“They may not be able to vote for us, but young children are a major component of any elected official’s constituency, and we must advocate for them as if our candidacy depends on them,” Hill-Evans said. Read more
HARRISBURG, April 17 – State Reps. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster; Malcom Kenyatta, D-Phila.; and Jessica Benham, D-Allegheny, today applauded the Pennsylvania boards of Psychology and Osteopathic Medicine for their recent adoption of new policies opposing the practice of conversion therapy on LGBTQ+ minors. The representatives issued the following statement: “We applaud the state Boards of Psychology and Osteopathic Medicine’s adoption of a new Statement of Policies (SOP) that opposes the use of the discredited, pseudoscientific practice of conversion therapy on minors in Pennsylvania. Conversion therapy, also known as conversion abuse, is a dangerous practice aimed at changing an individual’s sexual orientation or gender identity or expression that has resulted in profound physical and psychological harm on patients, including depression, trauma, and suicide. “We hope that the state boards of Medicine, Nursing and Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Professional Counselors will vote in the coming weeks to adopt similar SOPs opposing the use of conversion therapy. “Although we are glad to see esteemed state medical boards gradually take steps to oppose the practice of conversion abuse, this is happening at too slow a rate. It is long past time that Pennsylvania joins the 20 other states outlawing the practice. Our bill, the Protection of Minors from Conversion Therapy Act, would prohibit a mental health Read more
“As chair of the House Commerce Committee, I believe we must fund minority businesses to ensure marginalized Pennsylvanians have the ability to start their business in our commonwealth,” Conklin said. “With more than 1.15% of businesses owned by minorities in 2020, we need to make the economy more equitable for Pennsylvania’s entrepreneurs by allowing minority businesses to prosper in our economy and remain competitive in our marketplace. By advancing this legislation to the House, we will invest in Pennsylvania’s businesses, ensuring that we keep Pennsylvania open for business.” Read more
HARRISBURG, April 10 – Pennsylvania Department of Human Services Secretary Valerie Arkoosh joined state Rep. Ismail Smith-Wade-El, D-Lancaster, for a tour of Refresh Lancaster’s mobile unit at Union Community Care last Friday. Refresh Lancaster is a collaboration between Lancaster Emergency Medical Services Association and Lancaster County Homelessness Coalition that offers free weekly showers, hygienic kits, medical care and referrals to social services in a mobile unit at several locations throughout the county. “In my experience working as an activist in Lancaster, I found that many of the people most in need of social services were nervous about approaching state organizations for help,” Smith-Wade-El said. “I wanted to share with Secretary Arkoosh how Refresh Lancaster is successfully reaching out and building trust with these vulnerable members of our community by serving as a low-barrier entryway to the commonwealth’s extensive network of social and health services.” Smith-Wade-El and Arkoosh also toured Union Community Care’s new dental unit where the staff stressed dental care as a critical part of health care. The tour highlighted how managed-care organizations use Medicaid waivers to serve residents in need. “People who are unhoused experience higher health care spending and poorer long-term outcomes, and approachable, empathetic supports and assistance can be a bridge to stability and a Read more
“With subscriptions contributing $650 billion to the economy and businesses monetizing relationships with customers through recurring subscriptions, we must regulate automatic contract renewals to ensure that they do not deceive consumers,” said Conklin, who chairs the PA House Commerce Committee. “That’s why we introduced this legislation, so that businesses notify consumers that their contract is approaching its automatic renewal, as well as to offer time to shop for other subscriptions and consider cancelling the subscription. By doing so, we ensure transparency, which is in the best interest of Pennsylvania’s consumers, businesses, and economy.” Read more
The Department of Environmental Protection awarded $3,305,011 from the Medium and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle Fleet Pilot Grant Program to replace five Class 6 and Class 7 box trucks with battery electric vehicles, install four DC fast EV chargers, and one Level 2 EV charging plug at three locations across Penn State’s campus. Read more
“With one in five women and one in 16 men being sexually assaulted while pursuing higher education, we must work to prevent sexual assault, harassment and violence on campus so that students feel safe on campus,” Conklin said. “It is on us, as state legislators, and faculty and staff at Penn State, to lead by example so that students feel supported on campus. With this funding from PDE, we’ll support sexual violence prevention and support survivors on campus. As state representative for the 77th Legislative District, I remain committed to advocating for victims of sexual violence.” Read more
The funding will make fresh produce more accessible, as well as expand the University Park Basic Needs Hub and food pantries at all Penn State campuses across the commonwealth. Read more
The Department of Agriculture awarded more than $2.2 million in funding to invest in Pennsylvania’s agricultural industry. Read more
The grant will fund two projects within watersheds in Centre County for water preservation and pollution reduction in two watersheds that directly link to waterways leading to the Chesapeake Bay. Read more
“Through Gov. Shapiro’s proposals to increase investments in public education and higher education, we have the opportunity to invest in our children’s futures, ensuring they not only succeed, but also have access to higher education that’s affordable,” Conklin said. “With a 4.2% increase in BEF and 4.3% increase in SEF for Philipsburg-Osceola Area School District, children will have the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their ZIP code. More so, with a 5% increase for Penn State and consolidation of PASSHE and community colleges, we ensure the affordability of higher education, making it more accessible for Pennsylvanians.” Read more
“With $116,927 awarded to fire companies and EMS providers in the 77th Legislative District, we ensure firefighters and EMS providers have the resources to respond to emergencies in Centre County, thereby protecting the safety of our residents,” Conklin said. “While the number of firefighters and EMS providers are on the decline, calls for service have more than tripled since 1984. With increases in calls, there’s more strain on rural fire companies and EMS providers, such as those in the 77th Legislative District. As such, we must ensure that we adequately fund our fire companies and EMS providers so that they may continue their life-saving work.” Read more
“This funding to Penn State will conserve flora and fauna in Pennsylvania, as well as preserve our biodiversity,” Conklin said. “With these projects in Centre County and across Pennsylvania, we have the opportunity to preserve environmental resources that help Centre County and all of our commonwealth flourish.” Read more
Conklin’s resolution designates Wednesday, Sept. 18 as State Grange Day, as well as recognizes the 151st anniversary of the Grange. Read more
“Agriculture is one of Pennsylvania’s largest industries and a major industry in Centre County,” Conklin said. “With more than 1,023 farms that span 149,858 acres and Centre County farms selling agricultural products valued at more than $91 million, we have the opportunity to invest in the agriculture industry to ensure it continues to grow, as well as support businesses in the central Pennsylvania region.” Read more
“As we invest $613,989 to rehabilitate South Mountain Road and enhance Medical Center Drive, we build a foundation for safer journeys for drivers, as well as bridge connections throughout Centre County,” Conklin said. “This funding will allow us to build our infrastructure in Centre County back better, ensuring drivers may get where they need to go.” Read more
“With the COVID-19 pandemic amplifying the housing crisis and half of Americans describing the lack of affordable housing as a major problem, we must work to address this shortage in Pennsylvania,” Conklin said. “The funding from DCED will assist State College Borough residents in need, especially as Centre County works to address a surge in people experiencing homelessness. Now, more residents will have the opportunity to find their happiness as they make their home here in Happy Valley.” Read more
“As technology advances and cryptocurrency continues to emerge, we must protect consumers from financial collapses,” said Conklin, who serves as the majority chair of the House Commerce Committee. “With the global cryptocurrency market valued at $4.67 million in 2022 and expected to expand at a compound annual growth rate of 12.5% from 2023 to 2030, consumers’ finances are at risk if the market goes under. House Bill 2081 would provide protections for consumers by requiring cryptocurrency lenders to reserve collateral. By doing so, we boost consumer confidence.” Read more
The hearing heard from stakeholders about how right-to-repair laws would impact the agriculture, medical and technical industries, focusing specifically on modifying, tampering and repairing devices. Read more
“With nearly 300 wineries and Pennsylvania producing 2 million gallons of wine each year, we must support our commonwealth’s economy by allowing small games of chance, such as pull-tabs and raffles, at our wineries, just as we allow at breweries,” Conklin said. “Pennsylvania’s wineries date back to the 17th century when William Penn himself planted a vineyard in Philadelphia. By allowing wineries to offer small games of chance, we can also increase funding to programs for Pennsylvania’s seniors and other charitable purposes or public interest funds.” Read more
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