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The Weekly Roundup
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Hearings Held on Pharmacy Bill
On Monday, I joined Pennsylvania Auditor General Eugene DePasquale in Bethlehem for the first public forum to discuss the impact that pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) have on the prescription drug industry.
PBMs have been undercutting reimbursements to community pharmacies for medications sold to patients on Medicaid. This practice has led to substantial financial difficulties for community pharmacies. My House Bill 2212, which was approved by the House, would remedy this problem.
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Update on Property Tax Relief
As you know, my colleagues and I have been working to bring property tax relief to residents. Please watch the above video to learn more about our efforts.
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Continue to Receive My E-news Updates
If you would like to continue receiving my legislative updates from now through the November election, click here and simply enter your email. This will guarantee that you continue to receive my weekly updates.
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Visit My Table at the Carbon County Fair
There’s still time to visit my staff and I at our table at the Carbon County Fair. If you have a concern or need assistance with a state-related issue, please stop by. Or, just stop to say hello.
The table will be open from 4-10 p.m. each day of the fair, which runs through Saturday, Aug. 11.
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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or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm is withdrawn.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.
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Fun Times at National Night Out
My staff and I had a wonderful time at all the National Night Out events throughout the district. I want to thank all our police departments for hosting these events again this year. Events like this allow residents to meet and speak with our law enforcement members, which helps to build a stronger bond in our community.
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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 as 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.
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| Office Locations |
| 110 North Third Street, 2nd Floor, Lehighton, PA 18235 | (610) 377-6363 |
| 2681 State Route 903, Unit 3, Albrightsville, PA 18210 | (570) 722-8700 |
| Room 403 Irvis Office Building, PO Box 202122, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2122 | (717) 260-6139 |
| Email: dheffley@pahousegop.com |
| TTY: 855-282-0614 |
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