State Senator Lisa Baker
Recent News About State Senator Lisa Baker
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Baker Votes for Bill to Get Pennsylvanians Off Unemployment and Back to Work
HARRISBURG – Unemployed Pennsylvanians who engage in job dodging by sabotaging their own efforts to get hired would jeopardize their Unemployment Compensation (UC) benefits under a bill voted for by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) that was recently approved by the Senate."In recent years, Pennsylvania has taken a series of steps to remove bottlenecks and glitches from the UC system to make sure that eligible recipients receive their benefits in a timely fashion. These measures have improved the situation, but do not address every flaw in the process," stated Sen. Lisa Baker...
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Senate Acts to Establish Sweeping New Energy Framework to Meet PA’s Power Needs
HARRISBURG – Acting to establish a sweeping new energy framework for Pennsylvania, the Senate approved legislation creating the Independent Energy Office (IEO) and Pennsylvania’s Opportunity with Energy Reliability (POWER) Board, said Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20)."With Senate Bill 832, the IEO will provide data-driven analysis and ensure lawmakers have the reliable information necessary to review and implement current energy strategies as well as be on the forefront of new innovative technologies," stated Sen. Baker.The POWER Board will be a public clearinghouse for energy...
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Baker, Brown, Flynn Secure $42.5 Million to Improve High-Speed Internet Access in Northeastern Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) announced today that northeastern Pennsylvania is being awarded $42.5 million to increase access to reliable, high-speed internet, according to Sens. Lisa Baker, Rosemary Brown, and Marty Flynn."Money for expanded and enhanced internet access is a key component of every economic development strategy, benefiting all communities. It is especially crucial in helping rural areas remain competitive for jobs. This helps businesses, institutions, educators, workers and at-home entrepreneurs. Wherever I go...
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Baker: Senate Approves Stricter Penalties for Threats Against Schools in Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG – Legislation that would create heightened penalties for individuals who make terroristic threats to a school passed today in the Senate, according to Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20). Senate Bill 975 would establish new felony criminal penalties for falsely reporting emergency threats to any school or institution of higher education in Pennsylvania."In my district, nearly a dozen schools were plagued last year by anonymous threats this year resulting in closures and lost instruction time and hindered student progress," said Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20)."I spoke with...
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Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Legislation for Safer Communities in Pennsylvania
HARRISBURG – The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced two bills today focused on safer communities, according to the committee’s chair, Sen Lisa Baker (R-20). Senate Bill 920 would implement a statewide rape kit tracking system, allowing victims to go online and track the progress of the DNA evidence collected as part of their case. The bill implements the recommendations of Act 70 of 2022 requiring the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape, to conduct a study and report examining the resources required for a statewide...
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Luzerne Legislators Secure Over Half a Million Dollars for County Infrastructure Upgrades
Sen. Lisa Baker, Rep. Aaron Kaufer, and Rep. Mike Cabell of Luzerne County have announced the successful procurement of $585,160 in state funding for two vital infrastructure projects in the region."Securing this funding is another win for the efforts to upgrade roads throughout the county. The improvements funded here have positive economic, environmental and safety impacts," stated Sen. Lisa Baker.Lehman Township will benefit from $354,952 for the reconstruction of Market Street, while Exeter Township will receive $230,208 to replace a culvert pipe beneath Hastie...
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Senate Passes Baker’s Bill Extending Megan’s Law Requirements to Human Traffickers for Enhanced Community Safety
The Senate passed legislation that would extend Megan’s Law requirements to human traffickers, according to Sen Lisa Baker (R-20).Senate Bill 1111, sponsored by Baker, would make necessary changes to Megan’s Law to ensure that individuals who are convicted of certain human trafficking offenses are subject to the same reporting and evaluation requirements as any other sexual offender.“As a continued effort to safeguard our communities, we are amending Megan’s Law to require that individuals convicted of heinous human trafficking offenses are held to the same stringent...
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Judiciary Committee Advances Bills to Protect Essential Infrastructure and Minors in Casinos
HARRISBURG – The Senate Judiciary Committee advanced two bills today focused on protecting essential infrastructure and unaccompanied minors in casinos, according to the committee’s chair, Sen Lisa Baker (R-20).Senate Bill 819, as highlighted by Senator Lisa Baker, aims to increase the fines and penalties for individuals who vandalize or trespass upon any part of a critical infrastructure facility. Senator Baker emphasized the importance of protecting crucial services, stating, "Increasingly, we encounter threats to our utility infrastructure from international actors......
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Baker’s Athletic Training Bills Passed by Senate
HARRISBURG – Two bills modernizing the capabilities of athletic trainers in Pennsylvania were passed by the Senate today, according to the sponsor, Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20).Senate Bill 559 and Senate Bill 560 would give athletic trainers the ability to deliver a wider scope of health care services to more individuals. "The existing definition is outdated and overly restrictive. These bills aim to modernize the definitions to accurately represent the current education, training and certification of athletic trainers, while prioritizing patient safety," said Sen. Lisa Baker....
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Baker: Senate Judiciary Committee Advances Bills Prioritizing Community Safety
HARRISBURG – Today, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced two bills aimed at prioritizing community safety, according to committee chair Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20). Senate Bill 1111 sponsored by Baker, would make technical changes to Megan’s Law to ensure that individuals who are convicted of certain human trafficking offenses are subject to the same reporting and evaluation requirements as any other sexual offender. "The General Assembly made significant strides in efforts to combat human trafficking by the passage of Act 144 of 2022, which added certain human trafficking...
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Sen. Lisa Baker Responds to Gov. Shapiro's Budget Address
Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) has issued a statement in response to Gov. Josh Shapiro's annual budget address. The senator expressed the need for careful analysis of the governor's proposals, citing the long-term implications they may have.Baker acknowledges the challenge of implementing large reforms without burdening taxpayers or compromising future financial stability. She emphasizes the importance of considering the potential pressure on taxes or program reductions in the coming years if significant spending increases are initiated.The senator also questions the governor's...
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Baker to Serve on Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force
Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) has been appointed to serve as a member of the Flood Insurance Premium Assistance Task Force (the Task Force) established by Act 22 of 2023. The task force's main objective is to study flood insurance issues and make recommendations to improve affordability and expand access to coverage.Pennsylvania is known to be one of the most flood-prone states in the country. This has resulted in significant damage to structures and facilities, requiring time and resources for repair. In recent years, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) updated its...
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Saying Goodbye to a Good and Gentle Soul – Pocono Raceway’s Michele Rose Mattioli-Kulick
Jan 4 2024It is with heavy hearts that we bid farewell to Michele Rose Mattioli-Kulick, a beloved member of the Mattioli family and a shining example of love and respect. Michele's passing has left a void in the lives of those who knew her, but her spirit and legacy will continue to inspire and touch the hearts of many.Michele's life was marked by an extraordinary inner beauty that could not be taught or faked. She was a person who chose the path of love and respect, and her dedication to her family, friends, and faith was deep and unwavering. As a mother to Michael and...
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Sens. Baker and Haywood’s Guardianship Legislation Signed into Law
Legislation sponsored by Sens. Lisa Baker (R-20) and Art Haywood (D-4) to safeguard the dignity of adults in need of guardianship has been signed into law by Gov. Shapiro. Senate Bill 506, now Act 61 of 2023, aims to protect vulnerable adults from abuse, neglect, and exploitation within the guardianship system.The new law addresses the increasing frequency of guardianship appointments and strengthens requirements, procedures, and accountability to reduce the potential for fraud. It also provides options other than full guardianship when circumstances warrant a lesser...
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Baker, Pickett Announce $1.7 Million for Wyoming Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade
A state grant totaling $1,784,107 has been awarded to the Lake Winola Municipal Authority in Wyoming County for the upgrade of its wastewater treatment plant in Overfield Township. The grant was approved through the Commonwealth Financing Agency (CFA) COVID-19 ARPA H2O PA Water Supply, Sanitary Sewer, and Storm Water Projects Program (H2O PA). Sen. Lisa Baker and Rep. Tracy Pickett, who announced the grant, highlighted the importance of modern wastewater treatment capacity for smaller communities in rural areas. Sen. Baker stated, "Securing sufficient modern wastewater...
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Baker, Fritz Announce Nearly $1.7 Million in Infrastructure Grants in Susquehanna County
State grants totaling $1.69 million have been awarded to local projects in Susquehanna County, thanks to the efforts of Sen. Lisa Baker and Rep. Jonathan Fritz. The grants will be used to improve infrastructure systems, protect public health, upgrade water quality, and support future construction in the area."These grants will greatly assist moving forward on these priority projects," said Sen. Lisa Baker. "Three communities will realize needed improvements to their systems to protect public health, upgrade local water quality and ensure their ability to handle new...
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Baker, Ryncavage Announce Nearly $4 Million for 2 Local Projects
Two local projects in Luzerne County have been awarded a total of $3.9 million in state grants, according to Sen. Lisa Baker and Rep. Alec Ryncavage. The grants aim to invest in public health, environmental protection, and job creation, while also reducing costs for local taxpayers and ensuring compliance with clean water requirements.Sen. Lisa Baker expressed the significance of these grants, stating, "The substantial money coming through these two grants is a crucial investment in public health, environmental protection, and job creation capacity. This lessens costs for...
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Baker: Senate Takes Key Steps to Finalize 2023-24 State Budget
Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) has announced that the Senate has taken key steps to finalize the 2023-24 state budget. In a statement, Senator Baker expressed relief that the budgetary disputes have finally been resolved, bringing a sense of relief to the recipients of state funding and those who depend on state-funded services.Senator Baker described the settlement as a reasonable one, aimed at enabling communities and organizations to address pressing needs. She emphasized that the passage of the two code bills allows for the release of funding that has long been agreed upon as...
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Baker: Senate Judiciary Committee Approves Bills, Advances Board of Pardons Nomination
The Senate Judiciary Committee, led by Chairwoman Sen. Lisa Baker, has approved several important pieces of legislation aimed at addressing various issues in Pennsylvania. The committee's actions include approving bills to increase fines for littering, protect the dignity of incarcerated women, and repudiate unlawful restrictive deed covenants.One of the approved bills focuses on increasing fines for littering, or scattering rubbish. Sen. Baker expressed her concern over the persistent problem of illegal trash disposal, stating, "Despite widespread volunteer and paid...