Senator Coleman E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Nearly $10 Million in State Funds Allocated for Telford Borough Drinking Water Project
  • Nearly Half-Million Dollar Grant Awarded to Bucks County Free Library
  • Bill to Improve Early Literacy Poised for Enactment
  • Senate Passes Bill to Extend Lemon Law Protections to Motorcycles
  • Bill to Improve Elevator Safety Standards Passes Senate
  • Prepare Now for the Nov. 5 Election
  • Know Your Breast Cancer Risk

Nearly $10 Million in State Funds Allocated for Telford Borough Drinking Water Project

Residents in Telford Borough, West Rockhill Township and Hilltown Township will benefit from nearly $10 million in state funds that have been awarded to upgrade the Telford Borough Authority water treatment system.

New treatment structures will be installed in the system’s drinking water wells. The wells are located in Telford Borough, West Rockhill Township and Hilltown Township. Each will require the construction of a free-standing building or building addition at the well site to house the new treatment systems.

The provided state funding will not have to be repaid.

Learn more about the source of the state funds, including the state agency that is providing the money, by reading the rest of the article on my website.

Nearly Half-Million Dollar Grant Awarded to Bucks County Free Library

The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) recently awarded a nearly $500,000 grant to Bucks County Free Library to fund a roof replacement project at the Quakertown branch.

The grant is intended to bolster broadband internet access in the community.

The grant, funded through the federally backed Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program, is part of a $45 million competitively awarded initiative to support projects that bolster high-speed broadband access for essential services, including work, education and health monitoring, using community anchor institutions.

Learn more about the grant, including reporting requirements designed to enhance accountability, by reading the rest of this article on my website.

Bill to Improve Early Literacy Poised for Enactment

The Senate and House unanimously passed and sent to the governor legislation to give students the best chance at lifelong success through a strong, evidence-based reading program.

Senate Bill 801 would provide schools with resources to dramatically improve early literacy in Pennsylvania. First, it would bolster reading instruction by giving schools a comprehensive list of evidence-based reading curricula. Second, it would help schools identify struggling readers early via universal screening by providing a list of high-quality screeners. Third, it would ensure educators are properly trained to use the structured literacy curriculum and screeners by creating a list of high-quality professional development programs.

Low literacy scores are a problem that spans the geographic and demographic spectrum, with urban cities and rural communities struggling to help their students read proficiently at their age level. Studies show that childhood reading difficulties can produce long-term effects and dramatically impact someone’s chances of success.

Senate Passes Bill to Extend Lemon Law Protections to Motorcycles

The Senate unanimously approved legislation that would extend Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law protections to cover motorcycles. Senate Bill 155 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law provides protections for customers who purchase or lease a car that is registered in the commonwealth. The law protects customers who experience defects with their car during the first year or 12,000 miles of leasing or ownership. Manufacturers are given three opportunities within a year to repair the defect. If the problem still cannot be corrected, the customer is eligible for a replacement or refund.

The state Lemon Law currently only applies to cars.

Bill to Improve Elevator Safety Standards Passes Senate

The Senate unanimously passed legislation to improve elevator safety standards in Pennsylvania. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Following the deaths of a correctional officer and an inmate who plunged down an elevator shaft in a violent confrontation, the Elevator Safety Board was established to address critical issues surrounding elevator construction, maintenance and inspection. The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has revised the national elevator code seven times since 2002, yet Pennsylvania still adheres to outdated standards that don’t reflect current safety practices. The board submitted its recommendations to update these codes to the Department of Labor and Industry in 2020, but the agency has not acted.

Senate Bill 1230 requires the Department of Labor and Industry to adopt an updated safety code, effective July 1, 2025. Prior to adoption, the Elevator Safety Board may recommend modifications based upon its professional expertise and industry experience. The legislation would establish timely benchmarks, making sure necessary upgrades will not be delayed further. 

Prepare Now for the Nov. 5 Election

Election Day on Nov. 5 is approaching. Make sure you’re able to participate by registering to vote no later than Oct. 21. If you’ve moved, this is also a great time to double check that you’re registered to vote at your current address.

Anyone who wishes to vote by mail must apply by Oct. 29. You must be a registered voter to submit an application to vote by mail.

If you are looking for a way to help your community, learn more about becoming a poll worker here. Thousands of Pennsylvanians are needed to run elections, and poll workers are needed in all 67 counties.

Know Your Breast Cancer Risk

Understanding your breast cancer risk is vital for protecting your health. Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains can lower your risk. Limiting alcohol consumption and avoiding smoking are also important preventive steps.

Regular screenings and self-exams are essential for early detection, especially if you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors. Discussing your personal risk with a doctor can help you explore further preventive options, such as genetic testing or medications. By implementing these strategies and staying informed, you can take significant steps toward lowering your risk.

Learn more about breast cancer risk here.

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