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| The Weekly Roundup
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| Friday, April 16, 2021 |
The latest news from the State Capitol
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2020 Election Update
While challenges to the conduct of the state’s Nov. 3 General Election continue to play out in the courts, the House and Senate are pledging to work quickly to restore public confidence in the process.
The three most pressing issues identified thus far based on a review of the election include the security of voting and manner in which votes are counted; the secretary of the Commonwealth’s management of the 2020 General Election; and the impact of the judiciary on the 2020 General Election and subsequent candidate legal challenges. The purpose of these actions is to ensure the chaos and confusion that surrounded this year’s election are not repeated and to make sure the 2021 primary election can run smoothly.
With regard to the November election, it is important to understand the Legislature does not certify election results; the Department of State and individual counties do. We do not have the authority to unilaterally seat our own presidential electors. Only the U.S. Congress can object to presidential electors. Finally, we as the Legislature cannot call members to a special session during the month of December; only the governor can do that, and he has not been willing to do so.
While the best venue for resolving issues with the November 2020 election is the court, please know we are committed to making the necessary reforms to ensure the election system is repaired and public trust is restored.
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Wolf Imposes New Restrictions as Increase in COVID-19 Cases Strains PA Hospitals
Gov. Wolf has once again shut down segments of our state’s economy. Until January 4th, gyms and health clubs will be shut down, as will all indoor dining and youth sports.
With COVID-19 cases rising steadily across the Commonwealth, many of the state’s hospitals have few if any ICU beds remaining to care for additional COVID-19 patients or those suffering with other types of medical emergencies. The spread of the virus is also leading to staffing shortages at some hospitals and health care facilities. These situations are a threat to the health and wellbeing of all Pennsylvanians.
You are encouraged to help limit the spread of the virus by practicing good hygiene, such as hand washing; wearing a mask or other type of face covering; and maintaining a safe distance of at least 6 feet from others. By slowing the spread of the virus, we can ensure our hospitals and health care systems aren’t further overwhelmed by COVID-19 patients.
While a COVID-19 vaccine is not yet available, Pennsylvanians are being encouraged to get a flu shot. Guidelines recommend anyone 6 months of age or older should get the vaccine each season. The steps you are taking to help protect against the spread of COVID-19 are also helpful in fighting the spread of the flu. In addition to masks, washing hands and social distancing, it’s helpful to disinfect commonly touched objects, such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, cell phones and computers.
Most importantly, if you are feeling sick, stay home and rest. It will help you recover and prevent spreading the illness to others. If your symptoms are developing into more serious complications, it is important to seek medical help.
More information about COVID-19 and the flu is available at www.health.pa.gov.
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New Law Supports Business, Environment
A new state law will allow streamlined permitting for new and advanced technology businesses, including advanced recycling operations.
Advanced recycling is an emerging industry that allows for the recycling of ALL plastics – many that are currently hard to recycle or aren’t recycled at all. Advanced recycling and recovery facilities can process post-use plastics into new plastics and chemicals, raw materials for manufacturing, and transportation fuels that have lower emissions than conventional fuels. Converting these resources into new materials and fuels complements existing mechanical recycling and reduces the amount of waste sent to landfills.
Act 127 of 2020 clarifies the classification of these new technologies as manufacturing, providing regulatory certainty as the post-use plastics and recycling industry grows.
The law will take effect in late January.
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Deadline Nears for Health Insurance Enrollment Through Pennie
Pennie, the state’s new health insurance marketplace, is approaching its first enrollment deadline. Tuesday, Dec. 15, is the last day for individuals and families to purchase health coverage to start January 2021. Current and potential customers are encouraged to select a plan by Dec. 15 to ensure continuous coverage.
The Pennie program was established after legislation I authored with Rep. Frank Dermody was signed into law. The state-based exchange has already shown a reduction in overall cost compared to the federal Affordable Care Act exchange.
Pennie allows customers to compare and shop for medical and dental insurance from participating insurers, who are required to offer qualified, comprehensive plans. Pennie is also the only source for financial assistance to help lower the cost of coverage and care. Nearly nine out of 10 of customers qualify for financial assistance.
Pennsylvanians interested in shopping for and purchasing health coverage through Pennie can go to pennie.com or call the customer service team at 1-844-844-8040. The call center is open from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and on Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. during open enrollment. Pennie-certified assisters are available to walk customers through the shopping and enrollment process and have been trained to assist both in-person or virtually. Pennsylvanians looking for plan recommendations and enrollment support can use one of the more than 2,500 Pennie-certified brokers who are professionally trained to work with customers one-on-one and can help narrow down their options.
Anyone who misses the Dec. 15 deadline can still apply for coverage through Pennie until Jan. 15, 2021. Coverage selected after Dec. 15 will begin Feb. 1, 2021.
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| Office Locations |
| 33G Friendly Drive, Quarryville, PA 17566 | Phone: (717) 284-1965 |
| 139 Main Capitol Building, House Box 202100, Harrisburg, PA 17120-2100 | Phone: (717) 783-6424 |
| TTY: 855-282-0614 |
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