Latest news with #DougMastriano
Yahoo
05-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Proposed bill would require Pennsylvania employees to return to in-person workplaces
(WHTM) — A new bill proposed by State Senator Doug Mastriano (R) would require state employees to return to their designated in-person workplaces. According to its memo, the State Employees Return to Work Act aims to improve the delivery of public services, enhance employee efficiency, elevate workplace coordination, and revitalize the local economy by bringing workers back to in-person workspaces. 'In-person work fosters team building, spontaneous problem-solving, and stronger relationships among colleagues,' the bill's memo said. 'As we rebuild our workforce culture, it is essential that employees are given the opportunity to interact directly, share knowledge, and support one another in their work.' Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The memo says employees would be given sufficient notice, and clear guidelines would be established via a structured and phased approach to returning employees to their workplaces, starting with departments where in-person presence is 'most essential.' Flexible working hours and hybrid work options would be available where applicable and feasible, the memo added. The bill has not yet been submitted for introduction to the state legislature. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania Senator looks to designate Christian holy day as holiday
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — A Pennsylvania Senator announced plans to introduce legislation that would bring a new holiday to the Commonwealth. The legislation, authored by Senator Doug Mastriano, would designate Good Friday, which falls on April 18 this year, as a state holiday. Mastriano argued that it is time for Pennsylvania to 'align' itself with other states such as New Jersey, Delaware, North Carolina, Kentucky and Texas which have already taken the steps to 'honor and preserve our religion and cultural heritage.' The legislation argues that recognizing Good Friday would: Honor the faith of millions of Pennsylvanians, reflecting the deep spiritual and historical importance of this day in Christian communities across our Commonwealth Support family and community life, by giving people the opportunity to gather for reflection, worship, and observance without conflict with school or work obligations Promote cultural literacy and understanding, especially for younger generations, by officially acknowledging a holiday that has been part of the global Christian tradition for over 2,000 years Encourage values such as compassion, sacrifice, humility, and hope, which are universally meaningful and align with the moral foundation of many civic and religious traditions Uphold the legacy of religious freedom and respect, a cornerstone of Pennsylvania's identity since its founding by William Penn Bring consistency to school and government observances, as many institutions already close or operate on limited schedules on Good Friday—this legislation would simply formalize an already common practice 'By designating Good Friday as an official state holiday, we reaffirm our commitment to honoring the beliefs of our citizens and preserving the values that have guided Pennsylvania for generations,' Mastriano wrote. Good Friday is observed as the day when Jesus Christ was arrested at the Garden of Gethsemane and crucified on Golgotha in Jerusalem in the Christian faith. Mastriano noted in his bill that Good Friday 'is more than a historic event —it represents the foundation of their faith, symbolizing the greatest act of sacrifice and the path to spiritual redemption and salvation.' The legislation notes that 73% of Pennsylvania are Christians, however, it is important to add that the Pew Research Center, a nonpartisan American think tank based in Washington D.C., puts that number closer to around 62%. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania Senate passes bill targeting fentanyl dealers
(WHTM) — The Pennsylvania Senate passed a bill that aims to crack down on drug dealers who sell fentanyl resulting in fatal overdoses. Senate Bill 92, sponsored by State Senator Doug Mastriano (R-33), would enforce stricter penalties on drug dealers who sell fentanyl that results in the victim overdosing and dying. Individuals convicted of the crime would face a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years in prison under the bill. The penalty would not apply to drug users who share drugs with friends, family, or individuals seeking medical assistance for people who overdose, according to Mastriano. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now The bill, also known as Tyler's Law, was named after Tyler Shanafelter, a young Pennsylvanian who lost his life after purchasing a laced Percocet, Mastriano said. 'It is my duty as a legislator to do everything I can to stem this ever-increasing scourge on our loved ones. My bill would send a strong message that those fueling the opioid crisis will face severe consequences,' Mastriano said. 'I look forward to it becoming law, serving as a legacy for Tyler, his family and other families who have lost loved ones – and it helping to prevent other families from experiencing that harrowing loss.' The bill will now move to the House of Representatives for consideration. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
01-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pa. Senator looks to ‘safeguard' elections by requiring citizenship proof
HARRISBURG, Pa. (WTAJ) — A Pennsylvania Senator announced plans to introduce legislation that aims to protect the rights of eligible U.S. citizens to participate in local, state and federal elections. The legislation, authored by Sen. Doug Mastriano, is designed to enhance the transparency of elections by requiring proof of U.S. citizenship for voter registration in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Currently, the Commonwealth does not require proof of citizenship as part of voter registration. When registering to vote, residents would be asked to provide one of the following: U.S. Passport U.S. Birth Certificate Naturalization Certificate Certificate of Citizenship U.S. Government-Issued Photo Identification (with U.S. citizenship designation) Those looking to register to vote would be required to submit documentation at the time of registration, which would then be verified by the Pennsylvania Department of State if Mastriano's bill passed. The Senator argues that the process would 'safeguard the rights of U.S. citizens' and could bring the following potential benefits: Clear and consistent voter eligibility requirements foster trust in the election process and ensure that all participants meet the necessary legal standards Given that federal law already restricts non-citizens from voting in federal elections, this requirement would align Pennsylvania's state elections with these federal standards, promoting consistency across all levels of government Ensuring that only U.S. citizens vote in elections is essential to maintaining the credibility and fairness of our electoral system Although voter fraud is a rare occurrence, requiring proof of citizenship serves as an added safeguard to prevent ineligible individuals from participating in the electoral process 'By requiring proof of citizenship for voter registration, we will take a significant step toward preserving the democratic process, reinforcing public confidence, and safeguarding the fairness of our elections,' Mastriano wrote. It is important to note that when registering to vote for the first time, the website does ask for the person's Pennsylvania driver's license or PennDOT ID card number. If the applicant does not have either of those, the website advises that the county the person resides in will be in contact with them to help complete the application. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Pennsylvania to join 17 states that have ‘state pledge' if bill passes
PENNSYLVANIA (WTAJ) — A Senator has announced plans for legislation that would promote the Pledge to Pennsylvania's flag. The legislation, authored by Sen. Doug Mastriano, argues that the Pennsylvania pledge symbolizes the dedication to the core values of the Commonwealth which include liberty, justice and unity. Mastriano noted that lawmakers have the opportunity to instill a deep sense of pride and patriotism in every Pennsylvanian if his bill were to be passed. 'I pledge allegiance to the flag of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and to the people for which it stands, one Commonwealth, under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.' The Pledge to Pennsylvania's Flag The legislation argues that in the face of today's challenges, it is essential to cultivate a spirit of unity and respect for the 'principles that connect us as Pennsylvanians.' Mastriano added that his bill looks to make Pennsylvania a land of opportunity and hope. If passed, Pennsylvania would join 17 other states that have their own pledges to their state flags that are separate from the National Pledge of Allegiance. These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. It is unknown if Mastriano's bill would require students to say both pledges in school. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
