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In this Update:
Measure Introduced to Require Prosecutors to Notify ICE of Illegal Migrants Violating State Law
Prosecutors across Pennsylvania would be required to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) whenever illegal migrants are charged with violating state law, under legislation, Senate Bill 1127, that Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) and I have introduced. Illegal immigration and its impacts are a major issue for most Americans, yet the laws of Pennsylvania are such that, currently, violations of state law by illegal immigrants are not required to be reported to ICE. Earlier this year, two NYPD officers were assaulted in broad daylight by illegal migrants. Several of the offenders had been previously arrested but not reported to ICE and were released back on the streets. The shocking crime prompted New York City Mayor Eric Adams to call for ICE to be informed when illegal migrants have been charged with violations of state law. Only a few weeks ago, Laken Hope Riley, a 22-year-old student at Augusta University in Georgia, was brutally murdered by an illegal migrant with multiple previous arrests by various law enforcement across the country. Unfortunately, this murder isn’t an isolated incident nationally, with U.S. Customs and Border Protection data showing hundreds of homicides and thousands of other serious crimes committed by illegal migrants – some of whom were already facing criminal charges or had previous convictions – during just the past three years. This is unconscionable and must be remedied. Any crime committed by an illegal immigrant is a preventable crime. It’s common sense that we uphold the rule of law and alert federal officials so they can remove from our country illegal immigrants who threaten the safety of our communities and pose a danger to every law-abiding Pennsylvanian by their violation of the laws of our commonwealth. Policy Hearing Next Week
The Senate Majority Policy Committee will be holding a public hearing about innovation and emerging technology in Pennsylvania on Thursday, April 11, at the Montgomery County Community College (Pottstown Campus), Room 202, North Hall Building, Pottstown, PA 19464. The committee will hear from various technology experts and industry leaders regarding the significant innovation assets opportunity in Pennsylvania and examine how innovation industries are vitally important to regional and statewide economies. For those attending the hearing, parking is available in Lot 2, accessed via College Drive. Last September, the committee met in Pittsburgh for a similar hearing which identified the substantial role innovative life science and technological companies play in Pennsylvania’s economy. At that time, the testimony suggested public funding and lower taxes as ways to support the continued growth of these companies. Local Spotlight – Warner Theatre
Nestled in the heart of downtown Erie, the Warner Theatre is a testament to the lavish Art Deco era, opening its doors on April 10, 1931. Designed by the acclaimed Rapp and Rapp, it was initially built as a movie palace by Warner Bros., setting the stage for both films and live performances with unparalleled elegance. From its intricate plasterwork and majestic lobby to the auditorium adorned with stunning murals, the Warner Theatre transports visitors back to the opulence of the early 20th century. Over the years, it has embraced various roles – from a movie haven to a vibrant venue for concerts, Broadway shows, and cultural events, continually adapting while preserving its historic charm. As a proud National Register of Historic Places member, the Warner Theatre is more than just a building; it’s a piece of Erie’s cultural heartbeat, celebrating the community’s dedication to the arts and heritage. Court Ruling Helps to Safeguard Elections
The safeguarding of elections in Pennsylvania was boosted by the Third Circuit Court’s recent ruling upholding current Pennsylvania law, requiring voters to date a mail-in ballot for it to be accepted. Many voters, election officials and good government advocates feel preserving election integrity must be a priority. The first step toward that goal is upholding laws that are already in place. While this may seem obvious, in recent elections some counties accepted and counted undated ballots – despite the state law prohibiting that action. Applying the election law uniformly across all 67 counties is a significant step forward in the effort to protect the integrity of our electoral process. Senate Republicans will continue to work to protect Pennsylvanians’ constitutional right to free and fair elections. Survey: How Did PennDOT Do This Winter?
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is offering a short survey so motorists can offer their feedback on the winter services PennDOT provided. By filling out the short survey, you will have the opportunity to share your thoughts about where you get information about road conditions, how soon you can expect roads to be safe to travel following a winter storm event and what features you would find useful from 511PA.com. There is also an opportunity to share additional comments. The survey can be completed anonymously. Destroy Spotted Lanternfly Eggs, Support PA Agriculture
Spotted lanternflies are an invasive pest that could damage the state’s grape and wine industries, as well as other types of agriculture. This time of year, Pennsylvanians can take an important step to control the spotted lanternfly population. While most adult spotted lanternflies have frozen to death, their eggs can survive over the winter. A single egg mass holds 30 to 50 eggs. The egg masses – which can commonly be found on trees, rocks and equipment stored outdoors – should be scraped into a bag of hand sanitizer. Learn what the egg masses look like during various stages and find more information about how to destroy them here. PA Broadband Development Authority Unveils New Website
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) launched a new website aimed at offering visitors a more intuitive experience. New features include a navigation panel for locating information; quick links to hot topic resources; real-time data on unserved/underserved locations, projects awarded and funding allocated; and resources that are specifically tailored for various audiences. Created by the General Assembly, the mission of the PBDA is to expand access to high-speed internet. The authority is accepting applications until April 20 from community anchor institutions and units of local government to fund community projects that enable public work, education and health monitoring. Mobile Van Connects Veterans with Important Services, Programs
Pennsylvania is home to more than 700,000 veterans and their family members. With such a significant veteran population, the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) works hard to connect veterans and their families with the services and programs available to them. One way the agency can meet and assist veterans in the communities they live is through one of its two mobile veterans outreach vans. They travel throughout the state to assist veterans in obtaining information and initiating benefit claim paperwork with the assistance of DMVA accredited veteran service officers. Request a van for a community event such as a sporting event, county fair, parade or festival. The form should be submitted six months but not less than 45 days prior to the event. Requests with less than a 30-day turnaround will be handled on a space available basis only. Honoring Sacrifice on Gold Star Spouses Day
Friday, April 5, is Gold Star Spouses Day – a day when we pause to reflect on the incredible loss felt by men and women who have lost their partners in the line of duty. It was first recognized in 2010 as Gold Star Wives Day. Later, it was updated to include any surviving spouse of any person of the United States military who died while a member of the armed forces of our country or who died after such service as a result of an injury or disability incurred during such service.
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