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Pine Creek Rail Trail Named 2026 Trail of the Year

Photo Credit: PA DCNR

A recent celebration recognized the Pine Creek Rail Trail as Pennsylvania’s 2026 Trail of the Year, highlighting one of our region’s premier outdoor recreation and tourism assets.

The 62-mile trail through Lycoming and Tioga counties attracts more than 44,000 users annually and generates more than $5 million in local economic impact. The recent completion of the Pine Creek Rail Trail Extension also connected the trail directly to downtown Wellsboro, making it easier for visitors to explore the community and support local businesses.

Standing Together for Veteran Suicide Prevention

A Senate press conference held last week highlighted September as Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month and the importance of making sure veterans know they are not alone and have access to the resources they need. I was incredibly proud to join my Senate colleagues and fellow veterans in supporting Senate Resolution 359, which recognizes the month in Pennsylvania.

‘Rapid Deployment’ Funding Championed by Senate Republicans Now Being Released to Repair Local Roads

New funding to repair local roads across the state, an effort led by Senate Republicans in the 2026-27 state budget, is now being put to work with PennDOT’s announcement of the first 79 “Rapid Deployment” projects.

Recognizing the urgent need to improve local roads, the “Rapid Deployment” program, which I strongly supported, directs an additional $775 million from the commonwealth’s Motor License Fund to three- and four-digit road projects throughout Pennsylvania communities to quickly improve highway infrastructure. The funds will be for three- and four-digit road projects only, not interstates, which are funded separately. 

Learn more about several projects in our region on PennDOT’s interactive website.

U.S. News Ranks Williamsport 2nd Best Place to Live in PA

Williamsport was recently recognized as the second-best place to live in Pennsylvania by U.S. News & World Report. We already knew Williamsport was a great place to call home, but I’m proud to see it earn this fantastic distinction!

This recognition reflects the quality of life, affordability and opportunities that make Williamsport and the surrounding region a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Storm Recovery Assistance Still Available in Lycoming County

Assistance for residents impacted by the September 2-3 severe storms and flooding is still available. A Disaster Loan Outreach Center is open at the Woodward Township Municipal Building in Linden, where U.S. Small Business Administration representatives can assist homeowners, renters, businesses and private nonprofits with disaster assistance questions, applications and next steps.

The center is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. It will close permanently at 5 p.m. on October 8. Residents seeking assistance should bring any available damage photographs, insurance information, repair estimates, receipts and identification, but should not delay seeking help if they do not have everything.

State Fire Commissioner Announces Grants Available for First Responders

A new round of Act 13 grants is now available to help fire, rescue and EMS companies prepare for emergencies involving unconventional gas wells.

The $250,000 grant program can support specialized training, professional certifications and equipment to help first responders safely and effectively respond to incidents. Applications are open through Nov. 30.

Visit the Office of the State Fire Commissioner website for more information and instructions on how to apply.

Department of Health Withdraws Overbearing Health Regulations After Public Outcry

Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Department of Health (DOH) withdrew proposed health regulations that would have vastly expanded state government’s power over the lives of Pennsylvanians, a tremendous victory for the grassroots efforts of commonwealth citizens. 

Shortly before the regulations were withdrawn, more than 10,000 citizens, school officials and others submitted comments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission expressing their serious concerns. I joined my colleagues in a letter to the commission warning the changes would infringe on our constitutional rights. 

The proposed regulations would have given the state more power to enter homes and businesses without a warrant, speak to students without parents present, access private health records, unilaterally impose mask mandates and more. The DOH introduced the massive, 502-page regulatory overhaul without input from the public or the General Assembly. 

Although these regulations were withdrawn, we must remain vigilant – the governor’s DOH could resubmit them at any time.

Senate Passes Measures to Boost Protection of Senior Citizens

The state Department of Aging has been under review by the Pennsylvania auditor general and inspector general over concerns for the well-being of seniors being taken care of by Pennsylvania’s 52 county-based Area Agencies on Aging (AAA).

The Senate approved legislation that would build on the release of Auditor General Tim DeFoor’s recent audit and implement proper safeguards for older Pennsylvanians.

Senate Bill 1376 would:

• Create training requirements for AAA staff currently being inadequately trained as identified in DeFoor’s audit.
• Establish department standards for how to handle each category of case before the AAA.
• Adopt performance metrics designed to adequately ensure older adults are receiving the services they are supposed to from their AAA.
• Outline a corrective action plan to put poor performing AAAs into compliance with the law and department standards and regulations. Learn more about Senate Bill 1376 here.

The Senate also passed legislation to update Pennsylvania’s Older Adult Protective Services Act to better protect seniors from financial abuse and scams.

The FBI ranked Pennsylvania ninth in total losses to fraud experienced by older adults in 2025. More than 7,000 seniors were defrauded of more than $200 million, representing a 43% jump from 2024.

Senate Bill 738 would require financial institutions to report suspected cases of elder financial abuse and empower the institutions to hold suspicious financial transactions. The institution would have to report this transaction to the appropriate AAA. Similar legislation has been passed in more than 20 states and has been used as an effective tool to prevent fraud. Read more about Senate Bill 738 here.

Legislation to Ban “Nudification” Apps Passed by Senate

Continuing our work to implement stronger safeguards on artificial intelligence, legislation to ban “nudification” apps – which allow individuals to take an image of someone and generate a fake nude or sexually explicit photo of that person – was approved by the Senate.

Senate Bill 1368 prohibits such apps from being developed, operated or made available in Pennsylvania, including through online application marketplaces.

These apps serve no legitimate purpose and pose a special risk to children and school students, whose lives can be upended and reputations damaged through the malicious use of this technology. The measure will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Learn more about Senate Bill 1368 here.

Strategies to Combat Antisemitism and Hate Highlighted at Senate Hearing

Educators, parents and advocacy organizations shared their experiences with antisemitism and explored strategies to combat hate during a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee.

According to the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) 2025 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, Pennsylvania recorded 281 antisemitic incidents, the fifth highest number in the nation. Harassment accounted for 70% of these cases — 194 incidents — alongside 80 acts of vandalism and seven physical assaults. It’s believed these incidents are grossly underreported because victims fear for their safety.

Testifiers discussed how antisemitism can take root in schools, noting the state Department of Education doesn’t track or require administrators to note when an incident is antisemitic, leaving students and parents without a way to seek justice. Video of the full hearing and written testimony are available on the Senate Majority Policy Committee’s website.

Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grants Available

Pennsylvania students who are blind, deaf or have a visual or hearing impairment may qualify for up to $500 in scholarships through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

Applicants must supply written documentation to PHEAA showing they have been evaluated and are eligible to receive benefits and supply a completed Medical Professional Certification form regarding a visual or hearing impairment.

Interested students must also complete the Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant Application. The completed 2026-27 application and additional documentation must be submitted by March 31, 2027.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Don’t Miss Your Mammogram!

The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk begin annual screening mammograms at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, talk with your healthcare provider about whether earlier or additional screening may be appropriate.

To help, we passed Act 1 of 2023 to ensure supplemental breast cancer screening MRIs and ultrasound for individuals at higher risk are covered with no out-of-pocket costs. We also passed Act 52 of 2025 to eliminate all out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic breast imaging, including mammograms, MRIs and ultrasounds needed to evaluate an abnormal finding. Act 52 is currently beginning the implementation process, with full implementation by January 2028.

Pennsylvania residents without insurance or limited insurance, like a high-deductible plan, may qualify for no-cost mammograms and follow-up imaging through programs such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To learn more, contact the PA Breast Cancer Coalition’s Director of Patient Advocacy Dolores Magro at 800-377-8828.

When breast cancer is detected at its earliest stages, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. Don’t miss your mammogram. Early detection saves lives!