Enews Updates - December 2, 2022

In this update:

Regan Greets Cedar Cliff Orchestra during Capitol Performance
New Senate District Map Now in Effect
Senate Takes Next Steps in Impeachment of Philadelphia District Attorney
PA Broadband Development Authority Unveils Statewide Plan
Training Available to Help Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and Their Families
Friday Deadline for Hemp Marketing and Promotion Grants

Regan Greets Cedar Cliff Orchestra during Capitol Performance

On Thursday, I had the pleasure of welcoming the Cedar Cliff High School Orchestra to the Capitol during their performance in the East Wing Rotunda. Led by conductor Morgan Hackett, these young, talented students from my alma mater were playing Christmas music for all to enjoy during this joyous season.

New Senate District Map Now in Effect

New boundaries for Senatorial Districts are now in effect after being redrawn as part of the redistricting process following the most recent census.

You can find a detailed map and list of municipalities for the new 31st Senatorial District here. I look forward to serving new and remaining constituents, as well as getting to know the new communities that are now part of the district.

Senate Takes Next Steps in Impeachment of Philadelphia District Attorney

The Senate this week took the next steps in the impeachment process of Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner following the House of Representatives’ 107-85 vote to impeach him after investigation of his conduct in fulfilling his duties.

As outlined by the Pennsylvania Constitution, the role of the Senate is to sit in judgement and review the evidence presented by the House. Following Senate action, a writ of summons will be issued to District Attorney Krasner requiring him to come before the Senate to answer to impeachment. He will be required to file an answer by Dec. 21 and ordered to appear before the Senate on Jan. 18 at 11:30 a.m.

PA Broadband Development Authority Unveils Statewide Plan

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority, created by the General Assembly last year, has released the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Statewide Broadband Plan to improve access to high-speed internet in underserved communities.

The plan focuses on infrastructure and availability, affordability, device and technology access, and digital literacy and technical support. The authority estimates there are 800,000 Pennsylvanians without broadband service. You can review the plan here.

In addition to planning, the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority is a single point-of-contact for federal broadband funding.

Training Available to Help Prevent Suicide Among Service Members, Veterans and Their Families

As part of ongoing efforts to prevent suicide among service members, veterans and their families, the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Office of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (OMHSAS) is offering Military Cultural Competency Training, provided by Psych Armor at no cost, to community partners, providers and others to support strategies related to their suicide prevention action plans.

Additional information about the training content can be found here, along with registration and information on accessing the training portal. These 15 trainings will be available through the portal through December 2025. OMHSAS has the ability to train 300 people on a first come, first serve basis.

I hope providers take advantage of these evidenced-based trainings to ensure this critical care is available to service members, veterans and military families.

Friday Deadline for Hemp Marketing and Promotion Grants

Nonprofit marketing and promotion organizations can submit funding proposals for projects aimed at increasing sales, export or consumer awareness of Pennsylvania hemp products. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture plans to award grants to reimburse up to half of project costs.

Hemp was once a staple of Pennsylvania’s farming economy and could provide an array of sustainable construction materials, fiber and food products.

The department will give special consideration to projects that leverage other funding and public-private partnerships. Eligible projects may include regional or national promotion.

Qualified nonprofits may apply for grants through the Department of Community and Economic Development online application system. The application period closes Friday at 5 p.m. Full grant guidelines can be found in the Oct. 15 issue of the Pennsylvania Bulletin.