PA State Rep. Milou Mackenzie

It was very nice meeting with the Direct Homecare Providers advocates who visited me in my Harrisburg office.

They are providing excellent services and helping many people to remain in their own homes while receiving the care that they need.

Timothy Stopyra and Liam Neubert, both residents of Telford, PA, and members of Troop 91 in Harleysville, were recently honored at a joint Eagle Scout Ceremony. Both Scouts had wonderful service projects that involved developing high level carpentry skills.

Timothy built three bat boxes and fourteen bird boxes that were installed in the parks of Franconia Township, and Liam constructed and installed two outdoor libraries in the main parks in Salford Township.

These talented young men were awarded the designation of Eagle from years of hard work and dedication to the scouting program. They are sure to be successful in all walks of life as they bring the good qualities and outstanding leadership skills and strong character traits they have earned by becoming Eagles!

Congratulations to Tim and Liam! The 131st District is so very proud of you!

Yesterday marked the 82nd anniversary of the Normandy landings during World War II, otherwise recognized as D-Day. D-Day marks the beginning of the final push across Europe to defeat Axis forces during World War II, with more than 10,000 Allied soldiers killed or wounded in that battle alone.

I wish to extend a special heartfelt thank you to the men and women who served that day, and our gratitude to those who did not come home. Your legacy is not forgotten.

A Pennsylvania law banning the use of handheld devices while driving has been in effect since last June, with violators being issued warnings. Starting today, violators will instead face fines.

Paul Miller’s Law limits the use of handheld cellphones or other communication devices while operating a motor vehicle. The law is named for a young man who was killed in a crash involving a distracted tractor-trailer driver in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, in 2010.

Under the law, driving while holding a mobile device is a primary violation, meaning police can pull over drivers solely for the violation. Effective today, June 5, violators will be issued a summary offense, which carries a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees. If a driver is convicted of homicide by vehicle and driving while distracted, they may be sentenced up to an additional five years in prison.

Drivers can still use their phones if using hands-free technology, such as a docking station, Bluetooth or speaker technology. You may also use your phone to contact emergency responders.

According to PennDOT, more than 11,000 crashes were the result of distracted driving, leading to 65 deaths and 6,700 injuries in 2023. Pennsylvania joins 28 other states with hands-free laws.

Read more here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/traveling-in-pa/safety/traffic-safety-driver-topics/distracted-driving