Sen. Casey introduces legislation to stop fentanyl from entering prisons

Sep. 22—WILKES-BARRE — U.S. Senators Bob Casey, D-Scranton, and Martin Heinrich, D-New Mexico, this week introduced legislation to protect prison officers, staff, and inmates from fentanyl and other illicit substances entering the Federal Prison System through inmate mail.

By directing the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) to develop a strategy that guarantees all mail is screened for illicit contraband, Casey said the Interdiction of Fentanyl at Federal Prisons Act would reduce the risk of intentional poisoning or lethal exposure from illicit substances in federal prisons and support the 38,000 BOP corrections officers and staff that are dedicated to keeping prisons safe.

"As we fight back against the fentanyl crisis, we must protect those who face at elevated risk of dangerous exposure," Casey said. "I have long pushed for digital mail screening as an effective way to stop fentanyl from entering our prisons to protect officers, staff, and inmates. This legislation is a critical step to keep Pennsylvanians safe and I will continue fighting like hell to stop the fentanyl crisis."

Sen. Heinrich said, "We need to deploy every available tool we can to tackle the opioid epidemic and support law enforcement in cracking down on drug traffickers and the deadly flow of fentanyl. By screening all mail at federal prisons, we can protect officers and staff from harmful exposure to illicit substances and prevent life-endangering overdoses."

Patrick Yoes, FOP National President of the Fraternal Order of Police, said according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, drug or alcohol intoxication deaths in state prisons rose by more than 600% between 2001 and 2018. In county jails, this number increased by more than 200%.

"This rapid increase in drug-related deaths in prisons has left law enforcement, particularly correctional officers, overwhelmed," Yoes said. "This legislation addresses this issue by limiting the synthetic drug supply chain which contributes to the circulation of illicit substances through our communities and correctional facilities. Correctional facilities' capabilities to protect staff and detainees from exposure to synthetic drugs and opioids will be evaluated and appropriate protective measures will be implemented."

As Pennsylvania and the nation continue to grapple with the opioid crisis, Casey said The Interdiction of Fentanyl at Federal Prisons Act would protect officers, staff and inmates by requiring BOP to develop a strategy to intercept and interdict illicit substances, including fentanyl, mailed to federal correctional facilities.

Specifically, Casey said this bill would enable BOP to acquire and deploy equipment to scan 100 percent of legal and postal mail arriving at federal correctional facilities. He said the legislation would enhance mail screening and ensure that all incarcerated people receive digital copies of mail addressed to them, while remaining consistent with the law and BOP procedures governing attorney-client privilege. The bill would also guarantee that all contraband-free mail be delivered once it has been screened.

Gov. Shapiro visits Penn State dairy complex to launch grant program

Gov. Josh Shapiro and Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding this week visited Pennsylvania State University's Dairy Research and Teaching Complex for a ceremonial bill signing to highlight investments in agricultural innovation secured in the 2024-25 budget — including the first-of-its-kind in the nation $10 million Agricultural Innovation Grant Program to help support new solutions and technologies to build the future of American agriculture right here in Pennsylvania.

Shapiro said Pennsylvania's agriculture industry plays a crucial role in the Commonwealth's economy — more than 53,000 farms across the Commonwealth support over 600,000 jobs and contribute $132 billion to our state's economy.

That's why Gov. Shapiro's Economic Development Strategy places agriculture at the forefront, and his 2024-25 budget proposal allocates additional funding to support the growth of new businesses and reinforce Pennsylvania's national reputation as a leader in agriculture.

"In my Administration, we know economic growth and opportunity flow right through our farmlands — and that is why we have put agriculture front and center in our economic development strategy and in the bipartisan budget I signed this summer," Shapiro said. "We're proud to announce the $10 million secured for the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program as we continue working to ensure Pennsylvania leads the nation in agriculture, as the first state to create a dedicated program like this. We're talking game-changing projects — alternative fuel tractors, methane digesters powering entire farms, and cutting-edge robotic milkers being developed right here at Penn State. This first-in-the-nation initiative is going to help fund game-changing projects — and thanks to our bipartisan work, the future of farming is happening right here in Pennsylvania."

The Agricultural Innovation Grant Program will be administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture (PDA) to offer grants to farmers and other agriculture businesses to implement new agricultural technologies, conservation, and renewable energy innovations — expanding their potential to generate profits, enrich soil and water resources, and produce energy on the farm. The program is a key element of Governor Shapiro's commitment to helping Pennsylvania businesses solve real-world challenges and creating opportunities to grow.

"Penn State's world class agriculture research farms, engineering facilities, and veterinary labs are where innovation is born," said Secretary Redding. "We invest millions in developing these innovations. This new investment helps put them in to practice in the real world, where they will make a difference for Pennsylvanians and for the environment we share, our families, and our economy."

Sen. Fetterman introduces the Tenants' Right to Organize Act

U.S. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Braddock, this week introduced the Tenants' Right to Organize Act, a crucial bill to empower tenants to organize, participate in, and operate tenant organizations without fear of retaliation or interference.

This bill amends the United States Housing Act of 1937 to the formation of tenant organizations and provide additional funding to ensure they have a stronger voice in addressing their living conditions and advocating for their rights.

Currently, only some tenants living in federally supported housing have a legally recognized right to organize without fear of retaliation. Fetterman said this "unfair" distinction leaves Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) recipients and residents of federally-assisted units in Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) properties without the ability to self-organize and address housing concerns.

Empowering the millions of HCV and LIHTC tenants in rent-restricted units with the ability to organize promotes stronger, more robust communities and can help improve housing outcomes and reduce eviction filings.

"Every American, regardless of their financial situation, should have the right to advocate for better conditions in their home and community," said Sen. Fetterman. "No parent wants to see their child living in an unsafe or unhealthy home. This bill is about giving low-income Section 8 and LIHTC renters the tools they need to speak up and demand better living conditions. Just as labor unions help workers stand together for fair treatment, the Tenants' Right to Organize Act will empower renters to come together and make positive changes in their homes and neighborhoods."

Key elements of the Tenants' Right to Organize Act:

—Expanded protections for tenant organizing: The bill guarantees families receiving tenant-based rental assistance the right to establish and participate in legitimate tenant organizations to address issues related to their living environment, such as the terms and conditions of their tenancy and other housing and community development activities.

—Preventing retaliation and protecting tenant activities: The bill protects tenants from adverse actions, such as eviction or harassment, in response to their participation in legitimate tenant organizations or exercising their rights.

—Accountability and enforcement for federal funding recipients: The bill requires public housing agencies and owners to recognize legitimate tenant organizations and respond meaningfully to their concerns. It also requires the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Department of the Treasury to establish enforcement protocols, including complaint filing processes, investigation of abuses, and regular reporting to Congress to ensure compliance.

—Funding and support for tenant organizations: The bill provides dedicated funding to support tenant organizing and capacity building, ensuring that tenants have the resources and training needed to advocate for their rights effectively.

Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.