 |
|
|
|
The Weekly Roundup
|
|
The latest news from the State Capitol
|
Glen Onoko Falls Trail Update
The Glen Onoko Falls Trail near Jim Thorpe was closed for safety reasons earlier this month by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. We’ve been working to find a solution that would allow the popular hiking trail to reopen, which I discuss in this brief video.
|
Lt. Governor’s Marijuana Listening Tour Makes Stop in Carbon County
Lt. Gov. John Fetterman has been holding town hall meetings across the state to gauge public opinion on legalizing recreational marijuana in Pennsylvania. Monday evening he made a stop at Jim Thorpe Area High School. Because I was in Harrisburg, where the House of Representatives was session, I could not attend. However, I did release this statement in reaction to the lieutenant governor’s visit.
|
Remembering Asa Packer
I was honored to take part in last Saturday’s remembrance event at the Asa Packer Mansion Museum in Jim Thorpe on the 140th anniversary of Asa Packer’s death. Joining us was Emily Linderman, his great-great-great-great-granddaughter.
|
At the Capitol
Silver the arson dog, a member of the City of Bethlehem’s police department, was at the Capitol to demonstrate her ability to sniff out accelerants in fire investigations. Silver’s visit coincided with passage of a House resolution designated Wednesday as Arson Dog Appreciation Day in Pennsylvania. Also pictured is her handler, Detective and Deputy Fire Marshal Douglas Nothstein.
On Tuesday, I joined a number of my House colleagues in wearing turquoise as we voted to designate the week of May 12-18 as “National Women’s Lung Health Week” in Pennsylvania.
While the lung cancer death rate among men has decreased 29% in the last 39 years, it has increased 102% among women. Awareness, early detection and treatment are crucial in the prevention or reduction of the spread of lung cancer and lung disease in this country.
These fourth-grade students from Towamensing Elementary School in Lehighton visited the Capitol Complex on Wednesday. This photo was taken in the lobby of the beautiful Ryan Building, next door to the main Capitol.
|
Supporting Our National Guard Members and Their Families
Recognizing the sacrifices made by the families of PA National Guard Members, the House approved legislation to provide them with education benefits.
House Bill 1324 would extend our current Pennsylvania National Guard Military Education Program by including a Guard member’s spouse or child in this benefit program. The benefit would pay for 10 semesters/quarters, or five years equivalent, at the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education tuition rate.
The Guard member could earn these educational benefits for his or her spouse and/or children by committing to a second obligation of six years with the Pennsylvania National Guard. This would help retain current National Guard members and attract transitioning military service members to Pennsylvania while also supporting Guard families.
The bill now moves to the Senate for its consideration.
|
May is Mental Health Awareness Month
Working to support people struggling with depression or other mental health conditions, the House recently designated May as “Mental Health Awareness Month” in the Commonwealth.
Mental illness is not always visible, but it affects Pennsylvanians from all walks of life. This invisibility can make people feel isolated and unable to share their experiences.
Only about half of people impacted by mental illness seek treatment, and too many people struggle in silence. It is important that all Pennsylvanians understand mental illness is a biologically based disorder that requires medical attention. Learn more here.
|
|
| Office Locations |
| 204B Bridge St., Weissport, PA 18235 | (610) 377-6363 |
| 2681 State Route 903, Unit 3, Albrightsville, PA 18210 | (570) 722-8700 |
| Room 420 Irvis Office Building, PO Box 202122, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2122 | (717) 260-6139 |
| Email: dheffley@pahousegop.com |
| TTY: 855-282-0614 |
|
|
