In debate countdown, Trump holds rally, Biden does prep
By ZEKE MILLER, WILL WEISSERT and JONATHAN LEMIRE Associated Press
ERIE, Pa. (AP) — President Donald Trump is wooing Pennsylvania voters, brushing aside debate practice ahead of what may be his last, best chance to alter the trajectory of the race in the final presidential faceoff. Democrat Joe Biden is taking the opposite approach, opting to hole up for debate prep. In the leadup to Thursday’s faceoff in Nashville, Biden remains atop polls in most battleground states. Trump, who is trailing Biden in fundraising, too, has increasingly relied on his signature campaign rallies to deliver a closing message to voters and maximize turnout among his GOP base.

Bill Cosby, now 83, grins in newly released prison mug shot
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — A new prison mug shot shows Bill Cosby smiling with a disposable mask hanging off his face. Such mug shot updates are routinely done in Pennsylvania prisons to document changes to inmates’ appearance as they age. The 83-year-old comedian’s photo was taken Sept. 4. A later tweet from Cosby’s verified account showed a picture of him on the telephone and sought to assure viewers that he was doing OK during the coronavirus pandemic. He was convicted of sex assault and is serving a three- to 10-year term. An appeal on two key issues in his case will be heard soon by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court.

Harrisburg, PA – October 20, 2020 – Today, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives passed bipartisan legislation to indefinitely extend the Military Family Relief Assistance Program (MFRAP), which was created in 2005 to provide grants of up to $3,500 to Pennsylvania veterans, servicemembers, and their immediate families experiencing hardship. In 2014, the MFRAP’s sunset date was extended to June 30, 2020. The legislation passed today, Senate Bill 1076, would preserve the successful program by eliminating the sunset date and reauthorizing it indefinitely. Today’s unanimous passage in the House follows the Senate’s unanimous passage in May. The legislation will now go to Governor Wolf’s desk for his signature.

The bill was introduced by Senator Pam Iovino, a 23-year Navy veteran, former Assistant Secretary of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, and current Minority Chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee.

“The majority of veterans are thriving and playing important roles in their community by applying the skills they gained in our armed forces. But veterans can also face unique challenges as a result of their service to our nation, including service-connected mental health or physical disabilities,” said Senator Iovino (D – Allegheny & Washington). “The Military Family Relief Assistance Program has proven successful in providing temporary financial security to veterans and their families during a time of hardship. I thank my colleagues for their unanimous support to indefinitely extend this important program.”

The MFRAP is funded by voluntary donations derived largely from Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax refund check-offs. Since the program began, more than $1.9 million has been donated by generous taxpayers filing their Pennsylvania Personal Income Tax returns and through private donations. The program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, offers grants to servicemembers and veterans who experienced a sudden loss of income or assets as a result of military service; emergency child care needs; natural or manmade disasters resulting in the need for food, shelter and other necessities; the death or critical illness of a parent, spouse, sibling or child; or exigent circumstances beyond the eligible member’s control.

House unanimously adopts Matzie condolence resolution honoring
late Pa. House Representative Susan Laughlin

 HARRISBURG, Oct. 20 – The House today unanimously adopted state Rep. Rob Matzie’s condolence resolution honoring the late state Rep. Susan Laughlin, who died in June at age 88.

Matzie, D-Beaver/Allegheny, said he introduced the resolution to pay tribute to a unique lawmaker who served the 16^th Legislative District tirelessly during eight terms in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, from 1989 through 2004.

“Sue was old-school,” Matzie said. “From day one, she was 100% committed to the people she served. Long before she even ran for office, she was working side-by-side with her husband, Charlie, who represented the district before her. Sue would take Charlie’s calls and handle requests for folks. He saw that unshakable dedication and, before he died, he urged her to run for his seat.

“After Sue was elected in 1988, she served every day with that same tireless work ethic. She took pride in the fact that people would walk into her office at any time without an appointment, and she would be there to help them.

“She was a good friend and guide to me, as well. When I asked her to chair my first campaign, she actually thanked me for asking her. That was Sue – she lived to help others.”

Matzie said that in addition to her focus on constituent services in the district, Laughlin worked hard in Harrisburg and was skilled at negotiating with colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

Laughlin was born in Sewickley in 1932 and graduated from Ambridge High School in 1950. Following her election in 1988, she was reelected to seven more consecutive terms in the House, representing Beaver County from 1989 to 1992 and Allegheny and Beaver Counties from 1993 to 2004. She also served as a delegate to the Democratic National Convention in 2004.

(File Photo)

HARRISBURG – Legislation to improve the affordability and accessibility of emergency medical services training in rural areas has been approved by both the House and Senate and now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature, said Rep. Martin Causer (R-Turtlepoint), prime sponsor of the measure.

 

“With the number of volunteer first responders rapidly declining in rural communities across the state, one of the most important things we can do to help is make sure people who want to serve can afford the necessary training to do so,” Causer said. “EMT class costs are approaching $1,000, which is a lot to ask of someone who wants to volunteer his or her time to serve their community.”

 

House Bill 1838 would make training more affordable by increasing funding for the Emergency Medical Services Operating Fund (EMSOF) and requiring at least 30% of the funding to be used to provide training to underserved rural areas. In addition, the bill would require no less than 10% of the funds to be provided directly to EMS providers to help with purchasing medical equipment for their ambulances.

 

EMSOF is currently funded by a $10 fee on moving violations and a $25 fee for driving under the influence incidents. Causer’s bill would increase those fees to $20 and $50, respectively. It would be the first increase in the fees in more than three decades.

 

Finally, the bill would require the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee to conduct a review of the last five years of court records to ensure EMSOF money is being collected and deposited properly, and to provide recommendations if needed to ensure the money is being used as intended.

 

The bill is part of the General Assembly’s ongoing effort to support life-saving emergency medical services organizations across the state by addressing staffing and funding needs. Causer previously spearheaded the successful effort to increase Medicaid reimbursement rates for Advanced Life Support and Basic Life Support ambulance calls. He also was a vocal supporter of laws to require insurance companies to reimburse for treatment provided, even when no transport takes place; allow direct pay from insurance companies to EMS providers; and offer staffing waivers to ambulance companies in rural areas so they may continue to serve their communities.

Keystone State News Connection

October 21, 2020

ACLU: “Disturbed” SCOTUS Decision Shows Court 50-50 on Voters’ Enfranchisement

Andrea Sears

HARRISBURG, Pa. – A U.S. Supreme Court ruling means mail-in ballots postmarked by Election Day will still be counted, even if they arrive up to three days after the polls close in Pennsylvania.

When the state Supreme Court ruled that, because of the COVID pandemic, extending the time for ballots to arrive at county election offices was necessary, Republicans asked the high court to overturn that ruling.

Chief Justice John Roberts joined the three liberal members of the court in a four-to-four decision, which means the State Court ruling stands.

According to Vic Wolczak, Legal Director for the American Civil Liberties Union of Pennsylvania, the extra time is warranted by the huge increase in mail-in votes in this election.

“It’s a victory for voting rights, it’s a victory for common sense,” said Wolczak. “And it’s tragic that there are people in this country who would oppose this kind of practical solution.”

He emphasized that mail-in ballots still must be postmarked by November 3, so people who are voting by mail need to get their ballots mailed as soon as possible.

Wolczak pointed out the Pennsylvania Department of State had not wanted to extend the time for receiving mail-in ballots. But that changed in July, when the U.S. Postal Service sent a letter saying mail delivery had slowed and ballots may not arrive by Election Day.

“At that point, the Secretary of State said, ‘We need to extend the deadline,'” said Wolczak. “And they petitioned the court to do that, and the Pennsylvania Supreme Court agreed.”

He added that in this year’s primary, some 60,000 mail-in ballots arrived at county election offices in the three days after Election Day.

Wolczak said he was disturbed to see the U.S. Supreme Court decision was evenly split between those who allowed the extended time for ballots to arrive, and those who opposed the extension.

“You had four justices who were willing to potentially disenfranchise thousands of voters who, through no fault of their own, don’t have their ballots delivered on time,” said Wolczak.

He noted voters of both parties are using mail-in ballots, so making sure all ballots are counted should not be a partisan issue.

(Beaver Falls, Pa.) Tune into 1230 WBVP, 1460 WMBA, 99.3 FM, and beavercountyradio.com Wednesday October 21, 2020 at 11:10 a.m. for the first in a series of interviews highlighting the candidates running for office in the November 3, 2020 General Election.

The first interview in the series is with Rico Elmore who is a Republican Candidate for Pa. State Representative in the 16th District. Rico is trying to defeat incumbent Rob Matzie who is a Democrat. Rico will be interviewed during Teleforum with Eddy Crow at 11:10 a.m.. The interview will be broadcast on all platforms of Beaver County Radio as well as being streamed Live on our Facebook Page:

Click the link below to be directed to our Facebook Page:

If you can’t tune into the game you can click the link below to listen on-line via beavercountyradio.com:

You can also down load our free apps:

Departments of Agriculture, Health Confirm Pennsylvania’s First COVID-19 Positive Cat

State Veterinarian Provides Recommendations to Keep Companion Animals Healthy

Harrisburg, PA – State Veterinarian Dr. Kevin Brightbill announced today that Pennsylvania has confirmed its first COVID-19 positive cat.

The 16-year old Cumberland County cat, who lived in a household with multiple individuals who had previously been diagnosed with COVID-19, presented in early October with mild respiratory illness. Unfortunately, as a result of respiratory distress, the cat was humanely euthanized. The case is still under investigation, and a primary cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

The Pennsylvania cat is one of a handful of COVID-19 positive pets from across the United States that died or were euthanized while infected. All pets infected had known prolonged exposure to COVID-19 individuals and none to date appear to have died from COVID-19. Instead, other serious underlying illnesses are attributable to cause of death.

“As Pennsylvanians have spent more time at home throughout the pandemic, our companion animals have undoubtedly been the recipients of extra love and attention,” said Dr. Brightbill. “If you or a loved one becomes diagnosed with COVID-19, take steps to keep your pet healthy, just as you would your family.”

Many of the same recommendations for protecting people apply to animals. To help protect Pennsylvania pets, households with COVID-19 positive individuals should adhere to the following guidelines:

• Avoid contact with pets and other animals, as you would other people.
• Arrange for another household member to care for your pet(s) while you or family members are in isolation.
• Avoid contact such as petting, holding, snuggling, facial contact, and sleeping in the same bed.
• Wear a mask and wash your hands before feeding or tending to your pet if you are unable to find alternative care for them.

Symptoms of COVID-19 in pets includes fever, coughing, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, lethargy, sneezing, nose or eye discharge, vomiting, or diarrhea. If your pet exhibits symptoms after contact with a person positive for COVID-19, contact your private veterinarian.

At this time, there is no evidence that animals play a significant role in spreading COVID-19 to people. COVID-19 is mainly spread through person-to-person contact.

People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported – ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness.

These symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure to the virus:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Diarrhea
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• New loss of taste or smell

The Wolf Administration stresses the role Pennsylvanians play in helping to reduce the spread of COVID-19:

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available.
• Cover any coughs or sneezes with your elbow, not your hands.
• Clean surfaces frequently.
• Stay home to avoid spreading COVID-19, especially if you are unwell.
• If you must go out, you are required to wear a mask when in a business or where it is difficult to maintain proper social distancing.
• Download the COVID Alert PA app and make your phone part of the fight. The free app can be found in the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store by searching for “covid alert pa.”

Updated Coronavirus Links: Press Releases, State Lab Photos, Graphics

• Daily COVID-19 Report
• Press releases regarding coronavirus
• Latest information on the coronavirus
• Photos of the state’s lab in Exton (for download and use)
• Coronavirus and preparedness graphics (located at the bottom of the page)
• Community preparedness and procedures materials

All Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to sign up for AlertPA, a text notification system for health, weather, and other important alerts like COVID-19 updates from commonwealth agencies. Residents can sign up online at www.ready.pa.gov/BeInformed/Signup-For-Alerts