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| News You Can Use |
| Legislative Headlines |
Real ID Update: Bill Encourages Freedom of Choice … Pennsylvanians who do not fly or enter federal buildings or military installations would not have to purchase identification that complies with the federal REAL ID Act under legislation passed by the House State Government Committee this week. Instead, residents may choose to purchase a REAL ID or continue using the current form of state driver’s license or photo ID as a standard form of identification. Lawmakers believe offering choice is the best way to ensure Pennsylvania complies with the requirements of federal law while also avoiding unnecessary burdens on taxpayers who would face higher costs for the new form of identification. The General Assembly must act by June 6 in order to be considered for an additional extension from the Department of Homeland Security. Both the passage of this legislation and the extension will allow Pennsylvania to take the important steps necessary for the Commonwealth to reach full compliance with the federal law.
Strengthening Public Corruption Laws … Public officials and employees who are convicted of public corruption crimes would be forced to forfeit their government pension under legislation that passed the House this week. House Bill 939 would hold state, county or municipal government officials and public employees, including judges, teachers and other school district employees, accountable for crimes related to their official duties by requiring them to forfeit their government pension. They would also need to pay appropriate restitution when they plead guilty or no contest to any crime related to their official government position or any felony offense related to their office or employment. This would prevent public officials from cutting deals under which they agree to plead guilty to a lesser crime to keep their pensions. The bill, which now goes to the Senate, would also impact federal crimes that are classified as felonies or are punishable by a term of at least five years in prison.
Ensuring Coverage for Lyme Disease Treatment … To help ensure patients have access to available and emerging diagnostics and treatment options for Lyme disease and related tick-borne diseases, House Bill 174 was reported out of the House Health Committee this week. Over the last five years, Pennsylvania has ranked highest in the nation in confirmed cases of Lyme disease, with 10,817 in 2015. Additionally, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection released a study last year confirming a high risk of Lyme in every county of the Commonwealth. House Bill 174 would require health insurers to cover treatment plans for Lyme disease or related tick-borne illnesses as prescribed by a patient’s health care practitioner, regardless if the treatment plan includes short-term or long-term antibiotic treatment. The bill now goes to the full House for consideration. May is also Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. Individuals should be aware of early, disseminated, and late/persistent symptoms and that a negative Lyme test cannot rule out Lyme disease. The early clinical diagnosis and appropriate treatment of these tick-borne disorders and diseases can greatly reduce the risks of continued, diverse and chronic symptoms which can affect every system and organ of the human body and often every aspect of a person’s life. For tips about how to protect yourself from Lyme disease, click here.
Bike to Work … With May as National Bike to Work Month and May 15-19 as National Bike to Work Week, PennDOT has released an interactive state map with detailed biking trails. Pennsylvania has thousands of miles of bicycle routes and is focused on improving bicycle safety and access. Not only is biking a growing form of work transportation, but it also contributes to the state’s tourism industry. For a list of resources on biking, including routes, safety tips and videos, events and commuting information, click here.
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| Committee Updates |
Tuesday, May 9
Judiciary Committee:
HB 111 (Cutler) Constitutional Amendment/merit selection of statewide appellate court judges and judicial reform.
HB 149 (Knowles) Title 18/cameras in courtrooms.
HB 561 (Saccone) Title 18/repeal the sunset provision for administrative subpoenas in child pornography investigations.
HB 1008 (Pyle) Title 23/authorizing former mayors to solemnize marriages.
Labor and Industry Committee:
Public hearing on HB 1014 (Keller).
Thursday, May 11
Labor and Industry Committee:
Informational tour of the Harrisburg Unemployment Compensation Call Center.
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| Rep. Delozier in the Community |
• Jonathon Pastor of Troop 54 and Noah Strawser of Troop 283 recently earned their Eagle Scout awards. Jonathon is the son of John and Sharon Pastor of Camp Hill. Noah is the son of Sean and Traci Strawser of Mechanicsburg. I was honored to attend both young men’s Courts of Honor and present them with a House citation.
• The Group Study Exchange team from Rotary District 3460 in Taiwan visited the Capitol recently. Jeff Gelburd, of New Cumberland and chair of the Group Study Exchange for Rotary District 7390, led the tour. Sheldon Munn, Rotary Club of the West Shore, was also in attendance.
• Last week I held my fifth annual Tribute to Veterans Breakfast and Appreciation Ceremony. As part of the event, I presented the Vietnam veterans with a commemorative lapel pin. Thank you to all our veterans and active duty personnel.
• Through the Opportunity Scholarship Tax Credit (OSTC) Program, UGI Utilities presented Harrisburg Academy with $10,000 in scholarship money for low-income students. I was honored to be a part of the presentation.
• Mechanicsburg Middle School held its annual career day. I was pleased to be able to participate again this year. The event brings more than 100 career areas to students through presentations by adults.
• Last week I participated in the National Day of Prayer at First United Methodist Church in Mechanicsburg. This annual event is observed at many locations throughout the United States.
• New Cumberland Olde Towne held its Community Day and Garden Faire last Saturday. My staff and I offered information about state-related programs and services. It was great seeing so many people at the event.
• The Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police held its annual memorial service. The ceremony honored four law enforcement personnel who made the ultimate sacrifice in the past year. They are Edward Wehe II, a patrolman with the Delaware County Courthouse and Park Police Department; Walter DeWitt II, an officer with the Philadelphia Police Department; Scott Bashioum, an officer with the Canonsburg Police Department; and Landon Weaver, a trooper with the Pennsylvania State Police.
• I met with members of the Wormleysburg Borough Council to provide a legislative update. We talked about a number of legislative issues, including the state budget, pension, Chesapeake Bay issues and volunteer firefighters.
• On Wednesday, I hosted a press conference to help unveil a documentary film bringing attention to stigma surrounding with people with disabilities. We are more similar than we are different. Let’s work together to end the stigma against people with disabilities. More information is available at letsthinkagain.org.
• Cumberland County Court of Common Pleas held a treatment court graduation this week. This opportunity was first offered in 2006. It provides participants with a chance to get treatment for their addiction(s), while addressing their associated legal problems. Congratulations to the graduates!
Upcoming Event in the 88th District
Car Seat Safety Check
My annual car seat safety check is set for Thursday, June 1, from 4-7 p.m., at L.B. Smith Ford Lincoln, 1100 Market St., Lemoyne. Local law enforcement will be on hand to ensure that child safety seats are properly secured in vehicles. Parents and caregivers also will be instructed on the correct installation procedures. If you have any questions, please call my district office at 717-761-4665.
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| Office Locations |
| 2929 Gettysburg Road, Suite 6, Camp Hill PA 17011 | Phone: (717) 761-4665 |
| 141 East Wing, PO Box 202088, Harrisburg PA 17120-2088 | Phone: 717-783-5282 |
| Email: sdelozie@pahousegop.com |
| TTY: 855-282-0614 |
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