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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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State
Rep. Joseph Preston |
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House Consumer Affairs Committee holds hearing on 2-1-1 telephone service
HARRISBURG, Nov. 2 – The House Consumer Affairs Committee, chaired by state Rep. Joseph Preston, D-Allegheny, held a public hearing this week on legislation that would create a 2-1-1 abbreviated dialing code, similar to the 4-1-1 and 9-1-1 telephone systems, for people in Pennsylvania seeking non-emergency assistance.
“If implemented, the dialing service would benefit citizens across Pennsylvania,” Preston said. “The proposed system would provide 24 hour, year-round telephone information and referral services to people with important but non life-threatening needs.”
Preston’s legislation (H.B. 539) would designate the state Department of Health as the implementing agency for the telephone plan. The 2-1-1 dialing code could be used for everyday, non-emergency inquiries about unemployment compensation, health-care coverage, the Women, Infants and Children nutrition program, and other programs and services.
Preston said the measure would also establish a 2-1-1 state advisory board.
“With so many help lines, people often don’t know where to call for non-life threatening needs, such as finding an after-school program or securing adequate care for a child or aging parent,” Preston said.
“During emergency situations such as September 11 or the recent wildfires in California, 2-1-1 telephone service proved vital in Connecticut and California by providing information and referral services to people in crisis,” Preston said.
The 2-1-1 dialing code is already in effect in 42 states and the District of Columbia.
Preston said representatives from the state Department of Health, telecommunications industry, and emergency and community agencies were among the people who testified at the public hearing.
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CONTACT: Roseann R. Cadau |