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In this Update:
Senate Approves My Bill Enhancing Overdose Tracking and Lifesaving Response
The state Senate this week unanimously approved legislation I introduced that would ensure known or suspected drug overdoses treated by emergency medical services (EMS) providers are recorded in a statewide tracking system known as the Overdose Information Network (ODIN). I previously introduced legislation that became Act 158 of 2022 and established a statewide mapping system to track overdoses. My Senate Bill 1054 would require the Department of Health to coordinate with the Pennsylvania State Police to ensure real-time overdose reporting by EMS providers is incorporated into the ODIN system. EMS providers would report in the statewide mapping system the date and time of the overdose; location where it occurred; known or suspected controlled substances administered to or inhaled, ingested, imbibed or injected by the victim; details about any overdose reversal drugs that were administered; and whether the situation was fatal or nonfatal. Learn more about my bill, including how it helps public officials and law enforcement personnel, by reading the rest of this article on my website. To view my floor remarks on SB1054, visit, 3/20/24 – Senate Bill 1054 (vimeo.com) Senate Approves My Measure to Send PA National Guard to Defend Texas Border
The state Senate this week approved a resolution I introduced calling on the governor to deploy the Pennsylvania National Guard along Texas’s southern border with Mexico as part of Operation Lone Star. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott initiated Operation Lone Star in March 2021 in response to the unprecedented rise in illegal immigration. Operation Lone Star personnel work to detect and repel illegal crossings, arrest human smugglers and cartel gang members, and stop the flow of deadly drugs like fentanyl. In May 2023, Abbott sent letters to governors requesting support for Operation Lone Star. So far, 14 states – Arkansas, Florida, Iowa, Idaho, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia and Wyoming – have responded and deployed personnel and resources to secure the border. According to a 2023 report, at least 251,000 illegal immigrants reside in Pennsylvania with an annual burden of more than $1.6 billion on taxpayers. Learn more about my resolution and how much illegal immigration costs Pennsylvania taxpayers by reading the rest of this article on my website. To view my floor remarks on SR291, please visit, 3/19/24 – Senate Resolution 251 (vimeo.com) Senate Committee Approves Bill to Reauthorize Fire and EMS Grant Program
As chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, I convened a meeting this week where a majority of my colleagues and I approved three measures, including the border protection resolution mentioned in the article above and a bill to reauthorize a popular and effective grant program for fire and emergency medical services (EMS) companies. The grant program allocates up to $30 million, with fire companies eligible for grants of up to $20,000 and EMS companies eligible for grants of up to $15,000. The program is scheduled to expire June 30. My Senate Bill 1099 would reauthorize the grant program for 10 years. The committee also approved Senate Bill 1101, which I introduced to change the way firefighters can obtain certification. Learn more about the measures approved this week by the committee by reading the rest of this article on my website. Service Recognizes Medal of Honor Recipients
I hosted a ceremony this week recognizing Pennsylvania’s Medal of Honor recipients, including retired Army Col Walter J. “Joe” Marm Jr., who is the sole living Pennsylvanian who received the medal and delivered the keynote address at the event. The Congressional Medal of Honor was created during the U.S. Civil War and serves as the country’s highest award for military valor in action. Calling on Shapiro to Send PA National Guard to Defend Texas Border
The Senate approved a measure calling on Gov. Josh Shapiro to protect Pennsylvania communities by supporting Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s request to respond to America’s illegal immigration crisis. Senate Resolution 251 implores Shapiro to reverse course and deploy the Pennsylvania National Guard along Texas’s southern border with Mexico as part of Operation Lone Star. The border security initiative has led to more than 500,000 illegal immigrant apprehensions, more than 40,000 criminal arrests and the seizure of more than 468 million lethal doses of fentanyl, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety. A 2023 report indicates at least 251,000 illegal immigrants reside in Pennsylvania with an annual burden of more than $1.6 billion on taxpayers. That equates to a cost of approximately $318 per Pennsylvania household annually, according to the Federation for American Immigration Reform. Senate Passes Public Safety Bills Targeting Opioid Overdoses, Human Trafficking
The Pennsylvania Senate approved two measures this week boosting community safety by targeting opioid overdoses and human trafficking. Both bills, which head to the House of Representatives for consideration, are part of the Senate Republican effort to improve community safety across Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1054 strengthens the Overdose Information Network (ODIN) law, which requires all law enforcement in Pennsylvania to input reports of an overdose within 72 hours of the incident into the ODIN system. The ODIN database enables law enforcement agencies to quickly record, analyze and share information concerning fatal and non-fatal drug overdoses and naloxone administrations. The bill would ensure overdose reporting by EMS providers is incorporated into the statewide mapping system. EMS providers are responsible for handling more than 80% of overdoses annually in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1111 would ensure that individuals who are convicted of certain human trafficking offenses – as well as attempt, conspiracy or solicitation to commit those offenses – are subject to the same Megan’s Law reporting and evaluation requirements as other sexual offenders. Struggling Homeowners Can Apply for Assistance
To help homeowners struggling as a result of pandemic-related financial hardships, the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency (PHFA) reopened a program that had been paused to address a backlog of applicants. The majority of pending applications has been processed and an assessment of remaining American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 funds has been made, so PHFA is accepting additional applicants until the remaining monies are exhausted. New applicants can use the funds for pandemic-related mortgage reinstatement, forward mortgage assistance, tax assistance and delinquent utility bills. Interested Pennsylvania homeowners can find more information, eligibility requirements and instructions about how to submit an application here. Help Available for High-Priority Specialty Crop Farmers
To stimulate market growth or boost the competitive position for high-priority crops, grants are available for projects that benefit Pennsylvania’s growers as a whole, rather than an individual grower. Specialty crops eligible for Pennsylvania’s grant program and deemed high priority include hardwoods; honey; hemp and flax for fiber; and hops, barley, rye and wheat for brewing, distilling and malting. Proposals must be submitted through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s Electronic Single Application by Friday, April 19, at 5 p.m. Full grant guidelines are available here. Recognizing Agriculture’s Impact on Our Lives
In Pennsylvania, we are blessed that agriculture is one of our top industries as it helps to provide us with food security without having to rely as much on other states or even other countries. National Agriculture Week, observed March 17-24, encourages every American to understand how food products are produced; appreciate the role agriculture plays in providing safe, abundant, and affordable products; value the essential role of agriculture in maintaining a strong economy; and consider career opportunities in the agriculture, food, and fiber industries.
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