News From Representative Karen Boback Members News July 21, 2022 New Law Enhances Flood Mitigation Program Legislation to enhance Pennsylvania’s flood mitigation program sponsored by Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) has been signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf. Act 65 of 2022, formerly House Bill 1598, amends the Flood Plain Management Act by transferring the administration of the act to the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), replacing the Department of Community and Economic Development. The change provides the Commonwealth with the ability to increase its percentage of federal hazard mitigation funding and allows PEMA to work with municipalities to ensure their programs meet federal regulations. “Flooding is a major concern in many of the communities I represent which are seeking all the help they can get to prevent the damage caused by high water,” said Boback. “By making PEMA the lead agency to oversee flood plain management, Pennsylvania is expected to see a 5% increase in federal funding for mitigation projects.” “Flooding touches every county in the Commonwealth and is one of the most frequent disasters that affects the state,” said PEMA Director Randy Padfield. “Having responsibility for the administration of the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) moved to PEMA will provide for greater continuity of the program and integration with other Federal Emergency Management Agency programs that our agency coordinates with the local municipalities. It will also assist us in obtaining an Enhanced Hazard Mitigation Plan, which will lead to additional federal funding in the future to lessen the impacts of future disasters to citizens of the Commonwealth.” Act 65 will take effect 60 days. Purple Star School Program Coming to PA Schools A bill sponsored by Rep. Karen Boback (R-Lackawanna/Luzerne/Wyoming) to establish the Purple Star School Program in Pennsylvania has been signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf. The Purple Star School Program supports military-connected children as they relocate to new schools due to a parent’s change in duty station. Military-connected children include those of service members on active duty, and in the National Guard and Reserves. “Under the new law, schools are encouraged to identify and assist students of transient military personnel as they adapt to their new location,” said Boback. “Moving from school to school, as these students often do, is never easy. I am pleased the program will now be in place to help make this difficult transition much easier for kids in military families.” Under Act 69 of 2022, formerly House Bill 1867, Pennsylvania public and non-public schools will be designated as Purple Star campuses by the Department of Education if they demonstrate military-friendly practices and meet certain requirements such as: having a military liaison staff member; a webpage that includes resources for military students and families; and professional development training opportunities for staff members on issues relating to military students. School district participation in the program is voluntary. Pennsylvania now joins 30 other states that have Purple Star designation programs. Act 69 will take effect in 180 days.
