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Center for Rural PA Takes Closer Look at Data Center Growth

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board of Directors, where I serve as chairman, held a second hearing to take a closer look at the rapid growth of data centers across the state.

The hearing examined how data centers could impact local communities, economic development, energy needs, agriculture and farmland preservation – and what local governments need to plan for this growth.

Watch the full hearing on my website.

Read more about the Center for Rural Pennsylvania and their work on this issue.

Victaulic Breaks Ground on Major Lawrenceville Foundry Expansion

The groundbreaking of Victaulic’s major Lawrenceville foundry expansion celebrates an exciting investment in Tioga County and the future of manufacturing in our region. The more than $100 million project will add 180,000 square feet to the facility, expand production capacity and create more than 200 full-time jobs over the project’s lifespan.

This investment demonstrates confidence in Tioga County, its workforce and the future of manufacturing in rural Pennsylvania and I’m looking forward to seeing the expansion take shape.

I-99 Sign Unveiling Marks Major Transportation Milestone

The official unveiling of the new I-99 signs marked a major transportation milestone, as the 62-mile stretch of U.S. 15 from Williamsport to the New York state line officially became Interstate 99. The designation is the culmination of decades of work and investment to transform the corridor into an interstate-standard highway.

Interstate 99 will strengthen our region’s connections to major transportation corridors, support economic development and make it easier for businesses, manufacturers and residents to travel throughout North Central Pennsylvania.

Towanda’s Sullivan Family Farm Celebrates Century Farm Designation

The Bradford County farm of John and Alice Sullivan, owned and operated by the Sullivan family since 1926, was recognized as a Pennsylvania Century Farm during a celebration on July 26^th. Janenne Goliash of my Williamsport office was on hand and presented the Sullivans with a congratulatory Senate Citation.

A Century Farm is a Pennsylvania farm that has remained in the same family for at least 100 consecutive years. The designation recognizes farm families whose dedication to the land and agricultural traditions has helped preserve Pennsylvania’s rural heritage for generations.

‘Will Week’ Helps Pennsylvanians Plan for the Future

First Community Foundation Partnership of Pennsylvania is launching Will Week, Aug. 10–14, to encourage individuals and families to create or update their wills and consider charitable giving.

Through the initiative, participating attorneys are offering 15% off qualifying estate planning services to those who mention “FCFP Will Week” when scheduling.

Senate Stands with Attorney General, District Attorneys, State Troopers and Police

Second-degree murder is a horrific crime – these are homicides committed while the defendant was also committing another violent felony such as rape, arson, robbery, burglary or kidnapping. Those who commit such an act deserve a punishment that matches.

In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that our current sentencing structure for second-degree murder (life without parole in every case) is unconstitutional. The justices gave the General Assembly 120 days to enact legislation correcting the situation.

The Senate successfully passed strong bipartisan legislation to address this issue – twice. The Senate’s legislation is supported by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, Pennsylvania District Attorneys, the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association and the Pennsylvania State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police.           

Unfortunately, the leadership in the House of Representatives refused to allow a vote on this bipartisan legislation, instead passing a weak bill on a near party-line vote. That bill has several serious problems, including the fact that it could allow more than half of all inmates, including those on death row, to qualify for release from prison under an overbroad, ill-defined “medical release” program that is riddled with loopholes. It makes no sense.

I will continue fighting for a strong, common-sense response to the Supreme Court’s decision because the safety of our communities is at stake.

Measure Cracking Down on “CDL Mills” Becomes Law

Legislation drafted after it was learned unauthorized commercial driver’s license (CDL) schools were operating in Pennsylvania is now law, significantly boosting penalties for these “CDL mills.”

Act 50 of 2026 increases the maximum civil penalty for operating an unauthorized CDL school from $2,500 to $25,000, giving the state Department of Education a stronger enforcement tool to stop illegal operations and discourage violations. The new law does not impact private employers that provide CDL training to their own employees at no cost.

The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1295 and Senate Bill 1296 to reinforce tractor trailer safety in the commonwealth. The legislative package reflects new federal regulations and federal legislation to strengthen commercial vehicle operations following allegations of unqualified truck drivers in the country illegally. Read more about improving commercial vehicle safety here.

Consider a Future as an Emergency Medical Services Provider

You could have a future in Emergency Medical Services, a critical component of healthy communities.

Find out what it takes to be an EMS provider and get your start with the state Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.

The site includes EMS education, information and resources, regional EMS council contact information and more.

Nominate a Non-Teaching School Employee for a RISE Award

Non-teaching school employees – including paraprofessional, clerical, transportation, food service, custodial, security and health workers – play key roles in keeping our local schools running.   

If you know an incredible non-teaching employee, you can nominate them for a Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. Find details and a nomination form at the state Department of Education website.

Nominations for 2026 close Aug. 30.

Organ and Tissue Donation Saves Lives

Saturday is PA Donor Day across the commonwealth, a statewide effort to rally support for the more than 6,000 Pennsylvanians waiting for a life-saving transplant. It’s held on 8/1 because eight lives can be saved by just one registered donor.

PA Donor Day 2026 is especially important because the number of Pennsylvanians registering as organ donors has slowed and transplant waiting lists are long.

You can register to donate at any time – you don’t need to get a driver’s license or permit. Learn more about organ and tissue donation and register to be a donor here.