|
|
|
| The Latest News from Your State Representative |
| [[Share On Facebook]] |
| Please do not reply to this e-mail, as I am unable to respond to messages sent to this address. You can contact me directly at vgaydos@pahousegop.com or here. |
| #Listrak\DateStampLong# |
Let's Make it Clear Again! I Voted to Keep Criminals Behind Bars
I want to repeat this because I previously shared a press release, Facebook and Instagram post, and a constituent email about it but misinformation persists.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court gave the General Assembly 120 days to update the law governing sentences for second-degree murder after ruling the state's mandatory life sentence without parole unconstitutional.
By day 119, the Senate had already passed a bipartisan solution – twice! – that would have established a 35-year minimum sentence and created a clear framework for parole consideration. I felt it struck the right balance by holding violent offenders accountable while providing certainty for victims, families, prosecutors and the courts.
Instead of voting on that bill, House Democrats rewrote it at the last minute. The amended House Bill 1042 replaced the Senate’s sentencing plan with broader judicial discretion and added unrelated medical parole provisions. The changes were so significant Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday urged lawmakers to vote against the bill, warning it contained inadequate penalties and could allow dangerous offenders to seek early release under broad standards. The bill was also opposed by the Fraternal Order of Police and the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association.
I voted to restore the Senate’s bipartisan language because it was the right approach. When that effort failed, I voted “no” on the amended House bill because public safety should always come before politics.
Unfortunately, the deadline passed without a new law in place. As a result, more than 1,100 people serving sentences for second-degree murder may now challenge their sentences in court, creating uncertainty for victims and their families while placing additional strain on our judicial system.
I remain committed to supporting legislation that protects our communities, supports law enforcement and keeps dangerous criminals behind bars.
|
Honoring Those Who Served
It was an honor to speak at the dedication of the new Veterans’ Memorial in Leet Township, a tribute to the brave men and women who answered our nation’s call to serve.
During the ceremony, I thanked every veteran who has worn the uniform, as well as those who continue to serve today and the future generations who will defend our freedoms.
Military service has always been personal to me. My father was a World War II veteran and a dentist in Ambridge who taught me to respect those who served. My Uncle Ted was a D-Day veteran who later served in Korea and Vietnam. Their examples instilled in me the values of service, sacrifice and giving back to our communities.
I was proud to join Leet Township officials and Congressman Chris Deluzio in dedicating this beautiful memorial, which will stand for generations as a reminder of the courage and sacrifice of our veterans.
It was also my pleasure to advocate for the memorial's funding.
Thank you to the Vietnam Veterans organization and color guard; the Quaker Valley School District students for their moving performances of The Star-Spangled Banner and God Bless America; and the Leetsdale, Fair Oaks, Oaks and Big Sewickley Creek volunteer fire departments for helping make the ceremony so special. A special thank-you also goes to the Leet Township commissioners, especially Donna Adipietro, whose dedication and perseverance helped make this memorial a reality.
Please take a few moments to watch as I captured some of the sights and sounds of the event.
|
Celebrating a Lifetime of Faith and Service
It was an honor to join more than 1,000 people at Christ Church at Grove Farm to celebrate the 90th birthday of Rev. Dr. John Guest, a remarkable man whose faith and leadership have touched countless lives.
Born in Oxford, England, Rev. Guest came to the United States in 1966, became an American citizen in 1976 and has spent decades sharing the Gospel and serving others. His ministry at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, his role in founding Trinity School for Ministry, his leadership at Christ Church at Grove Farm and his work around the world have left a lasting impact on generations of people.
Following the worship service, I was honored to present Rev. Guest with a House of Representatives citation recognizing his lifetime of service and contributions.
It was also great to spend time with so many friends and neighbors from across our community during this special celebration.
Please watch my citation presentation, along with the blessing Rev. Guest gave me afterward. It is a moment I will always treasure.
|
Let’s Fight Human Trafficking
Nothing is more important than the safety and well-being of our children. Unfortunately, human trafficking is a growing crime that affects communities of every size and background. It often hides in plain sight and increasingly targets vulnerable children through social media, online gaming, manipulation by trusted adults, false promises of friendship or employment, and exploitation of family or financial hardships. Knowing the warning signs can make all the difference.
To help parents, grandparents and community members better protect our children, I’m inviting you to join me for a free Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention program on Tuesday, Sept. 1, at 6 p.m., at the Sewickley Hills Borough Building, 349 Magee Road in Sewickley.
Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday will join us to discuss how traffickers target children and other vulnerable victims, the warning signs everyone should know, practical steps families can take to stay safe, and what to do if you suspect someone is being exploited.
As a member of the Pennsylvania Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus, I have worked to strengthen our fight against this terrible crime. This year, I supported Act 31 of 2026, which requires human trafficking awareness training for employees in Pennsylvania’s hospitality industry so they can recognize suspicious activity and know how to respond. I also voted for Act 41 of 2026, which gives the attorney general and law enforcement stronger tools to investigate and prosecute traffickers while increasing penalties for those who exploit vulnerable victims.
These new laws are an important step forward, but protecting our children and ending human trafficking takes all of us. Awareness is one of the most powerful tools we have to prevent this crime. I hope you will join me for this important discussion.
|
Check Out All of My Upcoming Events
|
New Telemarketing Law to Benefit Consumers
Telemarketing companies will be prohibited from “spoofing” and limited in when they can make calls under a new law unanimously approved by the General Assembly and signed into law by the governor.
Act 47 of 2026 specifically bans telemarketing companies from faking their name or spoofing a local phone number on a caller ID in an attempt to trick people into answering. It also limits calling hours to between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m., Monday through Saturday, instead of the current 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. Calls will be prohibited on Sundays and holidays as well.
Additionally, the law requires clear, upfront disclosures about the purpose of the call, the telemarketer’s identity and what’s being sold. It requires immediate cessation of a solicitation call when requested and expands to prohibit all deceptive or abusive telemarketing acts.
The law takes effect in 90 days.
|
Veterans Temporary Assistance Available
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) is reminding veterans of the Veterans Temporary Assistance (VTA) program, which provides financial relief for necessities of life such as food, shelter, fuel and clothing.
Since the inception of the VTA, DMVA has awarded more than $8.6 million to assist over 9,650 service members, veterans and their families with emergent financial needs.
Eligible veterans or their survivors can qualify for an amount not to exceed $1,600 in a 12-month period. For more information about the program’s criteria, eligibility and needed documentation, go to Veterans Temporary Assistance. To apply, eligible veterans should contact the county veterans affairs director in the county in which they reside.
|
National Night Out
This Tuesday, Aug. 4, is National Night Out, a day set aside to promote police-community partnerships and engage all of us in the effort to support the health and safety of our friends and neighbors.
Millions of people across the country will take part in National Night Out events, including block parties, festivals, parades, cookouts and more.
Contact your municipality or local police department to find out what events are planned in your community.
|
Saturday is PA Donor Day
On Aug. 1, 2020, Pennsylvania’s first-ever PA Donor Day was recognized as a moment to galvanize the state and rally behind the more than 6,000 Pennsylvanians waiting for a life-saving transplant. The date was chosen because one registered donor has the power to save eight lives.
PA Donor Day will be celebrated this Saturday, Aug. 1. All Pennsylvanians are encouraged to take a moment to register, knowing they could someday save someone’s life. Please click here for more information.
The Legislature has consistently shown support for organ donation and earlier this year adopted House Resolution 432, which officially recognizes April as Donate Life Month and April 10, 2026, as Blue and Green Day. Blue and Green Day encourages people to wear those colors to encourage people to register as organ, eye and tissue donors.
Under Act 102 of 1993, Pennsylvania became the first state to establish a driver’s license organ donor registry and mandate hospital referrals for potential donor evaluations.
|
|
|
