|
||
|
In this Update:
Investing in Clean Water for Erie
This week, I toured the Richard S. Wasielewski Water Treatment Plant, a fascinating facility that plays a vital role in keeping our community healthy. Thanks to recent multi-million-dollar upgrades, the plant now processes upwards of 30 million gallons of water each day using some of the most advanced filtration methods available to deliver safe, clean water from Lake Erie. Erie Water Works also maintains more than 784 miles of pipe and is working aggressively to remove all remaining lead service lines throughout the city. This commitment represents a critical investment in both public health and our community’s future. Iron Works Square Taking Shape
I toured the ongoing construction at the former EMI building, soon to be Iron Works Square. It’s exciting to see the progress on transforming what was once a thriving industrial facility turned eyesore into a development that will bring new opportunities, businesses, and energy to downtown Erie. Projects like this are helping to strengthen our community and pave the way for future growth. Supporting Erie County Farmers
One of my staff members recently attended this year’s Erie County Farm Bureau Summer Legislative Tour at Clover Hill Farms in North East. During the tour, we had the opportunity to discuss important legislation and share ideas to help our local agriculture industry grow, thrive, and remain a vital part of our community. Pennsylvania farmers work tirelessly to provide food, create jobs, and support our local economy. I’m proud to support them and to stay engaged with the issues and opportunities that help strengthen our farming community for generations to come. America250PA Supports Erie Children’s Museum
This week, America250PA presented a check to the Erie Children’s Museum to help expand its hands-on learning programs that inspire creativity and curiosity in children across our region. The museum has been a vital resource for families, providing opportunities for kids to learn through play in a fun and engaging environment. I’m happy to support this investment in our community and grateful to America250PA for recognizing the importance of organizations like the Children’s Museum as we prepare to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary in 2026. Improving Public Safety
Public safety is one of my top priorities, and the Senate has taken many important steps this year. We passed new laws closing a legal loophole to require sports officials and nonprofit volunteers and employees convicted of sexual assault to register as sexual offenders, and improving the enforcement of Protection from Abuse petitions. To boost fire protection, we enacted measures targeting Pennsylvania’s volunteer firefighter shortage, fixing issues with emergency services funding and making it less cumbersome for firefighters to obtain their certification. Legislation passed by the Senate and awaiting action in the House of Representatives includes a bill prohibiting non-monetary bail for the most dangerous individuals and cracking down on thieves using new technology to steal vehicles by spoofing key fobs. I’ll keep working hard to make our communities safe. You can review other measures we passed to increase public safety and address other subjects here. Senate Acts to Help Charitable Organizations Raise Funds
More Pennsylvanians are using cashless payments for transactions, so we approved legislation to allow charitable organizations to accept electronic payments, such as credit cards and Venmo, to raise funds. Senate Bill 416 would allow nonprofits such as volunteer fire companies, youth sports leagues, churches and veterans’ groups to accept electronic payments for raffle tickets. Under current law, nonprofits are limited to accepting only cash or checks for these transactions, which has made it harder to raise funds in today’s increasingly cashless society. The legislation also adds safeguards to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of digital payment methods. Organizations must still comply with the Small Games of Chance Act. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Social Media Safety and Parental Awareness Week in Pennsylvania
It’s Social Media Safety and Parental Awareness Week in Pennsylvania – the first initiative of its kind in the U.S. A Senate resolution would address the alarming rise in online child exploitation and help schools, parents and community leaders promote education and prevention of internet dangers to children. Some resources include:
The resolution builds on recent legislative efforts to protect children from threats online. Act 125 of 2024 criminalized the creation and distribution of an intimate or sexual deepfake of a person and classified explicit deepfakes of minors as child sexual abuse material. Act 35 of 2025 classified digital impersonation and deepfakes as a form of criminal forgery giving law enforcement new tools to combat online abuse. Summer Boating Safety: Life Jackets Save Lives
Boating is a popular pastime across Pennsylvania, particularly in the summer. While it comes with some risk, there is one step we can take to help keep the danger away from the fun. Approximately 80% of boating fatalities happen to boaters who are not wearing a life jacket. Under state law, all boats must have a regulation life jacket on board for each person. Children ages 12 and younger must wear a life jacket in all canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and boats 20 feet long. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission lists detailed information about proper use of life jackets, and what state law requires, to help you enjoy the waterways safely. August is Back to School Month
As we head into the late stretch of summer, children and parents across our area are preparing for the return to school. It’s a time filled with lots of excitement and more than a little nervousness. Please keep an eye out for more child pedestrians along the roads, particularly around bus stops. Here’s to a new year of learning and making memories!
If you are not already subscribed to this newsletter please sign up here. |
||
|
||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://www.senatorlaughlin.com | Privacy Policy |
