|
||
|
In this Update:
Institutional Sustainability & Innovation Committee Hearing
As chairs of the newly established Institutional Sustainability & Innovation Committee, Sen. Kearney (D-26) and I hosted our inaugural committee meeting, a public hearing on life sciences innovation in Pennsylvania. The committee highlighted the diverse life science ecosystem from early research and development to clinical trials and medical devices to manufacturing and patient care. The life sciences industry focuses on extending or improving the quality of life, while working on the next treatment or cure. Many diseases and illness are now survivable because of the great work over the years from the life sciences industry. The life sciences industry not only fosters life-changing scientific breakthroughs, but it also supports the growth of local economic development with job creation, directly impacting local building and construction companies (highlighted by Rob Bair PA Building Trades). The committee heard testimony from Life Sciences PA, the state trade association, as well as the involvement and investment of academic research institutions like the Penn State University’s Office of Technology Transfer. Other testifiers spoke to innovative startups like Humotech who make exoskeletons and prosthetics for the Department of Defense. We heard from, Life Sciences Greenhouse Investments, who fund companies who create and develop new innovate R&D hubs all across Pennsylvania. The Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry spoke to how life sciences thrives in their area with the help of pharmaceutical companies. Johnson & Johnson’s Chief Scientific Officer stated they employ 7,200 PA residents and offered remarks about the importance of public and private partnerships in the development of new pharmaceuticals from R&D to clinical trials. DCED has named life sciences as one of the top 5 key industry sectors with the greatest potential to drive sustainable growth across the Commonwealth. My goal as chairman of the Institutional Sustainability & Innovation Committee is to work in a bipartisan manner to advance legislation concerning the current and future sustainability of institutional facilities across the Commonwealth as well as evaluate emerging and innovative technologies that could aid in the sustainability of these institutions. Bucks County Consortium Legislative Update
Last week, I had the pleasure of speaking at the Bucks County Consortium of Municipal Managers meeting. I was joined by my colleagues, where we listened to the challenges within local government, and had a great discussion on how we can work together for our townships and boroughs in Bucks County. I spoke about my legislative priorities including Sterling Act reform, regulating skill games, making our community safer and funding Fire & EMS. Robotics Competition in the District
I was happy to attend the FIRST Robotics Mid-Atlantic Week 5 Qualifier Competition at William Tennent High School last weekend. My son Jacob and I had a great time and are pictured here with The Archbishop Wood Robotics Team, Team 2607 – The Fighting RoboVikings, who ranked 3rd out of 158 teams this past weekend at The First MidAtlantic District Championship this past weekend. Senate Votes to Strengthen Crime Prevention, Keep Communities Safe
Pennsylvania families deserve to be safe. The Senate took decisive action this week to hold dangerous criminals accountable and approved three key bills to protect Pennsylvania communities. Senate Bill 92 would impose a mandatory minimum 25-year sentence on drug dealers who sell fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose. Known as Tyler’s Law, after Tyler Shanafelter, who tragically died at the age of 18 after purchasing pills he didn’t realize were laced with fentanyl, SB 92 sends a strong message that those fueling the opioid crisis will face severe consequences. Senate Bill 471 would require prosecutors to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a criminal defendant is identified as unlawfully present in the United States. The bill would ensure that individuals who commit serious crimes are transferred to federal custody for removal proceedings. It also would prohibit sanctuary policies that obstruct communication between local law enforcement and federal agencies. Senate Bill 490 would prohibit non-monetary bail for the most threatening individuals, including those who possess 10 grams or more of fentanyl, have a history of violent crime or assault a law enforcement officer. These bills reflect Senate Republicans’ commitment to fighting crime, protecting Pennsylvania families and ensuring that our law enforcement officials have the tools they need to uphold justice. Each measure builds upon broader efforts to make Pennsylvania a safer place to live, work and raise a family. Senate Acts Against False Emergency Threats at Schools
The Senate this week approved legislation to crack down on false emergency threats targeting schools, a move aimed at enhancing public safety and reducing the strain on emergency responders. The bill, which also passed the Senate in the previous legislative session, now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 96 would establish new felony penalties for individuals who make hoax emergency reports involving educational institutions. If signed into law, making a false report of an emergency threat to a school would be classified as a third-degree felony, and courts would be allowed to impose financial penalties to recover the costs incurred by taxpayers for emergency response efforts. The legislation comes in response to a troubling rise in hoax threats made against schools across Pennsylvania, causing fear among students and parents while diverting law enforcement and emergency personnel from real emergencies. Senate Bill 96 is part of a broader effort to safeguard schools and hold bad actors accountable. May 7 is the REAL ID Deadline
Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/photo ID card or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID. Only about 26% of Pennsylvania drivers have replaced their standard driver’s license with a REAL ID. REAL IDs are available now and will continue to be available to Pennsylvanians after the May 7 enforcement deadline. Learn more about REAL ID documentation requirements and find a printable checklist for required REAL ID documents here. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is offering dedicated times at specific driver license centers to help Pennsylvanians get their REAL ID. Bensalem Driver License Center, located at 4201 Neshaminy Boulevard in Bensalem will be open Monday April 7, April 14, April 28 and May 5 from 8:30am to 4:15pm for REAL ID services only. Customers who want a REAL ID but aren’t able to attend a REAL ID Day may visit any REAL ID Center to receive a REAL ID at the time of service, visit any PennDOT Driver License Center to have documents verified and then receive REAL ID within 15 business days or apply online (pre-verified customers only). Free Tax Prep Services Available for Qualified Individuals
Free tax preparation services are available to individuals and families who qualify through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The IRS-sponsored initiative serves households earning approximately $60,000 or less, those with disabilities, the elderly and individuals with limited English proficiency. To find a VITA site near you, dial 211, visit the PA 211 website or use the IRS’s VITA locator tool. It’s essential to make an appointment in advance, as many VITA sites operate on a seasonal basis and appointments can fill quickly. Be sure to bring necessary documents. Households with an annual income of $73,000 or less can file their federal and state tax forms online for free through MyFreeTaxes.com. The user-friendly platform allows filers to easily navigate the tax preparation process at their own pace and features live support from IRS-certified specialists. MyFreeTaxes.com uses secure, IRS-approved software to protect your personal information and data. We have free Pennsylvania and federal tax forms available in our office in Langhorne. Feel free to stop by anytime.
If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here. |
||
|
||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorfarry.com | Privacy Policy |
