Recent News
Bill to Provide âTreat, No Transportâ 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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25TH ANNIVERSARY OF OPERATION ENDURING FREEDOM
Afghanistan became an important part of my life. I served several tours there, ultimately leading soldiers from 18 nations. We wore different uniforms and spoke different languages, but we shared the same mission and the same risks.
As we commemorated the 25th anniversary of Operation Enduring Freedom, it was a tremendous honor to hear firsthand from several men who served in Afghanistan, including veterans and those still serving in uniform, as they shared their experiences and reflections. We were also blessed with wonderful musical performances that made this commemoration even more meaningful.
Twenty-five years later, I remember the soldiers, the Afghan children we helped, those who came home carrying unseen burdens, and especially those who never came home.
The ending of the war was painful, but this remains true: Our soldiers did not fail. They served with courage, honor, and extraordinary professionalism.
We owe our fallen more than gratitude. We owe them wisdom.
May God bless all who served in Operation Enduring Freedom, our fallen and their families, and the United States of America.
It was a tremendous honor to present my good friend and colleague, Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill of York County, with the Pennsylvania Freedom Medal in recognition of her outstanding service to our Commonwealth.
Kristin is one of the hardest-working members of the Pennsylvania Senate. Her dedication to her constituents, tireless work ethic, and genuine love for Pennsylvania and our nation are evident in everything she does.
Our friendship goes back to the very beginning of my time in the Senate. Kristin and her husband, Rick, joined Rebbie and me at our victory celebration on May 21, 2019. Their friendship and encouragement have meant a great deal to us ever since.
It has been an absolute pleasure serving alongside Kristin. She is a dedicated public servant, a principled leader, and, most importantly, a wonderful friend.
Rebbie and I are deeply grateful for Kristin and Rick, their friendship, and their unwavering commitment to serving others.
Congratulations, Kristin! This recognition is richly deserved.
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Bill to Provide âTreat, No Transportâ Reimbursement for EMS Agencies Approved by Senate Committee
HARRISBURG â 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).
Senate Bill 1147 would implement a set Medicaid reimbursement rate for treat, no transport calls, bringing financial clarity and predictability to EMS agencies. Current law requires reimbursement based on âreasonable costs,â resulting in varied payment amounts which are frequently less than the average cost for the service.
âEMS professionals put their safety on the line to care for us during the worst moments of our lives, yet their agencies are facing increasingly serious financial challenges,â Mastriano said. âThis bill is a commonsense step to strengthen public safety and sends a clear message that we support our first responders.â
"Our EMS providers are always a phone call away when we need them in our most difficult times,â said Sen. Brooks. âThis legislation underscores the value of their presence in our communities and ensures they are reimbursed for the critical work they do, preserving local residentsâ access to lifesaving care.â
Sen. Baker added, âAs we consider ways to strengthen EMS, âTreat, No Transportâ accomplishes the important goal of maintaining availability of the on-call ambulance. By spending time in their town with a patient needing medical attention for a non-life-threatening injury or condition, a faster response time is more likely when the next 911 call arrives.â
The bill now advances to the full Senate for further consideration.
OCTOBER 7 - THEIR LIVES, THEIR STORIES, THEIR MEMORY
Three years ago, on October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists launched a horrific attack against Israel, murdering innocent men, women, and children and taking hundreds hostage.
They were mothers, fathers, sons, daughters, friends, and neighbors. Each had a name, a family, a future, and dreams that were stolen in an act of unimaginable cruelty.
As we honor their memory, we stand firmly against antisemitism, terrorism, and the hatred that fueled this atrocity.
May God comfort the grieving families, bring healing to those who suffered, and grant lasting peace to Israel.
The passage of time does not diminish the value of a single life lost, nor our responsibility to remember.
đźđ± Am Yisrael Chai â The People of Israel Live.
October 7, 1777 â The Battle of Saratoga
On this day in 1777, American forces fought the pivotal Battle of Bemis Heights, the second major engagement of the Saratoga campaign. The American victory helped force British General John Burgoyneâs surrender ten days later and convinced France to formally enter the war as an American ally.
Saratoga became a turning point in the American Revolutionâproof that the young nation could stand against one of the worldâs most powerful armies.
We remember the courage and sacrifice of the Patriots who fought for American independence.
đŸ BEAGLE BILL UPDATE - TODAY IS A KEY DAY
Our bipartisan Beagle Bill (SB 381) is now before the House Appropriations Committee, which is scheduled to meet today, Call of Chair.
If the committee re-reports SB 381, the bill can move to third consideration and potentially final passage in the House.
After four years of work with Senator Carolyn Comitta, we are closer than ever.
Weâre still moving forward. Stay tuned!
25 Years Since Operation Enduring Freedom
On October 7, 2001, America and our allies launched Operation Enduring Freedom in response to the attacks of September 11.
For me, Afghanistan is more than history. I remember the mountains and the dust, but most of all, I remember the people - the Americans and allies I served alongside, the Afghan people we encountered, and especially those who never came home.
I also remember the families who served from home. Rebbie and Josiah, like thousands of military families, endured the missed birthdays, holidays apart, and uncertainty of deployment.
Twenty-five years later, we remember those who answered the call, honor those who sacrificed, and never forget those who gave everything.
âGreater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends.â - John 15:13
May God bless all who served and the families who stood beside them.
