This Week in Harrisburg

I am pleased to report that House Bill 20, my legislation to increase the penalties for concealing the death of a child, was unanimously approved by the House this week. A companion bill was also approved. House Bill 494 would create the offense of failing to report the disappearance of a child within 24 hours. 

Together, the two bills are known as ‘Caylee’s Law’ and are in response to the high-profile Caylee Anthony case in Florida several years ago in which the child’s mother did not report she was missing for nearly a month. Both measures now head to the Senate for consideration. Learn more. 
 
In other action this week, the House unanimously passed legislation which will reduce state debt and save millions for taxpayers. House Bill 493 immediately reduces the Commonwealth’s debt limit by $600 million. The measure also requires greater efficiency, accountability and transparency in the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Projects grant program (RACP), while continuing to promote job creation initiatives. Unlike the dysfunction currently taking place in Washington, D.C., we are showing in Pennsylvania that we can work together to responsibly manage taxpayer dollars. Learn more. 
  
Legislation was also signed into law this week that extends the popular Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) through 2015. CHIP provides health insurance coverage for routine doctor visits, prescriptions, dental, eye care and much more to about 188,000 uninsured young people in Pennsylvania. Learn more. 
   
You can get rid of any unwanted medications on Saturday, Oct. 26, otherwise known as National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day. The goal of the initiative is to provide a safe, convenient, and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs, while also educating the public about the dangers of medication abuse. Learn more here, including disposal sites near you. 
 
Here’s a list of when communities in our area will be celebrating Halloween: 

Allentown – Friday, Oct. 25, 6-8 p.m.
Coopersburg – Friday, Oct. 25, 6-8 p.m.
East Greenville – Thursday, Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
Emmaus – Thursday, Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
Lower Milford – Friday, Oct. 25, 6-8 p.m.
Lower Saucon – Friday, Oct. 25, 6-8 p.m.
Pennsburg – Thursday, Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
Red Hill – Thursday, Oct. 31, 6-9 p.m.
Salisbury – Friday, Oct. 25, 6-8 p.m.
Upper Hanover – Thursday, Oct. 31, 6-9 p.m.
Upper Milford – Thursday, Oct. 31, 6-8 p.m.
Upper Saucon – Friday, Oct. 25, 6-8 p.m.