Senator Laughlin E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Honoring Sister Mary Miller
  • Visit to Brozko Inc.
  • Senate Approves Bill to Boost PA Youth Hunting and Fishing
  • Stopping Mobile Device Carriers from Misleading Consumers
  • Free Hotline to Support New Parents
  • Honoring Law Enforcement Officers
  • Early Detection of Breast Cancer Saves Lives

Honoring Sister Mary Miller

Earlier this week, local officials and community members honored a remarkable life dedicated to serving others as E. 11th St. from German to Holland was officially renamed Mary Miller Way.

This tribute recognizes the late Sister Mary Miller, who led Erie’s Emmaus Ministries for over 40 years, enhancing our community with vital services like a food pantry and Kids Café. Sister Mary’s enduring legacy of compassion and commitment inspires us all.

Visit to Brozko Inc.

I recently had the chance to visit Brozko Inc.’s facility in Erie, and it was an amazing experience.

Since their establishment in 2021, they have experienced significant growth and now provide custom railings to 48 states. It’s fantastic to see a local business from Erie thriving and expanding its reach across the country.

I always make it a point to listen to the business owners in my district. I gained valuable insights on how we can improve the business environment in Pennsylvania. I’ve learned that it’s essential to get out there and speak with the hardworking individuals on the front lines to truly grasp the situation.

Senate Approves Bill to Boost PA Youth Hunting and Fishing

The Senate unanimously approved legislation to create a new license plate for Pennsylvania sportsmen with proceeds used to fund youth hunting and fishing education. 

The Pennsylvania Sportsman registration plate would celebrate those who hunt and fish. Under Senate Bill 916, the plate would be designed by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, in consultation with the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

The Pennsylvania Sportsman plate would cost $40 plus the registration fee, of which $14 would be deposited into a Youth Hunting and Fishing Restricted Account to be allocated equally to the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission for the purpose of promoting youth hunting and fishing activities.

Stopping Major Mobile Device Carriers from Misleading Consumers

Pennsylvania reached a $10.25 million settlement with several major mobile device service carriers regarding deceptive advertising practices, including supposed “unlimited” data plans and “free” phones.

The settlement with AT&T, Verizon Wireless, Cricket and T-Mobile requires the carriers to disclose all attached fees and agreements, train customer service staff accordingly, and be truthful in future advertising.

The terms of the settlements address misrepresentations in advertisements concerning “unlimited” data advertisements, “free” phone offers, monetary incentives to switch wireless networks and wireless carrier plan comparisons. They will be able to claim that a consumer will save money by purchasing its products or services only when it’s reasonable based on comparisons with the prices of comparable goods and services of other providers.

Free Hotline to Support New Parents

While we celebrated mothers last week, they need our support more than simply on Mother’s Day – particularly when they recently had a baby and are much more prone to feeling depressed, anxious and overwhelmed.

The National Maternal Mental Health Hotline is free, confidential and available 24/7. Trained counselors can listen to what callers and texters are going through, connect them with local support groups and organizations, and refer them to other health care professionals if they need more care.

Call or text 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262). Partners and other family members may also use the hotline as pregnancy and the birth of a baby can affect the whole family.

Honoring Law Enforcement Officers

From May 12-18, we celebrate National Police Week by honoring fallen officers and recognizing the significant role law enforcement officers play in keeping our communities safe, a top priority for Senate Republicans.

In support of that initiative, we have recently passed multiple laws to aid the men and women who work so hard to protect us. Act 34 of 2023 funded an additional 100 Pennsylvania State Police troopers to help make our communities safer. Act 10 of 2023 gave municipal police the authority to conduct fingerprint-based criminal history checks on police applicants to ensure we accept and train qualified individuals.

According to the Fraternal Order of Police, 25 officers were shot and five died in the line of duty in Pennsylvania in 2023.

Early Detection of Breast Cancer Saves Lives

When diagnosed early, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is higher than 90%. Of course, a missed mammogram could mean the delayed diagnosis of breast cancer.

If you are high risk, don’t let the cost of screening deter you. Through Act 1 of 2023, Senate Republicans eliminated costs for breast MRIs, breast ultrasounds, and BRCA-related genetic testing and counseling.

This #MammoMay, I’m reminding the important women in my life to schedule their yearly mammograms, and you should, too. Early detection saves lives.

Joining me in the picture above is my legislative director Dawn Fidler and my executive assistant Mily Maiden.

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