Hi Neighbor,

This week I get to update you on two pieces of legislation I’ve been moving forward in the House!

The first, HB 1562, repeals an existing law that makes fortune telling for profit a criminal offense. I introduced the bill to repeal the law after hearing from business owners who offer fortune telling services and felt that their businesses were being unfairly targeted by the law. I agree with them – I believe that these businesses should be able to offer their services without fear of being charged with a crime. The existing law is outdated, and it limits how Pennsylvanians can practice their beliefs. I hope to see HB 1562 go into effect so that the law reflects our more modern, accepting times.

The second, HB 1261, is a bill banning the use of toxic PFAS “forever chemicals” in firefighting foam and requiring manufacturers of firefighting protective gear to clearly label when PFAS chemicals have been added to them. PFAS are linked to significant, long-term health issues in the firefighters exposed to them as well as the communities who live near places of heavy use. As a firefighter, I see this bill as an integral part of keeping our first responders safe and healthy, so that they can continue to serve. I believe the PA House will pass this bill tomorrow, and then it will go to the state Senate for consideration.

In this edition of Get Updated with Greg, read more about:

• Venezuelan Day at the State Capitol
• A visit from Montco Jack & Jill
• Connecting with Sierra Leone
• The Do Something Bus Tour
• Scam Alert for seniors
• New ways to protect your wallet: Capping overdraft fees

Warmest regards,

 

Venezuelan Day at the Capitol

 

Last week, the PA Legislative Latino Caucus, Casa de Venezuela and Gente de Venezuela held their annual Venezuelan Day at the Capitol. The event celebrates the cultural, civic and economic contributions of the Venezuelan community in Pennsylvania. I was proud to celebrate our Venezuelan community’s heritage and resilience alongside other legislators and our very own Nelly Jiménez-Arévalo, director of Immigrant Affairs for Montgomery County.

 

Welcoming Montco Jack & Jill to the House chamber

 

Students from Montgomery County Jack & Jill America recently visited the House chamber. Jack & Jill is dedicated to nurturing future African American leaders by offering them leadership development, volunteer service opportunities, philanthropic giving, and teaching civic duty. The Montco chapter is one of more than 270 chapters nationwide, and each plans annual programming activities under a national theme.

 

Montgomery County Do Something Bus Tour

 

Last week I welcomed a group of Montgomery County residents to Harrisburg for my Do Something Bus Tour – a chance for YOU to come out to Harrisburg, see what we as legislators do when we’re in the Capitol, and have important discussions on topics that are meaningful to you.

This year’s trip was amazing – thank you so much to those of you who were able to make the trip. I hope it was as educational for you as it was inspiring for me!

 

A Personal Celebration

 

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to my friends and colleagues in the House who celebrated the upcoming birth of our child. My wife and I appreciate the care and support you’ve given us throughout this journey.

 

Warning: New Scam Targeting Older Pennsylvanians

 

A new scam is using fake emails pretending to be the Commonwealth is asking victims to send money in exchange for a fictitious overseas inheritance. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department, Department of Aging, Department of Banking and Securities, State Police, and Attorney General’s Office urge you to ignore unsolicited messages offering money or prizes, never share personal information with or send money to people you don’t know, and report suspicious activities to state agencies or local law enforcement.

For reference, official state emails end in @pa.gov.

You can report scams by:

• Calling 1-866-PAComplaint.
• Visiting pa.gov/consumer.
• Contacting the Attorney General at 1-800-441-2555 or attorneygeneral.gov.

 

New Ways to Protect Your Wallet: Capping Overdraft Fees

 

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.

 

Do You Have School Resources to Share?

 

We’re looking for back-to-school resources to share with the community throughout August! Send your organization’s name and what you offer to [email protected] to let us know!

 

As always, you can also follow me on socials, Facebook, Instagram, and X (previously Twitter), to keep up to date.  Please feel free to pass this newsletter along to friends throughout our community, so they can keep in touch, too.

 

Pennsylvania State Capitol

5-B East Wing

Harrisburg, PA 17120

(717) 772-0749

District Office

1019 W Main St.
Norristown, PA 19401

(484) 685-3494