Recent News
Bill to Provide “Treat, No Transport” Reimbursement for EMS Agencies Approved by Senate Committee
Legislation to assist EMS agencies by ensuring proper Medicaid reimbursement for calls in which treatment is provided but the patient is not transported to a hospital was approved by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee, according to bill sponsors Sens. Doug Mastriano (R-33), Michele Brooks (R-50) and Lisa Baker (R-20). [Read More]
Measures to Support Guard Spouses, Veterans with PTSD Approved by Senate Committee
The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee advanced a bill and a resolution today to establish a loan repayment program for Pennsylvania National Guard spouses and expand treatment options for veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to committee chair Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33). [Read More]
Meeting to consider SB 1471 and SR 122
Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee | Rules Committee, Conference Room [Read More]
Operation Enduring Freedom News Conference
Outside capitol steps, Capitol building [Read More]
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🐾 FOUR YEARS OF WORK—NOW HISTORIC PROGRESS!
For four years, Senator Carolyn Comitta and I have worked together to advance the bipartisan Beagle Bill (SB 381). After a unanimous 26–0 House Judiciary Committee vote, we’re closer than ever to getting this across the finish line for Pennsylvania’s dogs and cats.
Measures to Support Guard Spouses, Veterans with PTSD Approved by Senate Committee
HARRISBURG – The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee advanced a bill and a resolution today to establish a loan repayment program for Pennsylvania National Guard spouses and expand treatment options for veterans struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), according to committee chair Sen. Doug Mastriano (R-33).
“I’m very proud of the committee’s work to help veterans and active-duty service members,” Mastriano said. “These important measures help ensure those who put their safety on the line to protect our communities have the support they need to thrive.”
Senate Bill 1471, sponsored by Mastriano, would allow a Guard member’s state education benefits to be applied toward repayment of their spouse’s existing student loan. The change was requested by the Pennsylvania National Guard Association and would not require any additional taxpayer funding.
“By providing more flexibility for how Guard members can use their education benefits, we’re strengthening recruitment and retention, and recognizing strong families build strong service members,” Mastriano said.
Senate Resolution 122, sponsored by veteran Sens. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24), Devlin Robinson (R-37), Gene Yaw (R-23), Greg Rothman (R-34), Cris Dush (R-25) and Mastriano, would urge Congress to pass the TREAT PTSD Act, which would expand access to specialized post-traumatic stress disorder treatment for veterans and members of the armed forces. The measure would make Stellate Ganglion Block therapy, which relieves feelings of stress by applying an injection into the bundle of nerves that sends signals of fight or flight to the body, available at U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs facilities.
“Stellate Ganglion Block therapy has been used to treat those suffering with post-traumatic stress disorder for decades and has provided relief to many,” Mastriano said. “If it works, there is no reason why it should not be available to our veterans.”
The bill and resolution now advance to the full Senate for further consideration.
Let’s get the Beagle Bill across the finish line!
Honored to have worked alongside Senator Comitta on this important effort to protect animals and see that they get a second chance!
Four Chaplains Day
On February 3, 1943, four U.S. Army chaplains of different faiths made the ultimate sacrifice aboard the sinking USAT Dorchester. When life jackets ran out, they gave theirs to others. Survivors remembered the four chaplains standing together, praying as the ship disappeared beneath the icy North Atlantic.
George L. Fox, Alexander D. Goode, John P. Washington, and Clark V. Poling showed us what faith, courage, brotherhood, and selfless service look like in the darkest hour.
Their example still calls to us today.
“Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” — John 15:13
We remember them. We honor them.
🍂 Pennsylvania’s Fall Foliage Report 🍁
Fall colors are slowly starting to show across Pennsylvania!
The Beagle Bill is closer to becoming law than ever before! 🐶🇺🇸
After passing the House Judiciary Committee unanimously, the bill is expected to head to the House floor for a vote this week.
I joined Mallory Mentzer on ABC27 News to discuss why we need to protect dogs and cats from unnecessary and painful experimentation - and give these animals a chance at a loving home when their time in research is over.
Let’s get the Beagle Bill across the finish line!
Today, as Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee, I convened an informational meeting with the leadership of the Pennsylvania Wing of the Civil Air Patrol.
The Pennsylvania Wing includes more than 1,800 volunteers serving in 47 squadrons and six groups across the Commonwealth. As the official auxiliary of the U.S. Air Force, Civil Air Patrol serves through three congressionally chartered missions: Aerospace Education, Cadet Programs, and Emergency Services, including search and rescue, disaster relief, and homeland security support.
We received an excellent briefing from PA Wing Commander Col. Leslie Herr and her team, followed by the swearing-in of members of the Civil Air Patrol Legislative Squadron.
I was especially impressed by the outstanding young people who joined us today: Cadet 1st Lt. Lucy Draeger, Cadet Maj. Aaron Keohane, Cadet Maj. Sebastian Oprea, Cadet 2d Lt. Ava Shumway, and Cadet Maj. John White. Their professionalism, confidence, knowledge, and commitment to service were remarkable. Pennsylvania has much to be proud of in these young leaders.
Thank you to everyone in the Civil Air Patrol for your dedication to our Commonwealth and nation.
🚧 ROUTE 30 TRAFFIC UPDATE — FRANKLIN COUNTY
PennDOT has rescheduled shoulder widening and reconstruction on eastbound Route 30 (Lincoln Way) for the bridge replacement project over Rocky Mountain Creek in Green Township.
Weather permitting, work will begin Monday, October 19, between Route 997 (Black Gap Road) and Golf Course Road. Motorists should expect a lane shift and flaggers directing traffic through a single lane on weekdays this fall.
Early next year, the next phase will include barriers and a westbound truck detour using Route 234 and Shippensburg Road. Two 12-foot lanes will remain open through the work zone.
The $4.67 million project includes shoulder reconstruction, bridge replacement, approach work and guiderail upgrades. Completion is expected by November 2, 2028.
Please use caution and allow extra time when traveling through the work zone.
