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In this Update:
9-11 Remembrance Day
This week, 9-11 remembrance ceremonies were held throughout the 20th District, including the annual Walk of Honor at Luzerne County Community College. Even after 23 years, the sorrow and pain over the losses America experienced due to the deadly terrorist attacks of 9-11 bring intense emotion to the forefront. Our moments of reflection today matter a great deal to the families and friends of the thousands who died that day and in the times that followed. We promised the victims that we would never forget their sacrifice. We promised we would never forget the courage of passengers aboard Flight 93 who took action so that more Americans would not perish. We promised to never forget how emergency responders put themselves in deadly peril in devoted efforts to save the lives of others. We committed to pursuing terrorists to the end of the earth. The monuments at the World Trade Center site, Shanksville, and the Pentagon forever enshrine the costs that come with preserving freedom and democracy. It is well that we remember and learn from that awful day. Each year, as part of national observances, we should seek to summon the sense of common purpose that so resolutely compelled rescue and recovery efforts in the days, weeks, and months following. A Closer Look at Energy Affordability and Reliability
Pennsylvanians face rising energy costs. Grid reliability continues to be a threat that may cause devastating outages like the major power crisis Texas experienced in 2021 when more than 4.5 million homes and businesses were without power for days. Rising costs and compromised reliability would be worsened by a unilateral decision former Gov. Tom Wolf made to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Joining RGGI will increase electricity rates for consumers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs, and lead to the closure of Pennsylvania power plants. Rolling blackouts will become commonplace when energy production cannot keep up with demand. Senate Republicans are actively fighting against Pennsylvania’s entry into RGGI, obtaining a court order that prevents the commonwealth from implementing the program because the court agreed that Wolf lacked the authority to join RGGI. Gov. Josh Shapiro appealed that court order to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, where the case is pending and briefs were filed this week by the Senate Republicans to prevent RGGI implementation. Senate Republicans stand ready to pass legislation to repeal the RGGI Energy Tax that has already been introduced if the legal process isn’t successful. We also passed bills that would ensure Pennsylvanians have options regarding fuel availability, help to secure the state’s future as a hub for carbon capture and sequestration and most effectively capitalize on the state’s abundant natural resources through the creation of the Independent Energy Office to provide impartial data. Ensuring Fair Compensation for Law Enforcement Agencies Serving PFA Orders
I recently introduced a proposal to ensure fair distribution of service fees related to Protection from Abuse (PFA) orders in Pennsylvania. The bill would revise an outdated provision of the state’s Protection from Abuse Act, ensuring law enforcement agencies that serve PFA orders are appropriately compensated. PFA orders are a critical tool in safeguarding individuals from harm. By ensuring that all law enforcement agencies are properly reimbursed, we are supporting their work and improving the process for everyone involved. This measure will ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness in the handling of PFA orders across Pennsylvania. Under the current statute, when a court issues a PFA order, a $100 surcharge is levied against the defendant, with $25 of this fee allocated to the county sheriff for the service of the order. However, due to staffing shortages, local police departments and the Pennsylvania State Police often carry out the service of these orders. Despite this, the fee continues to be directed to the sheriff, regardless of which agency performed the service. My legislation would amend the statute to clarify that the $25 fee should be distributed to whichever law enforcement agency serves the PFA order, ensuring that agencies like local police departments and the Pennsylvania State Police are appropriately compensated for their efforts. The need for the change was highlighted following a 2022 audit by the Luzerne County Controller’s Office, which recommended that any law enforcement agency serving PFA orders, other than the sheriff, should invoice the Sheriff’s Office for reimbursement. However, the Luzerne County Division of Judicial Services and Records noted that such invoicing is not currently allowed under Pennsylvania law, as the statute mandates that the service fee be paid exclusively to the sheriff. Touring the Alpine Wurst and Meat House and Marchen HPP
The Alpine Wurst and Meat House has been providing outstanding German-American cuisine for 45 years. Instead of using artificial preservatives and shelf-life extenders, their award-winning products are high pressure processed, killing the growth of any pathogens or bacteria. Last year, they expanded their facility to include onsite HPP equipment, allowing them to offer tolling processing services to other small and midsized food companies. We recently toured their operations and learned more about how they partner with students from the Wayne Highlands School District’s Agriculture Program and the Honesdale High School FFA, inspiring the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs. How to File a Banking Complaint
Consumers who have unsuccessfully attempted to resolve disputes with their financial institutions regarding services or products have options. Complaints may be submitted to the Department of Banking and Securities Consumer Services Office online or toll-free by calling 1-800-PA-BANKS (1-800-722-2657) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The department aims to provide responses to consumer complaints within 10 days of receipt. While the Consumer Services Office will make the effort to address consumer complaints, there is no guarantee the matter can or will be resolved. However, complaints are important because they allow the Department of Banking and Securities to identify patterns of unfair or deceptive practices that may result in further action. Applications Open: Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy for At-Risk Youth
The Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) is accepting applications for its class, which begins in January 2025. KSCA is designed to give academically challenged teens a second chance at obtaining their basic education, as well as learning leadership, self-discipline and responsibility. The program is open to 16- to 18-year-old Pennsylvania residents who are at risk of not graduating from high school, no longer attending any school or have not received a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Applicants must be willing to be drug free, free of felony convictions and voluntarily commit to the program. If selected, students will attend the 22-week residential phase at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. Learn more about eligibility requirements and begin the application process here. Anyone who prefers to have an application mailed or would like to talk with someone about the program may contact the academy by emailing RA-MVPAChallenge@pa.gov or calling 717-861-7767. Free Webinars Provide Useful College Financial Aid Info
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is holding free webinars to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process. On Tuesday, Sept. 24, at noon, speakers will discuss the financial aid timeline. On Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m., speakers will focus on how to search for scholarships and pay for any remaining costs. Register to attend the one-hour webinars. National Voter Registration Day is a Great Reminder
Tuesday, Sept. 17, is National Voter Registration Day. It’s a wonderful time to confirm that you are registered to vote at your current address or to register if you have moved or would be a first-time voter. The last day to register to vote in Pennsylvania before the Nov. 5 election is Monday, Oct. 21. You may submit your application online, by mail to your county voter registration office or in person at your county voter registration office. Active-duty military members or veterans who are hospitalized or bedridden may register at any time. Learn more about that option. Please note: if you are not a United States citizen and a resident of Pennsylvania at least 30 days before the election, you cannot register to vote.
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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