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| The Latest News from Your State Representative |
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| 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. |
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House Returns for Special Session, Ugliness Ensues
This week, the House returned to the state Capitol for a special session after a six-week deadlock over its operating rules. The special session rules passed the House by a Democratic majority; however, there is still more work to be done to incorporate more of what was presented during the Speaker’s Listening Tour. I was appointed by Speaker Mark Rozzi (D-Berks), along with five of my colleagues from both sides of the aisle, to help move Pennsylvania forward. This six-member bipartisan work group spent several weeks working to propose a set of rules by which the House of Representatives can operate fairly for the people of Pennsylvania.
During our work sessions, we discussed different approaches to special session rules with an understanding that regular session rules would also be crafted to ensure that no single member could disrupt consensus. Unfortunately, that did not happen. With a Democrat majority, only the rules to govern the special session were passed.
In addition, a special session of the House was called by former Gov. Tom Wolf to address legislation aimed at helping survivors of childhood sexual abuse. It is my hope that when we return to regular session on Monday, Feb. 27, a full set of regular session rules, which listen to the people of Pennsylvania, will be presented.
I would like to thank everyone who supported my scheduled time off this week. I was honoring the memory of my husband, Bruce, who died from lung cancer in 2002. This planned time off was scheduled long before the last-minute special session of the House was called by the speaker.
My attendance during House sessions has been near perfect. So, what should have been a welcome time for me to take personal time, caused my colleagues from the other side of the aisle to decide to turn this short, scheduled absence into a vicious public political attack through social media. This partisan attack against me for taking time to reflect on a deeply personal loss in my life was disgusting and wrong. This type of uncivil political antics must stop.
Nobody should have to watch a loved one die from cancer. I have dedicated much of professional life to improving the quality of life for all residents. Currently, I co-chair the House Life Sciences Caucus, which supports innovative medicine, as well as education and dialogue between policymakers, industry, patient groups and the general public in the effort to help find cures for diseases.
In addition, I am very active in the House Cancer Caucus, which creates awareness about the disease, diagnosis, availability of treatment options, funding sources and innovative therapies.
There is a bipartisan resolution in Congress to designate November as National Lung Cancer Awareness Month. The goal is to highlight the importance of early detection of lung cancer to help save lives. It also recognizes the need for research to improve early diagnosis, screening and treatment.
Thank you to everyone who dedicates a portion of their time to help care for others. For caregivers needing a much-deserved break, please look to our friends at Hope Grows, a caregiver respite located in Moon Township.
Sincerely,
Valerie Gaydos |
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| Office Locations |
| District Office: |
| 1005 Beaver Grade Road, Suite 106, Moon Township, PA 15108 | Phone: (412) 262-3780, Fax: (412) 262-3783 |
| Capitol Office: |
| Room 428, Irvis Office Building, House Box 202044, Harrisburg PA 17120-2044 | Phone: (717) 787-6651 | |
| Email: vgaydos@pahousegop.com |
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