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The Weekly Roundup
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The latest news from the State Capitol
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Working to Keep the Train Running in Jim Thorpe
This week’s announcement by the owner of the Lehigh Gorge Scenic Railway that it will be ending operations in Jim Thorpe at the end of November came as a shock to the community.
The railroad and Jim Thorpe have enjoyed a long and very successful partnership that has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, benefiting businesses in the borough, Carbon County and the greater Pocono region.
A ride on the railroad is truly a unique experience that takes passengers back in time, while enjoying some of the most beautiful mountain scenery in the Commonwealth.
I am concerned by the latest turn of events and hopeful of a resolution in the coming weeks as we look at the big picture and how losing the railway impacts our regional economy.
My office will be working to try to bring all parties together to find a solution to the issues involved so we can keep the trains running in Jim Thorpe for all to enjoy for many more years to come.
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Committees to Examine White Haven Center Decision
On Monday, the House Human Services and Health committees will hold a public hearing at the Capitol on the recent decision by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) to close the White Haven and Polk state centers.
I’m a member of the Human Services Committee and will be taking part in the hearing. Among those scheduled to testify are a DHS official, advocates for the physically and mentally disabled, a union representative, employees and relatives of center residents.
We will be streaming the hearing on my website, RepHeffley.com, starting at 11 a.m.
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Drug and Alcohol Awareness Expo Set for Thursday
Don’t forget about our Drug and Alcohol Awareness Expo next Thursday evening at Panther Valley High School. We look forward to seeing you there!
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In the District
Congratulations to everyone involved in developing the Kidder Hike and Bike Trail in Lake Harmony. It was my pleasure to be part of Wednesday's ribbon-cutting ceremony, umbrellas and all!
It was an honor to read my House resolution, which designates October as Down Syndrome Awareness Month in Pennsylvania, at the Lehighton football game last Friday. It was part of the school’s observance of its own Down Syndrome Awareness Night.
We had a great turnout for our Towamensing Trails TeePee town hall meeting last Saturday. Thanks to all who attended!
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Focusing on PA’s Helpers and Heroes
Over the next two weeks, the House will be taking up a package of legislation to benefit our state’s “Helpers and Heroes.” These are the dedicated men and woman with fire companies and ambulance services in communities large and small across the Commonwealth who do so much for us.
The subjects of these bills range from helping emergency responders with their recruitment efforts and retaining their services to providing the tools that allow them to perform their lifesaving tasks even better.
You can help too by supporting your local fire and ambulance companies. These volunteers are performing an incredible service for us, and there is a cost that comes with what they do.
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New Law Will Require Use of E-Verify System
A new state law will require employers in the construction industry to use the federal E-Verify system to ensure their employees are authorized to work in the United States.
The law is aimed at going after dishonest employers whose unfair business practices hurt workers by driving down wages, create an unlevel playing field for other employers and deprive government of revenue that could be used to fund programs like unemployment compensation.
Under the law, failure to use E-Verify when hiring new employees will result in action against a company’s licenses required to do business (i.e. corporate charters, as well as any other business license). The law, which will take effect in one year, is modeled after Arizona’s statute, which has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.
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Economic Update
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania’s General Fund revenue collections for September totaled $3.19 billion, which was $18 million less than the official estimate. So far this fiscal year, General Fund collections come to $7.7 billion, which is $44.6 million more than anticipated. Learn more here.
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| 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 |
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