Jan. 10 e-mail: Dog licensing event happening TOMORROW!

Rep. Melissa Cerrato January 10, 2025

PA Representative Melissa Cerrato banner image

Dear Friends,

On Tuesday, I was sworn in and given my official committee assignments for the 2025/2026 Session. Once again, I was chosen to serve on the House Human Services; Children and Youth; Aging and Older Adult Services; and Tourism, Economic and Recreational Development committees. These committees are near and dear to my heart because they look out for the most vulnerable amongst us. I was also chosen to serve on the newly formed House Energy Committee.

• House Human Services Committee: This committee focuses on improving the well-being of our citizens through various human services programs. I am passionate about ensuring everyone has access to the support they need to thrive, and I am excited to continue the good work this committee strives to accomplish.

• House Children and Youth Committee: Dedicated to the welfare and development of our youngest citizens, this committee addresses issues ranging from earliest education to child protections. I believe in investing in our future by providing a strong foundation for our children and look forward to continuing my work with this committee.

• House Tourism, Economic and Recreational Development Committee: This committee works on boosting tourism and economic growth in our state. I'm excited to continue to contribute to initiatives that will create jobs and promote our beautiful region.

• House Aging and Older Adult Services Committee: With a focus on the needs of our aging population, this committee advocates for services and programs that support older adults. I am committed to ensuring our seniors have the resources and care they deserve, and I’m thrilled to be able to continue my advocacy through this committee.

• House Energy Committee (new this session!): This newly formed committee will address the critical issues of energy production, manufacturing, and sustainability. I'm eager to work on policies that promote clean energy and help to boost our economic growth in the Commonwealth.

I am eager to remain working on important issues and making a positive impact for our community through the legislation that will flow through my committees.

Many folks do not realize that each session is a new beginning for legislation and that all legislation that was not signed into law must begin the legislative process all over again. I consider educating my community an important part of my position and so I would like to give you a walkthrough of the extensive legislative process here in Pennsylvania:

1. Introduction of Legislation

Proposal: A bill can be proposed by a member of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives or the Pennsylvania Senate. The legislator who introduces the bill is known as the sponsor. Additional legislators may also sign on as co-sponsors.

2. Drafting the Bill

Legislative Reference Bureau: The bill is drafted into legal language by the Legislative Reference Bureau, ensuring that it is properly formatted and adheres to legislative standards.

3. Committee Referral

Introduction: The bill is introduced and referred to the appropriate committee based on its subject matter. Committees are specialized groups that handle specific areas such as education, health, or finance.

4. Committee Action

Hearings and Amendments: The committee may hold hearings to gather information and hear testimony from experts, stakeholders, and the public. The committee can also propose and vote on amendments to the bill.
Committee Vote: The committee votes on whether to advance the bill to the full chamber. If approved, the bill is reported out of the committee.

. First Reading

First Reading: Upon its reporting out of committee, the bill is given its first reading in the chamber (House or Senate) where it was proposed.

5. Second Reading

Debate and Amendment: The bill is read a second time in the full chamber, and legislators may debate its merits and propose additional amendments. Each amendment is voted on individually.

6. Third Reading and Final Passage

Final Consideration: The bill is read a third time, and a final debate takes place. The full chamber then votes on the bill in its final form. If the bill passes by a majority vote, it moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for consideration.

7. Consideration in the Other Chamber

Similar Process: The bill goes through a similar process in the other chamber, including committee referral, hearings, amendments, and three readings.
Approval or Amendment: The second chamber can approve the bill as is, amend it, or reject it. If amended, the bill returns to the original chamber for concurrence on the changes.

8. Conference Committee (if needed)

Resolving Differences: If the two chambers pass different versions of the bill, a conference committee composed of members from both chambers may be formed to reconcile the differences.
Conference Report: The committee produces a conference report with a final version of the bill, which must be approved by both chambers.

9. Governor's Action

Governor's Desk: The final bill is sent to the Governor for approval.
Signing: The Governor can sign the bill into law.
Veto: The Governor can veto the bill, sending it back to the legislature with objections.
No Action: If the Governor takes no action within 10 days (excluding Sundays), the bill automatically becomes law.

10. Overriding a Veto

Legislative Override: If the Governor vetoes the bill, the legislature can override the veto with a two-thirds majority vote in both chambers.

Dog Licensing Event - TOMORROW, Saturday, January 11th 10 a.m. - noon

Calling all dog owners in the 151st! Join us for a pawsitively awesome Dog Licensing Event! ?? It's the perfect chance to make sure your furry friend is properly licensed and legal. Just bring your pup and any necessary documents, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Here’s the scoop on dog licenses in Montgomery County, PA:

Who needs it? All dogs three months and older.

Why get it? It's the law! Plus, it helps in identifying your pooch if they ever get lost.

How long does it last? You can choose between an annual or lifetime license.

What to bring? Proof of your dog’s rabies vaccination and, if applicable, proof of spaying/neutering.

Costs Involved?

Annual fee: $8.70

Senior citizen or person with disability annual fee: $6.70

Lifetime fee: $52.70

Senior citizen or person with disability annual fee: $36.70

Don't miss out — let’s make it a barking great time! ???

Scam Prevention Seminar

We're excited to invite all our constituents to an informative event at the Horsham Library on January 31st from 10 AM to 11:30 AM. Join us for a presentation by Mr. David Shallcross from the Office of Public Engagement, who will discuss the top 10 scams targeting Pennsylvanians, with a focus on protecting seniors. This is a great opportunity to learn how to safeguard yourself and your loved ones from scammers and fraudsters. We hope to see you there!