This Week in Harrisburg

Key Issues Part of Budget Talks 

 The General Assembly is charged with developing a balanced budget in time for the start of the new fiscal year on July 1. This year, the process is proving to be challenging because we’re dealing with an estimated budget shortfall estimated at $1.5 billion created by tax revenue collections that have been less than anticipated. 

 With a constitutional mandate of ensuring each state budget is balanced, a number of avenues for closing the budget gap are being considered, including cuts in spending, privatization of the state-owned liquor stores and public pension reform. For further budget updates, please visit RepSimmons.com. 
  
Legislators Have No Choice but to Get Alcohol Reform Right 

 I’ve written an editorial on the need to privatize liquor sales in Pennsylvania and how it would help to balance the budget. You can read it here. 
 
Preventing Teen Suicide and Child Exploitation 

 This week, the House unanimously passed another bill aimed at protecting our children. House Bill 1559 requires all middle and high schools to adopt policies and curriculum to help educators and students alike recognize the signs of suicidal behavior and subsequently prevent youth suicide.

  The legislation also gives the authority to the Pennsylvania Department of Education to develop model curriculum to raise awareness of child exploitation and advocate for its prevention. The bill needs only the governor’s signature to become law. 
   
Fee Increase Will Help to Protect Children

 The cost of acquiring a duplicate birth certificate will increase from $10 to $20 on July 1. The new money will be used to help fund child advocacy centers across the state and programs to train “mandated reporters,” who are people that must report child abuse under Pennsylvania law. 

  Please contact my district office in Coopersburg for assistance in filling out the birth certificate application.
  
Bill Focuses on Preventing Lyme Disease

  This week, the House adopted legislation that establishes a task force to develop a comprehensive approach for combatting Lyme disease by providing greater education, health care information and treatment options to the public. Senate Bill 177 needs only the governor’s signature to become law.

  Pennsylvania has the highest incidences of Lyme disease nationally. Experts say it is quickly becoming a public health epidemic with roughly 4,000 cases reported annually. 
  
Get Your Hunting License

 It’s time to get your 2014-15 hunting license, and there are some minor changes of which you may need to be aware. A Resident Adult Hunting License (age 17-64) costs $20.70. Learn more here.