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| Weekly Roundup |
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The latest news from the State Capitol |
House Advances Landmark Bills to Combat Human Trafficking
With overwhelming support, the House has approved more than a half dozen bills aimed at stopping the scourge of human trafficking in the Commonwealth. The problem exists in big cities, small towns and everything in between. It is especially prevalent in communities near major interstates.
Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or purchase of persons for the sole purpose of exploitation. Since 2007, more than 1,200 human trafficking cases have been reported in the Commonwealth. In addition, Pennsylvania is ranked 10th on Insider Monkey’s list of top human trafficking states. The International Labour Organization estimates human trafficking is a $150 billion industry, of which $99 billion is generated by sexual exploitation.
Among the bills passed by the House are those that would increase penalties for anyone knowingly patronizing a victim of human trafficking and anyone connected to trafficking victims. Other bills would assist victims and aim to increase resources and protections.
To further draw attention to the problem, my colleagues and I took part in a press conference Wednesday. In addition, the House approved a resolution to recognize the month of January 2020 as “National Human Trafficking Awareness Month” in Pennsylvania. Click here to learn more.
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Reforms for State System Universities Proposed
Several lawmakers joined officials with the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE) in calling for a series of reforms aimed at updating and improving operations within the system.
PASSHE is the largest provider of higher education in the Commonwealth, overseeing the 14 state-owned universities. Since its formation in 1982, it has provided accessible, affordable and relevant undergraduate, graduate and career-development programs to the public. However, despite significant changes to the landscape of higher education, PASSHE’s enabling legislation, Act 188 of 1982, has not been significantly updated since its initial enactment.
Currently, PASSHE is facing considerable challenges that threaten the sustainability of its operations. In order to address these challenges, the organization is in the midst of a redesign, some of which requires enabling legislation.
Bills introduced in the House aim to reform the governance and accountability of PASSHE’s Board of Governors and the Councils of Trustees, make needed financial and legal reforms, streamline reporting, and clarify and update statutory language. The bills are pending consideration in the House Education Committee. Read more here.
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Protect Your Tax Identity
With tax-related identity theft on the rise, next week, Jan. 27-31, is Tax Identity Theft Awareness Week in Pennsylvania.
According to the Internal Revenue Service, more than 300,000 American taxpayers had their tax return details stolen as a result of a 2015 security breach, and approximately $1.6 billion in fraudulent tax refunds were paid in 2016 related to identity theft.
Additionally, approximately 5,000 victims have paid more than $26.5 million to scammers who pose as IRS agents according to the Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration.
If you believe you may be a victim of identity theft or discover a fraudulent state personal income tax return was filed using your identity, please contact the Fraud Detection and Analysis Unit within the state Department of Revenue at 717-772-9297 or RA-RVPITFRAUD@pa.gov for assistance.
For more information, click here to view the IRS Taxpayer Guide to Identity Theft.
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Assisting Our Veterans
Veterans’ outreach assistance with Paul DeVincenzo, an American Legion service officer, is held every fourth Thursday of the month, from 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at my district office, 12 N. Baltimore St. in Dillsburg. In February, he will be at my office on Thursday, Feb. 27. The service officer can help with compensation, pension, death benefits, education and health care, as well as any issues pertaining to veterans’ benefits or the U.S. Veterans Administration. To set up an appointment, call my office at 717-432-0792.
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| Office Locations |
| 12 North Baltimore Street,Dillsburg, PA 17019 | 717-432-0792 |
| 422 Irvis Office, PO Box 202092, Harrisburg PA 17120-2092 | (717) 783-8783 / 3-8783 |
| Email Address: DKeefer@pahousegop.com |
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