State Representative Working for Our Community Service 101

Constituent Upcoming Events State Representative Working for our Community Service 101

The 42nd District is home to great towns and school districts, and throughout the year we work closely to help them achieve their … I need help with goals and partner with them on community activities. Right-to-Know PennDOT services. Seminar – This spring, I was pleased – Working with the Baldwin Township Dormont If you waited too long to renew your Thursday, Sept. 15th to host a press conference in the Baldwin Township Dormont Library board and Save the Dan Miller registration or driver’s license, or are Municipal Building where we introduced H.B. 2057, which administration, and thanks 7 p.m. Serving the 42nd District dealing with a license suspension, our office would require a brain health/mental health check-up for especially to state Sen. Wayne Mt. Lebanon, Dormont, Castle Shannon and Baldwin Township can expedite forms to and from central Mt. Lebanon Library dates! students in the Fontana, the library will be with parts of Scott Township and Brookline PennDOT offices. If you have complex 16 Castle Shannon Blvd. Commonwealth receiving a $250,000 grant correspondence with the customer service by age 14. Special to rebuild and enhance this Pittsburgh, PA 15228 center, we can often get a fast, simple thanks to manager important community resource. answer and assist with the exchange of Summer/Fall 2016 Rob Zahorchak and While I played a modest documents and payment. Please note we Commissioner Eileen role in this local and state are not a photo center. Community Town Hall – The Opioid Epidemic Frisoli for their help collaboration, Sen. Fontana deserves all of our thanks for bringing in conjunction with U.S. Rep. Tim Murphy and Here To Serve You with bringing this this project home! To highlight more local projects, we teamed …I am having issues important discussion up with the library and Dormont Mainstreet to host a “Business with Medicaid/CHIP state Sen. Guy Reschenthaler District Office: to Baldwin! Roundtable” discussion with Pennsylvania Secretary of Community Thursday, Sept. 1st 650 Washington Road, Suite 102 and Economic Development Dennis Davin and Matt Smith, health benefits. 7 p.m. Mt. Lebanon, PA 15228 president of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce. (412) 343-3870 Brookline – Last year, I enjoyed Whether an initial application, renewal, or Beth El Congregation in Mt. Lebanon hosting a town hall meeting in coverage issue, our office can help clarify Capitol Office: Mazza Pavillion, where I had the and submit documentation needed for these 1900 Cochran Rd. Mt. Lebanon – Besides assisting former state Sen. Matt Smith 116A East Wing, P.O. Box 202042 chance to hear from city residents programs. We can also help troubleshoot Pittsburgh, PA 15220 and the Municipality in securing state funds for the critical Castle Harrisburg, PA 17120-2042 about their state and local concerns. application and coverage issues. Shannon Boulevard reconstruction project, I was also very pleased (717) 783-1850 We also hosted our “Women in the that we were successful in helping the Mt. Lebanon Historical Workplace” event as part of our …What is the status Website: pahouse.com/Miller Society to receive a $200,000 grant to help renovate the History Don’t miss our 2nd Annual Senior Fair “Conversations that Matter” series Center on Washington Road. The Center is already a regional of my licensure Twitter: @RepDanMiller at St. Mark’s Evangelical Lutheran Thursday, Sept. 29th asset and is a great place for kids to go to learn about our area! application? Church. I was also very glad to join Facebook: Mt. Lebanon has been home to a large number of our community Holy Cross Greek Orthodox Church in Mt. Lebanon state Sen. Wayne Fontana and Professionals who apply for licensure www.facebook.com/RepDanMiller events, and I thank the library, municipality, school district as well Councilwoman Natalia Rudiak in through the state (including real estate 123 Gilkeson Rd. as St. Bernard and Holy Cross for being such great partners! standing with Las Palmas, along agents, engineers, nurses, teachers and Committee Assignments: Pittsburgh, PA 15228 l with many Brookline residents, in condemning the racist more) can receive status updates and Judiciary, Secretary l Education, Co-Chair, vandalism that affected this popular local establishment. It submit paperwork through our office. Subcommittee on Special was important that we came together to send a message Scott Township – Over Join various government 900 people attended our 3rd …I want to get an honor agencies and local Education that this was a crime and not a reflection of our community l annual Disability and Mental Children & Youth character! citation for a family organizations for information l Health Summit at the Beth El Human Services on resources that are available l Congregation this year in order member or friend. Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Castle Shannon – Over the to find resources and connect Are you or someone you know celebrating to seniors, including: past several months, my office with services for themselves a major birthday (over 74) or anniversary Free health screenings Caucus Memberships: has assisted Castle Shannon in or for loved ones. We are very (25th, 50th and higher)? Is an organization Property Tax/Rent Rebate l At Risk Children & Families making progress on its Transit thankful to all our friends in Scott l you work for celebrating a major Program Applications Autism & Intellectual Village Project and its Main Street for helping this event continue anniversary? Our office is able to obtain Disabilities, Co-Chair Program. These are important to grow! I also appreciate our honorary citations and have them presented Prescription-drug assistance l Early Childhood Education local initiatives that will help strong working relationships with by either Rep. Miller or a staff member, to information l Firefighters & EMS push Castle Shannon forward. Scott officials, including new Commissioner Frank Bruckner who l Government Reform commemorate your special occasion. Light refreshments As always, we were also glad to we have partnered with on several occasions to talk about related l HOPE team up with the Castle Shannon services, and my friend District Judge Craig Stephens, who is a …I want to schedule a l LGBT Equality Revitalization Corp. for an annual shredding event in order great asset in protecting children and solving problems. tour of the Capitol. For more information, l Steel to help prevent identity theft in the area. We can schedule tours for individuals or please contact my office at groups on both session and non-session 412-343-3870. l days. Sign Up for Monthly Updates LOOK INSIDE FOR: Disability and Mental Health Update at pahouse.com/Miller/ Committee Updates l Government Reform Caucus l Working EmailSignUp For Our Community l Upcoming Events Rep. Dan Miller Newsletter l 5 l Summer/Fall 2016 Rep. Dan Miller Newsletter l 6 l Summer/Fall 2016 lpo.kl.0616 Paid for with State Funds Committee Updates Government Disability and Mental Health Update Act 48 Compliance Deadline Extension: House Bill 1734 Human Services Reform Caucus Each session members of the House of Representatives would extend the School Code’s continuing professional education deadlines for public school entities, teachers and Bill of Rights for are given committee assignments. These committees are During this session I have continued to serve as a member of the Autism & Intellectual Disabilities Caucus administrators by one year. This bill is currently awaiting Persons with broken up by subject matter and have both Democratic Government Reform Caucus, which is a bipartisan work group action in the Senate Appropriations Committee. Intellectual and Last year, I teamed up with my friend state Rep. Tom Murt, and Republican members. You can find more information Developmental that meets regularly to develop ways to increase transparency and R-Montgomery, to re-energize this caucus and to build a on these standing committees, their membership, and their Veterans Affairs & Emergency Disabilities: improve how our government works. You may recall that earlier in statewide, bipartisan team of legislators to help advance votes by visiting http://www.legis.state.pa.us/. Preparedness House Bill 133 this session I helped support two bills that passed the House that disability issues. I am very proud to announce that we have Here is a brief rundown on some of the major issues my EMS Direct Reimbursement: requires the would reduce the size of our legislature. (The Senate has passed the almost 50 members in the caucus and continue to meet committees have been working on this session: House Bill 857 requires Department one that cuts the House but has yet to debate the bill that reduces regularly. We also became the first bipartisan, issue-based that the reimbursement of of Human the Senate.) More recently, Gov. Tom Wolf, along with the Democratic caucus to operate a shared social media account where medically necessary services Services to caucus and some Republicans, have proposed a series of reform members from across the state can share disability-related Judiciary be made directly to an EMS develop and submit a plan to address the waiting measures that I have co-sponsored. Here is the breakdown: events and legislation. It is open to the public at facebook. Medical Marijuana: Act 16 of 2016 agency by an insurance list for community based services for people with com/autismidcaucus and you are invited to “like” it and follow Gift ban, H.B. 1983: Currently, there are no limits as to the type authorizes use of medical marijuana, company when the EMS intellectual and developmental disabilities. This bill our progress! and value of gifts that legislators can accept. Legislators are only in non-smoking form, for patients with agency was dispatched for is still awaiting final consideration before the House. responsible to annually disclose them. The Reform Caucus has long certain qualifying medical conditions We also had our 2nd Annual Disability Rally, which was emergency services. This bill Minor’s Rights to Consent to Mental Health debated more stringent changes that I would prefer, but this bill, such as cancer; epilepsy; multiple timed to coincide with our budget negotiations. We partnered was signed into law as Act 84 of 2015. Treatment: House Bill 337 would give the which bans all gifts over $25, is seen as a compromise. As a person with several nonprofits to highlight the need for funding in sclerosis; PTSD; and severe, chronic Volunteer Firefighter Emergency Services Grant Program: Department of Human Services authority to issue who has never accepted a dinner, tickets, etc., from a lobbyist, I the disability and mental health arenas. We also spoke on and intractable pain. This bill was House Bill 1877 would extend the Volunteer Firefighter guidelines and adopt rules and regulations to the believe this measure would help restore confidence and is long several new legislative efforts that we hope will increase signed into law. Emergency Services Grant Program until June 30, 2020. Allowing Minors to Consent to Medical Care Act. overdue. independence and opportunity for everyone. I was also very Criminal Records: Act 5 of 2016 The annual mandated funding amount for the program is $30 Currently, minors 14 or older must consent to Existing law allows excited to have introduced two Republican leaders at our rally: No pay for serving on boards, H.B. 1981: amends the Criminal History Record Information Act to million, with funds generated from gaming revenue. This bill outpatient mental health examination and treatment. legislators to be paid for serving on the boards of organizations. House Speaker Mike Turzai and state Rep. Bryan Cutler, the reduce barriers to employment for people who have minor is currently awaiting consideration by the Senate. This legislation will allow DHS to clarify the rights I believe legislators are paid enough by taxpayers and, absent majority whip. They, along with members of my own caucus criminal records. It permits a person convicted of a relatively of all parties involved in a minor’s care. This bill reimbursement for actual expenses, extra money for such service who were in attendance, reflect the reality that disability and Highway Donation Soliciting: House Bill 138 permits a first minor nonviolent offense and who has remained free of arrest is currently before the Senate Public Health and only exacerbates the common belief that Harrisburg isn’t working for mental health issues have no partisan label, and I hope this responder organization to solicit donations at a controlled for at least 10 years to seek an order limiting public access to Welfare Committee. the people. The appearance of impropriety just isn’t helping. rally is a sign of further compromise and cooperation on those criminal records. This bill was signed into law. intersection with a stop sign or traffic signal. This bill was that front. signed into law as Act 57 of 2015. Person-First Language: House Resolution 305 Campaign finance reform, H.B. 1980: Pennsylvania is one Prohibiting the Sale of Vaping Products to Minors: House urged the Commonwealth to adopt and utilize Children & Youth of only 12 states that does not have limitations on the amount of Bill 954 would prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes and related person-first language when discussing individuals campaign contributions that can be made by individual donors Early Intervention Bill for Mental Health nicotine products to minors. This bill passed the House in Activities and Experiences for Children in Out-of-Home with disabilities. This resolution unanimously passed and by Political Action Committees (PACs). This bill would require June 2015 and is currently awaiting action in the Senate Placement: House Bill 477 authorizes the caregivers the House and was adopted in June 2015. Recently, I introduced H.B. 2057 with state Rep. Judy Ward, incorporated entities that make uncoordinated expenditures on Judiciary Committee. of children and youth who are in foster care to approve R- Blair. Much like how students need to have physical health behalf of candidates and campaigns to disclose contributions. It also or disapprove of their foster child’s participation in age- develops aggregate limits for individual races. checks at certain school benchmarks – like vision, hearing, Education appropriate extracurricular and social activities. Previously or dental screenings – this bill would require a depression Recovery Schools Pilot Program: House Bill 1827 would such decisions would have had to come from a child welfare Stopping “pay to play,” H.B. 1977: This bill requires screening by age 14. Parents have the ability to opt their establish the Drug and Alcohol Recovery High School Pilot agency, a private agency or the court. This bill was signed applicants for state contracts to submit a disclosure form, listing all children out if they wish, and the screening results are not Disability and Mental Health Summit Program for students in recovery from substance abuse. An into law as Act 75 of 2015. campaign contributions made by them or through an intermediary to required to be shared with the school district. The reality we alternative to traditional public schools, recovery high schools any state or local elected official or candidate, or PAC. It also requires Thanks to our friends at the Beth El Congregation, we are faced with is that too many people are going undiagnosed offer positive peer pressure, on-site intervention support Child Protective Services Law: Senate Bill 1156 would make continued disclosure during the length of an awarded state contract. for years. This lack of treatment can lead to risk-taking hosted our 3rd Annual Disability and Mental Health services and academic curricula designed for students changes to background check requirements for hospital This bill behaviors like truancy and substance abuse, and in more Summit this spring with record numbers! This year in early recovery. This bill is currently before the Senate personnel and doctors under the Child Protective Services Separating lobbyists from campaigns, H.B. 1978: would prohibit lobbyists from operating as campaign consultants for extreme scenarios, can lead to physical harm and suicide everything was bigger – more attendees, more resources, Education Committee. Law. This bill also makes several technical changes to (which is the second-leading cause of death of teenagers). more programs, and more partnerships with related the law and implements many recommendations from a candidate and continuing to lobby for special interests. This would nonprofits! I was very proud that we were able to use the Truancy Procedures: House Bill 1907 would extensively the Governor’s Task Force on Child Protection. This bill is help to erase the appearance that there is no difference between an We have found that early intervention in disabilities such as skills and expertise of organizations like 21 and Able, The revise truancy provisions contained in the Public School currently up for consideration in the House. elected official and a special interest that pays the lobbyist’s salary. autism has often led to steady improvement and increased Peal Center, the Pittsburgh Youth Leadership Taskforce, Code. These include definitions of truancy, truancy provisions This quality of life for many individuals and families. We also and greater flexibility to school districts and district judges in Postpartum Depression Political communications reporting, H.B. 1982: and Allegheny Family Network to enhance what has bill is designed to counter some of the issues many have raised know that 50 percent of lifetime mental illness cases can be imposing penalties Services: House Bill 2086 become the preeminent event for disabilities and mental regarding the federal Citizens United decision. It defines political diagnosed by age 14. Clearly, this is a big bill, but I believe on students and would include postpartum health in Western Pennsylvania. communication, and requires individuals and entities engaging in it to we can strike a balance between privacy, parental rights, and families violating depression as an At- file disclosure reports similar to candidates and political parties that helping young people reach their full potential. There should Our closing event was our Legislative Panel, which is school truancy Risk Category for Early would disclose the names of their donors. be no difference between physical and mental health. My always very popular. For the first time we were able provisions. This bill Intervention Tracking under hope is that this bill, at a minimum, will decrease stigma and to have several local Republicans join us, which was is currently awaiting Pennsylvania law. This Stopping legislative pay during budget impasse, H.B. fantastic! This event keeps growing every year and we are bill is currently before the increase conversation. If everyone is in, then no one is left out. action in the Senate While I remain optimistic that we will have a budget much already hard at work planning next year’s summit! House Children and Youth 1976: Education Committee. sooner than last year, I have co-sponsored this bill, which would Committee for consideration. freeze legislator salaries and per diems if a budget is not completed by June 30th.

Rep. Dan Miller Newsletter l 2 l Summer/Fall 2016 Rep. Dan Miller Newsletter l 3 l Summer/Fall 2016 Rep. Dan Miller Newsletter l 4 l Summer/Fall 2016 Committee Updates Government Disability and Mental Health Update Act 48 Compliance Deadline Extension: House Bill 1734 Human Services Reform Caucus Each session members of the House of Representatives would extend the School Code’s continuing professional education deadlines for public school entities, teachers and Bill of Rights for are given committee assignments. These committees are During this session I have continued to serve as a member of the Autism & Intellectual Disabilities Caucus administrators by one year. This bill is currently awaiting Persons with broken up by subject matter and have both Democratic Government Reform Caucus, which is a bipartisan work group action in the Senate Appropriations Committee. Intellectual and Last year, I teamed up with my friend state Rep. Tom Murt, and Republican members. You can find more information Developmental that meets regularly to develop ways to increase transparency and R-Montgomery, to re-energize this caucus and to build a on these standing committees, their membership, and their Veterans Affairs & Emergency Disabilities: improve how our government works. You may recall that earlier in statewide, bipartisan team of legislators to help advance votes by visiting http://www.legis.state.pa.us/. Preparedness House Bill 133 this session I helped support two bills that passed the House that disability issues. I am very proud to announce that we have Here is a brief rundown on some of the major issues my EMS Direct Reimbursement: requires the would reduce the size of our legislature. (The Senate has passed the almost 50 members in the caucus and continue to meet committees have been working on this session: House Bill 857 requires Department one that cuts the House but has yet to debate the bill that reduces regularly. We also became the first bipartisan, issue-based that the reimbursement of of Human the Senate.) More recently, Gov. Tom Wolf, along with the Democratic caucus to operate a shared social media account where medically necessary services Services to caucus and some Republicans, have proposed a series of reform members from across the state can share disability-related Judiciary be made directly to an EMS develop and submit a plan to address the waiting measures that I have co-sponsored. Here is the breakdown: events and legislation. It is open to the public at facebook. Medical Marijuana: Act 16 of 2016 agency by an insurance list for community based services for people with com/autismidcaucus and you are invited to “like” it and follow Gift ban, H.B. 1983: Currently, there are no limits as to the type authorizes use of medical marijuana, company when the EMS intellectual and developmental disabilities. This bill our progress! and value of gifts that legislators can accept. Legislators are only in non-smoking form, for patients with agency was dispatched for is still awaiting final consideration before the House. responsible to annually disclose them. The Reform Caucus has long certain qualifying medical conditions We also had our 2nd Annual Disability Rally, which was emergency services. This bill Minor’s Rights to Consent to Mental Health debated more stringent changes that I would prefer, but this bill, such as cancer; epilepsy; multiple timed to coincide with our budget negotiations. We partnered was signed into law as Act 84 of 2015. Treatment: House Bill 337 would give the which bans all gifts over $25, is seen as a compromise. As a person with several nonprofits to highlight the need for funding in sclerosis; PTSD; and severe, chronic Volunteer Firefighter Emergency Services Grant Program: Department of Human Services authority to issue who has never accepted a dinner, tickets, etc., from a lobbyist, I the disability and mental health arenas. We also spoke on and intractable pain. This bill was House Bill 1877 would extend the Volunteer Firefighter guidelines and adopt rules and regulations to the believe this measure would help restore confidence and is long several new legislative efforts that we hope will increase signed into law. Emergency Services Grant Program until June 30, 2020. Allowing Minors to Consent to Medical Care Act. overdue. independence and opportunity for everyone. I was also very Criminal Records: Act 5 of 2016 The annual mandated funding amount for the program is $30 Currently, minors 14 or older must consent to Existing law allows excited to have introduced two Republican leaders at our rally: No pay for serving on boards, H.B. 1981: amends the Criminal History Record Information Act to million, with funds generated from gaming revenue. This bill outpatient mental health examination and treatment. legislators to be paid for serving on the boards of organizations. House Speaker Mike Turzai and state Rep. Bryan Cutler, the reduce barriers to employment for people who have minor is currently awaiting consideration by the Senate. This legislation will allow DHS to clarify the rights I believe legislators are paid enough by taxpayers and, absent majority whip. They, along with members of my own caucus criminal records. It permits a person convicted of a relatively of all parties involved in a minor’s care. This bill reimbursement for actual expenses, extra money for such service who were in attendance, reflect the reality that disability and Highway Donation Soliciting: House Bill 138 permits a first minor nonviolent offense and who has remained free of arrest is currently before the Senate Public Health and only exacerbates the common belief that Harrisburg isn’t working for mental health issues have no partisan label, and I hope this responder organization to solicit donations at a controlled for at least 10 years to seek an order limiting public access to Welfare Committee. the people. The appearance of impropriety just isn’t helping. rally is a sign of further compromise and cooperation on those criminal records. This bill was signed into law. intersection with a stop sign or traffic signal. This bill was that front. signed into law as Act 57 of 2015. Person-First Language: House Resolution 305 Campaign finance reform, H.B. 1980: Pennsylvania is one Prohibiting the Sale of Vaping Products to Minors: House urged the Commonwealth to adopt and utilize Children & Youth of only 12 states that does not have limitations on the amount of Bill 954 would prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes and related person-first language when discussing individuals campaign contributions that can be made by individual donors Early Intervention Bill for Mental Health nicotine products to minors. This bill passed the House in Activities and Experiences for Children in Out-of-Home with disabilities. This resolution unanimously passed and by Political Action Committees (PACs). This bill would require June 2015 and is currently awaiting action in the Senate Placement: House Bill 477 authorizes the caregivers the House and was adopted in June 2015. Recently, I introduced H.B. 2057 with state Rep. Judy Ward, incorporated entities that make uncoordinated expenditures on Judiciary Committee. of children and youth who are in foster care to approve R- Blair. Much like how students need to have physical health behalf of candidates and campaigns to disclose contributions. It also or disapprove of their foster child’s participation in age- develops aggregate limits for individual races. checks at certain school benchmarks – like vision, hearing, Education appropriate extracurricular and social activities. Previously or dental screenings – this bill would require a depression Recovery Schools Pilot Program: House Bill 1827 would such decisions would have had to come from a child welfare Stopping “pay to play,” H.B. 1977: This bill requires screening by age 14. Parents have the ability to opt their establish the Drug and Alcohol Recovery High School Pilot agency, a private agency or the court. This bill was signed applicants for state contracts to submit a disclosure form, listing all children out if they wish, and the screening results are not Disability and Mental Health Summit Program for students in recovery from substance abuse. An into law as Act 75 of 2015. campaign contributions made by them or through an intermediary to required to be shared with the school district. The reality we alternative to traditional public schools, recovery high schools any state or local elected official or candidate, or PAC. It also requires Thanks to our friends at the Beth El Congregation, we are faced with is that too many people are going undiagnosed offer positive peer pressure, on-site intervention support Child Protective Services Law: Senate Bill 1156 would make continued disclosure during the length of an awarded state contract. for years. This lack of treatment can lead to risk-taking hosted our 3rd Annual Disability and Mental Health services and academic curricula designed for students changes to background check requirements for hospital This bill behaviors like truancy and substance abuse, and in more Summit this spring with record numbers! This year in early recovery. This bill is currently before the Senate personnel and doctors under the Child Protective Services Separating lobbyists from campaigns, H.B. 1978: would prohibit lobbyists from operating as campaign consultants for extreme scenarios, can lead to physical harm and suicide everything was bigger – more attendees, more resources, Education Committee. Law. This bill also makes several technical changes to (which is the second-leading cause of death of teenagers). more programs, and more partnerships with related the law and implements many recommendations from a candidate and continuing to lobby for special interests. This would nonprofits! I was very proud that we were able to use the Truancy Procedures: House Bill 1907 would extensively the Governor’s Task Force on Child Protection. This bill is help to erase the appearance that there is no difference between an We have found that early intervention in disabilities such as skills and expertise of organizations like 21 and Able, The revise truancy provisions contained in the Public School currently up for consideration in the House. elected official and a special interest that pays the lobbyist’s salary. autism has often led to steady improvement and increased Peal Center, the Pittsburgh Youth Leadership Taskforce, Code. These include definitions of truancy, truancy provisions This quality of life for many individuals and families. We also and greater flexibility to school districts and district judges in Postpartum Depression Political communications reporting, H.B. 1982: and Allegheny Family Network to enhance what has bill is designed to counter some of the issues many have raised know that 50 percent of lifetime mental illness cases can be imposing penalties Services: House Bill 2086 become the preeminent event for disabilities and mental regarding the federal Citizens United decision. It defines political diagnosed by age 14. Clearly, this is a big bill, but I believe on students and would include postpartum health in Western Pennsylvania. communication, and requires individuals and entities engaging in it to we can strike a balance between privacy, parental rights, and families violating depression as an At- file disclosure reports similar to candidates and political parties that helping young people reach their full potential. There should Our closing event was our Legislative Panel, which is school truancy Risk Category for Early would disclose the names of their donors. be no difference between physical and mental health. My always very popular. For the first time we were able provisions. This bill Intervention Tracking under hope is that this bill, at a minimum, will decrease stigma and to have several local Republicans join us, which was is currently awaiting Pennsylvania law. This Stopping legislative pay during budget impasse, H.B. fantastic! This event keeps growing every year and we are bill is currently before the increase conversation. If everyone is in, then no one is left out. action in the Senate While I remain optimistic that we will have a budget much already hard at work planning next year’s summit! House Children and Youth 1976: Education Committee. sooner than last year, I have co-sponsored this bill, which would Committee for consideration. freeze legislator salaries and per diems if a budget is not completed by June 30th.

Rep. Dan Miller Newsletter l 2 l Summer/Fall 2016 Rep. Dan Miller Newsletter l 3 l Summer/Fall 2016 Rep. Dan Miller Newsletter l 4 l Summer/Fall 2016 Committee Updates Government Disability and Mental Health Update Act 48 Compliance Deadline Extension: House Bill 1734 Human Services Reform Caucus Each session members of the House of Representatives would extend the School Code’s continuing professional education deadlines for public school entities, teachers and Bill of Rights for are given committee assignments. These committees are During this session I have continued to serve as a member of the Autism & Intellectual Disabilities Caucus administrators by one year. This bill is currently awaiting Persons with broken up by subject matter and have both Democratic Government Reform Caucus, which is a bipartisan work group action in the Senate Appropriations Committee. Intellectual and Last year, I teamed up with my friend state Rep. Tom Murt, and Republican members. You can find more information Developmental that meets regularly to develop ways to increase transparency and R-Montgomery, to re-energize this caucus and to build a on these standing committees, their membership, and their Veterans Affairs & Emergency Disabilities: improve how our government works. You may recall that earlier in statewide, bipartisan team of legislators to help advance votes by visiting http://www.legis.state.pa.us/. Preparedness House Bill 133 this session I helped support two bills that passed the House that disability issues. I am very proud to announce that we have Here is a brief rundown on some of the major issues my EMS Direct Reimbursement: requires the would reduce the size of our legislature. (The Senate has passed the almost 50 members in the caucus and continue to meet committees have been working on this session: House Bill 857 requires Department of one that cuts the House but has yet to debate the bill that reduces regularly. We also became the first bipartisan, issue-based that the reimbursement of Human Services the Senate.) More recently, Gov. Tom Wolf, along with the Democratic caucus to operate a shared social media account where medically necessary services to develop and submit a plan to address the waiting caucus and some Republicans, have proposed a series of reform members from across the state can share disability-related Judiciary be made directly to an EMS list for community based services for people with measures that I have co-sponsored. Here is the breakdown: events and legislation. It is open to the public at facebook. Medical Marijuana: Act 16 of 2016 agency by an insurance intellectual and developmental disabilities. This bill com/autismidcaucus and you are invited to “like” it and follow Gift ban, H.B. 1983: Currently, there are no limits as to the type authorizes use of medical marijuana, company when the EMS is still awaiting final consideration before the House. and value of gifts that legislators can accept. Legislators are only our progress! in non-smoking form, for patients with agency was dispatched for Minor’s Rights to Consent to Mental Health responsible to annually disclose them. The Reform Caucus has long certain qualifying medical conditions We also had our 2nd Annual Disability Rally, which was emergency services. This bill Treatment: House Bill 337 would give the debated more stringent changes that I would prefer, but this bill, such as cancer; epilepsy; multiple timed to coincide with our budget negotiations. We partnered was signed into law as Act 84 of 2015. Department of Human Services authority to issue which bans all gifts over $25, is seen as a compromise. As a person with several nonprofits to highlight the need for funding in sclerosis; PTSD; and severe, chronic Volunteer Firefighter Emergency Services Grant Program: guidelines and adopt rules and regulations to the who has never accepted a dinner, tickets, etc., from a lobbyist, I the disability and mental health arenas. We also spoke on and intractable pain. This bill was House Bill 1877 would extend the Volunteer Firefighter Allowing Minors to Consent to Medical Care Act. believe this measure would help restore confidence and is long several new legislative efforts that we hope will increase signed into law. Emergency Services Grant Program until June 30, 2020. Currently, minors 14 or older must consent to overdue. independence and opportunity for everyone. I was also very Criminal Records: Act 5 of 2016 The annual mandated funding amount for the program is $30 outpatient mental health examination and treatment. Existing law allows excited to have introduced two Republican leaders at our rally: No pay for serving on boards, H.B. 1981: amends the Criminal History Record Information Act to million, with funds generated from gaming revenue. This bill This legislation will allow DHS to clarify the rights legislators to be paid for serving on the boards of organizations. House Speaker Mike Turzai and state Rep. Bryan Cutler, the reduce barriers to employment for people who have minor is currently awaiting consideration by the Senate. of all parties involved in a minor’s care. This bill I believe legislators are paid enough by taxpayers and, absent majority whip. They, along with members of my own caucus criminal records. It permits a person convicted of a relatively is currently before the Senate Public Health and reimbursement for actual expenses, extra money for such service who were in attendance, reflect the reality that disability and Highway Donation Soliciting: House Bill 138 permits a first minor nonviolent offense and who has remained free of arrest Welfare Committee. only exacerbates the common belief that Harrisburg isn’t working for mental health issues have no partisan label, and I hope this for at least 10 years to seek an order limiting public access to responder organization to solicit donations at a controlled Person-First Language: House Resolution 305 the people. The appearance of impropriety just isn’t helping. rally is a sign of further compromise and cooperation on those criminal records. This bill was signed into law. intersection with a stop sign or traffic signal. This bill was that front. signed into law as Act 57 of 2015. urged the Commonwealth to adopt and utilize Campaign finance reform, H.B. 1980: Pennsylvania is one Prohibiting the Sale of Vaping Products to Minors: House person-first language when discussing individuals Children & Youth of only 12 states that does not have limitations on the amount of Bill 954 would prohibit the sale of e-cigarettes and related with disabilities. This resolution unanimously passed campaign contributions that can be made by individual donors Early Intervention Bill for Mental Health nicotine products to minors. This bill passed the House in Activities and Experiences for Children in Out-of-Home the House and was adopted in June 2015. and by Political Action Committees (PACs). This bill would require June 2015 and is currently awaiting action in the Senate Placement: House Bill 477 authorizes the caregivers Recently, I introduced H.B. 2057 with state Rep. Judy Ward, incorporated entities that make uncoordinated expenditures on Judiciary Committee. of children and youth who are in foster care to approve R- Blair. Much like how students need to have physical health behalf of candidates and campaigns to disclose contributions. It also or disapprove of their foster child’s participation in age- develops aggregate limits for individual races. checks at certain school benchmarks – like vision, hearing, Education appropriate extracurricular and social activities. Previously or dental screenings – this bill would require a depression Recovery Schools Pilot Program: House Bill 1827 would such decisions would have had to come from a child welfare Stopping “pay to play,” H.B. 1977: This bill requires screening by age 14. Parents have the ability to opt their establish the Drug and Alcohol Recovery High School Pilot agency, a private agency or the court. This bill was signed applicants for state contracts to submit a disclosure form, listing all children out if they wish, and the screening results are not Disability and Mental Health Summit Program for students in recovery from substance abuse. An into law as Act 75 of 2015. campaign contributions made by them or through an intermediary to required to be shared with the school district. The reality we alternative to traditional public schools, recovery high schools any state or local elected official or candidate, or PAC. It also requires Thanks to our friends at the Beth El Congregation, we are faced with is that too many people are going undiagnosed offer positive peer pressure, on-site intervention support Child Protective Services Law: Senate Bill 1156 would make continued disclosure during the length of an awarded state contract. for years. This lack of treatment can lead to risk-taking hosted our 3rd Annual Disability and Mental Health services and academic curricula designed for students changes to background check requirements for hospital This bill behaviors like truancy and substance abuse, and in more Summit this spring with record numbers! This year in early recovery. This bill is currently before the Senate personnel and doctors under the Child Protective Services Separating lobbyists from campaigns, H.B. 1978: would prohibit lobbyists from operating as campaign consultants for extreme scenarios, can lead to physical harm and suicide everything was bigger – more attendees, more resources, Education Committee. Law. This bill also makes several technical changes to (which is the second-leading cause of death of teenagers). more programs, and more partnerships with related the law and implements many recommendations from a candidate and continuing to lobby for special interests. This would nonprofits! I was very proud that we were able to use the Truancy Procedures: House Bill 1907 would extensively the Governor’s Task Force on Child Protection. This bill is help to erase the appearance that there is no difference between an We have found that early intervention in disabilities such as skills and expertise of organizations like 21 and Able, The revise truancy provisions contained in the Public School currently up for consideration in the House. elected official and a special interest that pays the lobbyist’s salary. autism has often led to steady improvement and increased Peal Center, the Pittsburgh Youth Leadership Taskforce, Code. These include definitions of truancy, truancy provisions This quality of life for many individuals and families. We also and greater flexibility to school districts and district judges in Postpartum Depression Political communications reporting, H.B. 1982: and Allegheny Family Network to enhance what has bill is designed to counter some of the issues many have raised know that 50 percent of lifetime mental illness cases can be imposing penalties Services: House Bill 2086 become the preeminent event for disabilities and mental regarding the federal Citizens United decision. It defines political diagnosed by age 14. Clearly, this is a big bill, but I believe on students and would include postpartum health in Western Pennsylvania. communication, and requires individuals and entities engaging in it to we can strike a balance between privacy, parental rights, and families violating depression as an At- file disclosure reports similar to candidates and political parties that helping young people reach their full potential. There should Our closing event was our Legislative Panel, which is school truancy Risk Category for Early would disclose the names of their donors. be no difference between physical and mental health. My always very popular. For the first time we were able provisions. This bill Intervention Tracking under hope is that this bill, at a minimum, will decrease stigma and to have several local Republicans join us, which was is currently awaiting Pennsylvania law. This Stopping legislative pay during budget impasse, H.B. fantastic! This event keeps growing every year and we are bill is currently before the increase conversation. If everyone is in, then no one is left out. action in the Senate While I remain optimistic that we will have a budget much already hard at work planning next year’s summit! House Children and Youth 1976: Education Committee. sooner than last year, I have co-sponsored this bill, which would Committee for consideration. freeze legislator salaries and per diems if a budget is not completed by June 30th.

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