Senator Vogel E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Our Rochester Office Serving as Toys for Tots Drop Off Site
  • Highlights in the 47th
  • Harrisburg Happenings
  • Capitol Hunger Garden Has Record Breaking Harvest
  • Bill Requiring Parental Notification of School Weapons Incidents Set to Become Law
  • New Protections Against Telemarketers Approved by Senate
  • Senate Votes to Eliminate Unnecessary Boards and Commissions
  • Make Your Voice Heard Tuesday on Election Day
  • Coming Together for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Our Rochester Office Will Serve as a Toys for Tots Drop Off Site

Now through December, my Rochester District Office will be serving as a donation drop off for Toys for Tots. We will be accepting new, unwrapped toys from those wishing to donate to assist families in need and help them give their children a brighter holiday experience.

Highlights in the 47th

The New Sewickley Trick or Treat was extra sweet! My staff and I enjoyed getting to see the many awesome costumes of those who stopped by our table. I hope everyone had a great time this year!

Thank you to Aqua Pennsylvania who donated a combined $1.25 million to the Beaver Falls Fire Department and the Carnegie Free Library of Beaver Falls. This funding allows these facilities to invest in our community’s future and bolster the critical resources available to our residents.

Harrisburg Happenings

Last week, Cranberry Township resident Erin Shea with Ferrell Gas (left picture) visited my Harrisburg office for PA Propane Legislative Day. I also met with Eric Showmaker, Mallory Feller and Melissa Davis-Warden (right picture) who were advocating for “So Every Body Can Move” legislation. They brought expertise as employees of Ability Ottobock.care about prosthetics and orthotics.

Capitol Hunger Garden Has Record-Breaking Harvest

As we closed out the 15th season of the Capitol Hunger Garden, I am happy to report that master gardeners and volunteers harvested more than 1,000 pounds of produce that went on to benefit Harrisburg residents in need.

This garden is a shining example of how we can support and strengthen our communities across the commonwealth, assisting some of our most vulnerable neighbors. Whether you donate your own produce, contribute to our local food banks or volunteer your time at an area soup kitchen – these small actions are making a big difference to those who are struggling.

Bill Requiring Parental Notification of School Weapons Incidents Set to Become Law

Legislation requiring school districts to notify parents and school employees of any incidents involving possession of  weapons on school property is set to become law.

Under current law, school districts are not required to inform parents or guardians about incidents when a weapon is brought onto school grounds or to related activities. The changes in Senate Bill 246 apply to public, nonpublic and private schools.

The bill, which first passed the Senate in May, received strong bipartisan support from the General Assembly and now awaits the governor’s signature.

New Protections Against Telemarketers Approved by Senate

The Senate approved legislation to better protect Pennsylvanians from scammers and other deceitful telemarketers.

Senate Bill 992 prohibits telemarketing calls being made on Sundays and either before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on every other day of the week. It also expands the law to cover text messages, voicemails and “ringless” voicemails – tools often used by telemarketers to evade existing restrictions. In addition, it establishes penalties for both telemarketers and the companies that hire them for illegal activity.

The bill would also prohibit the use of artificial intelligence or fake caller IDs to deceive or defraud consumers. A violation of the law carries a civil penalty of up to $1,000 or $3,000 if the person contacted is age 60 or older. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Votes to Eliminate Unnecessary Boards and Commissions

Legislation to streamline state government operations by eliminating outdated, unnecessary and inactive boards, commissions and advisory committees was passed by the Senate.

Senate Bill 755 would eliminate 13 government entities that are expired, dormant, no longer have any members or are unnecessary. Examples include the Greater Pennsylvania Council that has been long dormant; the Senior Citizen Advisory Committee, whose duties were all assumed by a different committee; the High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Commission, which expired in 1987; and the Climate Change Advisory Committee, which has produced no specific beneficial outcomes while continuing to expend taxpayer dollars.

Many of the commonwealth’s nearly 400 boards, commissions and advisory committees do not publicly share information about their duties, meetings or other activities, raising concerns about transparency. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Make Your Voice Heard Tuesday on Election Day

Tuesday, Nov. 4 is Election Day, the last chance of the year for voters to weigh in on races for local, county and judicial positions.

Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For those voting by mail, county election offices must receive completed ballots by 8 p.m. on Election Day.

Find your polling place and other voter information here.

Coming Together for Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Breast Cancer Awareness Month was a time of reflection and unity. Senators from both sides of the aisle took part in October’s Rock the Ribbon campaign to acknowledge the strength of those impacted and the continued importance of awareness.

Please share this information with a friend or family member. It could save their life.

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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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