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| Weekly Roundup |
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The latest news from the State Capitol |
Honoring the Flag
On Saturday, I spoke at and participated in a flag retirement ceremony at the Walnutport American Legion Post 899. As a member of the Pennsylvania National Guard who has fought under the flag, I appreciate when proper flag etiquette is followed. Thank you to all who attended and donated tattered and worn flags.
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Shredding Events Scheduled
As a free service to the community, I am co-hosting two shredding events in the 183rd Legislative District this month to give residents a chance to safeguard themselves against identity theft by having their personal documents securely destroyed.
The first, with South Whitehall Township, will be held on Saturday, Oct. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Covered Bridge Park, 2465 Wehr Mill Road, Allentown. The second event, with Sen. Pat Browne (R-Lehigh), will be held on Saturday, Oct. 20, from 10 a.m. to noon, at Robert “Bob” LaBold Maintenance Building, 550 W. Church St., Slatington.
Acceptable items include all paper and manila folders. No more than four bags or boxes per household are permitted, and no businesses, please. Staples or paper clips do not need to be removed. For more information, please call one of my district offices at (610) 502-2701 or (610) 760-9805.
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Mako Earns Guardian of Small Business Award
This week, I was honored to be presented with a Guardian of Small Business Award by the Pennsylvania Chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB) in recognition of my 100 percent small business voting record during the 2017-18 legislative session. Pictured with me is NFIB Grassroots Manager Margaret Parsons.
The role of government is to help create an environment for prosperity and economic growth. Unfortunately, excessive regulation, over-taxation and an uncertain economic climate have made starting and maintaining a small business in this Commonwealth extremely difficult. I will continue to do all I can to help our small businesses grow, prosper and create family-sustaining jobs.
For more information on this year’s Guardian of Small Business Awards, click here.
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Small Games of Chance, Liquor Law Regulations Seminar Upcoming
In an effort to provide the most up-to-date information to holders of small games of chance licenses, I will be hosting a Small Games of Chance and Liquor Law Regulations Seminar.
The event will be held on Thursday, Oct. 25, from 6-9 p.m., at the Diamond Fire Company, 110 Main St., Walnutport. Doors will open at 5:30 p.m.
Liquor Code Enforcement Officer Derrick DeVaney of the bureau’s Allentown District Office will lead the presentation. Time will be allotted for a question-and-answer session.
To reserve a seat, please visit my website at RepMako.com or call my district offices at 610-502-2701 or 610-760-9805.
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Giving Students Flexibility for Graduation Requirements
As a way to ensure students get the most out of their educational experience, the House passed legislation this week that would remove the heavy focus on standardized testing as a requirement to graduate and instead allow students various options to show proficiency in pursuing their own career paths.
Senate Bill 1095 would provide Pennsylvania students with additional options to fulfill high school graduation requirements beyond the Keystone Exams. Students who do not score proficient on the Keystone Exams would be able to demonstrate their readiness to graduate through alternative routes.
Specifically, the bill outlines several commonsense options for assessing student performance while also giving teachers more flexibility with classroom instruction time. Some alternatives include a student’s successful completion of work-based learning programs, a service learning project, or an offer of full-time employment as evidence of post-secondary readiness.
As part of the bill, the Keystone Exam graduation requirement would be put on hold until the 2021-22 school year. The alternate graduation options in Senate Bill 1095 would take effect when that delay expires.
This legislation, which now goes back to the Senate, seeks to enhance a multi-bill package to expand career and technical education to benefit both students and employers looking to fill jobs in high-demand fields.
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House Passes Bill to Crack Down on Hazing
Legislation that seeks to better ensure the safety of students on college campuses by cracking down on hazing passed the House this week.
Senate Bill 1090 is a comprehensive overhaul of the state’s anti-hazing law to give law enforcement better tools to prosecute hazing-related activities and to encourage those nearby to call for assistance for someone who may need help.
Specifically, the bill would increase penalties for those involved in hazing; require schools to have policies and reporting procedures in place to stop hazing; and ensure that parents and students are provided with information related to the issue. The legislation also would establish clear parameters on hazing for organizations such as fraternities and sororities.
The legislation is named in memory of Tim Piazza, a Penn State student who died as a result of hazing in 2017 and was denied medical care for hours. The measure now heads back to the Senate for concurrence.
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Look, Listen and Learn During Fire Prevention Week
The Office of State Fire Commissioner is urging residents to “look, listen and learn” as part of this year’s theme for Fire Prevention Week, which lasts through Saturday, Oct. 13.
With today’s homes being filled with synthetic materials that burn hotter and faster, residents may have as little as two minutes to safely exit a burning structure.
The theme focuses on three basic but essential ways to quickly and safely escape a home fire: Look for places fire could start; listen for the sound of the smoke alarm; and learn two ways out of every room.
A home escape plan includes working smoke alarms on every level of the home, in every bedroom and near all sleeping areas. It also includes two ways out of every room, usually a door and a window, with a clear path to an outside meeting place that is a safe distance from the home.
For additional information about Fire Prevention Week and home escape planning, visit firepreventionweek.org.
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| Office Locations |
2030 Center Street, Northampton, PA 18067 | Phone: 610-502-2701
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Slatington Borough Hall, 125 S. Walnut Street, First Floor, Slatington, PA 18080 | Phone: 610-760-9805
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402A Irvis Office, PO Box 202183. Harrisburg, PA 17120-2183 | (717) 772-5398
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| Email Address: ZMako@pahousegop.com |
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