Mastriano And Dr. Peter McCullough to Host Panel Discussion Friday about Medical Freedom in the Aftermath of COVID

HARRISBURG – Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) will host a panel discussion Friday, June 9, from 9-11 a.m. in Capitol East Wing Room 8EA, where participants will discuss medical freedom in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic.

Mastriano sponsored Senate Bill 693 to prohibit mandatory COVID-19 and mRNA vaccinations of Pennsylvania residents. He also is the sponsor of legislation to prohibit the use and require the disclosure of mRNA in Pennsylvania’s food supply.

Speakers on the panel will include:

  • Mastriano.
  • World-renowned cardiologist Peter McCullough, one of the most published cardiologists in America with more than 1,000 publications and 660 citations in the National Library of Medicine.
  • Attorney Thomas Renz, a graduate from Case Western University who has been counsel for many federal lawsuits challenging COVID-19 lockdowns, mask mandates and vaccine requirements.
  • Steve Kirsch, a philanthropist and former Silicon Valley high-tech executive who testified before the U.S. Senate and Pennsylvania Senate about COVID vaccine safety and efficacy.
  • Dauphin County Coroner Graham Hetrick, who is nationally certified as a medicolegal death investigator by the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute and a member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the American College of Forensic Examiners.
  • Members of the General Assembly.

Watch the panel discussion live at SenatorMastriano.com

Media contact: Josh Herman
717-787-9603

Medical Freedom Panel Discussion

Medical Freedom Panel

Friday, June 9, 2023 |  9 a.m.

8 E-A, East Wing


Legislators

  • Senator Doug Mastriano (Host)

Expert Panelists

  • Thomas Renz, Esq – a law graduate from Case Western University and has been counsel for many federal lawsuits challenging COVID19 lockdowns, mask mandates, and vaccine requirements.
  • Steve Kirsch – is a philanthropist and former Silicon Valley high tech executive.  Mr. Kirsch has also testified before the U.S. Senate and the PA Senate about COVID vaccine safety and efficacy.
  • Graham Hetrickis a nationally certified as a medicolegal death investigator by the American College of Forensic Examiners Institute and member of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences and the American College of Forensic Examiners.  Mr. Graham has been Coroner of Dauphin County since January 1990. 

Mastriano and Turnpike Officials Highlight New Law to Protect Tow Truck Drivers Prior to Memorial Day Travel

HARRISBURG – With the busy Memorial Day travel weekend approaching, Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33), Pennsylvania Turnpike officials and tow truck drivers on Monday held an event at the state Capitol to raise awareness about a new state law to protect roadside assistance workers.

Dressed in a yellow safety vest and surrounded by tow trucks with flashing lights, Mastriano highlighted the color of the lights – blue, instead of orange or yellow – which was made possible by the new law.

“Enabling tow truck drivers to use blue lights will protect roadside assistance workers as they help stranded drivers,” Mastriano said. “We want our tow truck drivers to make it home to their families at the end of the day.”

Mastriano introduced the bill that became Act 157 of 2022 and made it legal for tow trucks to install blue flashing lights in place of their old yellow or orange lights.

Mastriano cited studies conducted by the Texas Department of Transportation and University of Michigan showing drivers routinely ignored yellow or orange lights. Blue lights elicited a better response from drivers, are more visible in hazardous conditions and give distracted drivers more time to see and react when approaching a potential accident.

The idea originated when tow truck operator Justyn Arment from Denver, Lancaster County, contacted Mastriano’s office about allowing roadside assistance vehicles to install flashing blue lights. Mastriano introduced Senate Bill 1123 in March 2022. The bill was approved by the General Assembly and signed into law on Nov. 3, 2022.

“This is an example of state government responding to the ideas and needs of the people it was established to serve,” Mastriano said.

Mastriano and Turnpike officials also used Monday’s event to highlight Pennsylvania’s existing Move Over Law, which requires drivers approaching an emergency response area to move to the lane farthest away from the accident. Drivers unable to merge into a lane farther away from the emergency response are required to slow down to 20 miles per hour below the posted speed limit.

Mastriano in 2020 introduced legislation that was signed into law creating a new point system for Move Over Law violations and doubled fines for a summary offense.

He announced Monday he is planning to introduce new legislation to have signs placed along Pennsylvania state highways and the Turnpike to remind drivers to slow down and move over. Each sign also would include a tribute in memory of a Pennsylvania resident who tragically lost their life in a roadside accident.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatal car accidents are more likely to happen during Memorial Day weekend than any other holiday weekend. The American Automobile Association estimates 39.3 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles during the Memorial Day weekend.

Mastriano was joined Monday by Todd Leiss, the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission’s traffic incident coordinator.

Constituents of the 33rd District can learn more about Mastriano by visiting his website at SenatorMastriano.com or following him on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenatorDougMastriano.

 

Media contact: Josh Herman
717-787-9603

Mastriano, PA Turnpike Commission to Host Event Highlighting New Pennsylvania Law and Raise Awareness about Driver Safety During Memorial Day Weekend

HARRISBURG – Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) and officials from the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission will hold a news event on Monday, May 22, to highlight a new law in Pennsylvania and raise awareness about Pennsylvania’s existing “move over” law prior to the highly traveled Memorial Day weekend.

The event will begin Monday at 10:30 a.m. at Soldiers Grove across from the fountain behind the state Capitol, Harrisburg.

Workers from several tow truck companies will be in attendance with their trucks to display their newly fitted blue lights. Prior to the enactment of  Act 157 earlier this year, tow truck operators could only use flashing orange or yellow lights. Studies by the Texas Department of Transportation and the University of Michigan demonstrated that drivers routinely ignore the sight of yellow or orange lights on the road. Blue lights elicit a different response from drivers and are far more visible in hazardous weather conditions. They also give distracted drivers more time to see and react before a potential accident. 

Mastriano and Turnpike Commission officials also will raise awareness about Pennsylvania’s existing “move over” law ahead of Memorial Day weekend. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, fatal car accidents are more likely to happen during Memorial Day weekend than any other holiday weekend.  The American Automobile Association (AAA) estimates 39.3 million Americans will travel more than 50 miles during the Memorial Day weekend.

Speakers will emphasize safety and being alert for first responders and emergency workers aiding travelers with vehicle accidents. 

Speakers at the news conference will include:

  • Mastriano
  • Todd Leiss, traffic incident management coordinator, Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission
  • Tow truck operators and families who lost loved ones through roadside accidents

Watch live at SenatorMastriano.com

Media contact: Josh Herman

717-787-9603

Senate Approves Mastriano Measures to Help Veterans

HARRISBURG – The state Senate today approved two bills introduced by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) that would help Pennsylvania military veterans.

The first bill would create a loan program to help veterans build or expand their business, while the second bill would help them access programs and services tailored to their needs.

“These bills can make a positive impact in the lives of veterans across Pennsylvania,” Mastriano said. “During Military Appreciation Month, I’m honored that these measures received unanimous approval.”

Senate Bill 248 would create the Veteran-owned Business Loan Guarantee Program within the Pennsylvania Financing Authority. The program would be funded with $5 million of existing dollars from another program run by the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development. The bill defines a veteran-owned business as one in which 51% or more of the organization is owned or controlled by one or more veterans.

Recent U.S. Census Bureau data show the nearly 340,000 veteran-owned businesses account for almost 6% of all businesses in America. Those businesses employ nearly four million workers and generate more than $175 billion in annual payroll.

“We want our veteran-owned businesses to have access to the capital they need to compete and succeed in a competitive marketplace,” Mastriano said. “Veteran-owned businesses play an important role in our economy and our communities. Senate Bill 248 will show our gratitude to those members of the United States military and the Pennsylvania National Guard who suspended their civilian lives and abruptly halted their careers and their lives to protect our freedom.”

Senate Bill 447 would establish in law the PA VETConnect program, which is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs and helps the commonwealth’s more than 700,000 veterans access services in their communities. The database of resources enables local veteran advocates – including staff at county veterans affairs offices – to point veterans to information, resources, programs and services in their area and across the commonwealth.

“We want to make sure our veterans are able to access the resources established to meet the diverse and unique needs of men and women who served in the military,” Mastriano said. “The programs are much more effective when veterans know about and can access them.”

The bills now head to the state House of Representatives for consideration.

Constituents of the 33rd District can learn more about Mastriano by visiting his website at SenatorMastriano.com or following him on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenatorDougMastriano.

 

Media contact: Josh Herman
717-787-9603

Mastriano, Law Enforcement and Families of Drug Overdose Victims Highlight Improved Overdose Mapping System

HARRISBURG – Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) will be joined by law enforcement and family members of drug overdose victims on Tuesday at a news conference to celebrate the implementation of an improved overdose mapping and data tracking system in Pennsylvania and its role in combatting the opioid and fentanyl crisis and saving lives.

The news conference will take place Tuesday, April 25, at 12:15 p.m. in the Capitol Media Center, Harrisburg.

Mastriano was the sponsor of the bill that became Act 158 of 2022, which went into effect in January 2023. The new law requires law enforcement to report and document overdose incidents in a statewide tracking system. Overdoses must be reported within 72 hours.

The standardized use of a statewide system was implemented to help local officials identify emerging trends, mobilize an emergency response, and alert law enforcement and EMS to the existence of fentanyl-laced drugs in a region.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention statistics show more than 100,000 people died nationwide in 2021 due to fentanyl and opioid overdoses, a 15% increase over 2020. Pennsylvania ranks third nationwide for overdose fatalities.

Speakers at the news conference will include:

  • Mastriano
  • State Rep. Rob Kauffman (R-89), Minority Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee
  • Jeremiah Daley, executive director of the Liberty Mid Atlantic High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area

Following the speakers, Mastriano will present ceremonial copies of Act 158 to family members of overdose victims, youth advocacy groups, clergy of faith-based treatment programs, and representatives from drug addiction recovery organizations.

Watch live at SenatorMastriano.com

Media contact: Josh Herman
717-787-9603

Mastriano Introduces Legislation to Improve Curriculum Transparency in Schools

HARRISBURG – Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) announced today that he introduced legislation to empower more parents to have an active role in oversight of what their children are taught.

Senate Bill 340 would require schools to post on a publicly accessible website an internet link or title from every textbook used, a course syllabus and the state academic standards for each instructional course offered. To ensure parents are aware of any changes throughout the school year, schools would be required to update this information no later than 30 days after any revision.

“Transparency is key to ensuring that all parents have a seat at the table and can make their voice heard on issues that impact their children,” Mastriano said. “Schools should be focused on teaching our children how to think, not what to think. I’ve heard from many parents who have no idea what is being taught until they see their children’s homework. This legislation ensures parents have the tools they need to be informed.”

Cosponsors of the legislation include Sens. Cris Dush (R-25), Judy Ward (R-30), Scott Hutchinson (R-21), David Argall (R-29), Pat Stefano (R-32), Michele Brooks (R-50), Ryan Aument (R-36) and Chris Gebhard (R-48).

Senate Bill 340 has been referred to the Senate Education Committee for consideration.

Constituents of the 33rd District can learn more about Mastriano by visiting his website at SenatorMastriano.com or following him on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenatorDougMastriano.

 

Media contact: Josh Herman
717-787-9603

Norfolk Southern CEO to Appear Before Senate Committee Monday

HARRISBURG – Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw is scheduled to appear before the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, chaired by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33), at a hearing on Monday, March 20, at 10 a.m. in Room 8EB of the state Capitol.

Shaw will appear before the committee to testify about the Norfolk Southern train wreck along the western border of Pennsylvania in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 3, and the decision to intentionally ignite five railroad cars full of dangerous chemicals on Feb. 5.

Shaw’s appearance follows two previous committee meetings where Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee members approved subpoenas to compel the Norfolk Southern CEO to testify and provide documents to the committee.

Monday’s hearing will also feature testimony from Bob Comer, a forensic railroad accident investigator who has investigated over 800 rail accidents nationwide throughout his career.

Watch live at SenatorMastriano.com or Veterans.PaSenateGOP.com.

 

Media contact: Josh Herman

717-787-9603

Mastriano, Senate Committee to Host Hearing about Veteran Suicide

HARRISBURG – The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, chaired by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33), will hold a hearing Thursday, March 16, at 10 a.m., to hear from experts about issues related to military veteran suicide in Pennsylvania.

The hearing will take place at Chambersburg VFW Post 1599, 747 Fourth St., Chambersburg.

Participants will include:

  • Chairman Mastriano,
  • Other members of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee,
  • Retired Brig. Gen. Maureen Weigl, deputy adjutant general, Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs,
  • Brig. Gen. Laura McHugh, deputy adjutant general, Pennsylvania National Guard,
  • Justin Slep, director, Franklin County Veterans Affairs Office,
  • Bruce Bartz, Bartz Brigade,
  • Cindy McGrew, founder, Operation Second Chance,
  • Dominique Brown, peer-to-peer support, Wounded Warrior Project,
  • Elizabeth Cooper, veterans representative, PA CareerLink Franklin County,
  • Mike Wargo, Gold Star father, and
  • Sally Wargo, Gold Star mother.

Watch live at SenatorMastriano.com or Veterans.PaSenateGOP.com.

Media contact: Josh Herman
717-787-9603

Senate Committee Advances Bill to Provide Financial Help to PA Residents Harmed by Norfolk Southern Train Wreck

Train company CEO’s appearance delayed to March 20

HARRISBURG – The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, chaired by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33), Wednesday approved a resolution and two bills, including one to provide financial help to Pennsylvania businesses and residents impacted by the Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern train wreck in East Palestine, Ohio.

“This is a one-time grant program specifically designed for the people affected by the Norfolk Southern train wreck,” Mastriano said. “It’s one part of what needs to be a comprehensive effort to help these Pennsylvanians.”

The committee approved Senate Bill 508, introduced by Mastriano, to require the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) to create the Train Derailment Emergency Grant Program, establish an application and approval process, and disburse funds to eligible Pennsylvanians.

Grant money would be provided to individuals to cover medical bills; loss of income; property value decreases; expenses related to repairing, cleaning and decontaminating homes and property; and the temporary or permanent cost associated with relocating.

Businesses could receive grants to pay for the loss of value of their business; property losses; expenses related to the train wreck; the cost to repair, clean and decontaminate their property; or relocation expenses.

“We fully expect Norfolk Southern to pay for the costs local residents are incurring as a direct result of this company’s train wreck,” Mastriano said. “These people didn’t ask for this and they should not have to pay for Norfolk Southern’ s failure.”

The committee also passed Senate Resolution 59, introduced by Mastriano, calling on Congress and the U.S. Department of Transportation to hold Norfolk Southern accountable for the train wreck.

The committee at its March 1 meeting approved a subpoena compelling Norfolk Southern CEO Alan Shaw to appear before the committee for a public hearing originally scheduled to coincide with Wednesday’s meeting.

Shaw testified before Congress on March 9, so his appearance before the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee has been postponed until Monday, March 20, at 10 a.m. The committee will hold a hearing that day in Room 8-EB of the Main Capitol, Harrisburg.

The committee at Wednesday’s meeting approved another subpoena compelling Shaw to appear on March 20. It further calls on him to provide detailed documentation related to the company’s response to the East Palestine train wreck.

“We were hopeful the Norfolk Southern CEO would appear in front of the committee today,” Mastriano said. “The people of Pennsylvania deserve answers and will finally get them on March 20. In the meantime, this committee is taking action to provide direct relief to affected residents and improve emergency responses in the future.”

The committee also approved a measure, Senate Bill 433, that would enable the Senate to confirm or reject the governor’s appointee to serve as PEMA director.

Both bills and the resolution now head to the full Senate for consideration.

Constituents of the 33rd District can learn more about Mastriano by visiting his website at SenatorMastriano.com or following him on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenatorDougMastriano.

Media contact: Josh Herman
717-787-9603