Federal election reforms
Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick, Jared Golden, Andrew Garbarino and Marie Gluesenkamp Perez introduced the Let America Vote Act of 2024.
The legislation requires states to permit access to unaffiliated voters to vote in primary elections for federal office and prohibits states from permitting non-citizens to vote in elections for federal office.
“There is no institution more fundamental to our democracy than our elections, which is why since entering Congress, I have been steadfast in my mission to restore Americans’ trust in our electoral process. Today, we take a bold and decisive step forward in advancing this effort with the introduction of my bipartisan Let America Vote Act of 2024. It’s simple: Every citizen deserves to have their voice heard, and only American citizens should have the right and responsibility to exercise their vote,” Fitzpatrick said. “This commonsense reform is not political or controversial. It ensures every U.S. citizen, regardless of political affiliation, has the unequivocal right to vote while reinforcing election integrity by strictly prohibiting non-citizens from participating in taxpayer-funded elections. I am grateful for the support of my colleagues as they join me in this essential initiative to fight for all American voices and restore faith in our elections, and implore every legislator in America, whether federal, state or local level, to also stand firmly with us.” ••
Libertarians file to run in Nov.
The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania filed nomination papers for presidential candidate Chase Oliver and his running mate Mike ter Maat, and their U.S. Senate candidate, John Thomas.
The campaign submitted more than 12,000 petition signatures to the election officials, well over the required minimum of 5,000.
“I am excited to say that the campaign has submitted the needed signatures to qualify for ballot access in Pennsylvania,” Oliver said. “When I was in Bucks County collecting signatures on primary day, I got voters as young as 18 and as old as 100 to sign our petition.”
“The growing number of Pennsylvanians who tell pollsters they want Chase Oliver will now have an opportunity to cast their vote for the candidate of their choice, thanks to the Pennsylvanians who signed the petitions and those who circulated them,” ter Matt said.
Thomas, the Libertarian U.S. Senate candidate, said, “While the petitioning process presents an uphill battle, it’s not without its rewards. It afforded me an opportunity to talk with Pennsylvanians from all corners of the commonwealth and from every walk of life. Voters are excited to have such excellent alternatives to the candidates from the old, two-party system, and to finally have a voice of peace and prosperity on the ballot for Pennsylvania.”
Greg Deal, chairman of the Pennsylvania Libertarian Party, said, “For far too long, the two-party system has encompassed the political landscape, and we believe we can bring that change in November. The Libertarian Party of Pennsylvania gaining ballot access is great for Pennsylvanians, and a big step towards freedom.”
In addition to Oliver, ter Maat and Thomas, signatures were filed for Reece Smith as the candidate for Auditor General, Nick Ciesielski for State Treasurer and four state representative and one state Senate candidates. ••
AFL-CIO announces endorsements
The Pennsylvania AFL-CIO announced its endorsements in the November election.
The union is backing Kamala Harris and Tim Walz for president and vice president. It had previously endorsed Joe Biden for re-election as president before he dropped out under intense pressure from Democrats and donors following his disastrous debate performance. It also endorsed Josh Shapiro for vice president before Harris picked Walz.
The state AFL-CIO is endorsing U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr. for re-election, along with Democrats Eugene DePasquale for attorney general, Malcolm Kenyatta for auditor general and Erin McClelland for treasurer.
Two Republicans, U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick and state Rep. K.C. Tomlinson, earned the union’s support. ••
Recognizing National Night Out
Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Norma J. Torres reintroduced their resolution to designate Aug. 6, 2024, as National Night Out.
For nearly four decades, National Night Out has sought to build strong partnerships with first responders and foster unity within neighborhoods. By bringing communities together, it tries to enhance the relationship between law enforcement and residents.
“Here in Bucks and Montgomery counties, like many communities nationwide, we recognize the vital importance of fostering healthy relationships with the hero first responders who serve and protect us,” Fitzpatrick said. “In PA-1, we are fortunate to have some of the finest men and women in Blue, who dedicate their life to safeguarding our residents, while working to further strengthen community-police partnerships through events like National Night Out. I am proud to join Congresswoman Torres to recognize the incredible efforts of the PA-1 law enforcement departments and agencies, and all across the nation, who are taking an active role in making our communities a safer, stronger, and more connected place.” ••
Learn about wills and estates
Bucks County Register of Wills and Clerk of Orphans’ Court Linda Bobrin is embarking on her 2024 Senior Center Tour. Bobrin and members of her staff will be giving presentations about wills, estate planning and inheritance tax at senior centers across Bucks County.
Hour-long presentations will be held on the following dates:
• Aug. 20: Upper Bucks Senior Center, 11 a.m.
• Aug. 27: Pennridge Senior Center, 11 a.m.
• Sept. 10: Lower Makefield Senior Center, 10:30 a.m.
Attendees can expect to learn the basics of what makes a will valid, along with an overview of probate and inheritance tax. They will also be sharing interesting anecdotes, including unusual wills received in the office.
The Bucks County Register of Wills is responsible for appointing the personal representative of a decedent’s estate and is the agent for the state to collect inheritance tax. The office’s primary goal is to serve the public, especially when they may be grieving the loss of a loved one.
For more information, email Rachel Landsberg at ralandsberg@buckscounty.org. ••
34 years of the Americans with Disabilities Act
Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Debbie Dingell, co-chairs of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, introduced a resolution to honor the Americans with Disabilities Act on the 34th anniversary of its signing into law on July 26, 1990.
“Since the historic passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act 34 years ago, this landmark legislation has continued to eradicate discriminatory barriers that have held back millions of Americans living with disabilities from accessing everyday opportunities in life,” Fitzpatrick said. “No one should ever live in fear of discrimination, which is why, as co-chair of the Bipartisan Disabilities Caucus, I am committed to continuing to develop and advance legislation that safeguards the rights of our disability community and ensures they are always protected.” ••
Farry office hours in Bensalem
State Sen. Frank Farry (R-6th dist.) is offering satellite office hours the first Wednesday of every month, from 9 a.m. to noon at the Bensalem Township Municipal Building, 2400 Byberry Road, Bensalem.
Farry’s staff will be on site to assist with state government services; Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications, birth and death certificate applications, SEPTA Senior Key card registrations and renewals; and unemployment issues. ••
Money for Sellersville Fire Department
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick announced he has secured $163,666.66 in federal funding for the Sellersville Fire Department through the Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant program.
This FY23 grant will provide Sellersville Fire Department the opportunity for the modernization of its aging Self-Contained Breathing Apparatus — critical gear that safeguards and ensures firefighters remain safe in hazardous conditions. Commonly known as air packs, SCBAs are crucial for protecting firefighters by providing breathable air in smoke-filled and toxic environments. The new SCBA units feature cutting-edge technology and enhanced safety features that the department’s current gear is not equipped with. The grant funds will facilitate the acquisition of 14 SCBA harnesses, 28 air bottles, 14 facepieces and a Rapid Intervention Team pack.
“Receiving this grant is a tremendous boost for our department,” said Kurt Wagner, chief of Sellersville Fire Department. “Our current SCBA equipment, which has served us well over the years, is reaching the end of its operational life. This grant allows us to replace it with modern, reliable technology that will ensure our firefighters have the best protection available. We are immensely grateful to FEMA for their support.” ••
Lower South supervisor meeting schedule
The Lower Southampton Township Board of Supervisors meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month at the Township Building, 1500 Desire Ave., Feasterville. The next meeting is Aug. 14. ••
Improving the way colleges address sexual assault
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, along with Sens. Kirsten Gillibrand and Chuck Grassley and Rep. Ro Khanna, announced the reintroduction of the Campus Accountability and Safety Act, legislation intended to combat sexual assault on college and university campuses. The bill seeks to improve the way institutions of higher education address and report incidents of sexual assault that take place on their campuses, and it would protect both survivors and accused students by ensuring that schools have a uniform and fair process for investigating and conducting campus disciplinary proceedings. Additionally, it will create new resources and support services for survivors and set new notification requirements for both survivors and accused students involved in the campus disciplinary process.
“Sexual assault on college campuses continues to be a crisis that demands our immediate action. And, as with all crimes, weak enforcement and insufficient accountability only embolden perpetrators to act with impunity. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation is a commitment to our students that we are taking action: action to ensure their safety and action to hold our educational institutions accountable by transforming how sexual assault and violence are handled and addressed. By demanding greater transparency, enforcing stringent accountability measures, and providing essential resources and support to victims, we can eliminate the toxic culture of inaction that has plagued our campuses for too long and create a safer environment for our students,” Fitzpatrick said.
The Campus Accountability and Safety Act will increase transparency and reporting requirements under the Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act by mandating that the institution’s website include campus safety policies, an annual security report, instructions for filing a complaint and statistics of sexual misconduct allegations on campus; create sexual and interpersonal violence specialists at each institution to serve as confidential aides for victims; ensure that sexual and interpersonal violence specialists are well-trained by requiring training created by the Department of Education; ensure that individuals who report sexual misconduct in good faith are not punished for any physical violence or assault as a defense, or alcohol or drug use, that is revealed by that report; expand the VAWA Campus Grant Program to also address sexual harassment on campuses; and requires the comptroller general to study the effectiveness of VAWA grants and submit a report to Congress within two years of enactment. ••
Bensalem Council meeting schedule
Bensalem Township Council meetings are generally held on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 7 p.m. in the Municipal Building at 2400 Byberry Road, Bensalem.
Meetings can be viewed live on Comcast Xfinity Channel 22 in Bensalem and on Verizon Fios Channel 34 throughout Bucks County. They can also be streamed live on the Bensalem Township YouTube channel.
The schedule is Aug. 26, Sept. 9, Sept. 23, Oct. 15 (Tuesday), Oct. 28, Nov. 12 (Tuesday), Nov. 25, Dec. 4 (budget meeting) and Dec. 16. ••
Firefighters receive grants
Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) has secured $90,416.36 for the Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad and $43,485.71 for the Point Pleasant-Plumsteadville EMS through the Federal Emergency Management Agency Assistance to Firefighters Grant (AFG) program.
The Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad will be able to replace outdated bunker gear and acquire essential new personal protective equipment for its full-time staff, and the Point Pleasant-Plumsteadville EMS will be able to obtain new helmets and protective gear, ensuring its team is well-equipped to safely serve the community.
Jason Dowd, Tri-Hampton Rescue Squad Chief of Operations, said, “This grant will enable our EMTs and paramedics to acquire updated gear, helping to ensure they are equipped with the best tools available to protect themselves as they assist our families and communities. Our team can now focus on their vital work with the confidence that they are adequately protected.” ••
Bensalem school board meeting schedule
The Bensalem Township Board of School Directors holds meetings on the fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Dorothy D. Call Administrative Center, 3000 Donallen Drive, Bensalem.
The next meeting will take place on Aug. 27.
The public is invited to attend.
Future meetings are on Sept. 24, Oct. 22, Nov. 26 and Dec. 17 (third Tuesday). ••
Addressing job openings in cybersecurity
Reps. Brian Fitzpatrick and Susie Lee and Sens. Marsha Blackburn and Jacky Rosen announced the reintroduction of the bicameral Cyber Ready Workforce Act, legislation that will direct the U.S. Department of Labor to award grants to increase access to registered apprenticeship programs in cybersecurity.
The cybersecurity field has a severe shortage in talent, with nearly 500,000 current job openings in the U.S. The Cyber Ready Workforce Act would help address the problem by establishing a new program within the Department of Labor to award competitive grants to businesses, industry and community-based organizations, workforce development boards, educational institutions, joint labor-management partnerships and nonprofits to develop registered apprenticeship programs in cybersecurity.
“The continued shortage of cybersecurity professionals has exposed our nation to severe vulnerabilities, threatening our economy and national security. Now, more than ever, a strong cybersecurity workforce is necessary to protect our interests at home and abroad,” Fitzpatrick said. “Our bipartisan, bicameral initiative will provide the next generation of cybersecurity experts the opportunity to gain in-demand skills for high-paying jobs here in Pennsylvania and across the nation without the burden of student loan debt, while fortifying our critical infrastructure and safeguarding our data systems.”
The cybersecurity registered apprenticeship program would include industry-recognized certification in cybersecurity, encourage stackable and portable credentials, and increase access to jobs in cybersecurity. In addition to developing curriculum and technical instruction, grant funding could be used to provide support services to apprentices including career counseling, mentorship, and assistance with transportation, housing and childcare costs. ••
Commissioners meeting
The Bucks County Commissioners meet on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 10:30 a.m. at the Bucks County Administration Building, 55 E. Court St., in Doylestown.
The meetings are broadcast on the county’s YouTube channel.
The next meeting will be Aug. 21. ••
