This week I am proud to share with you that my bill eliminating out-of-pocket costs for imaging tests used as part of breast cancer diagnosis passed the House of Representatives by an overwhelming bipartisan vote of 198-5!

While most insurance policies provide free annual mammograms, many do not fully cover more advanced imaging tests ordered if a mammogram shows a suspicious area. I think it’s shameful and dangerous to ask people to carry the financial burden of these additional tests while they’re already facing the possibility of cancer. For some, needing to pay out-of-pocket fees could mean delaying their diagnosis and treatment, or worse, never being diagnosed and treated at all.

House Bill 433 would require all insurance policies available in Pennsylvania to cover the full cost of not only an annual mammogram, but any diagnostic imaging test your doctor orders for breast cancer, as well as those recommended for people who are at high risk of breast cancer. The bill is headed to the state Senate for consideration, and I am urging my peers there to get this bill to the governor’s desk.

Hear my remarks in the House chamber here:

Just prior to our voting session I got to speak about H.B. 433 to my peers and visiting advocates at a press conference organized for Cancer Action Day of the American Cancer Society’s Cancer Action Network. Thank you for allowing me to speak on the importance of access to care for all Pennsylvanians – we will not let cost stand in the way of care, and I will continue to fight for equity in care for the people of Delaware County and statewide.

Wednesday, I gathered with members of the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus in celebration of the Fourth Annual K. Leroy Irvis Days of Action. K. Leroy Irvis was elected to the House of Representatives in 1958, becoming the first Black Speaker of the House in 1977. His legacy inspires and motivates so many of us working toward Black representation in all levels of government, and I was moved to hear from this year’s speakers, which included Speaker Irvis’s own granddaughter, Elyse.

Lombardi Trophies and Sheryl Lee Ralph!

Last week, between legislative activities, I had the opportunity to celebrate the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory and see the Super Bowl LII and LIX Lombardi trophies. I also got to meet Sheryl Lee Ralph, activist and Emmy-award winning actress from Abbott Elementary.

Welcoming Vision Academy Charter School to the House

I love to have school groups join us in Harrisburg to get a taste of what it’s like to represent our districts at the state level. I recently hosted the National Junior Honor Society and Student Government from Vision Academy Charter School of East Lansdowne, and their own Mahlia Simmons, who was crowned Little Miss Juneteenth Pennsylvania last year!

Yesterday I joined Gov. Shapiro, the Delaware County Delegation, state Sens. Time Kearney and John Kane, state Reps. Lisa Borowksi and Leanne Krueger, and Dr. Monica Taylor outside Crozer Medical Center in Chester to share with constituents and media what we as lawmakers have been pushing for in the wake of Prospect Medical Holdings’ abandonment of Delaware County. Governor Shapiro is in strong support of Rep. Lisa Borowski’s Health System Protection Act, which would provide the Attorney General’s Office the tools they need to have more oversight over financial transactions and mergers involving health care systems. The goal is to prevent another Crozer catastrophe from happening again in Pennsylvania.

I am honored to share that Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts senior, and National Honor Society member Kayla McDowell received the prestigious James R. Roebuck Scholarship made possible by the Pennsylvania Legislative Black Caucus Foundation. Kayla plans to major in finance at Howard University, with the goal of using her degree to help members of her community better understand finance and money management.

The scholarship is named after James R. Roebuck, a former member of the Black Caucus and a champion of education. Kayla was awarded $1,500 to use toward tuition, fees, books, or other school-related supplies for being an outstanding student of color in PA.

Congratulations, Kayla! The award is well-deserved!

We’ve recently seen an increase in SNAP and TANF benefits being stolen by card skimming. In response, the PA Department of Human Services and Office of the State Inspector General have launched a new security feature that allows you to lock your benefits card. You’ll need to download the free ConnectEBT app for iPhone or Android to lock your card when you’re not using it, and to unlock it when you want to make a purchase.

Users can choose to lock their card everywhere or only outside Pennsylvania. An optional auto re-lock feature adds even more protection.

DHS encourages all EBT cardholders to:

• Download the ConnectEBT app.
• Use the locking feature regularly.
• Change their PIN monthly.

If benefits are stolen, recipients should report it to law enforcement and the OSIG Fraud Hotline (1-800-932-0582) and request a new card by calling 1-888-328-7366.

Learn more about this feature, how to spot skimming devices, and how to protect your benefits at www.dhs.pa.gov/scams.

I had a great time attending Philadbundance’s Beet Hunger Bash on Wednesday night! We celebrated their 40th anniversary with food prepared by the region’s top chefs, local award-winning cuisine, and live entertainment. All proceeds supported Philabundance’s longtime work of feeding our vulnerable communities.

Office Closure Next Week: May 20

Mobile Mammogram Screenings, May 22

TOMORROW! May 17

Pop-up Pampering Parents Giveaway

10 a.m. – noon

357 E. Berkely Ave., Clifton Heights

Wednesday, May 28

Menstrual Equity Day

noon - 6 p.m.

Saturday, May 31

Laura's Children Foundation 2.5K Walk & Relay

10:30 a.m. check in, 11 a.m. start

In partnership and service,

Gina H. Curry

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Sincerely,

Pennsylvania State Capitol

25-A East Wing
Harrisburg, PA 17120
(717) 783-4907

District Office

1500 Garrett Rd.
Upper Darby, PA 19082
(610) 259-7016