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Community Corner

This Week in Harrisburg

House Bans Cash Gifts 

House leaders have imposed a ban on cash gifts in response to reports that four members accepted payments from a lobbyist assisting in an investigation by the attorney general’s office. In addition to the internal rule barring the practice, legislation is moving forward to clarify the ban in state law and to add strong penalties for anyone accepting cash gifts from lobbyists and other parties seeking influence. Under current law, cash gifts over $250 given to all elected officials, those seeking office and public employees must be reported to the state. 
   
Imposing More Jail Time for DUI Fatalities
 

A repeat DUI offender who kills someone in a traffic accident would face greater jail time under legislation approved by the House Judiciary Committee this week. House Bill 1733 would enhance the penalties from a second-degree felony to a first-degree felony, and lengthen the prison sentence from three to five years. Driving under the influence causes nearly 10,000 deaths and 350,000 injuries annually on our nation’s highways, yet people convicted of DUI often continue to do so. The bill now moves to the full House for consideration. 
   
Help Us Celebrate “Pretzel Day in PA”

An effort is underway in the House to celebrate the pretzel by declaring April 26 as “Pretzel Day” in Pennsylvania. To join in the celebration, we will be giving out free pretzels on Friday, April 25, at my district office. I invite you to stop by between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and enjoy a few of the salty snacks, which are big business in our Commonwealth. The office is located at 21 N. Main Street, Unit 9, in Coopersburg.  

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