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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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Restoring Safety in Our Communities
As crime continues to rise across Pennsylvania, it’s clear we must take bold steps to restore law and order. Recently, I joined House Republicans at a press conference in Harrisburg to introduce a package of bills aimed at tackling the national crime crisis, and I’m proud to announce legislation to support this initiative.
My legislation focuses on two key areas: empowering neighborhoods to prevent crime and ensuring violent offenders are held accountable.
First, I’m introducing legislation that would authorize and expand neighborhood watch programs. The residents who know their communities best can play a critical role in crime prevention, and with the proper support from law enforcement, we can create safer, more vigilant neighborhoods. This bill would establish a clear framework, providing volunteers with the training they need to spot suspicious behavior, avoid bias, and implement safety measures.
I had the opportunity to talk about my legislation to boost public safety by supporting the creation of more neighborhood watch programs on Lincoln Radio Journal. Click here to listen.
Second, I’m addressing a crucial issue in our justice system: the determination of bail for violent offenders. The judicial system can no longer be a revolving door for violent criminals. The goal of this legislation is simple: to prevent violent reoffending and protect innocent lives. The bill does not strip anyone of their constitutional rights. It ensures the justice system takes seriously the need to protect public safety while still allowing for individual case assessments.
By working together and supporting our law enforcement officers, we can begin to restore the safety and security all Pennsylvanians deserve. These bills represent a comprehensive approach, and I’m committed to seeing them through for the benefit of our Commonwealth.
It was my honor to address the media about my legislation. Click here to watch.
I look forward to continuing this important work with my colleagues and communities across the state. Together, we can take back control and make Pennsylvania safer for everyone.
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Promoting Safety in Our Schools
The 44th District is proud to have some of the best school districts in the Commonwealth. I recently had the opportunity to attend an important Safety Night hosted by the Moon Area School District. This informative session was designed to help parents understand the dangers that can threaten the well-being of our children today.
The evening was divided into three critical modules: online dangers, the deadly risks of drugs and pills, and the serious issue of human trafficking. Parents learned how predators can reach children through various means and how to best protect them from these threats.
I truly hope this valuable event is offered again in the future! Keeping our children safe is a top priority, and I commend Moon Area School District for taking the initiative to educate and inform our community.
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A Well-Deserved Award to Quaker Valley Middle School
Congratulations to Quaker Valley Middle School in the Quaker Valley School District on being named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School by the U.S. Department of Education. Quaker Valley is one of only 13 Pennsylvania schools to be recognized as such.
The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.
I presented a House of Representatives citation to Middle School Principal Dr. Anthony Mooney (pictured with me).
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Advocating Legislation to Support PA Workers, Small Businesses
During a press conference at the Capitol recently, I stood alongside Reps. Ryan Mackenzie and Ann Flood to discuss a legislative package designed to benefit Pennsylvania workers and their families.
My legislation, House Bill 555, is a cornerstone of this package and offers a lifeline to small business owners and their employees by enabling them to form group or association health plans. These plans, which are fully insured, would provide essential health benefits while protecting both small businesses and their workers.
Cutting health care costs for our employees is imperative, and this legislation is a meaningful step in that direction. By allowing small business employers to pool their resources, we can leverage the power of group purchasing to significantly reduce health care costs. This approach has already been successfully implemented in more than 30 states, and I believe enacting similar measures in Pennsylvania will empower our small businesses to be more competitive.
I had the opportunity to speak about House Bill 555 during the press conference. You can watch my remarks by clicking here.
In addition to House Bill 555, the legislative package includes:
• House Bill 2000 – Creating a paid family and medical leave tax credit.
• House Bill 1906 – Regulating pre-employment nondisclosure agreements.
• House Bill 274 – Requiring E-Verify for all public contracts.
• House Bill 2593 – Addressing health care facility violence.
• House Bill 959 – Analyzing public sector worker safety.
This package represents a comprehensive effort to provide both immediate and long-term benefits to Pennsylvania’s workforce and small business community.
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Why I Voted 'No' on House Resolution 323: Prioritizing Health care, Not Mandates
Last week, we voted on House Resolution 323, which sought to designate August as Civic Health Month in Pennsylvania. While I absolutely support the intention behind promoting civic engagement, I voted “no” on this bill because we need to carefully consider the impact this resolution would have on our health care system.
Our hospitals, doctors, nurses, and medical professionals are already overburdened, doing their best to provide quality care to patients every day. Adding yet another mandate on these professionals by essentially asking them to assess patients’ participation in elections and helping them register to vote is both unrealistic and unnecessary. Medicine is a field that thrives on evidence-based practices, not on ceremonial designations that place additional administrative strain on an already strained system.
We need to prioritize what truly matters - supporting our health care providers and ensuring they can focus on delivering the care our communities need, without the distraction of extra mandates. Our health care system is under immense pressure, and we should be focusing on policies that enhance it, not add to its challenges.
I shared these thoughts with my colleagues in the House of Representatives, and I encourage you to watch the video of my remarks to learn more about my decision.
The resolution ultimately passed the House by a vote of 105-97.
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Championing Fairness in Women's Sports: Meeting Riley Gaines
I had the distinct opportunity to meet Riley Gaines. Riley, a former college swimmer, has been a champion in protecting a woman’s right to compete on a level playing field. I greatly admire her courage and commitment to advocating for fair opportunities for women. Riley and I are pictured with former NFL player Frank Murphy.
I was a prime sponsor of House Bill 972, Save Women’s Sports Act. The legislation would protect opportunities for women and girls in athletics by ensuring women are not forced to compete against biological males playing on women’s sports teams.
Allowing biological males to compete in girls and women’s sports destroys fair competition and women’s athletic opportunities.
During a press conference in June 2022, I spoke about the legislation. Click here to watch.
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Dining at Parkway West Career and Technology Center
Parkway West Culinary School is awesome! Rep. Jason Ortitay and I had lunch at Parkway West Career and Technology Center’s student-run restaurant. It is open to the public on Wednesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
The menu included smoked barbeque pulled pork made with the school’s smoker. It was delicious.
If you have a chance, I encourage you to visit and sample the food. Consider using the school for your next catering opportunity.
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Protecting Your Business from Cyber Threats
I recently had the privilege of hosting an event focused on one of the most pressing issues facing businesses today: safeguarding against cyberattacks. With the rise of cyber threats, it is more important than ever for business owners to understand how to protect their operations and data.
Our attendees had the opportunity to hear from leaders in the field, including experts from the FBI Cyber Division’s Major Cyber Crimes Unit, specialists from E-Safe Technologies, and professionals from Liberty Insurance Agency, who highlighted the growing importance of Cyber Insurance.
A huge thank you to our expert speakers for sharing valuable insights and strategies to help local businesses stay secure in an evolving digital landscape:
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Jonathan Holmes, supervisory special agent, Criminal Cyber Squad for FBI Pittsburgh. |
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Jason Rigby, senior vice president of property and casualty for Liberty Insurance. |
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Ray Vrabel, cyber security specialist for E-Safe Technologies. |
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Matt Miller, technical service manager for E-Safe Technologies. |
As cyber threats become more sophisticated, protecting your business is crucial. I hope this event provided attendees with the tools they need to stay one step ahead. Thank you to all who attended, and especially to our speakers for offering their expertise!
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Ice Cream & Issues: A Great Conversation in Moon Township
A huge thank you to everyone who joined me for Ice Cream & Issues at Eat’n Park in Moon Township! It was a pleasure connecting with so many of you and hearing your thoughts on key state government issues.
We had a lively discussion about the landslide legislation I’m currently working on, as well as my recent Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBM) bill, which was signed into law in September.
Your feedback is incredibly valuable and plays an important role in shaping the work my office does to serve our community.
I look forward to continuing these conversations and finding new ways to address your concerns. Thanks again for coming out; I’m excited to keep working together for our district!
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Grand Opening of Greco and Sons Pennsylvania Brings Community Together
I had the pleasure of participating in the grand opening of Greco and Sons Pennsylvania, located at 1100 Blue Sky Lane, Coraopolis. It was a wonderful day filled with customers, vendors, family, friends and a strong sense of community as we kicked off the event with a ceremonial ribbon cutting.
Since 1990, Greco and Sons has been a trusted supplier of high-quality, brand-name products to restaurants across the nation, and I am thrilled to see their legacy expand right here in our community! During the event, attendees had the opportunity to tour the impressive facility and see firsthand the delicious products Greco and Sons offers, including their well-known pizza, peppers, and tomatoes.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this exciting milestone. Here’s to many years of success and delicious meals ahead for Greco and Sons Pennsylvania!
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Pictured with me (from left) are David McMullen,
Scott Jaffe and Gary Salvestrini. |
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Policy Committee Hosts Hearing on PA’s Energy Crisis
What if you flipped the light switch and nothing happened? The House Republican Policy Committee held a hearing at the state Capitol highlighting the looming energy crisis facing the Commonwealth and the nation.
The hearing, titled “Fighting to Keep the Lights On in PA,” featured testimony from Stephen Bennett, senior manager of regulatory and legislative affairs at PJM Interconnection.
Supplying electricity to more than 65 million people in 13 states and Washington, D.C., PJM has been outlining reliability concerns if we are unable to meet the growing demand for electricity. PJM’s latest capacity auction revealed a severe spike in capacity prices, which is indicative of an increase in demand and a reduction in supply.
House Republicans continue to fight for policies to capitalize on the Commonwealth’s vast energy resources, while House Democrat policies aim to squash long-time reliable energy sources, such as coal, oil and natural gas, in favor of subsidizing far less reliable solar and wind energy development. Consumers need and deserve reliable and affordable energy.
Watch the hearing here.
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Are You Registered to Vote?
The 2024 General Election is just a few weeks away. It’s always a good idea to check your registration status to make sure all your details are up to date before you try to cast your You can do that online here.
Recently moved? Changed your name? Want to change your party affiliation? You can update your voter registration online here.
If you are not already registered to vote, the deadline to do so is Monday, Oct. 21. You can register in person at your county elections office, by mail or by visiting the state’s online voter registration website.
On Tuesday, Nov. 5 (or sooner if you choose to vote by mail), voters across the Commonwealth will have the opportunity to elect the next president and vice president; members of the U.S. House and Senate; members of the state House and state Senate (in odd-numbered senatorial districts); and state row offices, including attorney general, auditor general and treasurer.
For more information about voting in the Commonwealth, visit www.vote.pa.gov.
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Medicare Annual Open Enrollment Begins Oct. 15
The annual open enrollment period for Medicare beneficiaries begins Tuesday, Oct. 15, and continues through Saturday, Dec. 7. Any new coverage selected or changes to existing benefits will take effect Jan. 1, 2025.
During open enrollment, new Medicare beneficiaries can sign up for Medicare prescription drug coverage and health plans to complement Medicare, and current Medicare beneficiaries can review and join, switch or drop Medicare Advantage or prescription drug coverage so it better meets their needs.
To help Medicare beneficiaries understand their options, the Pennsylvania Department of Aging offers free, objective health benefits counseling through Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight (PA MEDI). Available at Pennsylvania's 52 Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs), PA MEDI counselors can assist Medicare beneficiaries with plan comparisons, help with enrollment in a new plan, and evaluate eligibility for any of Pennsylvania's Medicare cost-savings programs.
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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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