Pennsylvania lawmakers propose animal rights bills

(Apr 05, 2023)

State Rep. Jeanne McNeill (D-Lehigh) reintroduced HB 846, also referred to as ‘Victoria’s Law’, which would protect animals from inhumane conditions that are propagated by puppy mills. Read more

 

McNeill’s office to hold monthly veterans outreach April 17

(Apr 03, 2023)

HARRISBURG, April 3 – State Rep. Jeanne McNeill is alerting local veterans that her monthly veterans support program will be held on Monday, April 17 at her district office, 1080 Schadt Ave., Whitehall. “We need to ensure our veterans have the care and support they need following their service to our country,” said McNeill, D-Lehigh. “This is a great opportunity for veterans to learn about all of the available benefits and programs and receive assistance with the application process.” According to McNeill, a representative from the American Legion Service Office Outreach program will be in her office to provide information on education, health care and death benefits. Appointments with the outreach specialist are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the third Monday of each month. Those interested in meeting with the specialist should make an appointment by calling 610-266-1273. Read more

 

Pa. lawmakers to debate bill requiring carbon monoxide detectors in child care centers after leak in Allentown daycare last year

(Mar 31, 2023)

"Keep our children safe, that's what it's all about, and it's such a small step to make that happen," said state Rep. Jeanne McNeill. Read more

 

Lehigh Valley lawmaker’s bill requiring CO detectors in Pa. child care centers passes House committee

(Mar 30, 2023)

“I’m really happy it (went through committee),” Rep. Jeanne McNeill told The Morning Call. “I was a little discouraged and disappointed that there were actually votes against it, because this was concerning children’s health and lives.” Read more

 

House Health Committee approves bill to require carbon monoxide alarms in Pa. child care facilities

(Mar 29, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 29 – State Rep. Jeanne McNeill announced today that her bill to protect kids from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning in Pennsylvania’s child care facilities has been reported out by the House Health Committee, 17-4. According to McNeill, hundreds of Americans die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning, with an estimated 50,000 sent to the emergency room annually from accidental exposure. “It is alarming that there are no statewide carbon monoxide alarm requirements in place for the facilities that care for children,” McNeill said. “Given the invisible signs of carbon monoxide -- headaches, dizziness and nausea – many people experience it without being aware that they are suffering from a leak. This can cause permanent health effects and even death for young kids who may not be able to explain or even understand the source of their discomfort. This is a sensible safety precaution that needs to be implemented.” If passed by the General Assembly, the bill would mandate the installation of one or more carbon monoxide alarms, depending on the size of the building, in buildings that house child care facilities and have potential sources of carbon monoxide. “In October 2022, a tragic incident occurred right here in an Allentown daycare center, forcing more than two dozen kids and the adults who were caring for them to be hospitalized for carbon monoxide poisoning. Passing my bill would help ensure that Read more

 

McNeill reintroduces bill to cap soaring insulin prices

(Mar 20, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 20 – State Rep. Jeanne McNeill has reintroduced legislation which would cap the out-of-pocket insulin costs for patients at $35 a month. “For far too long the prices of insulin have skyrocketed leading to people to have to decide between the medicine and paying bills or putting food on their table or taking a deadly chance by rationing their insulin,” said McNeill, D-Lehigh. “This bill would reduce the financial burden on those who rely on insulin and ease the unfair stress of choosing between medicine and everyday essentials.” Under McNeill’s legislation, a $35 cap would be established on insulin for each 30-day supply, regardless of the amount or type of insulin required to fill the individual’s prescription. Added McNeill, “We have already seen the three top insulin makers recently make the decision to drop their prices and now this bill would ensure all insulin is made to be an affordable, life-saving drug for the millions who need it.” McNeill said 21 states, including New York, Maryland, Texas and Oklahoma have passed similar insulin co-pay limits. House Bill 534 has been referred to the PA House Insurance Committee for consideration. Read more

 

McNeill reintroduces bill to protect young children from carbon monoxide poisoning

(Mar 17, 2023)

WHITEHALL, March 17 – State Rep. Jeanne McNeill has reintroduced legislation to protect children from accidental carbon monoxide poisoning incidents at child care facilities across Pennsylvania. “Carbon monoxide has no smell, no color and typically gives symptoms like headaches and nausea that children and their educators wouldn’t immediately associate with carbon monoxide poisoning,” said McNeill, D-Lehigh. “Because of how covert carbon monoxide dangers can be, it is absolutely essential that child care facilities are equipped with CO alarms.” Under her bill, buildings that house child care facilities with possible sources of carbon monoxide would be required to have one or more carbon monoxide alarms, depending on the size of the building. Added McNeill, “This past October, a tragic event unfolded right here at an Allentown daycare center where more than two dozen children and their caregivers had to be rushed to the hospital because of a carbon monoxide leak. My bill would help prevent these tragic events from happening again to another child or daycare worker.” According to McNeill, there are currently no statewide carbon monoxide alarm requirements in place, and hundreds of Americans die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning, with an estimated 50,000 sent to the emergency room from accidental exposure annually. McNeill said H.B. 494 has more than two dozen bipartisan co-sponsors and is awaiting consideration Read more

 

Lehigh Valley lawmaker trying again to require carbon monoxide detectors in day cares

(Mar 17, 2023)

McNeill announced she was reintroducing legislation which would require one or more alarms in buildings that house child care facilities with possible sources of carbon monoxide. Read more

 

Over $2.1 million in state funding awarded to support local improvement projects

(Mar 16, 2023)

WHITEHALL, March 16 – State Rep. Jeanne McNeill today announced state funding totaling more than $2.1 million has been awarded to six area projects in her district through the Commonwealth Finance Authority. “These investments show a continued commitment to strengthening the communities here in the Lehigh Valley by improving our green spaces and infrastructure and supporting our law enforcement,” said McNeill, D-Lehigh. “I would like to thank my legislative colleagues, including Senator Nick Miller, for supporting these projects to help enhance the quality of life in our region.” According to McNeill, $1.4 million was awarded locally through the CFA Multimodal Transportation Fund: Hanover Township - $1.15 million for the Lehigh-Northampton Airport Authority for road safety and accessibility improvements. Hanover Township - $150,000 for the construction of a section of the Delaware and Lehigh Trail from Hanover Canal Park to St. Luke’s Center. Borough of Catasauqua - $100,000 for roadway improvements along Water Street. McNeill added, an additional $830,998 was awarded locally through the CFA Local Share Account: Borough of Catasauqua - $418,559 for the construction of a parking lot on Race Street to serve residents and businesses. Borough of Catasauqua - $312,392 for the replacement of the water main and sewer lines at the intersection of Walnut and Saint John streets. Borough of Fountain Hill - $50,047 for the Read more

 

McNeill appointed to PA House Finance and Transportation committees for 2023-24 session

(Mar 08, 2023)

WHITEHALL, March 8 – State Rep. Jeanne McNeill today announced she has been appointed to serve on several key House committees for the 2023-24 legislative session. McNeill will serve on the Finance, Game and Fisheries, Labor & Industry and Transportation committees. “I am truly excited for the opportunity to serve on the Finance and Transportation committees,” said McNeill, D-Lehigh. “These committees will provide an opportunity for me to protect taxpayers and, in addition to providing oversight on Pennsylvania’s roads and rails, ensure our airports, like Lehigh Valley International, are supported and maintained. “I am also looking forward to returning to the Game and Fisheries and Labor & Industry committees to continue the vital work of protecting our outdoors for sport and recreation and supporting businesses for job growth and strengthening the local economy.” McNeill added the appointments put her in a position to discuss and formulate much of the language of legislation before it is considered and voted on in the full House of Representatives. McNeill said the following is a brief explanation of each committee: Finance – reviews bills dealing with financial issues for the state. Tax collection rates and policies are regularly reviewed, as well as banking policies. Game and Fisheries – reviews bills that affect the Game Commission and Fish and Boat Commission. Both commissions are independent Read more

 

McNeill to host ‘Pot O’ Gold’ unclaimed property event March 17

(Mar 08, 2023)

WHITEHALL, March 8 – State Rep. Jeanne McNeill will host an unclaimed property search event on Friday, March 17 at her district office for residents of the 133rd District. “The Pennsylvania Treasury currently has billions of dollars in unclaimed property, like uncashed checks or safe deposit boxes and many residents aren’t even aware that it’s being held,” said McNeill, D-Lehigh. “I encourage anyone who thinks they might have unclaimed property to come to the event or give my office a call.” According to McNeill, unclaimed property may include: Closed bank accounts. Uncashed checks, including paychecks. Lost stocks and bonds. Contents of safe deposit boxes. Proceeds from the demutualization of insurance companies. Expired gift cards/gift certificates. No appointments are needed for the event, which will be held from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Residents can also call 610-266-1273 and a member of McNeill’s staff will help complete the search over the phone. McNeill cautions residents to ignore any solicitations that offer to conduct searches of the database for a fee, as her office can help for free. Anyone who wants to find out if they have unclaimed property, can search their name in the Unclaimed Property database at www.patreasury.gov/Unclaimed/Search.html , call 1-800-222-2046, or contact McNeill’s office at 610-266-1273. There is no charge to claim unclaimed property. Read more

 

McNeill’s office to hold monthly veterans outreach March 20

(Mar 06, 2023)

HARRISBURG, March 6 – State Rep. Jeanne McNeill is alerting local veterans that her monthly veterans support program will be held on Monday, March 20 at her district office, 1080 Schadt Ave., Whitehall. “Our veterans proudly and selflessly protect and defend our country when they serve our country and ask for nothing in return; we must ensure they have access to the benefits and support they need following their service,” said McNeill, D-Lehigh. “This is a great opportunity for veterans to learn about the programs available to them and their families and also receive assistance with the application process.” According to McNeill, a representative from the American Legion Service Office Outreach program will be in her office to provide information on education, health care and death benefits. Appointments with the outreach specialist are available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the third Monday of each month. Those interested in meeting with the specialist should make an appointment by calling 610-266-1273. Read more

 

McNeill Offers Opening Prayer for House Special Session

(Feb 24, 2023)

Pa. state Rep. Jeanne McNeill offered the opening prayer for House Special Session asking for grace and humility as legislators continue their important work for the good of the entire Commonwealth. Read more

 

McNeill Talks Trout with the PA Fish and Boat Commission

(Feb 22, 2023)

Pa. state Rep. Jeanne McNeill sat down with Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Executive Director Tim Schaeffer to talk about fishing and boating activities, how to buy a fishing license, the 2023 trout season, and the importance of wearing a life jacket while boating. Read more

 

McNeill: Catasauqua Area School District awarded school safety grant

(Feb 14, 2023)

WHITEHALL, Feb. 14 – State Rep. Jeanne McNeill today announced the Catasauqua Area School District has been awarded a state grant totaling $49,757 as part of the state’s Safe Schools grant program. “Keeping schools safe is essential as it not only provides a peaceful learning environment for students, but also protects teachers, faculty and staff from harm,” said McNeill, D-Lehigh. “This funding allows the district to obtain the additional safety equipment or programs necessary to keep everyone safe so children can remain focused on their education.” The grant awarded to Catasauqua Area School District was one of 166 awarded statewide as part of the $8 million program. The full list of awardees can be found on the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Office for Safe Schools website . Read more

 

McNeill lauds local fire companies and EMS on grant funding

(Feb 06, 2023)

WHITEHALL, Feb. 6 – State Rep. Jeanne McNeill congratulates several fire companies and emergency medical services within the 133rd Legislative District on receiving grant funding to continue to support their ability to provide emergency response, support and treatment. “Fire and EMS companies provide essential life-saving services and deserve every cent of this grant funding to keep our communities safe,” said McNeill, D-Lehigh. “At a time when funding departments can be difficult, I am pleased to see these companies receive this funding so they can continue their front-line operations and protect us.” McNeill said the grants awarded locally included: City of Bethlehem: Bethlehem City Emergency Medical Service Fire - $15,000 Bethlehem City Emergency Medical Service EMS - $6,094 Borough of Catasauqua: Catasauqua Fire Department - $15,000 Borough of Coplay: Coplay Fire Department - $14,071 Hanover Township, Lehigh County: HAN LE CO Volunteer Fire Co. 1 - $11,861 Lehigh Valley: International Association of Fire Fighters Lehigh-Northampton Counties - $13,826 Whitehall Township: Egypt Fire Co. No. 1 - $15,000 Fullerton Fire Co. No. 1 - $12,843 Hokendauqua Fire Co. - $13,580 The Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant Program is administered by the Office of State Fire Commissioner and makes an annual grant program available for volunteer and career fire companies, emergency medical services Read more

 

Conservation, Substance Abuse Education, and Act 13 Funding Opportunities

(Feb 01, 2023)

Here are some of the latest state programs now open for applications. Read more

 

McNeill’s office to hold monthly veterans outreach Feb. 13

(Jan 23, 2023)

WHITEHALL, Jan. 23 – State Rep. Jeanne McNeill is alerting local veterans her monthly veterans support program will be held on Monday, Feb. 13 at her district office, 1080 Schadt Ave. “This is a great way to give back to the selfless men and women who served our country and protected our freedom,” said McNeill, D-Lehigh. “Our veterans deserve every benefit entitled to them and I encourage local veterans to call my office to learn about all of the programs and services available to them.” A representative from the American Legion Service Office Outreach program will be in her office to provide information on education, health care, death benefits, and other programs and services. According to McNeill, appointments with the outreach specialist are usually available between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. the third Monday of each month. However, due to the Presidents Day holiday, Feb. 20 – the third Monday in February, appointments are being accepted for Monday, Feb. 13 to offer the service. Those interested in meeting with the specialist should make an appointment by calling 610-266-1273. Read more

 

McNeill Milks her First Cow

(Jan 19, 2023)

Pa. state Rep. Jeanne McNeill tried something new at the Pennsylvania Farm Show! Read more

 

Lehigh Valley bike trail gets $1.65M to connect Bristol to Allentown to Mountain Top

(Jan 16, 2023)

“This funding will help close a major gap in the trail and improve the quality of life for the residents of the communities in the area,” Rep. McNeill said. Read more

 

Pennsylvania lawmakers propose animal rights bills
Apr 05, 2023

McNeill’s office to hold monthly veterans outreach April 17
Apr 03, 2023

Pa. lawmakers to debate bill requiring carbon monoxide detectors in child care centers after leak in Allentown daycare last year
Mar 31, 2023

Lehigh Valley lawmaker’s bill requiring CO detectors in Pa. child care centers passes House committee
Mar 30, 2023

House Health Committee approves bill to require carbon monoxide alarms in Pa. child care facilities
Mar 29, 2023

McNeill reintroduces bill to cap soaring insulin prices
Mar 20, 2023

McNeill reintroduces bill to protect young children from carbon monoxide poisoning
Mar 17, 2023

Lehigh Valley lawmaker trying again to require carbon monoxide detectors in day cares
Mar 17, 2023

Over $2.1 million in state funding awarded to support local improvement projects
Mar 16, 2023

McNeill appointed to PA House Finance and Transportation committees for 2023-24 session
Mar 08, 2023

McNeill to host ‘Pot O’ Gold’ unclaimed property event March 17
Mar 08, 2023

McNeill’s office to hold monthly veterans outreach March 20
Mar 06, 2023

McNeill Offers Opening Prayer for House Special Session
Feb 24, 2023

McNeill Talks Trout with the PA Fish and Boat Commission
Feb 22, 2023

McNeill: Catasauqua Area School District awarded school safety grant
Feb 14, 2023

McNeill lauds local fire companies and EMS on grant funding
Feb 06, 2023

Conservation, Substance Abuse Education, and Act 13 Funding Opportunities
Feb 01, 2023

McNeill’s office to hold monthly veterans outreach Feb. 13
Jan 23, 2023

McNeill Milks her First Cow
Jan 19, 2023

Lehigh Valley bike trail gets $1.65M to connect Bristol to Allentown to Mountain Top
Jan 16, 2023