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In this Update:
Senate Passes Bill Benefitting Career and Technical Schools
Career and technical education prepares students for rewarding, family-sustaining careers, often at a significantly reduced cost compared to attending college. Pennsylvania is in great need of people with this training, and there are many job openings waiting to be filled. To ensure people have the training needed for these jobs, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 315. The legislation would provide more certainty regarding grant funding for career and technical education equipment by making funding calculations before the school year in which the allocation occurs. Currently, schools are reimbursed after they have made purchases based on calculations made near the end of the school year. Read more about career and technical education opportunities in the commonwealth. Judiciary Committee Votes to Strengthen Pennsylvania’s Sexual Offender Registry
Children in Pennsylvania would be better protected against sexual predators under legislation I am cosponsoring with Sen. Scott Martin. Senate Bill 255 adds the crime of sexual assault by a sports official, volunteer or employee of a nonprofit association as a Tier II sexual offense, requiring registration as a sexual offender under the Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Under current law, those convicted of this offense are not required to register as sex offenders. Closing this loophole will strengthen SORNA and ensure potentially violent sex offenders can be properly monitored. Sexual assault in any circumstance is reprehensible and intolerable. When we hear about seemingly civic-minded individuals using their positions of responsibility to take advantage of kids who trust them, it is doubly infuriating for parents and the community at large. We owe greater protection to children engaged in enriching and enjoyable activities. This bill plugs a gap in our anti-predator laws. Following approval by the Judiciary Committee, the measure now heads to the full Senate for consideration. Program Increasing Digital Connectivity to Provide Laptops
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) is accepting applications for its Digital Connectivity Technology Program. Through the program, the PBDA will purchase and distribute $20 million in devices such as laptops for eligible public-facing institutions including libraries, workforce training organizations, not-for-profit organizations, municipalities, and other institutions that can offer internet access to individuals who lack the technology. PBDA strongly encourages interested applicants to review the program FAQ before applying. The FAQ, pre-recorded webinar providing an overview of the program, guidelines and online application are available here. Applications must be submitted by Friday, May 30. School Safety Report Available Now
Students deserve to feel safe while they’re learning, and their families should be confident that extensive efforts are made to ensure that happens. Senate Republicans have prioritized fostering healthy and safe communities, which include schools. Part of that work includes requiring and conducting a report to evaluate school safety initiatives and how they can be adjusted to more effectively protect students. The Legislative Budget and Finance Committee’s report highlighted the need for security assessments of school buildings and certification requirements for school safety and security coordinators. Other key findings include collecting and analyzing more relevant data – such as tips made using the Safe2Say Something Program – and improving how the data already being collected is shared. Find the full report here. Purple Star Schools Support Military Children
Military children face unique challenges as a result of frequent moves and parental deployments. To give them the best chance of success, Senate Republicans passed Act 69 of 2022. The law created the Purple Star designation for schools that demonstrate their commitment to supporting military families. Many schools have embraced this program and stepped up to help the children of our service members. Purple Star Schools go the extra mile to provide stability, resources and a welcoming community for military children, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive. Pennsylvania has 37,000 children with parents serving in the military – and 80% of these children are in kindergarten through grade 12 and attend public schools. Learn more about Purple Star Schools. Wayne County Resident Among Parks and Forests Photo Contest Winners
Jeff Sidle of Hawley was among those recently recognized for their tremendous photography skills at the 2024 Photo Contest Winner Art Gallery Reception. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation, the contest invites professional and amateur photographers to submit their best shots capturing all that is special and the memories that are made in our state parks and forests. The exhibition is on display in the Capitol East Rotunda throughout the month of April. Remembering Lost Loved Ones During National Crime Victims’ Rights Week
It was a special honor to join my friend Susan Curley-Grady at the “Start by Believing” rally held at Misericordia University in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. The event gave local victims of crime and their families an opportunity to gather and share in victim advocacy and to remember loved ones whose lives have been lost due to crime. Susan’s brother Bobby Curley was tragically murdered by his wife after she slowly and cruelly poisoned him for nearly a year. I worked with Susan and her mother, Mary, for many years to protect the rights of crime victims. Their advocacy resulted in the opportunity to offer in-person testimony before the Board of Probation and Parole when an offender is eligible for release from prison. Pinwheels Planted to Highlight Child Abuse Prevention Month
April is Child Abuse Prevention month, and the Luzerne County Child Advocacy Center has finished planting nearly 500 pinwheels, each representing a child that had the courage to disclose their abuse in 2024. Raising awareness is a critical first step in preventing abuse and neglect. We thank all involved for the important work being done to help protect children, strengthen families, and bring abusers to justice. Passover Begins on April 12
Saturday marks the beginning of Passover, the eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the Israelites’ emancipation from slavery in ancient Egypt. I hope it’s a warm occasion of family and friends for all who observe.
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