Thanksgiving’s True Meaning

Dec. 02, 2019 /

Thanksgiving is one of our nation’s most popular holidays. It is a time for expressing gratitude for family and friends, as well as an opportunity to reflect on the founding of our nation, and the principles and ideals it stands for. It also reminds us of the ongoing need for citizens to give back to community and country to uphold that vision. Often, however, the true meaning of the day can get lost in the chaos and commercialization of the holiday season.

Veterans Trust Fund Grant Program Open for Applications

Nov. 21, 2019 /

The state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is now accepting applications for 2019-20 Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) grants. Up to $800,000 in VTF grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations, veteran service organizations and county directors of veteran affairs across the state.

General Assembly’s Election Reform Measure Now Law

Nov. 13, 2019 /

Last Wednesday, the governor signed into law one of the most comprehensive efforts to modernize and improve Pennsylvania’s elections since the 1930s. Senate Bill 421, finalized last week by the House of Representatives, establishes mail-in voting in the Commonwealth, gives Pennsylvanians more time to register to vote ahead of elections, and eliminates the straight-party ticket option from ballots.

Medicare Open Enrollment Starts Oct. 15

Oct. 29, 2019 /

The state Department of Aging is reminding beneficiaries of the Medicare open enrollment period starting Tuesday, Oct. 15, and continuing through Saturday, Dec. 7. During this time, you may make changes to your current Medicare coverage, as well as join, switch or drop Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Coverage plans.

Looking Out for Our Veterans

Oct. 29, 2019 /

With Veterans Day around the corner, this is one of those special times of the year in which we contemplate all our veterans have done for this country and those of us who call America home.

PA Police Embrace “Yellow Dot” Safety Program

Oct. 16, 2019 / Press Release

The Municipal Police Officers’ Education & Training Commission (MPOTEC) was established in 1974 to establish certification and training standards for Municipal Police Officers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. It was recently decided that police officers in Pennsylvania will now be trained on the Yellow Dot program.

Bipartisan Jobs Bill Now Law

Oct. 16, 2019 / Press Release

As a member of the Professional Licensure Committee Chairman, I joined with my Democrat colleagues this session to pass a bill sponsored by both our Republican and Democrat chairmen into law that removed the barriers for professionals entering Pennsylvania who require state licensing for their jobs.

Prepare for Emergencies with 30 Days/30 Ways

Oct. 16, 2019 / Press Release

The Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) is encouraging citizens to take steps to prepare for emergencies by participating in September’s 30 Days/30 Ways preparedness event in which participants can win prizes of safety gear to help them get through an emergency.

Property Tax Reform Update

Aug. 30, 2019 /

Voters overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to increase the allowable homestead and farmstead exclusion to 100% of the assessed value of all homesteads and farmsteads. If fully funded, this change would allow each school district to eliminate the collection of property taxes.

Help for Grandparents Raising Children Now Available

Aug. 21, 2019 /

Because of legislation I cosponsored, there is now a KinConnector helpline for families in kinship care situations, including grandparents raising their grandchildren because of the opioid crisis.

Lancaster County House Republican Delegation Approves of Budget Aimed at Taxpayers and Economic Growth

Jun. 25, 2019 /

HARRISBURG – Today, the Lancaster County House Republican Delegation voted to pass a 2019-20 spending plan for the Commonwealth built upon a foundation of five principles to serve Pennsylvania taxpayers – saving for the future; fiscal management; thrift; investing in our future by boosting education; and instilling policies to foster economic growth. This plan also addresses Lancaster County priorities such as agriculture and Thaddeus Stevens College.

Protect Yourself Against Lyme Disease

Jun. 21, 2019 /

Pennsylvania has led the nation in confirmed cases of Lyme disease for three straight years. To address this growing concern for Commonwealth families, the Pennsylvania Legislature has been working on a multi-prong approach.

Mentzer to Host Shredder Events on June 8 and 15

Jun. 07, 2019 /

LANCASTER – As a free service to the community, Rep. Steve Mentzer (R-Lancaster) will host a shredder event this Saturday, June 8, and on Saturday, June 15, from 10 a.m. to noon at Lancaster Airport, 500 Airport Road, Lititz. These events will give residents a chance to guard themselves against identity theft by having their personal documents securely destroyed.

Mental Health Awareness Month

May. 24, 2019 /

Working to support people struggling with depression or other mental health conditions, the House recently designated May as “Mental Health Awareness Month” in the Commonwealth. Mental illness is not always visible, but it affects Pennsylvanians from all walks of life. This invisibility can make people feel isolated and unable to share their experiences.

Making healthcare work for everyone

May. 22, 2019 /

Prior authorization is a requirement that physicians obtain approval from insurers before moving forward with a specific treatment, performing a test such as an MRI or prescribing medication. While this may not sound like a difficult issue, in fact it is. When you are sick or in pain, not having a well-defined prior authorization procedure can create additional healthcare problems.

Expanding Education Opportunities - By Rep. Steve Mentzer (R-Lititz)

May. 20, 2019 /

More students and their families would have access to additional educational options under legislation approved by the House last week to expand the successful Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program. I voted in favor of House Bill 800, which would increase funding for the program by $100 million to $210 million, providing tens of thousands of additional Pennsylvania families the ability to choose a school that best fits their students’ needs.