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Bill Addressing REAL ID Progresses
Pennsylvanians would not have to purchase identification that complies with the federal REAL ID Act under legislation on its way to the governor’s desk.
Under Senate Bill 133, residents would be able to choose between a REAL ID or a standard driver’s license or photo ID. Residents who choose the standard form of identification would have to have a passport or other REAL ID-compliant identification to board an airplane or enter a federal building once the new system is in place.
It is not yet clear how long it will take to fully implement REAL ID in Pennsylvania, so the Commonwealth will be requesting an extension from the federal government. Assuming the extension is granted, Pennsylvanians will be able to continue using their current form of state-issued identification to board airplanes or enter federal buildings.
Offering residents a choice allows Pennsylvania to comply with the requirements of federal law while also avoiding unnecessary burdens on taxpayers who would face higher costs for the new form of identification.
Gov. Tom Wolf has indicated he will sign the bill.
Hope for Cancer Patients
To give hope to patients with Stage IV metastatic cancer, the House passed a bill this week to ensure they have access to the medication and treatments prescribed by their doctors without delay, no matter what their insurance typically covers.
Insurance companies currently have the ability to set average guidelines that govern how and when treatments are approved. Current standard practice requires Stage IV patients to first try an insurance-mandated series of medications that fail to improve the condition before being granted access to the oncology medication and treatments prescribed by their doctor.
House Bill 1280 now goes to the Senate for consideration.
Helping Kids with Allergies
Legislation was signed into law recently that helps ensure the health and safety of students who suffer from severe allergic reactions.
Act 2 of 2017 provides civil immunity to school bus drivers and crossing guards who administer an epinephrine auto-injector, or epi-pen, to a student who experiences an allergic reaction.
Under the new law, a bus driver or crossing guard must first complete a training program developed by the state Department of Health and comply with school district policy to be qualified to use the epi-pen. It does not mandate that school districts or school bus companies enact an epi-pen policy, only that such a policy would allow for civil immunity if the guidelines
are met.
The new law will take effect before the beginning of the 2017-18 school year.
Remembering Our Heroes
Monday, May 29, is Memorial Day, honoring the men and women who have sacrificed their lives serving in our nation’s military.
Please consider joining me at American Legion Post 927 in Gilbert on Monday, May 29, at 11 a.m. or check out Memorial Day plans in your community.
For more information on Memorial Day and its history, click here.
Protecting Our Second Amendment Rights
On Monday, I joined with hundreds of Second Amendment supporters, including many from our area, and dozens of my colleagues in reaffirming our constitutional right to keep and bear arms and opposing attempts that seek to diminish these rights. In its 12th year, this year’s theme was Make the Second Amendment Great Again.
Stop By Our Effort District Office Open House!
The Open House for my Effort district office is set for Thursday, June 8, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at our office in Carriage House Square, 2785 Route 115, Suite 103. Stop by to chat with my staff and me about legislative issues, learn about what our offices can do for you and enjoy light refreshments. Hope to see you there!
Around Our Community
I attended the Wish Upon a Star dinner/dance, an event to benefit the Make a Wish Foundation, last Friday. Pictured with me is Claire Butz.
Over the weekend, an Eagle Scout Court of Honor was held for Joseph Ross Rando of Pocono Township. For his Eagle Scout project, Joseph enhanced part of the walking trail at the Cranberry Bog Nature Reserve. Congratulations!
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Students facing many types of adversity were honored this week by the Greater Pocono Chamber of Commerce at Youth Appreciation Luncheon in East Stroudsburg. Over 25 business in the county donated items for a gift bag for each student. They were also presented with special certificates from the Pennsylvania General Assembly and from the Monroe County Commissioners.
Pictured are the awardees Robert Cooney from Youth Employment Services, Jessica Yvonne Pavey from Pleasant Valley High School, Naomi Chan from Stroudsburg High School, Gabriel Rettle from Monroe Career and Technical Institute, Cassandra Lomas from East Stroudsburg High School-North, Maeve Keag from Pocono Mountain West High School, Tyler Worman from Pocono Mountain East High School and Jairus Tyson from East Stroudsburg High School- South. Congratulations and best of luck to all the students!
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This week, Sanofi Pasteur celebrated the opening of a new building at its Swiftwater campus. I always enjoy seeing what is new at this facility. I am pictured with Sen. Mario Scavello, Head of Site Quality Operations Ryan Riboldi, Head of Industrial Affairs U.S. Franck Chassant, Chief Commercial Officer North America Chad Hoover and Head of Economic Development Chris Whitman.
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