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Supporting Critical Programs in the State Budget

As state budget negotiations continue, I remain committed to supporting programs that directly impact our communities, workforce and seniors. I’ve heard firsthand from employers about how WEDnetPA helps businesses stay competitive by investing in employee training and skill development. This kind of support ensures Pennsylvania workers are prepared for the challenges of a modern economy.

I’m also advocating for funding for PENNCARE to support our local Area Agencies on Aging. These agencies provide essential services like home-delivered meals, personal care and transportation which are especially critical in our rural areas.

These are essential investments in our region and represent just a few of my priorities as we work to complete a responsible budget.

Kenneth C. Larson, Jr. Memorial Highway

Last week, legislation I sponsored to rename a portion of I-180 in Lycoming County in honor of Kenneth C. Larson, Jr., was signed into law. Ken was a veteran, engineer and visionary who helped shape the very roads we travel on today. Ken’s legacy is one of innovation, mentorship and commitment to our region’s growth. It’s only fitting that a highway he helped build now bears his name. Read more HERE.

Grants Available to Improve Pedestrian and Bicycle Safety in Our Communities

PennDOT recently announced $80 million in available grant funding through the 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside Program to help communities improve pedestrian and cyclist safety. These funds can support sidewalks, bike lanes, safe routes to schools, trail projects and more.

Applications open July 14 and are due by October 31. A helpful webinar for potential applicants will be held on Wednesday, July 9 at 10:00 AM. I encourage eligible municipalities, schools, and organizations in our region to explore this opportunity to invest in safer, more accessible local infrastructure. Learn more HERE.

2025 Laurel Festival Queen and Finalists

Congratulations to all the incredible young women who participated in Wellsboro’s PA State Laurel Festival, including 2025 Laurel Queen Alice Ravert, Miss Montoursville!

Alice is joined by:

1st Runner-Up & Miss Congeniality – Lilly Waleff, Miss Commodore Perry
2nd Runner-Up – Alexis Eyer, Miss Millville.

The Laurel Festival is a cherished tradition and your leadership and dedication reflets the very best of our local communities.

Wellsboro Students Earn National Recognition in Capitol Hill Challenge

Congratulations to this fantastic group of students from Rock L. Butler Middle School in Wellsboro who placed 5th in the nation in the Capitol Hill Challenge—a 16-week competition where students invest a hypothetical $100,000 to learn about financial markets.

Pictured are June Roth, Penelope Pell, Eliana Dillon and Jennifer Sporer, program coordinator. Eliana is the granddaughter of Chuck Dillon in my Wellsboro Office.

Investing in Pennsylvania’s Future: America250PA Scholarships

In 2026, America250PA will award $250,000 in scholarships to high school seniors who choose to stay and build their futures right here in Pennsylvania. These scholarships help cover tuition, room and board, books and more—giving our young people a real reason to stay and succeed in our commonwealth. Schools across PA are matching these funds to support even more students. This is a great opportunity to invest in the next generation of leaders and keep Pennsylvania strong. Learn more HERE.

Sunday Hunting Bill Heads to Governor’s Desk

The General Assembly has approved legislation that would repeal Pennsylvania’s ban on Sunday hunting, sending the measure to be signed into law.

House Bill 1431 would repeal Pennsylvania’s blue laws that have prohibited Sunday hunting for decades as well as modernize the state’s hunting regulations, increasing access for hunters and supporting local businesses.

Read more from the Pennsylvania Game Commission HERE.

PA Joins Nurse Licensure Compact

As of July 7, 2025, Pennsylvania is officially part of the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC), allowing our licensed practical nurses (LPNs) and registered nurses (RNs) to apply for multi-state licenses. This means they can practice in any of the 41 participating states without having to apply for individual licenses in each one. Learn more HERE.

Senate Targets PA Opioid Crisis with Expanded Reporting Tool

The Senate voted to incorporate overdose reporting by EMS providers into the statewide Overdose Information Network to make sure first responders, treatment providers and other key parties have the information they need to save lives.

Senate Bill 89 would require the Pennsylvania Department of Health to coordinate with the Pennsylvania State Police to ensure real-time overdose reporting by EMS providers is incorporated into the statewide mapping system. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives.

EMS providers would report information including the date and time of the overdose, location, substances used by the victim and more. In other action to prevent opioid deaths, Senate Republicans led passage of a measure giving EMS personnel permanent authority to leave behind a dose of lifesaving naloxone at non-fatal overdose scenes.

Senate Acts to Prevent Student-Athlete Tragedies

To prevent student-athlete deaths from sudden cardiac arrest, the Senate passed legislation requiring schools to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) present at sporting events.

Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death for student-athletes nationally and can strike without warning, even in young people with no known heart conditions. Timely access to an AED can increase survival rates by up to 70%.

In addition to ensuring an AED is present at all PIAA-sanctioned athletic events and practices, Senate Bill 375 would require schools to develop and rehearse emergency plans for cardiac incidents. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Legislation Cracking Down on New Car Theft Tactic Approved by Senate

The Senate approved legislation that would target thieves who use new technology to spoof key fobs and steal vehicles. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives.

Current law does not specifically cover this tactic, which involves criminals using key programming tools and relay attack devices to gain access to vehicles by cloning or reprogramming key fobs.

Senate Bill 739 would update the statute governing the manufacture, distribution and possession of master keys to include these new devices, making it a first-degree misdemeanor and ensuring the law keeps pace with technological developments.

New Law Targeting Organized Retail Theft Results in Arrests

Senate Republicans led the way on cracking down against organized retail theft, and the law we pushed for is resulting in arrests, prosecutions and recoveries of stolen goods across the commonwealth, according to Attorney General Dave Sunday.

The office’s Organized Retail Crime Unit launched in July 2024 following enactment of Act 42 of 2023 and a new criminal statute that made retail theft of goods over $50,000 a first-degree felony.

In its first year, the unit opened more than 65 investigations, charged more than 40 alleged thieves and recovered nearly $2 million in stolen goods. The crimes feature multiple thieves who manipulate gift cards and store return policies or enter retail stores in packs and steal as many items as they can. It’s good to see this legislation is working.

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