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| News You Can Use |
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| Legislative Headlines |
Rainy Summer Causes Concern for West Nile
Receding floodwaters and heavy rains are creating a perfect storm of conditions that have contributed to the highest level of West Nile virus activity in the state’s mosquito population since the disease was first discovered here in 2000, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP).
The disease, which has infected more than 150 people in the past six years, is on track to pose a higher than normal risk this year and is widespread throughout the Commonwealth, having already been found in 51 Pennsylvania counties as of Aug. 1.
DEP and county partners throughout the state also conduct routine, localized spraying events to control infected adult populations of mosquitoes. These operations are conducted when and where deemed necessary based on recent population survey results, but they are not a substitute for preventive measures like eliminating standing, stagnant water. As part of the state budget, a $140,000 increase was added to the mosquito surveillance program.
Symptoms of West Nile virus in humans are typically like those of a mild flu, but the virus can lead to a more serious condition that includes swelling of the brain, muscle convulsions, coma, paralysis and death. Since DEP first began monitoring for the virus in 2000, 33 fatal cases have been reported in Pennsylvania.
Pennsylvania residents are urged to take commonsense precautions to protect themselves from mosquitoes. By eliminating places for mosquitoes to lay eggs, using insect repellant and other protective measures, and targeted use of pesticides, we can all make sure Pennsylvanians are protected.
For more information about West Nile virus, click here.
New Law to Better Protect Care-Dependent Individuals
A new law taking effect soon will better protect individuals who are dependent upon others for their care. Act 53 of 2018 will make it a crime to intentionally or recklessly endanger a care-dependent person – closing a gap in state law that exists between neglect and abuse. This addition to the Crimes Code includes neglect to provide care which causes a serious injury or death. This stems from a Bucks County case in which an elderly man was neglected so badly by four family caregivers his starvation led to septic shock.
The new law also adds abuse of a care-dependent person as a punishable offense – with the former law focusing only on neglect investigations – and expands the definition of a caretaker to include family members who should be held responsible. This law was necessary because some care-dependent people, who are among the most vulnerable groups of people in the state, were left without direct protections from the abuse and neglect by their caretakers.
The law allows the departments of Aging, Health and Human Services to report suspected abuse or neglect to district attorneys or the attorney general’s office. Penalties vary from a first-degree felony for death of a care-dependent person to a second-degree misdemeanor if a caretaker knowingly endangers a care-dependent person by failing to provide for his or her needs.
Slow Down for School Buses, Pedestrians
In the next few weeks, students will head back to class. Motorists, parents and children are encouraged to refresh their memories about how to share the road safely with school buses and other school transportation vehicles.
Pennsylvania law requires motorists stop at least 10 feet away from school buses when their red lights are flashing and their stop arm is extended. Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn. Do not proceed until all the children have reached a place of safety.
Penalties for failure to obey school bus safety laws can result in a $250 fine, five points on a driving record and a 60-day license suspension.
Parents are reminded to ensure that their children are at the bus stop early to avoid rushing. Students should stay where the bus driver can see them while boarding or exiting the bus.
Click here for more information and tips on school bus safety.
Get the Facts About Concussions
With many student athletes gearing up for fall sports practice, students, parents and coaches are reminded about ways to prevent, recognize and manage concussions.
A concussion is a type of traumatic brain injury caused by a bump, blow or jolt to the head, or from a fall or blow to the body that causes the head and brain to move quickly back and forth. Concussions can have serious short-term and long-term impacts, especially on young people whose brains are still developing.
In 2011, the Safety in Youth Sports Act was signed into law in Pennsylvania, requiring all school entities to develop return-to-play policies for student athletes with concussions, as well as requiring related training for coaches.
Visit the Department of Health’s website at health.pa.gov and search for “Traumatic Brain Injury” for approved curricula for coaches and other school personnel, along with frequently asked questions about the law and many other state-related resources.
Most importantly, if you think your child has a concussion, seek medical attention, discuss the injury with the coach and don’t allow the athlete to return to play without permission from a health care professional.
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| Upcoming Events in the 88th District |
Identity Theft Prevention – Shredding Event
Protect yourself from identity theft by bringing discarded documents containing sensitive personal information to my free, on-site shredding event on Saturday, Sept. 8, from 10 a.m. to noon, at the Capital City Mall. There is a limit of four bags or boxes per household. No businesses, please. Examples of items you may want to bring include bank and credit card statements, tax documents, insurance claim forms and anything that lists a Social Security number. Staples and paper clips are acceptable. The documents received are securely shredded by a truck on-site provide by Tri-State Shredding.
Car Seat Safety Check
Due to requests, I will be holding another car seat safety check on Thursday, Sept. 13, 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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| Rep. Delozier in the Community |
• National Night Out was celebrated in a number of area communities on Tuesday evening. I stopped by the events in Lower Allen, New Cumberland and Shiremanstown. It was great to see so many members of the community, and say thank you to our police departments for their service.
• Congratulations to Zimmerman’s Auto on its 60th anniversary. Job creators and community partners are what this family business is all about. It was an honor to join in the anniversary celebration.
• Happy to participate in Dockside Willies’ two-alarm benefit party for local fire companies. Thank you to our emergency responders who prevented the fire at this restaurant from spreading. I look forward to the complete re-opening of the restaurant soon.
• Saturday was India Day at Harrisburg Area Community College. This annual community fair is a great way to experience Indian culture without leaving the area. I was glad to participate with other elected officials in the parade and address the many attendees to support community involvement. My staff manned a booth offering information on state-related matters.
• Geisinger Holy Spirit Breast Care Center celebrated its 20th anniversary. I was glad to join the Mechanicsburg Chamber to recognize the occasion. We are fortunate to have so many quality health care choices so close to home.
• New Cumberland River Rescue held its annual carnival at Hillside Elementary School this past weekend. The event is always a fun time for children and a great way to support our emergency responders.
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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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