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In this Update:
Municipal Police Pension Buyback Bill Advances in the House
On Wednesday, the House Local Government Committee advanced my legislation to provide a municipal police pension buyback option. Senate Bill 464 amends the Municipal Police Pension Law to authorize municipal and regional police departments to provide their officers the option to purchase up to five years of pension service credit for prior part-time or full-time police service at another department. This has been a top priority for me for several legislative sessions, recognizing that many officers begin their career as a young officer at one department but at some point in their career, move to a different department. Unfortunately, in doing so, they forfeit that prior service towards their pension and extend the time before they are able to retire from a very physically and mentally demanding job. A buyback option is both a benefit to our officers and a recruitment tool for our police departments as they continue to try to fill vacancies. Being able to recruit a trained, experienced officer saves time and money. Click here to watch my remarks and the discussion on the bill in the House Local Government Committee meeting. And here for my floor remarks when the bill passed the Senate. As of the writing of this e-newsletter, the bill continues to advance in the House of Representatives and is being positioned for a final vote. Vickie’s Angels Thanks Senator Regan for Work with Foundation
This week, an op-ed written by Mickey Minnich, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Vickie’s Angel Foundation, was published in the Gettysburg Times chronicling the work Mickey and I have done together to support this crucial cause and the friendship we have built. Vickie’s Angel Foundation operates out of my Senate district in New Cumberland. Mickey established the foundation in memory of his wife Vickie, who passed away after a five-month battle with cancer in 2003. Their goal is to eliminate financial worries for families fighting cancer by providing temporary assistance so that they can focus on beating the disease. This amazing foundation has helped so many people in their greatest times of need, which is why I became passionate about helping to secure funding in recent years in order for them to continue fulfilling their mission. I have been so impressed by Mickey’s personal dedication and that of his entirely volunteer-based organization, including individuals who themselves have been helped by Vickie’s Angel Foundation. And I am so grateful for Mickey’s kind words in his op-ed, which you can read here. Regan Presented Trail Tile by September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance
On Tuesday, I had the honor of meeting with board members from the September 11th National Memorial Trail Alliance, which oversees the 9/11 memorial trail that traverses across the Commonwealth and surrounding states covering approximately 1,500 miles including through the Flight 93 Memorial. During our meeting, Alliance President Jeffrey McCauley and members of the board presented me with a Trail Tile, which is now proudly displayed in my Harrisburg office. It has been my honor to work with the Alliance to secure grant funding, and most recently, I am working with Senator Devlin Robinson (37th District) and other Senate colleagues to garner additional funds necessary to ensure continued development of this project. Not only does the trail provide people a beautiful place to bike, run, or walk, while viewing the important sites, it is a way for everyone to remember the events of 9/11, the sacrifices that were made, the patriotism that was felt in the aftermath, and the way our country was forever changed. Regan Attends Warhorse Camp Hill Ribbon Cutting
This morning I attended the ribbon cutting ceremony for the grand opening of the powersports vehicle dealer Warhorse Camp Hill located on Hartzdale Drive. Be sure to check them out! Law and Justice Committee Convenes to Consider Multiple Bills
As Chairman of the Senate Law and Justice Committee I convened a meeting this week to consider the following bills:
Senate Republicans Continue Negotiations for Responsible State Budget
State budget negotiations are ongoing in Harrisburg, and we are encouraged by the dialogue between the Senate, House and governor. While it appears clear at this point that we will not have a full budget agreement which could be implemented by June 30, we are hopeful to reach a consensus very soon and avoid any negative impacts on the people of Pennsylvania. The Senate will return to session on Monday, July 1, at 3 p.m. Watch live. Senate Republicans continue to push for a spending plan that respects taxpayers, ensures existing resources are used wisely, and leads to economic and demographic growth in Pennsylvania. Since Gov. Josh Shapiro presented a budget plan in February that would increase overall spending by $3.2 billion, we have voiced the amount he wanted to spend is much higher than Senate Republicans believe is fiscally responsible. Learn more about the process of enacting the 2024-25 state budget and watch the Senate in session here. Set for Enactment: Senate Bill Expanding Access to Telemedicine Services
Legislation expanding access to telemedicine in Pennsylvania received final Senate approval and will be sent to the governor for enactment. Telemedicine allows individuals to access health care services online using a computer, tablet or smartphone. It allows medical services to be provided to some of the most vulnerable Pennsylvanians who otherwise would not be able to receive them due to location or other circumstances. Senate Bill 739 sets a base for how telemedicine will be covered by insurance companies and medical providers in Pennsylvania. The legislation requires:
Bill Giving Parents Flexibility with Their Children’s Education Passes Senate
To ensure children with autism, developmental delays or intellectual disabilities are better prepared to enter the classroom, the Senate passed a bill allowing parents or guardians to delay their children attending school for as long as one year. Senate Bill 1157 would allow them to request a waiver from the Department of Education to delay compulsory attendance when their child reaches the age of six if:
The bill would offer individualized learning and specialized approaches so children are able to develop the social and emotional skills necessary for future success. June is National Fireworks Safety Month
Independence Day is right around the corner, which means many of us will enjoy celebrations that include an American tradition: fireworks. Being aware of restrictions on consumer fireworks can help prevent injuries and property damage. They cannot be discharged within 150 feet of a building or vehicle, regardless of whether the building or vehicle is owned by the user of the consumer fireworks. Fireworks cannot be discharged while the person is under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or another drug. Read more about state restrictions, and check with your local municipality for applicable local ordinances.
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