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In this Update:
Senate Votes to Modernize and Expand Pennsylvania’s Treatment Courts
The Pennsylvania Senate recently passed legislation I sponsored with Sen. Amanda Cappelletti to modernize and strengthen Pennsylvania’s problem-solving courts, now proposed to be formally recognized as treatment courts. Throughout the years, we have created a variety of specialty courts aimed at resolving issues before incarceration is required. All involve some form of treatment to deal with underlying issues. By standardizing the reference to treatment courts, it will enable the judicial system to better coordinate oversight, administration and funding requests. Better efficiency should benefit the individuals involved in these programs to turn their lives around. Senate Bill 475 would amend Title 42 of the Pennsylvania Consolidated Statutes to define the structure and purpose of treatment courts more clearly, such as drug courts, mental health courts and veterans’ courts. Pennsylvania’s specialized courts play a critical role in addressing substance use disorders, mental health challenges and other underlying issues that frequently contribute to criminal behavior. These courts provide structured, treatment-focused alternatives to incarceration, helping participants rehabilitate and reintegrate into our communities. While this is a small change in statute, it marks a significant step forward as Pennsylvania prepares to implement a more robust certification process for treatment courts in 2026 – one that is rooted in nationally recognized best practice standards and better reflects the mission of these courts. Students at Penn State Wilkes-Barre Rally in Response to Closure Announcement
Penn State University recently announced that 12 of their Commonwealth campuses could be closed after the 2026-27 school year. They created a committee to review the performance of these campuses and recommended closures by the end of the 2025 spring semester. Students at Penn State Wilkes-Barre organized a rally to make their voices heard and share what their campus means to them. As someone who previously sat on the Penn State Wilkes-Barre Advisory Board for many years, I can tell you that the announcement that the campus has been identified for potential closure comes as quite a shock to the community. The student body, faculty, workers and all the enterprises that are part of the support system are understandably worried about what the future holds. The heartfelt communications I am receiving from inside and outside the campus community capture the disappointment and sense of devastation people are feeling. I was not informed of these decisions prior to the public announcement, and to date, no one has shown me a plan. I recently met with the Acting Secretary of Education, Dr. Carrie Rowe, and expressed my frustration and concerns. She informed me that the closure of an institution’s campus, including those of state-related institutions, requires approval from the Secretary of Education and shared a copy of correspondence sent to Penn State University President Dr. Neeli Bendapudi. Therefore, I am not accepting closure as a foregone conclusion. There is more due diligence required. Nor am I an apologist for the Penn State predicament. They are susceptible to the suspicion that too much money has been poured into the main campus, especially favoring athletics over academics, to the detriment of the satellite campuses. Based on the information they present each year during state budget hearings, Penn State leadership likely ignored warning signals for too long, to the point where they feel drastic action is the only option. Wherever they end up in determining how much to shrink their holdings, that is their problem, not ours. This challenge is going to require the insight, analysis, innovation and collaboration of political leaders, educators, business and union officials, community leaders and strategic planners for us to achieve a sustainable and forward-looking outcome. To that end, I will continue to be part of this conversation. Senator David G. Argall is circulating a legislative survey asking for public comment on the proposal. Feedback on all campuses is being solicited and accepted. You can weigh in here: https://www.senatorargall.com/legislative-survey/ Senate Passes Bill Reforming Nomination Process for Agency Heads
To restore balance and transparency in state government, the Senate passed a bill reining in the use of unconfirmed state agency leaders. Senate Bill 472 advanced to the House of Representatives for consideration. Former Gov. Tom Wolf appointed 11 individuals to lead various state agencies in the “acting” capacity and never nominated them to the Senate as part of the official confirmation process. Additionally, 21 cabinet officials served in “acting” capacity longer than 90 days. This allowed key decisions to be made without public scrutiny. With the passage of the bill, an individual serving in a leadership role without official confirmation by the Senate would be designated as “Deputy Head of Department.” The designation could be used once during a governor’s term. These individuals would have to appear before the General Assembly during the annual budget process. They would not receive elevated compensation or additional benefits beyond their peers. Most importantly, they would not be allowed to remain indefinitely without Senate review and would not be permitted to serve longer than 90 days. Voter Registration Deadline is May 5
The deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania’s May 20 primary election is Monday, May 5. Your county election office must receive your application for a mail-in or absentee ballot by Tuesday, May 13, at 5 p.m. To legally register, individuals must be a citizen of the United States, reside in their local voting precincts at least 30 days prior to the election and be at least age 18 on Election Day, Tuesday, May 20. Once registered to vote, you are not required to register again unless you change your residence, name or political party affiliation. Voter registration forms, mail-in ballot applications and absentee ballot applications are available here or from your local county’s Board of Elections. You can also use the site to check your registration status. REAL ID to Replace Driver’s License as Federally Acceptable ID on May 7
Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians who wish to board flights, visit military bases and enter certain federal facilities will be required to present a form of federally accepted identification. Options include a passport, military ID or a REAL ID. You do not need to wait until your driver license renews to get a REAL ID. To get one, you must provide documents proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Pennsylvania residency. Review the list of acceptable documents. All documents must be original versions or certified copies (if applicable). While any of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) driver license centers can verify these documents for customers who want a REAL ID, only certain locations can provide your REAL ID the same day. Otherwise, expect to receive your REAL ID within 15 business days after successful document verification. To make it more convenient for Pennsylvanians to get a REAL ID, PennDOT is offering dedicated time at some driver license centers on April 28 and May 5. Both REAL ID Days are on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Free Cleanup Supplies for PA Communities
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is working to improve the state’s communities by cleaning up litter. Now through May 31 while supplies last, free work gloves, safety vests and trash bags are available to groups who register their cleanup event. Donated landfill space is offered for trash collected during cleanups held in April. Tires cannot be accepted, and groups should plan for proper disposal of electronics that are found. Read more about how to organize a cleanup event. Please email or call Michelle Dunn with Pick Up Pennsylvania at 724-836-4121, extension 113, with any questions. In 2024, more than 77,000 volunteers picked up more than 3.2 million tons of litter and trash. Another 4.5 million pounds of materials were recycled and more than 14,000 trees, flowers and other greens were planted. Best Wishes for a Happy Easter
Easter represents joy, hope and redemption. Warmest wishes to all families who celebrate this holy holiday and rejoice in eternal life. Happy Easter!
Please do not reply to this email. If you would like to contact Senator Baker, submit a web contact form here: https://www.senatorbaker.com/contact-me-2/ |
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