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In this Update:
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. Mastriano Announces $2 Million for New Mercersburg Water Treatment Facility
HARRISBURG – Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33) announced this week that residents in Mercersburg Borough will benefit from $2 million in state funding to pay for the construction of a water treatment facility. “These state dollars will ensure local residents are not burdened with the significant cost of this important project,” Mastriano said. “This water treatment facility will be an asset for our local community for years to come.” The project includes the construction of a new water treatment facility, a 300,000-gallon water storage tank and a 500 gallon-per-minute pumping station. Funding for the project is being provided in the form of a low-interest, 20-year loan. The loan carries a 1.74% interest rate for the first five years and rises to 2.18% for years six through 20. Funding for the project is being provided through the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST). PENNVEST is an independent state agency that provides financial assistance for sewer, stormwater and drinking water projects in communities across the commonwealth. Constituents of the 33rd Senatorial District can learn more about Mastriano by visiting his website at SenatorMastriano.com or following him on Facebook at Facebook.com/SenatorDougMastriano. Remembering the Holocaust to Prevent a Repeat
Just two days after the one-year anniversary of the deadly Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attack against Israel, the state Senate Education Committee approved a bill I introduced that would require schools in Pennsylvania to teach students about the Holocaust. The importance of this bill became apparent as we saw the overt demonstrations on college campuses across Pennsylvania after the horrific and cowardly attacks that occurred against the peaceful citizens of Israel last October. As the years pass, things fade from our memories and the horrors of the past somehow seem less horrific. As the famous quote says, “Those who fail to learn from history are doomed to repeat it.” Through what I can only attribute to ignorance brought on by a lack of education, students were swayed to fall for the “from the river to the sea” cry, not fully understanding the atrocities the Jewish people have suffered. Acts of antisemitism rose at a rapid pace. Jewish students were afraid to walk the grass and sidewalks of their own colleges. The freedom that we all take for granted was now being snatched from them. School was no longer a safe space. It is our responsibility to ensure through education that our children learn about what happened back in the late 1930s and early 1940s and can recognize it today when it rears its ugly head. Ignorance is the fertilizer of fear and hate! Knowledge is one of the simplest antidotes for ignorance. The purveyors of prejudice and bigotry prey on uninformed people who have not studied history. With this bill, I hope to help change that. Students will be taught, in an age-appropriate manner, that the Holocaust happened and more than six million people were herded up like animals and slaughtered, all because of their Jewish faith. Through education and understanding, future generations will be taught to remember the Holocaust, so that they will indeed learn from history and never let it be repeated. Sen. Doug Mastriano represents the 33rd Senatorial District covering Adams and Franklin counties. He serves as chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee. He is a combat veteran who served in Iraq during Operation Desert Storm and was deployed three times to Afghanistan. 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. 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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