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In this Update:
I appreciated a recent visit from the American Red Cross – Central PA Chapter in recognition of March as Red Cross Month. Thanks to the staff, board and volunteers of the Red Cross for their valuable assistance when disaster strikes, and for their life-saving education programs, smoke alarm installation services and other community support all year long! DiSanto Announces New Housing Legislation to Increase Supply and Affordability
I recently joined several Republican and Democrat colleagues as well as housing affordability advocates from across the political spectrum to announce new legislative initiatives aimed at reforming local land use regulations and making more housing available to Pennsylvanians at prices they can afford. One of the proposals we discussed, which I have sponsored along with Sen. Greg Rothman and Sen. Dan Laughlin, would curtail the excessive and exclusionary regulations and zoning restrictions that unfairly limit what kinds of housing can be built where. These regulations not only increase construction costs but also curtail the development of medium and high-density housing options, which are being sought by potential residents across all income levels. My bill addresses the use of manufactured housing, addition of accessory dwelling units to existing homes, construction of multi-family housing up to fourplexes, and overly restrictive parking, minimum lot size and setback requirements, which impede property owners’ rights. Land use reform is a bipartisan issue that affects everyone. If we as a state really want to make housing more affordable and accessible, if we really want to keep the American Dream within reach of low and middle-income earners, then we must get rid of onerous government restrictions and let the housing market operate more efficiently and effectively than it can today. Senate Votes for Athletic Trainers to Provide Important Care
Two bills modernizing the capabilities of athletic trainers in Pennsylvania were passed by the Senate and moved to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 559 and Senate Bill 560 would allow athletic trainers to deliver a wider scope of health care services to more individuals. The bills would permit athletic trainers to practice specific invasive procedures under a written protocol with a licensed physician. Some of the procedures include medication injections, blister and nail care, administration of Naloxone and any other procedures authorized by the State Board of Medicine. Supporting Firefighters, Community Safety
Applications for the federal Fire Prevention and Safety Grant and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) grant programs will be accepted until Friday, April 12. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is offering webinars to assist in the process. The Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grants support projects that enhance the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and related hazards. The primary goal is to reduce injury and prevent death among high-risk populations. SAFER Grants were created to provide funding directly to fire departments and volunteer firefighter interest organizations to help them increase or maintain the number of trained, front-line firefighters available in their communities. SAFER’s goal is to enhance the local fire departments’ abilities to comply with staffing, response and operational standards. Voter Registration Deadline is April 8
The deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania’s April 23 primary election is Monday, April 8. Your county election board must receive your application for a mail-in or absentee ballot by Tuesday, April 16, at 5 p.m. To legally register, individuals must be a citizen of the United States, reside in their local voting precincts at least 30 days prior to the election and be at least age 18 on Election Day, Tuesday, April 23. Once registered to vote, you are not required to register again unless you change your residence, name or political party affiliation. Voter registration forms, mail-in ballot applications and absentee ballot applications are available here or from your local county’s Board of Elections. You can also use the site to check your registration status. Free Tax Resource for Pennsylvanians
The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue myPATH site is a free resource all Pennsylvanians can use. Using the website, residents can file their PA personal income taxes, make a payment and check the status of their refund. There is also an option to verify your tax refund to expedite processing. Anyone who needs some extra help using myPATH can access video tutorials explaining how to create a profile, file a personal income tax return and use a smart device to access myPATH. Safely View the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8
On Monday, April 8, the continental United States will experience its last total solar eclipse until 2044. As it travels from the southwest to the northeast, the eclipse will cross through a portion of northwest Pennsylvania, including Erie, Crawford, Warren and Mercer counties. For nearly four minutes around 2:30 p.m., the afternoon sky will go dark. The sun will slowly reemerge, and by 4:30 p.m., it will be as if nothing happened. You must be in the path to see the sun totally eclipsed by the moon. Most of Pennsylvania lies within the 90% coverage range, so there will be excellent viewing across the state, weather permitting, even outside the path of totality. Before the total solar eclipse, many state parks have free eclipse educational programs. To safely view the eclipse, do not look directly at the sun with the naked eye, through an unfiltered camera lens or with any kind of standard sunglasses. Find more information about safety and what to expect here. Happy Easter to You and Your Family
Warmest wishes for you and your family as we prepare to celebrate the holy holiday of Easter. While we reflect on the hope and love the day symbolizes, may you enjoy time surrounded by loved ones. Happy Easter!
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