Bob's Blog
Swearing In Governor Corbett
On Tuesday I had the privilege of attending the 2011 Inaugural Swearing-In Ceremony for Governor Tom Corbett in Harrisburg. I was joined by former Governors Ridge, Rendell, Thornburgh, and Schweiker as well as members of the Pennsylvania State House, Senate and the Pennsylvania Congressional Delegation. In addition to these elected officials who attended the ceremony we were joined by many citizens from across our Commonwealth. These individuals braved the cold and inclement weather to participate in one of the hallmarks of our democracy, the peaceful transfer of power from one party to another.
I was proud to take part in this historic ceremony and look forward to working with Governor Corbett and his administration in the future, on a host of important issues facing our great Commonwealth. I believe this ceremony was the beginning of that work and I look forward to continuing our efforts on behalf of the people of Pennsylvania.
Opening the 95th annual Pennsylvania Farm Show
Friday I had the privilege to speak to members of Pennsylvania's agriculture community during the opening of the 95th annual Pennsylvania Farm Show. Over the next week nearly 500,000 people will visit the show to see nearly 8,000 animals, 13,000 competitive exhibits, and 300 commercial exhibitors. It’s no secret that agriculture is important both economically and culturally to Pennsylvania and this event showcases the best we have to offer. With over 63,000 farms in Pennsylvania, agriculture is the top industry in the state. That is why, as a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, I’ll continue working to ensure that all Pennsylvanians have access to a safe, nutritious, abundant and affordable food supply, and that our farmers have the support they need to do their job.
If you haven’t been to the Farm Show, I encourage you to visit. If you are a Farm Show regular, please come back and see all the new displays and try the tasty foods.
Battling Breast Cancer in Harrisburg
Yesterday, I traveled to Harrisburg to participate in the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition’s Annual Conference. At the conference, I had the honor of being awarded the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition’s 2010 Pink Ribbon Award. This award is given to individuals and organizations who demonstrate outstanding leadership in breast cancer research, education, treatment and advocacy. Martin’s Potato Chips, Inc. was also given the Pink Ribbon Award during the conference. I was joined by Pat Halpin-Murphy, President and Founder of the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition, as well as many survivors and advocates.
Breast cancer is a terrible disease affecting millions of men and women each year in the United States, and thousands of men and women in Pennsylvania. That is why it is so important to raise awareness of this disease, and hopefully one day find a cure. Throughout my career, I have been a strong breast cancer advocate: I fought to pass the Affordable Care Act to ensure all women access to preventive services and screenings without additional costs, including annual mammography screenings for women over age 40; and I have consistently joined with my colleagues to request additional funding for the National Institutes of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the National Cancer Institute and the Department of Defense Breast Cancer Research Program.
My advocacy on this issue is only one piece of the overall effort, but I will continue my efforts in earnest until a cure is found. I am truly honored to have been able to participate in this important event and to have played a small role in bringing attention to this very important issue.
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