The Pennsylvania House of Representatives was in voting session this week (March 15-17), and the Republican Caucus continued advancing its priorities of providing for an economic recovery, protecting families and reforming government for the benefit of Pennsylvanians.   Proposed legislation includes House Bill 146—Markie’s Law—to prohibit the parole board from prematurely releasing an inmate at the expiration of his minimum sentence if the inmate was convicted of a violent offense while incarcerated. Lawmakers also passed House Bill 230 to provide for dynamic scoring of the fiscal impact of any proposed legislation that could have an impact in excess of $50 million upon request from a member of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.  

Geisinger’s COVID-19 vaccine program is now opening a waitlist for those eligible to receive the vaccine as part of the state’s Phase 1A groups.  Phase 1A-eligible individuals can join the waitlist here, on myGeisinger or by calling 570-284-3657.  Appointments will be scheduled as times become available. 

An 86-mile stretch of the Pennsylvania Turnpike will be closed in both directions overnight starting at 11:00 pm on Saturday (March 20th).  The closure between the New Stanton (Exit #75) and Breezewood (Exit #161) interchanges is necessary for crews to safely remove a bridge with blasting. The roadway will reopen at approximately 6:00 am on Sunday (March 21st).

March is National Pet Poison Prevention Month.  Best Friends Animal Society encourages pet owners to protect their pets from potential poisoning.  Household items such as cleaning products, car care products, medications, glue, and bait for rodents are toxic.  Foods such as chocolate, substances containing caffeine, and items with bones can also be harmful to pets.  If your pet show signs of poisoning, contact a veterinarian.  Best Friends Animal Society is a leading animal welfare organization working to end the killing of dogs and cats in America’s shelters by 2025.  for more information, click here.