Issue Position: Safe and Healthy Communities
Issue Position
OVERVIEW
We have an obligation to protect those who protect us -- our servicemen and women, veterans, and first responders. And we cannot forget their families, whose sacrifices make their service possible. We must also protect the most vulnerable members of our community: children, seniors, individuals with disabilities or illnesses, and animals.
I support the Second Amendment to the U.S. Constitution and Article I, Section 21 of the Pennsylvania Constitution and the rights of law-abiding citizens to keep and bear arms, defend themselves and their families, and enjoy the traditions of hunting and recreational shooting. I am a member of the Pennsylvania Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus, Harrisburg Hunters and Anglers, and the Duncannon Sportsmen's Association. In addition, upon taking office, I formed my own Sportsmen's Advisory Committee in order to engage in a continuous dialogue with constituents most interested in these issues.
I believe that all people of good will want to find a way to prevent violent crimes to the extent reasonably possible. To that end, I have concluded that I can be most effective by focusing on areas of common ground and common sense, such as keeping firearms out of the hands of criminals, the mentally ill, and unsupervised children.
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Member of Senate Education Committee; Autism Caucus; Cancer Caucus; Early Childhood Education Caucus; LGBT Equality Caucus; Military Installations and Base Development Caucus; Sportsmen's Caucus; and Women's Health Caucus
Passed law requiring Penn State's $60 million NCAA fine to be distributed to child protection organizations in PA (Act 1 of 2013)
Passed laws implementing recommendations of Child Protection Task Force formed after the Jerry Sandusky child sexual abuse scandal (Acts 4, 117, 118, & 119 of 2013; Acts 29, 33, 34, 44, & 176 of 2014)
Passed law protecting children from abduction during divorce and child custody proceedings (Act 5 of 2014)
Passed law extending protection from abuse orders to victims of sexual violence (Act 25 of 2014)
Passed law strengthening state efforts to combat human trafficking (Act 105 of 2014)
Passed law creating voluntary license for individuals who graduate with a bachelor's degree in social work (Act 179 of 2014)
Passed law requiring mammography facilities to notify women of benefits of supplemental breast cancer screenings due to breast density (Act 86 of 2013)
Passed law creating Prostate Cancer Task Force (Act 66 of 2015)
Passed law creating county grant program to prevent released offenders from relapsing to drug dependence after release from prison (Act 80 of 2015)
Passed law to protect utility line workers as emergency responders during disasters (Act 61 of 2015)
Passed law to protect highway workers and emergency personnel in work zones (Act 70 of 2015)
Passed law allowing use of volunteer firefighters' relief association funds for emergency medical service training (Act 65 of 2015)
Passed resolution requiring compilation of comprehensive listing of benefits and programs for active, Guard, and Reserve service members, veterans, and their families (SR 255 of 2015)
Passed law preserving and expanding Military Family Relief Assistance Program (Act 66 of 2014)
Passed law to strengthen Pennsylvania National Guard Educational Assistance Program (Act 82 of 2014)
Passed law requiring public housing authorities to give preference to veterans and families of active duty military (Act 188 of 2014)
Passed laws requiring state to comply with federal law regarding military leaves of absence for school employees (Acts 32 & 33 of 2013)
Passed law reducing the cost of prescription drugs for veterans residing in assisted living residences and personal care homes (Act 147 of 2014)
Passed law penalizing motorists who falsely claim to be a veteran on their driver's license application (Act 32 of 2015)
Passed law creating Combat Infantry Badge specialty license plate (Act 109 of 2014)
Passed laws creating a "Honoring Our Veterans" motorcycle license plate and directing fees to Veterans Trust Fund (Acts 17 & 18 of 2015)
Passed laws establishing free and reduced hunting and fishing licenses for disabled veterans (Acts 80 and 81 of 2014)
Passed law creating Adult Mentored Hunting Program through the Pennsylvania Game Commission (Act 7 of 2013)
Passed law protecting landowners from liability caused by hunters on their land (Act 83 of 2013)
Passed law removing antiquated requirement for Game Commission inspection of hunting camp rosters (Act 103 of 2013)
Passed resolution requiring Joint State Government Commission to study the underlying causes of mass shootings and other violent crimes (SR 6 of 2013)
Passed resolutions honoring deployed servicemen and women (SR 157 of 2015) and military spouses (SR 110 of 2105)
Passed resolution urging Congress to exempt National Guard military technicians from furloughs due to federal budget sequestration (SR 104 of 2013)
Passed resolution urging Congress to pass Caregivers Access and Responsible Expansion (CARE) for All Veterans Act (SR 254 of 2016)
Passed law to name bridge that carries eastbound US 22/US 322 over Interstate 81 in Susquehanna Township, Dauphin County, as Chief Warrant Officer 3 Matthew P. Ruffner Memorial Bridge (Act 103 of 2014)
Passed law to name the section of Route 849 in Newport, Perry County, as United States Navy Petty Officer 1st Class A. Louis "Lou" De Lancey Memorial Highway (Act 9 of 2016)
Passed law called "Rocco's Law," which increases penalties for murder and torture of police animals (Act 110 of 2014)
Co-sponsored bill to legalize medical marijuana in Pennsylvania for certain diseases under medical supervision
Introduced bill to create a state Office of Veterans Mental Health Awareness and also veterans treatment courts in every county
Introduced bill to assist veterans in their entrepreneurial endeavors
Introduced bill to create portability of professional licenses held by military spouses
Introduced bill to protect volunteer first responders from being penalized by their employers for taking time off to take a call
Introduced bill to protect children from online predators and to expand legal rights of victims of child sex abuse
Introduced bill to prevent distracted driving by banning the use of mobile handheld devices while driving
Introduced bill requiring the restoration of lifeguards at all state park beaches
Introduced bill to prohibit leaving pets in hot cars
Introduced bill to extend term of PA Cancer Control, Prevention & Research Act
Held legislative hearing on helping returning veterans make the transition to civilian life
Created Sportsmen/women's Advisory Committee and Veterans Advisory Committee to discuss issues of interest
Staffed district office with veterans service officer to provide direct assistance to veterans and their families
Provided student appointments and scholarships to Valley Forge Military Academy
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