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In this Update

• Local Scouts Earn Rank of Eagle Scout
• Public Comments Due Monday on Gov. Shapiro’s Overreaching Regulations
• Key Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Still Awaits House Action
• Let Students Know It’s Safe2Say Something
• “See Tracks? Think Train” Week Promotes Rail Safety
• Homeland Security Grant Webinar Oct. 15

Local Scouts Earn Rank of Eagle Scout

From left, Sen. Hutchinson, Jackson Jungling, Josh Rennick, Rep. Mustello, and Commissioner Osche.

From left, Rep. Mustello, Dominic Cancilla, and Sen. Hutchinson.

It was a pleasure to join Representative Marci Mustello and Butler County Commissioner Leslie Osche at the Court of Honor Ceremony recognizing Troop 53 Scouts Josh Rennick and Jackson Jungling for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout.

For his Eagle Scout project, Jackson, son of David and Melissa Jungling, installed a permanent Keystone-shaped memorial at Pennsylvania State Police Troop D headquarters. Josh, son of Dave and Cassi Rennick, planted a memorial garden and installed two benches at Nixon United Methodist Church.

Later that day, I was pleased to again join Representative Mustello for an Eagle Scout Court of Honor recognizing the achievements of Troop 19 Scout Dominic Cancilla, son of Leo and Jessica Cancilla. For his Eagle Scout project, Dominic completed work along the North Country Trail, improving a two-mile stretch impacted by water drainage issues.

Congratulations to Josh, Jackson, and Dominic on this outstanding achievement and for their service to our community!

Public Comments Due Monday on Gov. Shapiro’s Overreaching Regulations

Gov. Shapiro and the Department of Health recently proposed sweeping new regulations that would vastly expand state government’s power over the lives of Pennsylvanians. This includes expanding the government’s authority to enter private residences and schools without a warrant, access private citizens’ health information, speak with children without parental consent, enforce mask mandates and much more.

Many of these regulations mirror the failed policies of the Wolf Administration during COVID. Like the Executive Branch’s heavy-handed response during the pandemic, this Administration is now attempting to push through these Department of Health changes through the regulatory process – completely bypassing the General Assembly.

More details about what these regulations could mean for Pennsylvanians are available here.

I encourage all citizens to submit public comments on the regulations to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission before the public comment period ends this coming Monday, Sept. 21. Full instructions for submitting comments are available at the commission’s online comment page.

Key Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Still Awaits House Action 

Property owners scored a key victory this legislative session when the Senate approved a measure to protect and financially compensate them if targeted by eminent domain abuse. However, the bill has languished in the House of Representatives for more than a year.  

Senate Bill 225 would ensure business owners and farmers whose properties are seized through eminent domain are compensated for loss of “goodwill,” which goes beyond the assessed value. For farms, the land may possess characteristics that make it particularly special, such as fertile soil. In the case of another business, goodwill may be the location, access to utilities and other factors. 

This bill received unanimous support in the Senate and there’s no reason for the House not to act. Read more about this bill and federal efforts to end eminent domain abuse here.

Let Students Know It’s Safe2Say Something

As students settle in for the new school year, they should know about a resource available if they’re concerned about the wellbeing of themselves or others.

Authorized by the General Assembly, Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” before it is too late.

Students can report concerns by phone at 844-723-2729, by emailing info@safe2saypa.org or on the Safe2Say website, where they can also download the Safe2Say Something app.

Homeland Security Grant Webinar Oct. 15

When a crisis strikes, faith-based communities are often among the first places people turn for help, hope and support.

Houses of worship, nonprofits, schools and community organizations can learn how to play a vital role before, during and after a crisis via a free Pennsylvania Department of Homeland Security webinar Oct. 15.

Participants will gain practical tools and resources to help their organization respond with compassion, coordination and confidence. Learn more at the webinar registration page.

“See Tracks? Think Train” Week Promotes Rail Safety

Pennsylvania recorded 56 collisions at rail grade crossings last year, resulting in three fatalities and 24 injuries. There were also 34 deaths and 15 injuries involving people trespassing on rail property. Nationwide, a person or vehicle is struck by a train roughly every three hours.

Railroad tracks are private property and should never be used as a walking path, shortcut or setting for photographs. Drivers and pedestrians should always expect a train, cross only at designated crossings and obey warning lights and crossing gates.

“See Tracks? Think Train” Week Sept. 21-27 aims to raise awareness of the danger, reduce collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and discourage trespassing on or near railroad tracks. You can find more rail safety information here.