This week, the House protected consumers by requiring the disclosure of flood-related risks during the homebuying process (HB 1704). We voted to require companies that collect personal information electronically to take steps to safeguard that data from breaches (HB 997). We established the Landslide and Sinkhole Insurance Program (HB 589). We also voted to provide consumers with rights that require businesses to protect privacy and limit the collection of personal data (HB 78).
You can see how the House voted on all bills here.
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A NEW VEHICLE SERVING OUR REGION
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For the first time in a long time, West County Paramedic Association has three matching ambulances.
Keep your eyes peeled for the new 110!
I’m so thankful we worked with West County and Platea Borough to help secure a grant that fully funded this vehicle. Keeping people safe and serving our community is what public service is all about.
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CELEBRATING A NEW LOCAL BUSINESS
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Today, my team welcomed a new neighbor and local business Relaxapy to Peninsula Plaza, which is also the home of my district office in Millcreek Township. My chief of staff, P.J. Monella, joined business and community leaders for the grand opening of the salt cave, a business that offers salt therapy sessions, or halotherapy. Stress relief, improved breathing, and healthier skin are among the reasons many people turn to salt therapy.
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SORTING FACT FROM FICTION
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Unfortunately, last week we heard most from the people who know the least about autism and acetaminophen (and its brand name, Tylenol). State lawmakers wanted to hear the truth, so we went directly to experts who detailed the mistakes, conspiracy theories, and junk science being promoted by the White House and the federal government.
This week’s Policy Committee hearing featured medical professionals who slammed the White House for declaring a supposed link between acetaminophen and autism.
The committee heard from the University of Pennsylvania’s Dr. David Mandell, a professor of psychiatry; Pennsylvania Western University California’s Dr. Reuben Brock, a professor of psychology who has autism; and Dr. Eric Feigl-Ding, an epidemiologist and Director of Public Health at New England Complex Systems Institute. Each testified on the misinformation floated by the federal government.
The committee was joined by Speaker of the House Rep. Joanna McClinton, while former Speaker of the House Denny O’Brien, a Republican and vocal advocate for services for people with autism, sat in the audience to hear the experts.
Dr. Mandell called last week’s White House announcements “a reckless pronouncement without meaningful evidence that acetaminophen causes autism and lupus, or that folinic acid can cure it.” He also described the federal government's source as “a poor review of the literature that a college freshman would not receive a good grade on.”
Dr. Ding highlighted that the federal government disregarded the gold-standard research on more than 2.5 million people, which shows no link between autism and acetaminophen. He also explained the real danger in the White House proclamation: Pregnant women refusing acetaminophen to control a fever could face increased risks of birth defects and miscarriage. He also detailed the medical risks associated with pregnant women using acetylsalicylic acid and its brand name Aspirin (high dosages are not recommended) as well as ibuprofen.
Watch the full hearing here.
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POLICY COMMITTEE CONTINUES FACT-FINDING WORK
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The Policy Committee hosted three events over the past eight days. This week also marked the eighth consecutive week of hearings. During our last three hearings, we heard updates on workforce development, technology that is vital for the disability community, and health care concerns. So far this year, the committee has held 42 hearings across 32 ZIP codes in 13 counties, and we expect to host more than 100 hearings this session — our typical workload.
As a member of the House Majority Leadership team, I serve as Chairman of the House Majority Policy Committee. We travel the state, exploring issues and talking to members of the community, workers, advocates and experts on a variety of topics. We examine issues to see if there is a legislative solution to improving lives across the commonwealth.
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Members of the public are encouraged to provide input on the future of the former Erie Coke property. You can join the Future Concepts Open House from 4 to 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 8, at the Port Authority office, 1 Holland Street.
For more information about the history of this important waterfront property and ongoing efforts, please visit www.porterie.org/eriecoke.
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CELEBRATING OUR NEIGHBORS
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Last month, we had a great night at the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership’s Spirit of Erie Awards, celebrating the visionaries, leaders, and community builders who make our region stronger every single day. Erie thrives because of people who put service above self, and it’s inspiring to see their dedication recognized.
Congratulations to all the honorees—your impact reaches far beyond today, and our community is stronger because of you. A special congratulations to Tim NeCastro, a true pillar and friend of our community.
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I had a great conversation today with members of the United Auto Workers (UAW) and the men and women who build Mack Trucks in the Lehigh Valley about their legislative priorities, and how we can continue fighting for working families here in Pennsylvania!
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If you need assistance with state programs, my office can help!
Last year, we:
- helped 1,200+ people apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program,
- resolved 4,500+ issues with PennDOT, and
- completed 38,000+ items of casework.
Trust the professionals! Bring your issues to my team, we can help.
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READY TO HELP YOU GET YOUR REBATE
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My office helped more than 1,200 people receive their Property Tax & Rent Rebate last year. This state program helps older Pennsylvanians, widows, widowers and people with disabilities recover a portion of what they paid in property taxes or rent during the previous year. Contact us if you have questions or need help applying. Please remember, no appointments are necessary, if you need assistance stop by or contact us!
My office in Millcreek Township is located in Peninsula Plaza at 1101 Peninsula Drive, Suite 213, Erie, PA 16505. We are open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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MY TEAM IS IN FAIRVIEW EVERY WEDNESDAY
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I wanted to remind folks that my team and I hold Wednesday office hours from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Fairview Township Building, 7471 McCray Road, Fairview, PA 16415.
The cornerstone of my office is service to you, our neighbors. By holding office hours at the township, we're making it easier for folks to reach us, so we can help them.
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MONTHLY VETERANS SERVICE PROGRAM
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On the third Thursday of each month, my team and I are proud to host a Veterans Service Officer from the VFW to be available to members of our community.
I am happy to help provide this assistance to our area veterans, who have sacrificed so much for our nation. The next appointments will be:
- Thursday, Oct. 16
- 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- 1101 Peninsula Drive
- Reserve a spot: 814-835-2880
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MULTIPLE WAYS WE CAN HELP
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Do you or does someone you know need help accessing state programs or services? Have a question about a state program or law and don’t know where to go? My team and I stand ready to help on a range of issues, including:
- Unemployment or the PUA system.
- FREE notary (excludes title transfers).
- Property Tax/Rent Rebates for seniors.
- Voter registration and vote by mail.
- Problems with the Department of Human Services (food stamps, medical and income assistance).
- Car registrations, special tags, handicap placards, titles and driver’s license applications.
- Information on financial assistance for higher education.
- Obtaining and completing state forms of all kinds.
- Birth and death certificates.
- Pennsylvania income tax questions or problems.
- Complaints or questions about utilities and the Public Utility Commission.
- Complaints and problems with insurance companies.
- Renewal of state-issued licenses or certifications.
- Problems or questions about the state lottery.
- PACE cards for senior citizens.
- Consumer complaints.
For help, or to speak with me or a staff member about an issue, please don't hesitate to contact my office.
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MY TEAM & I CAN HELP YOU!
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Helping people apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and all the PennDOT services they need are just two of the ways my team and I serve the community. We help thousands of people each year. We can help you fill out the forms you need and get them to Harrisburg for FREE.
If you have any state government-related questions, stop by and let us help you.
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SUBMIT REQUESTS ONLINE OR IN PERSON
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My team and I are always working for you! My Millcreek office at 1101 Peninsula Drive, Suite 213, Erie is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can also call 814-835-2880 or email RepBizzarro@pahouse.net if you need help with state government concerns.
Have questions outside of office hours? We have an online form – the Community Help Center – so that you can submit your request(s) for help with state-related programs and services 24/7. This form is available by clicking below or visiting my website – www.repbizzarro.com.
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Rep. Bizzarro's Erie District Office
Monday through Friday | 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Peninsula Plaza
1101 Peninsula Dr. | Suite 213
Erie, PA 16505-4169
(814) 835-2880
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Fairview Satellite Office
Every Wednesday | 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fairview Township Building
7471 McCray Road
Fairview, PA 16415-2401
(814) 835-2880
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