vote by mail must apply by Oct. 29. You must be a registered voter to submit an application to vote by mail.

If you are looking for a way to help your community, learn more about becoming a poll worker here. Thousands of Pennsylvanians are needed to run elections, and poll workers are needed in all 67 counties.

Know Your Breast Cancer Risk

Understanding your breast cancer risk is vital for protecting your health. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can lower your risk. Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking are also important preventive steps.

Regular screenings and self-exams are essential for early detection, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. Discussing your personal risk with a doctor can help you explore further preventive options, such as genetic testing or medications. By implementing these strategies and staying informed, you can take significant steps toward lowering your risk.

Learn more about breast cancer risk here.

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Please contact me to provide input on any state-related matter, or to receive help in dealing with a state agency.

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