Oct. 25, 2024

 
Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link.
Mehaffie Message
#Listrak\DateStampLong# The latest news from the State Capitol

In this Edition:
  •   Grants Support Infrastructure, Schools
  •   Protecting Consumers from Auto Renewals
  •   Remember: Move Over, Slow Down
  •   Drug Take Back Day Saturday
  •   DCNR to Host Virtual Workshop for Recreation, Conservation Grant Program
  •   RSVP Now for Veterans Breakfast
  •   Local Faces in the Capitol
 
 
Grants Support Infrastructure, Schools
Nearly $5 million in grants awarded this week will support critical infrastructure and school projects in the 106th District. Local Share Account grants are generated through slot machine gaming revenue, not tax dollars.

I advocated for these projects because they lay a foundation for the future. Our children and grandchildren will benefit from flood mitigation, safe roads, well-built schools and municipal buildings, and clearer communication among law enforcement.

Those newly awarded grants include:

  • Conewago Township, $156,890 to construct a pole building (with solar panels for electricity) to store public works equipment.
• Derry Township Police Department, $178,128 to purchase equipment for the mobile command and communications vehicle that is used for incident management.
• Derry Township Municipal Authority, $200,000 for projects designed to decrease flooding around both Cambridge Commons and the intersection of Bullfrog Valley and Wood roads.
• Lower Swatara Township Municipal Authority, $250,000 to increase capacity of its sewer system for future growth.
• East Hanover Township, $750,000 to replace 2,300 feet of aging stormwater pipes along Jonestown Road.
• Royalton Borough, $88,126 to renovate borough hall.
• South Hanover Township, $600,000 to construct a new, 37,500-square-foot public works facility.
• Scottish Rite Cathedral in Harrisburg, $100,000 for the second phase of facility improvements that include efforts to make the aging building more energy efficient.

Additionally, recipients under the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program include:

  • Lower Dauphin High School, $447,894 for roof restoration to prevent mold and leaks.
• Robert G. Reid Elementary School (Middletown Area School District), $1.16 million for upgrades to the HVAC system.
• Dauphin County Technical School, $799,955 for roof repairs to address leaks. 
 
 
Protecting Consumers from Auto Renewals
We’ve all dealt with the frustrations of automatic renewals for services we may or may not still want. The state House unanimously approved legislation this week that aims to help consumers avoid those frustrations by requiring companies to be more transparent about the terms of such contracts. I worked on this legislation as a member of the House Consumer Protection, Technology & Utilities Committee.

House Bill 116 would amend the Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law by requiring businesses that offer automatic renewals to:

• Provide renewal terms, cancellation policy and how to cancel.
• Allow a customer who signs up online to cancel online.
• Require any material changes in the automatic renewal be provided in a clear and conspicuous manner.

For subscriptions including a free trial period, businesses would also be required to disclose the price that would be charged after the trial period ends and the deadline to cancel to avoid charges, as well as give customers the ability to cancel before being charged.

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.
 
 
Remember: Move Over, Slow Down

Approximately 160 emergency responders in Pennsylvania have been struck and killed while assisting others on the state’s roadways. This number does not include the 110 Pennsylvania Department of Transportation and Pennsylvania Turnpike workers who have also been struck and killed while on duty.

The House recently passed my resolution highlighting the importance of Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law. On Saturday, I spoke at an event highlighting the law's importance.

When the law changed in 2021, it did so to ensure motorists know the proper procedures when approaching emergency response areas along roadways. The Legislature was clear in its intent – you must move to an adjacent lane if it is safe to do so or slow down by at least 20 mph.

Our first responders are helping people at their most vulnerable, often when it is dark or the weather is bad. It is on all of us to ensure the first responders are going home safely to their own families.
 
 
Drug Take Back Day Saturday
This Saturday, Oct. 26, is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day.

Sponsored by the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA), the event is aimed at reminding citizens across the nation and the Commonwealth that safe disposal of unused prescription drugs is one of the best ways to fight drug abuse.

In addition to prescription medications, DEA regulations allow for the disposal of over-the-counter medications; prescription patches and ointments; vitamins; and pet medicines. Please note each take-back location has the right to determine what items they will accept.

To learn more about Pennsylvania’s drug take-back program, including finding a take-back location near you, click here.

Capitol Police maintain a drug take-back box near the fountain entrance of the building in Harrisburg.
 
 
DCNR to Host Virtual Workshop for Recreation, Conservation Grant Program
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will host a free, virtual grant workshop next month for those seeking funding assistance for a new park, trail or conservation project.

The workshop will be held Thursday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon., and is especially suited for municipal officials, consultants, board members, trail managers, land trust staff, and park and recreation professionals.

The workshop is free, but pre-registration is required to ensure participants receive needed materials. To register, visit the DCNR Calendar of Events The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will host a free, virtual grant workshop next month for those seeking funding assistance for a new park, trail or conservation project.

The workshop will be held Thursday, Nov. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon., and is especially suited for municipal officials, consultants, board members, trail managers, land trust staff, and park and recreation professionals.

The workshop is free, but pre-registration is required to ensure participants receive needed materials. To register,
 
 
RSVP Now for Veterans Breakfast
Veterans and active-duty military personnel from the 106th District are welcome to join me for a free breakfast Friday, Nov. 8. Attendees must pre-register, as space is limited.

The breakfast will be held from 8 to 10 a.m. at Lower Swatara Fire Department, 1350 Fulling Mill Road, Middletown.

Accommodations can be made for attendees with disabilities. Attendees may bring tattered or damaged flags for proper retirement or internment flags to be flown at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery.

For more information or to register, call 717-534-1323.
   
 
Local Faces in the Capitol
Sen. John DiSanto and I hosted a panel discussion from Penn State Health this week. Doctors, athletic trainers, physical therapists and former NFL player Mickey Shuler came to the Capitol to talk about the challenges facing student-athletes, including increased rates of suicide.
The Pennsylvania School Boards Association this week presented me with the 2024 Champion of Public Education award. I’m thankful for the recognition.
 
Share