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The Weekly Roundup
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Protecting Our Children
Legislation to further protect Pennsylvania’s children passed the House recently. The measures are designed to toughen the criminal sentences for those who put children in harm’s way.
House Bill 217 would increase the grading of offenses related to endangering the welfare of children to reflect the degree of risk and the age of the child victim. This would better ensure that parents, guardians or those charged with the care of a child would face harsher penalties in cases of child endangerment if the child was under the age of 6, if the endangerment resulted in serious injury or death, or if the endangerment was part of a continuing course of conduct.
Likewise, House Bill 489 toughens the sentences in cases of indecent exposure where children under the age of 16 are present. The measure provide for ranges of sentences applicable based upon aggravating circumstances such as the number and ages of people present and the nature and character of the incident.
Both proposals are now with the Senate for review.
S. S. Palmer Elementary Visits Capitol
I welcomed fouth-grade students from S.S. Palmerton Elementary School to the Capitol on Thursday. Thanks for coming down!
Holding Lottery Winners Accountable for Debts
Individuals who are delinquent on state taxes or behind on child support payments could find their winnings intercepted under legislation passed by the House.
House Bill 674 would require the Department of Revenue to determine whether taxpayers who win a single prize of more than $2,500 from the Pennsylvania Lottery have any unpaid state taxes. If the taxpayer does have an outstanding state tax liability and all appeal rights have been exhausted, the amount of state tax that is owed will be deducted from the winnings and paid to the Commonwealth. Other obligations, such as court costs, fines and restitution could be deducted as well.
Finally, the bill would require the Department of Revenue to send the winner’s information to the Department of Human Services to determine if he or she is a recipient of public assistance benefits. If the prizewinner does receive benefits, a determination would be made regarding if he or she remains eligible for those benefits.
The bill awaits consideration in the state Senate.
Check Out PA’s ‘Happy Traveler’ Guide
The Pennsylvania Tourism Office has released its annual “Happy Traveler” vacation guide to help residents and visitors plan a perfect summer vacation or weekend getaway.
The guide features information about the 150th anniversary of Frank Lloyd Wright’s birth and encourages travelers to visit one of his iconic properties in Pennsylvania — Fallingwater, Duncan House and Kentuck Knob.
Additionally, the guide features 11 new “Happy Day Road Trips,” one in each of the state’s distinct tourism regions, providing visitors a one-stop shop for even more of Pennsylvania’s best unique stops and only-in-PA attractions.
The travel guide is available digitally, or free printed copies can be requested at www.visitPA.com.
Tourism in Pennsylvania attracts more than 192 million domestic travelers, injecting more than $40 billion in the state’s economy annually, and the industry as a whole supports more than 482,524 Pennsylvania jobs and generates $4 billion in state and local tax revenue.
Scenes from KME Plant 21
This week, I toured KME Plant 21 with employees Bob Kuzma, Terry Baughn, Jennifer Davis, Bob Beck and Joseph Steber. It was great to see many old friends and the new assembly upgrades.
Go Fishing with the Family!
To help share the love of fishing with families, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) has scheduled several opportunities in May and June for families to learn fishing skills.
The six events – three in May and three in June – will lead up to the two statewide Fish-for-Free Days – the Sunday before Memorial Day, May 28, and Independence Day, July 4. Each of the state’s six regions will host an event. For the list, click here. https://fbweb.pa.gov/Calendar/All_Gridview.aspx?TN=family_fishing&DAY=ALL
The program is open to all ages, including children ages 5 and older, and the PFBC provides equipment, bait and tackle. PFBC staff will be present to teach skills and assist those who fish.
Preregistration is required. Space is limited, and there will be no registrations accepted the day of the events. |
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| Office Locations |
110 North Third Street, 2nd Floor, Lehighton, PA 18235 | (610) 377-6363![]( "Call: (610) 377-6363") |
2681 State Route 903, Unit 3, Albrightsville, PA 18210 | (570) 722-8700![]( "Call: (570) 722-8700") |
Room 403 Irvis Office Building, PO Box 202122, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2122 | (717) 260-6139![]( "Call: (717) 260-6139") |
| Email: dheffley@pahousegop.com |
TTY: 855-282-0614![]( "Call: 855-282-0614") |
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