Committees continue to address pandemic-related issues
-HARRISBURG UPDATES-
By State Rep. Anita Kulik
As I write this article, I am in Harrisburg for another busy week. The State House has sat for three consecutive session weeks and has considered bills on a wide array of issues.
The House Professional Licensure Committee, of which I am a member, continues to address issues remaining from the COVID-19 crisis. Licensure waivers established during the pandemic have been extended until March 31, 2022. This includes healthcare and numerous other professional licenses.
This has been done to help increase the available number of practitioners. Extending these waivers also helps mitigate any adverse impacts on these licensed professionals.
The committee also considered bills on various issues. During COVID-19 there were significant processing delays at the State Board of Nursing. My staff and I dealt with this issue for several constituents. The proposed bill will direct the joint state government commission to compile a report with findings and recommendations pertaining to these delays.
Cremation is becoming a more chosen option for many families, but many residents and groups have concerns with the process. A bill to create the Crematory Regulations Act would regulate various issues of concern related to crematories.
The House Professional Licensure Committee is also stepping up to help our veterans. Their proposed bill will, among other things, allow military experience to be considered for licensure and include spousal fee waivers for relocation due to military orders.
Many times, the business of different committees overlap. I am a member of the House Game and Fisheries Committee, which held a joint meeting with the Tourism and Recreational Development Committee. During the pandemic, there was a significant increase in outdoor activities and the use of trails, state parks, municipal parks and our state’s streams and rivers.
The committees joined for this informational meeting to discuss ways to keep residents and visitors to our Commonwealth interested in these outdoor activities. Pennsylvania has so much to offer in outdoor sports and activities, some of which exist in our own suburban district, and fall and winter are excellent times to get out and experience all that the state parks and forests and waterways have to offer.
The House Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee also met to address upcoming bills to help veterans and first responders. I have served on this committee since my initial election to the House, and I believe it is very important for us to do what we can to support our first responders and our veterans, both groups being those who do and have done so much for us.
Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions or wish to discuss any proposed legislation, or need assistance with any state matters.
A Kennedy resident and attorney, State Rep. Anita Kulik has served Pennsylvania’s 45th House District since 2017.