This week, several key pieces of legislation and announcements are making waves in Pennsylvania:
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Bus Rolling Stock Modernization Act: U.S. Senators John Fetterman, Tina Smith, Kevin Cramer, and Katie Britt have reintroduced a bipartisan bill to support the domestic bus manufacturing industry. The legislation aims to address outdated, expensive regulations that hinder the production of new buses, providing more flexibility for local transit systems to make advanced payments, helping manufacturers meet rising demand. Sen. Fetterman emphasized that the bill would lower costs and accelerate bus delivery while boosting the domestic industry.
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Ban on DeepSeek AI: Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity has banned the use of DeepSeek, a Chinese AI platform, from all Treasury devices due to concerns over security and privacy. The ban is part of an effort to protect sensitive financial data, especially given fears that the platform could be linked to the Chinese Communist Party. Garrity stressed the importance of maintaining robust cybersecurity measures to safeguard taxpayers’ money.
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No Patient Left Alone Act: Sen. Doug Mastriano introduced the No Patient Left Alone Act, aiming to ensure patients have the support of loved ones during medical treatments and end-of-life care. The bill addresses the emotional toll of isolation in hospitals, especially among vulnerable populations like the elderly and disabled. It would guarantee visitation rights for patients, with hospitals required to implement safe, reasonable policies balancing patient needs and public health concerns.
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UGI Rate Hike Concerns: State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski is raising concerns about UGI Utilities’ proposed 11% rate hike, which could significantly increase natural gas bills. Pashinski is calling on the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to hold public hearings and carefully consider the economic impact on families and small businesses in his district. He is also urging UGI to find more efficient ways to reduce costs instead of passing the burden onto consumers.
These updates reflect ongoing efforts to address key issues in public policy, from transportation to healthcare and utility costs, impacting Pennsylvanians’ daily lives.