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In this Update:
How Can We Address Rural Dental, Healthcare Shortages?
At the invitation of Sen. Camera Bartolotta, I chaired a Senate Majority Policy Committee public hearing in western Pennsylvania on the challenges facing rural healthcare providers and how new technology can improve care and save lives. There’s no question that many rural areas of Pennsylvania are facing serious difficulties. According to data presented by The Center for Rural Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Office of Rural Health, seven rural counties are considered “maternity care deserts” because of the lack of nearby services. We heard about new technologies that could improve rural healthcare. Philips and The Guthrie Clinic shared how their organizations are supporting mothers and nurses with remote technology. The Pittsburgh Life Sciences Alliance showcased innovative companies that are developing new uses for artificial intelligence, including diagnosing respiratory diseases and assisting doctors and nurses.
During the hearing, I asked how we can alleviate the shortages of dental care in rural areas of Pennsylvania. At least 50% of the state is underserved when it comes to dental care. A lack of dental care affects more than just your teeth – it contributes to heart disease and increased rates of opioid abuse. Attracting dentists to practice in rural areas is one of the biggest challenges in fixing this problem. We’re now working on a potential solution – creating Pennsylvania’s first-ever rural dental school in Tamaqua. According to the hearing, the top predictor of whether someone would practice in a rural area is if they lived or trained in a rural area. Bringing this new institution of higher education to life could improve our health and continue the resurgence of downtown Tamaqua. Supporting Veterans When They Return Home
At the invitation of Sen. Devlin Robinson, I chaired a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee in Glenfield about ways we can better support veterans in Pennsylvania. We heard from Brig. Gen. Mark Goodwill, the Director of the Joint Staff of the Pennsylvania National Guard, about the many programs offered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Organizations including UPMC, the Eastern Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Pittsburgh Hires Veterans, and Per Scholas shared their work to connect veterans with healthcare and train them for productive, fulfilling careers. Helping our veterans find meaningful employment and connecting them with available services is the least we can do when they return home to their families. We should never leave behind any of our friends and neighbors who dedicated their lives to defending our nation and our freedoms. Preventing Devastating Floods
At the invitation of Sen. Gene Yaw, the Senate Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing in Williamsport about how maintaining and repairing streams prevents flooding and protects our homes and employers from ruin. Thank you to the local officials, first responders, and conservation professionals who shared their experiences with us. Any community that has experienced severe floods knows to plan ahead before the next storm hits. We’ve seen how effective stream management can make a BIG difference in communities like Pine Grove and Tremont, who experienced devastating floods from the Swatara Creek for years until a team of conservationists, municipal officials, local employers, and state legislators and agencies executed a comprehensive plan to repair the local watershed. Collaboration was a key focus of the discussion – as well as the needs of people vs. the needs of fish and insects. I was pleased to hear how the Growing Greener law which I sponsored years ago has made a significant impact, but it’s clear that we need to consider updates. Senate Committee Votes to Preserve Women’s Sports
Last week, with my support, the Senate Education Committee passed legislation to preserve integrity and fairness in women’s sports, progress that was hard fought decades ago with the creation of Title IX. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Senate Bill 9, known as the Save Women’s Sports Act, would require public schools and colleges to label sports teams as male, female or coed. It would only permit biological females to join teams designated for women. Notably, Senate Bill 9 would allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule. Female students who compete in high school and college sports deserve a level playing field. This bill would protect this opportunity for them, allowing fair and equal access to the personal enrichment, character development and fitness sports provide. Organized Retail Theft Ring Busted—Proving the Need for My 2023 Law!
Four people were charged for their participation in an organized retail theft ring that targeted stores across the state and beyond, including in Pottsville and Luzerne County. According to the Pennsylvania State Police, the group has operated since at least May 2023, stealing thousands of dollars of goods on at least a dozen different occasions. Because of the increased number of major retail thefts, I wrote a bipartisan law that strengthened the penalties these thieves were charged with and gave law enforcement more resources to hold them accountable. This law was approved by a vote of 45-5 in the Senate, 179-24 in the House, and signed into law by Governor Shapiro near the end of 2023. This crime ring shows exactly why I advocated so strongly for this change. Theft at this scale doesn’t just hurt employers – it results in the loss of jobs and makes our communities less safe. Grow PA Grants Available Now
The Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation. The application period for grants is available now, with funding awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. I strongly supported the creation of Grow PA because it focuses on what should be our top priority: preparing more college students to work in the job fields that Pennsylvania needs today. To qualify for the grant, applicants must agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation. Grant recipients will be required to live and work in Pennsylvania for 12 months for each year they receive the grant. Failure to meet this requirement will result in the grant converting to a loan that must be repaid. Courses of study that qualify for the grant include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs as approved by PHEAA. Visit here to learn more or apply today. |
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