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Aument Encourages Voters to Be Prepared for Ballot Questions in May Primary
On May 18, Pennsylvania voters will have the opportunity to cast their vote on three proposed amendments to the state Constitution. The language on the ballot is misleading, which could result in voter confusion. To be clear, A YES vote on these measures will:
I want to encourage my constituents and all Pennsylvanians to research these questions, be informed about what voting yes or no on each question means, and above all, please get out to vote on May 18th. Learn more about what a YES vote means at https://issue.pasenategop.com/ballot-question/. Task Force Model for Success – Working Collaboratively for the People of Pennsylvania
On February 12, the Joint COVID-19 Vaccine Task Force was established, and I was appointed to serve alongside my colleagues Senator Art Haywood (D-4), Representative Bridget Kosierowski (D-114), Representative Tim O’Neal (R-48), and members of the Wolf Administration. While much work remains, Pennsylvania has undoubtedly made tremendous progress with our vaccine rollout since the formation of this Task Force in mid-February. Bringing more voices – including dissenting voices – to the table has undoubtedly contributed to a more thoughtful, responsive, and successful vaccination strategic plan. It is my hope that the success of this task force will serve as model for handling statewide emergencies and other significant government undertakings moving forward. The progress of the task force model clearly demonstrates that we can respond to a crisis in real-time, and improve outcomes, when the Governor and General Assembly work together. This is how government can and should work. Read my full op-ed here. Senate Acts to Put the Brakes on PennDOT’s Bridge Tolling Plan
The Senate approved a plan this week to reform the Public-Private Transportation Partnership (P3) statute and to void the PennDOT Pathways Major Bridge P3 Initiative. On November 12, 2020, the P3 Board, under PennDOT’s jurisdiction, supported an ambiguous proposal to impose user fees or tolls on major bridges throughout the interstate system. This was the first time in the P3 Board’s history to consider a proposal with user fees. The reform legislation will:
Senate Approves Legislation Permitting Essential Family Caregiver Nursing Home Visits During Emergencies
The Senate approved legislation to allow a family member or other designated person to visit and care for a long-term care facility resident during a disaster emergency involving a communicable disease. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many residents of such facilities have been denied the ability to see and receive care from their loved ones, causing traumatic distress. The legislation allows long-term care facilities to designate Essential Family Caregivers for regular visits. A participating facility must follow necessary health precautions outlined by federal and state governments. Pro-Small Business Bill Advanced Out of Committee to Address Major Regulatory Challenges
Legislation that would overhaul the state’s regulatory process received the approval of the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee earlier this week. The bill is part of the Prioritize Pennsylvania: Small Businesses initiative I am sponsoring with Senators Camera Bartolotta, Kristin Phillips-Hill, and Judy Ward, and would remove bureaucratic red tape, increase transparency, and provide for greater legislative input and oversight into the state’s regulatory process. As we rebuild our small business community after the devastating blow it suffered from the pandemic, cutting red tape will be a critical component of that restoration effort. This comprehensive regulatory reform legislation will the clear the way for small business owners to focus on what really matters – managing and growing their business. You can learn more about the Prioritize Pennsylvania: Small Businesses initiative on my dedicated webpage at https://www.senatoraument.com/prioritize-pa. Senate Passes Plan to Establish a New Funding Stream for Pediatric Cancer Research
More than $100 million in private donations over the next 10 years could be raised to support childhood cancer research under a bill passed by the Senate. The legislation establishes a tax credit program for qualifying donations to a Pennsylvania pediatric cancer research hospital. The program would be capped at $10 million per year over the next 10 years. More children die from cancer than any other disease and currently, only 4 percent of National Cancer Institute research dollars are spent on pediatric cancer. Since 1975, pediatric cancer incidence rates have increased every year. Senate Approves Program to Train Next Generation of PA Firefighters
The Senate approved creation of a pilot program to train high school students interested in firefighting and help alleviate the pressing need for volunteer firefighters in Pennsylvania. According to the bipartisan SR 6 report on the serious problems facing volunteer fire companies, Pennsylvania is experiencing a severe shortage of volunteer firefighters. The current number of volunteers is down to less than 15 percent of the number in the 1970s. The legislation creates a pilot program for Pennsylvania community colleges and universities to give interested high school students training in firefighting. The goal is to demonstrate that students receiving training will show an interest in becoming the next generation of firefighters. The bill requires a follow-up study to measure the program’s success. Honoring Veterans of Persian Gulf War and Global War on Terrorism
Two new designations could honor veterans of the Persian Gulf War and the Global War on Terrorism under legislation recently approved by the Senate. The bill would designate March 6 as Persian Gulf War Veterans Day and October 7 as Global War on Terrorism Veterans Day. Under the bill, the governor would be required to encourage schools to observe the contributions of veterans in these conflicts. However, the observations would not be mandatory for schools. ICYMI: Senator Aument Hosts Facebook Live Town Hall
Earlier this week, I hosted a Facebook Live Town Hall event where I answered questions and gathered feedback from community residents on a variety of issues, including the ballot questions for the May primary election, restoring economic competitiveness in Pennsylvania, vaccination issues, redistricting, and more. For those who were unable to tune in to the discussion live, a video recording from the event is included above. Additionally, you can submit written comments to me regarding any state-related issue which is important to you here. Monday is the Deadline to Register for May 18 Primary Election
Monday, May 3 is the last day to register to vote in the May 18 primary election. You can register to vote online, by mail or at several government agencies. Other Key Dates: May 11, 5 p.m. – Applications for a mail-in or absentee ballot must be received by your county election board. May 18, 8 p.m. – Voted ballots must be received by your county election office. Friday is the Final Day to Submit Comments on 2020 General Election
Friday is the final day for Pennsylvanians to share their experience from last year’s election with the Senate Special Committee on Election Integrity and Reform. The surveys seek input from Pennsylvanians who voted by mail or in person in 2020. The committee is expected to use the survey responses and testimony gathered during its series of public hearings to produce a report with recommendations that will be presented to the General Assembly. |
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