Dear Neighbor,

Tomorrow, we celebrate Independence Day, a cherished holiday that each year reminds us of the freedoms and rights we enjoy as Americans, and of the enduring strength of our nation.

While it’s a time to gather with family and friends, it’s also a moment to reflect on the courage and sacrifice of those who have fought to defend the ideals of a nation governed by the people, for the people. We must never forget the Americans who gave their lives so that we might live free.

Because of their bravery, we are privileged to live in a democracy rooted in the belief that power belongs to the people. We the People decide our future by choosing the leaders who represent us and shape the laws that guide our shared destiny. On this Independence Day, let us recommit ourselves to the founding principles of liberty and representative government — and remain vigilant in protecting our Republic from the dangers of tyranny and unchecked power.

As I’ve said before, our country has worked and will continue to work as long as each of us respects the rule of law, respects our Constitution, searches for the truth, gets the facts, and exercises their right to vote and make their voices heard. Let us all proudly pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America. ONE NATION. UNDER GOD. INDIVISIBLE, WITH LIBERTY AND JUSTICE … FOR ALL.

Please note that in observance of Independence Day, my district offices will be July 3 & 4, and will reopen at 9 a.m. on Monday, July 7.  I wish you and your family a safe and happy holiday!

As the co-chair of the PA Legislative Sportsmen’s Caucus, I want to remind you that July 4 is a Fish-for-Free Day! Anyone is allowed ?to legally fish on Pennsylvania waterways that day with NO FISHING LICENSE REQUIRED (Trout/Salmon and Lake Erie permits are also NOT required). All other fishing regulations still apply.?

Fish-for-Free Days are great ways for families to “catch” the fun of fishing!

This week, I joined Governor Josh Shapiro, PA Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and my fellow legislative Agriculture Chairs – Representative Dan Moul, Senator Elder Vogel, and Senator Judy Schwank – at Destiny Dairy Bar in Carlisle where we stood united in support of Pennsylvania’s Local Food Purchase Assistance (LFPA) Program, which helps local farms supply fresh, locally grown products to food banks across the Commonwealth.

Our bipartisan group of Agriculture Chairs recently sent a joint letter to Congress urging federal officials to restore the $13 million in federal funding that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) abruptly and unlawfully terminated earlier this year. In part it reads:

“As members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly, we work across the aisle to uphold support for our farmers and food system in every community. The USDA’s decision not only jeopardizes food access but also undermines the farmers who are the foundation of our food system and work tirelessly to keep America fed.” — Representatives Pashinski and Moul and Senators Schwank and Vogel

For those who may not be aware, in March, the USDA abruptly and unlawfully canceled Pennsylvania’s agreement under the Local Food Purchasing Assistance Program – cutting federal funding over the next three years that would have supported 189 Pennsylvania farms and 14 food banks – including the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg NEPA Regional Food Bank in our district.

Despite good-faith efforts from Governor Shapiro’s administration and Secretary Redding, the USDA ignored their appeal of the agreement’s termination – leaving no other choice but to file a lawsuit. This broken agreement won’t just hurt our food banks and Pennsylvanians, it also hurts our farmers like Brace’s Orchard in Dallas.

I’m proud to stand with this bipartisan group of legislators and the Shapiro administration to call on the Federal government to honor its agreement and provide the funding promised to Pennsylvania’s farmers, families, and food banks.

The state Insurance Department, Department of Aging, Department of Banking and Securities, State Police, and Attorney General’s Office are warning residents — especially seniors — about a new inheritance scam involving someone posing as a state employee.

The scam uses fake emails that mimic Commonwealth addresses to convince victims to send money in exchange for a fictitious overseas inheritance. One reported case saw an older Pennsylvanian lose money over nearly a year.

Officials urge residents to:

• Ignore unsolicited messages offering money or prizes.
• Verify suspicious emails (official state emails end in @pa.gov).
• Never share personal info or send money to unknown individuals.
• Report suspicious activity to state agencies or local law enforcement.

Report scams here:

• Call 1-866-PAComplaint.
• Visit pa.gov/consumer.

Contact the Attorney General at 1-800-441-2555 or attorneygeneral.gov.

Click here to learn more.

Fireworks can negatively impact people with disabilities, veterans with PTSD, pets and livestock. More pets are reported missing on the Fourth of July than any other holiday because of fireworks use. Reducing the adverse effects on vulnerable people and animals is something we should all keep in mind if celebrating with fireworks.

The Pennsylvania State Police has provided guidance for use of fireworks which can be found here.

Important highlights include:

• You must be over 18 to purchase, possess and use fireworks.
• Fireworks cannot be ignited or discharged on public or private property without express permission of the property owner.
• Fireworks cannot be directed at another person, building or vehicle.
• Cannot be discharged within 150 feet of a building or vehicle.

Check with your municipality for any applicable local ordinances.

This week, the House passed HB 1553, a bill that makes sure imposed overdraft and nonsufficient fees from your bank are capped at $15 or lower. It also makes sure you don’t get penalized when you make a payment that gets declined.

You shouldn’t be hit with significant fees when money is already tight. As many of you know, they can add up and become a financial burden, making it harder to get back on your feet.

I hope to see this bill pass the Senate so that all Pennsylvanians are protected from unnecessary cost.

Let us continue to work together to build a stronger and safer America by searching for the TRUTH and finding the FACTS to guide our words, and our actions. Please, STAY STRONG and SAFE! Our democracy needs us to come together for the good of all.

Sincerely,

Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski

121st Legislative District