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Let’s Stop the Tragedy of Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is one of the fastest-growing crimes in our country, but we have little chance of stopping it if we don’t learn about what the crime actually looks like. And if you think you know, think again.
When most of us think of human trafficking, we think of a young person, often foreign, who has been kidnapped, transported far from home and forced into a life of servitude. Yes that happens, but at least in the United States, and here in Pennsylvania, the far more common scenario is a young person who lives at home, goes to school and has dinner with their parents.
How can that be?
I invited the House Republican Policy Committee to Morris, Tioga County, last week to hear from community advocates and law enforcement officials here about the challenges of human trafficking and what must be done to rescue victims and prevent the crimes from occurring in the first place. The testimony we gathered was disturbing.
We heard from Korrin Moon, founder of Lantern Rescue, an international organization operating in 12 countries with the goal of eradicating human trafficking through training and awareness. She talked about human trafficking victims, common misconceptions about the crime and the fact many victims don’t even realize they are victims.
Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters, a man who has served in an array of law enforcement roles for more than four decades, told the committee human trafficking is the most heinous crime he has seen. He presented a detailed scenario describing how children are groomed by perpetrators.
We also heard from Scott Henry, president, Northern Tier Law Enforcement Instructors Group; and Heather Castellino, chief deputy attorney general, and Gabriel Fabian, special agent, both of the human trafficking section, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General.
We all have a role to play in putting a stop to this heinous crime. Please take the time to watch this hearing to learn more about what human trafficking really looks like and what we can do to put a stop to it. The full hearing video is available here.
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Disaster Recovery Center Now Open in Knoxville
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) is now operating a Disaster Recovery Center (DRC) at the Knoxville Community Center, 301 E. Main St.
The center’s hours of operation are Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is closed on Sunday.
While you do not have to visit in person to apply for FEMA assistance, the folks staffing the DRC are here to answer questions, help you figure out what sort of aid you are eligible to receive and can also help you appeal if you’ve already received a denial.
If you aren’t able to visit the DRC or would rather not, you can still apply for assistance online at DisasterAssistance.gov, use the FEMA App on your phone, or call 800-621-3362. The toll-free telephone line operates from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., seven days a week.
For more information about FEMA’s response to Tropical Storm Debby in PA, click here.
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A Reunion of Heroes: 299th Combat Engineers
The love, respect and pure patriotism were palpable as members of the 299th Combat Engineer Battalion gathered in Wellsboro over the weekend. They came to share memories – good and bad – of their time together in Vietnam. Their brotherhood is as strong as ever, many decades later.
I was honored by the invitation to speak at the event and even more honored by the opportunity to facilitate a conversation with Butch Baker and Joe Leazier about how they came to be in the Army, how they met and what they went through all those years ago, and how they found each other again after leaving the service.
I hope you will take a few moments to hear their story. I promise you will not be disappointed. It is a poignant reminder of how blessed we are to be Americans and fortunate we are that service members like Butch and Joe selflessly put their lives on the line for us.
Many thanks to the Home Page Network for recording and sharing their story. Watch it here.
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PA March for Life
It was humbling to once again join pro-life advocates from across the Commonwealth at the state Capitol Monday for the Pennsylvania March for Life. It was a rainy event this year, but it did not dampen our commitment to being a voice for the unborn.
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Area Historical Societies Earn Grants
The Bradford County Historical Society and Tioga County Historical Society have each been awarded grants of $8,000 by the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC).
The Bradford County Historical Society operates and maintains a genealogical and history research library, early record archives and a museum in the old county jail building in Towanda.
The Tioga County Historical Society operates the Robinson House Museum and the Ladd Genealogical and Historical Research Library at 120 Main St. in Wellsboro, as well as the Tioga County Farm, Mine and Lumber Museum in Whitneyville, and the Osceola Blockhouse, an 1835 log house in Osceola Township.
The grants were awarded through PHMC’s Cultural and Historical Support Grant Program. The program provides general operating support to museums and official county historical societies that are not directly supported by other state agency operating support programs.
Our historical societies provide a valuable window into our past that also helps us learn and grow in the future. I am happy to see the Commonwealth supporting this important service to the community.
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Reminder: Troy Office Schedule Change
The Troy office is now operating on a Monday through Thursday schedule. It will be closed on Fridays now through Friday, Oct. 18. Starting the week of Oct. 19, the office will return to a Monday through Friday schedule.
So, if you want to see Dottie and get her expert assistance, be sure to stop by Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to noon or 1-4:30 p.m.
If you need assistance on a Friday when the Troy office is closed, feel free to call the Troy office number, which will be forwarded to the Wellsboro office, or simply come by to see us there at 74 Main St. You can also reach us online at www.RepOwlett.com.
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New Law to Boost Reporting of Data Breaches
The Office of Attorney General has launched an online portal to streamline the process for companies and other entities required to report data breaches under a new state law adopted earlier this year.
Act 33 of 2024, which takes effect later this month, requires reporting of data breaches impacting more than 500 Pennsylvanians. The companies must also provide impacted individuals with 12 months of free credit monitoring and access to a free credit report, if the breach involves the person’s name and Social Security number, bank account number, or driver’s license or state ID number.
The portal is available here.
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Cleaning Up Regulations that No Longer Serve the Public Interest
At the direction of House Republicans and various standing House committees, the Independent Regulatory Review Commission (IRRC) recently completed a two-year-long review that found numerous regulations no longer in the public interest.
This is great news for the Commonwealth, as overregulation hinders economic growth, impedes our ability to govern ourselves and sometimes confuses the public. Streamlining government and reducing the size and scope of our administrative state has long been, and continues to be, a focus of House Republicans.
The report and orders issued by IRRC last week are another successful step in holding government accountable to itself and, most importantly, the people of Pennsylvania. Click here to learn more.
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September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month
Suicide claims the lives of over 2,000 Pennsylvanians each year. That’s an average of five lives lost EACH DAY.
Nationwide, suicide is the 10th leading cause of death, with one suicide occurring every 11.1 minutes. There are more than 1 million suicide attempts each year. This tragedy affects ALL ages, races, genders, sexuality, denominations, incomes and educational levels. It can affect anyone and everyone.
September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, a time to remember and honor those lost to suicide, as well as support suicide attempt survivors and all who experience suicidal ideation, mental health challenges and crisis every day.
It is important to remember help is available. Just dial 988 to connect with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
To learn more about suicide risks and how to help someone in crisis, visit www.preventsuicidepa.org.
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