Mastriano to Host State Working Animal Appreciation Day Tuesday

HARRISBURG – Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) will host State Working Animal Appreciation Day on Tuesday, June 6, with animal demonstrations beginning at 10 a.m. and a noon news conference at the intersection of Commonwealth Avenue and Soldiers Grove at the Capitol.

Mastriano, who serves as chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, is working with Senate colleagues and the Pennsylvania State Working Animal Foundation to recognize the police and military K-9s; search and rescue dogs and horses; service dogs and therapy animals that work for people.

Animal demonstrations will include:

  • 10 a.m. – The Capitol Police
  • 10:30 a.m. – Life Changing Service Dogs for Veterans
  • 11 a.m. – Penn Vet Working Dog Center

Speakers at the noon news conference will include:

  • Sen. Mastriano
  • Pennsylvania state Sen. Katie Muth (D-44), Democrat chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee
  • Pennsylvania State Working Animal Foundation President Terri Heck

The event will feature a special appearance by K-9 Detective Briggs, a dog that has worked with the Pennsylvania Game Commission, local police departments, the U.S. Marshal and Secret Service agencies, and the FBI. Briggs is credited with assisting in the apprehension of arson and armed robbery suspects.

The PA Dairymen’s Association Milkshake on the Moove Truck will sell milkshakes for $6 with proceeds benefitting agricultural scholarships, youth programs and educational programs across the commonwealth.

Watch the news conference live at SenatorMastriano.com

 

Media contact: Nathan Silcox

717-649-2085

Senate Committee Advances Mastriano Bill Supporting Veteran-owned Businesses

HARRISBURG – The state Senate Community, Economic and Recreational Development Committee on Tuesday advanced legislation introduced by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) that would help Pennsylvania military veterans begin or expand a business.

“This is another way the commonwealth can support its veterans, who have given so much by serving our nation,” Mastriano said. “Veteran-owned businesses provide economic opportunities and good-paying jobs in Pennsylvania communities. Many veterans leave the armed forces with the skills and leadership abilities to start a business. This program will help veterans access the capital they need to open a business in Pennsylvania.”

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.

After receiving the committee’s approval on Tuesday, Senate Bill 248 on Wednesday was re-referred to the Senate Appropriations Committee, where it will receive a fiscal note identifying its financial impact on the commonwealth. The committee must generate the fiscal note and approve the bill before it can be considered by the full Senate.

“This bill to support veteran-owned businesses has taken an important step forward in the legislative process and I’m excited to see it advancing,” Mastriano said. “I will continue pushing this bill toward the finish line so Pennsylvania can provide much-needed help to veteran-owned businesses.”

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

Surrounded by Rescued Beagles and their Families, Mastriano Introduces Bill to Ban State Funding for Cruel Testing on Dogs and Cats

HARRISBURG – Joined by a group of beagles and their owners, Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) today announced at a Capitol news conference he has introduced legislation to end taxpayer-funded painful experimentation on dogs and cats in Pennsylvania.

“It is barbaric to think dogs and cats in Pennsylvania are being subjected to cruel testing in 2023,” Mastriano said. “Animal cruelty is prohibited in the Bible and it should be prohibited in our state. Proverbs 12:10 says, ‘The godly care for their animals, but the wicked are always cruel.’ We want to end taxpayer-funded cruelty to animals in Pennsylvania.”

Mastriano’s Senate Bill 658 would prevent institutions from using state funds to support painful experimentation on dogs and cats as defined by the United States Department of Agriculture.

Beagle owners surrounding Mastriano held signs reading, “Dogs belong on laps, not labs.” The dogs were rescued from labs and their owners are promoting their stories and supporting Mastriano’s bill using the hashtag #LapsNotLabs.

The families shared stories about their adopted dogs being used as breeders when they were in the laboratory and birthing multiple litters of puppies during their lives.

“These are heartbreaking stories and Pennsylvania needs to take action,” Mastriano said. “The way we treat animals says something about the state of our society and the values we hold dear.”

More than 3,000 dogs and more than 1,000 cats currently are subjected to cruel testing at universities and labs across Pennsylvania.

Dogs have their hearts, lungs or kidneys deliberately damaged or removed to study how experimental substances might affect human organ function. Cats have their spinal chords damaged and are forced to run on treadmills to study how nerve activity might affect human limb movement. The vocal cords of dogs and cats are removed so they can’t make noise when they are in pain.

Mastriano’s legislation would require institutions that use state funding for dog and cat tests to remain compliant with federal laws. A laboratory that fails to comply with federal law would lose its eligibility to receive state funding for one year.

The bill also would specifically prohibit the use of public funds to surgically devocalize dogs or cats in laboratories.

Mastriano’s bill also would increase transparency by requiring institutions that receive state funding for dog and cat tests to disclose the amount of state funding it received, the amount of federal and private funding it received, and to clearly indicate in all public communications that “funding for these experiments was provided with Pennsylvania taxpayer dollars.” It also would require the Pennsylvania Department of the Treasury to release an annual report about animal research directly or indirectly funded with state dollars.

In addition to ending the cruelty, Mastriano also wants to help animals used in animal experimentation find homes. His bill would require institutions receiving state funding to make healthy dogs and cats used in experimentation available for adoption when they no longer are needed for testing.

“We want these dogs and cats to find loving homes where they can live out the rest of their lives in peace and comfort,” Mastriano said. “I’m so grateful to the families who adopt these dogs and cats and give them a second chance at life.”

The bill soon will be assigned to a standing committee for consideration.

The beagle event was supported by the Humane Society of the United States, the Adams County SPCA, and the White Coat Waste Project. The White Coat Waste Project is a bipartisan coalition of 3 million taxpayers opposed to the government’s wasteful spending on animal experiments.

“Thousands of dogs and cats are locked in Pennsylvania labs, and we applaud Senator Mastriano for his outstanding efforts to ensure that taxpayers aren’t forced to foot the bill for cruel and wasteful experiments on these animals,” said Tristan Daedalus, government affairs director at White Coat Waste Project.  “We’re also grateful that he’s leading the charge to retire dogs and cats from taxpayer-funded labs and to improve transparency about government spending on animal tests. As our watchdog’s investigations have exposed, taxpayer-funded white coats are wasting tens of millions of dollars each year to de-bark and poison dogs, cripple cats and give them brain damage, and even inject puppies with cocaine. A supermajority of Americans across the political spectrum wants lawmakers to cut wasteful spending on dog and cat experiments. The solution is clear: stop the money, stop the madness.” 

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, Adams County SPCA and U.S. Humane Society to Host Beagle March on the Capitol Tuesday

HARRISBURG – Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33), the Adams County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) and the Humane Society of the United States will hold the first-ever “Beagle March on the Capitol” Tuesday to highlight the cruelty of animal testing in Pennsylvania.

The event will begin Tuesday, May 2, at 11 a.m. in the Capitol Media Center, Harrisburg.

The march will feature beagles who were recently rescued from testing facilities.

Speakers at the news conference will include:

  • Mastriano
  • Kristen Tullo, Pennsylvania state director of the Humane Society of the United States
  • An official from the Adams County SPCA
  • Several beagle families, including Sara Nicholas and Archie; Jennifer Bevan-Dangel and Daisy; Jennifer Bruder and Liberty; Barb Dumauld and Brandi; and Heidi and Doug Cavanaugh and Millie.

Media contact: Josh Herman
                        717-787-9603

Senate Approves Mastriano Bill to Protect Seniors from Financial Exploitation

HARRISBURG – The state Senate today approved a bill introduced by Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) that would help protect Pennsylvania senior citizens from financial exploitation.

“Financial exploitation is the fastest growing form of elder abuse in Pennsylvania,” Mastriano said. “Senate Bill 137 ensures older residents are aware of new and emerging trends used by criminals.”

Mastriano’s Senate Bill 137 calls for more coordination between the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General and the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. Under his bill, the two offices would work together to provide alerts to senior citizens about financial exploitation scams.

It would require the attorney general’s office to notify the Department of Aging about any investigations or enforcement actions involving someone age 65 or older and related to the Pennsylvania Telemarketer Registration Act.

The attorney general and secretary of the Department of Aging then would determine how the information should be shared publicly with older Pennsylvanians while ensuring strict adherence to confidentiality rules.

The improved information sharing would enable the Department of Aging to deliver warnings to local area agencies on aging in counties across the commonwealth.

“State government should use the information it already is collecting to better protect senior citizens,” Mastriano said. “This is a commonsense reform to protect the financial security of older residents.”

Senate Bill 137 now heads to the state House 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

Meeting to consider SB 81, SB 189 and SR 82

 

Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee

Wednesday, April 26, 2023 | 9:30 a.m.

East Wing, Room 8E-B


Schedule

*SB 81 (Phillips-Hill) (Pharmacy Act:  Allows EMS to provide a dosage of Naloxone to a caregiver of a patient when there is an Overdose)

*SB 189 (J. Ward & Robinson) (Title 51/Military Affairs:  Increases the Blind, Amputee & Paralyzed Pension Program’s Monthly Payment)

*SR 82 (Robinson & Rothman) (Concurrent Resolution urging the U.S. Navy to designate Philadelphia as the site of the U.S. Navy’s 250th Birthday Celebration in 2025)

Agenda

I. Call to Order

II. Consideration of Legislation

       *SB 81 (Phillips-Hill) (Pharmacy Law: Permits EMS to Provide Naloxone to Caregivers of Overdose Patients)
                Amendment #0332 (Mastriano) (Removes Insurance Reimbursement Language)

       *SB 189 (J. Ward) (Title 51/Military Affairs: Increases the monthly payment for the Blind, Amputee & Paralyzed Veterans Program)
                Amendment #00295 (Muth) Further Increases the Monthly Payment)

       *SR 82 (Robinson & Rothman) (Concurrent Resolution: Urges the U.S. Navy to designate Philadelphia as the site of the U.S. Navy’s 250th Birthday Celebration)

III. Confirmation Hearing
        Major General Mark Schindler – Testimony
        Acting Adjutant General
        PA Department of Military & Veterans Affairs

IV. Adjournment

Mastriano introduces legislation to limit CDC and WHO influence in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG –   Senator Mastriano announced the introduction of legislation to prohibit the jurisdiction of the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization within the Commonwealth.

SB 618 states that neither organization may be used for justification for any requirement or coercion for wearing a mask, receiving a vaccine, or medical testing. Furthermore, the organizations will be clearly prohibited from implementing any rules, regulations, or laws within Pennsylvania. 

“Pennsylvanians will never forget having their constitutional rights trampled upon by unelected bureaucrats from outside our state and outside of our nation during COVID,” said Mastriano.  The Wolf Administration time and time again referred to CDC and WHO guidance for their oppressive business lockdowns, school shutdowns, and mask mandates. SB 618 will ensure that in the future, the CDC and WHO will never have that kind of influence over Pennsylvania ever again.”

Parental Rights Must Be Fortified in Pennsylvania

By Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33)

Should a middle school student in Pennsylvania be taught he’s partially to blame for racism in America simply because of the color of his skin? Should an elementary school student be taught it’s OK for her to choose her own gender?

Perhaps most importantly, how can parents stand up for their students if they don’t know what is being taught in our schools?

Parents across Pennsylvania have become outraged by the recent movement by activists to indoctrinate, rather than educate, our children.

Opponents of traditional values used to argue that school was no place to teach morality. They claimed schools should focus on teaching students their ABCs and 123s, and leave moral teaching to the parents.

That was the excuse they used to kick traditional values out the front door of our schools. Now, they’re trying to sneak cultural Marxism through the back door.

Critical Race Theory (CRT) concepts have become commonplace in school districts across Pennsylvania. These concepts are sometimes disguised as “diversity, equity and inclusion” as a way to sound less controversial.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education actively promotes a “toolkit” for teachers on its public website as a guide for them to discuss racial and ethnic identity. The toolkit includes a long list of radical resources that encourage students to evaluate their peers based on the color of their skin rather than the content of their character.

An elementary school teacher in Montgomery County was exposed for having children participate in “privilege walks” as part of a broader CRT curriculum. The walks teach children that some of them are “privileged” based on the color of their skin, gender, sexual orientation or economic status.

In Tredyffrin/Easttown School District, a lawsuit revealed school officials participated in exercises on “walking through the barriers to teach CRT at your school” and “CRT is a vital step in your school transformation action plan.”

CRT isn’t the only threat facing students and parents. Gender theory also is spreading across the commonwealth.

Gender theory is a dangerous philosophy that teaches gender is a “social construct,” labels of male and female are not assigned at birth, and children may choose to identify with whatever gender they prefer.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (DOE) website last year listed different lesson plans for teachers to discuss the difference between assigned gender, binary gender and biological sex.

The “preferred personal pronouns” definition introduces gender-neutral pronouns such as “ne, ve, ze/zie and xe.” Teachers are advised to ask students which pronouns they prefer. The department has since deleted the page after outcry from concerned parents.

Great Valley School District last year instructed its elementary school teachers to withhold information from parents about children questioning their gender.

Greater Johnstown School District recently created a “gender transition plan” and a “gender support plan” for students, which encourages schools to keep students’ gender identity information secret from their parents.

DOE also is ensuring the next generation of teachers is fully trained in CRT and gender theory before they begin their first day in the classroom. It published new regulations last year regarding teacher certification guidelines.

The new rules require teachers to know and acknowledge racial biases exist in the educational system. Teachers must understand the importance of social markers, such as race, skin color, ethnicity, gender identity, age, nationality, language, class, economic status, ability, sexual orientation and religion. Teachers also must be able to identify systems, structures, practices and policies that exclude and marginalize minority and multilingual families and families with varying sexual orientations and gender identities.

With all of this going on, parents must be armed with fundamental rights to be informed about the ever-evolving radical theories being advanced in school districts across the commonwealth.

That is why I recently introduced Senate Bill 340 to 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 it offers.

Schools would be required to update this information no later than 30 days after any revision to ensure parents are aware of any changes during the school year.

I’ve heard from many parents who have no idea what is being taught until they see their children’s homework. This legislation would provide parents with the tools they need to be informed.

I also introduced Senate Bill 444 to make it clear that state government and its political subdivisions – including school districts – may not infringe on the fundamental rights of parents to direct the upbringing, education, health care and mental health of their children.

This bill would provide parents with the legal protection they need when overreaching bureaucrats attempt to overrule their voice. Similar parental rights provisions already exist in 15 other states.

As activists continue to invade academia with their divisive politics, parents need these tools to help them stand up and fight for their sons and daughters.

Parental rights must be fortified in Pennsylvania.

Sen. Doug Mastriano represents the 33rd Senatorial District, covering Adams and Franklin counties.

 

Media contact: Josh Herman

717-787-9603

Parental Rights Must Be Fortified in Pennsylvania

By Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33)

Should a middle school student in Pennsylvania be taught he’s partially to blame for racism in America simply because of the color of his skin? Should an elementary school student be taught it’s OK for her to choose her own gender?

Perhaps most importantly, how can parents stand up for their students if they don’t know what is being taught in our schools?

Parents across Pennsylvania have become outraged by the recent movement by activists to indoctrinate, rather than educate, our children.

Opponents of traditional values used to argue that school was no place to teach morality. They claimed schools should focus on teaching students their ABCs and 123s, and leave moral teaching to the parents.

That was the excuse they used to kick traditional values out the front door of our schools. Now, they’re trying to sneak cultural Marxism through the back door.

Critical Race Theory (CRT) concepts have become commonplace in school districts across Pennsylvania. These concepts are sometimes disguised as “diversity, equity and inclusion” as a way to sound less controversial.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education actively promotes a “toolkit” for teachers on its public website as a guide for them to discuss racial and ethnic identity. The toolkit includes a long list of radical resources that encourage students to evaluate their peers based on the color of their skin rather than the content of their character.

An elementary school teacher in Montgomery County was exposed for having children participate in “privilege walks” as part of a broader CRT curriculum. The walks teach children that some of them are “privileged” based on the color of their skin, gender, sexual orientation or economic status.

In Tredyffrin/Easttown School District, a lawsuit revealed school officials participated in exercises on “walking through the barriers to teach CRT at your school” and “CRT is a vital step in your school transformation action plan.”

CRT isn’t the only threat facing students and parents. Gender theory also is spreading across the commonwealth.

Gender theory is a dangerous philosophy that teaches gender is a “social construct,” labels of male and female are not assigned at birth, and children may choose to identify with whatever gender they prefer.

The Pennsylvania Department of Education (DOE) website last year listed different lesson plans for teachers to discuss the difference between assigned gender, binary gender and biological sex.

The “preferred personal pronouns” definition introduces gender-neutral pronouns such as “ne, ve, ze/zie and xe.” Teachers are advised to ask students which pronouns they prefer. The department has since deleted the page after outcry from concerned parents.

Great Valley School District last year instructed its elementary school teachers to withhold information from parents about children questioning their gender.

Greater Johnstown School District recently created a “gender transition plan” and a “gender support plan” for students, which encourages schools to keep students’ gender identity information secret from their parents.

DOE also is ensuring the next generation of teachers is fully trained in CRT and gender theory before they begin their first day in the classroom. It published new regulations last year regarding teacher certification guidelines.

The new rules require teachers to know and acknowledge racial biases exist in the educational system. Teachers must understand the importance of social markers, such as race, skin color, ethnicity, gender identity, age, nationality, language, class, economic status, ability, sexual orientation and religion. Teachers also must be able to identify systems, structures, practices and policies that exclude and marginalize minority and multilingual families and families with varying sexual orientations and gender identities.

With all of this going on, parents must be armed with fundamental rights to be informed about the ever-evolving radical theories being advanced in school districts across the commonwealth.

That is why I recently introduced Senate Bill 340 to 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 it offers.

Schools would be required to update this information no later than 30 days after any revision to ensure parents are aware of any changes during the school year.

I’ve heard from many parents who have no idea what is being taught until they see their children’s homework. This legislation would provide parents with the tools they need to be informed.

I also introduced Senate Bill 444 to make it clear that state government and its political subdivisions – including school districts – may not infringe on the fundamental rights of parents to direct the upbringing, education, health care and mental health of their children.

This bill would provide parents with the legal protection they need when overreaching bureaucrats attempt to overrule their voice. Similar parental rights provisions already exist in 15 other states.

As activists continue to invade academia with their divisive politics, parents need these tools to help them stand up and fight for their sons and daughters.

Parental rights must be fortified in Pennsylvania.

Sen. Doug Mastriano represents the 33rd Senatorial District, covering Adams and Franklin counties.

 

Media contact: Josh Herman

717-787-9603

Mastriano Announces More Than $6.4 Million in Grants Approved for Projects in Adams and Franklin Counties

HARRISBURG – Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) today announced more than $6.4 million in state grant funding has been awarded to projects in communities across the 33rd Senate District.

“These grants provide funding for projects that improve our communities and enhance residents’ quality of life,” Mastriano said. “The grants provide funding for basic functions of government, like improving sewer systems, supporting our fire departments and purchasing vehicles for local police departments.”

Four Adams County communities will benefit from five grants totaling more than $2.1million. Butler Township was awarded $250,000 for site preparation prior to the construction of a new municipal complex. Cumberland Township will receive more than $145,000 to purchase three police vehicles and $1 million to upgrade its sanitary sewer system. Littlestown Borough was awarded nearly $350,000 for a sanitary sewer and manhole project. Possum Valley Municipal Authority will receive $370,000 for the construction of a new reservoir in Menallen Township.

Franklin County communities will benefit from nine grants totaling more than $3.3 million. Bear Valley Franklin County Pennsylvania Joint Authority was awarded more than $230,000 to construct a waterline loop connection in Hamilton Township. Chambersburg Borough will receive nearly $880,000 for Downtown Chambersburg Inc. to construct an outdoor amphitheater and greenspace. Franklin County was awarded $25,000 for Maranatha Ministry Inc. for the Peer to Peer Housing Unit renovation project on West Third Street in Waynesboro Borough. Franklin County will receive more than $65,000 for Habitat of Humanity of Franklin County Inc. for the purchase of a construction truck. Franklin county will receive more than $580,000 for The Rescue Hose Company No. 1 of Greencastle for the purchase of two ambulances – one for Greencastle Borough and the other for Antrim Township. Franklin County will receive more than $85,000 for House of Hope to purchase vehicles. Franklin County was awarded more than $50,000 to purchase a K-9 police vehicle for the Franklin County Sheiff’s Department. Guildford Township will receive nearly $375,000 for Marion Volunteer Fire Company to purchase a new ambulance. Littlestown Borough was awarded nearly $350,000 for a sanitary sewer and manhole project. Mercersburg Water Authority will receive more than $335,000 for water system improvements. Waynesboro Borough was awarded $750,000 for Waynesboro Fire Department for the purchase of a new fire apparatus.

Funding for the projects is being provided through the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA) Local Share Account (LSA) program, which uses gaming revenue to support projects in the public interest across the commonwealth.

The CFA was established in 2004 as an independent agency of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to administer the commonwealth’s economic stimulus packages.

The Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act of 2004 provides for the distribution of gaming revenue through the CFA and its LSA program.

Three additional grants for Franklin County projects totaling more than $1 million were approved through a separate CFA program.

The Borough of Greencastle was awarded nearly $260,000 for streetscape improvements along North Washington Street. Green Township will receive more than $600,000 for the North Chambersburg improvement project. Washington Township was awarded more than $200,000 to replace the Skiway Avenue Bridge.

Funding for these projects is being delivered through the CFA Multimodal Transportation Fund grant program, which provides financial support for projects to encourage economic development and ensure a safe and reliable transportation system for commonwealth residents.

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