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Interstate 180 Corridor Designated as Kenneth C. Larson Jr. Memorial Highway

A sign unveiling ceremony held Wednesday in Williamsport officially designated a portion of Interstate 180 in Lycoming County as the Kenneth C. Larson, Jr. Memorial Highway.

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.

We were joined by Ken’s family, friends, former colleagues, community leaders and several local elected officials who supported the legislation I sponsored to rename the highway.

UPMC Williamsport Recognized for Patient Safety

Heather Williamson, Director of Patient Safety, UPMC Northcentral Region

Photo Credit: The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania

Leaders and staff from UPMC Williamsport were in Harrisburg to celebrate their well-deserved recognition as one of Pennsylvania’s top hospitals for protecting patient safety.

Each year, The Hospital and Healthsystem Association of Pennsylvania honors hospitals that demonstrate outstanding performance in preventing health care-associated infections. UPMC Williamsport is one of just 22 hospitals statewide to receive this year’s Excellence in Patient Safety Award. Congratulations!

Congratulations to Deb Rudy

Congratulations to Deb Rudy of my Wellsboro office for her recent recognition from the United Way of North Central Pennsylvania! Deb received the Harriett Lenhard Women’s Leadership Award.

Pictured with Deb is Ron Frick, CEO of the United Way of North Central PA. At the event, Ron announced his retirement after eight years of dedicated service.

Boating Facility Grant Program Now Open

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s (PFBC) Boating Facility Grant (BFG) program is now open.

Funding can be used for planning, site acquisition, development, expansion, prevention of the spread of aquatic invasive species and rehabilitation of recreational boat access facilities.

Eligible construction projects may include boat ramps, courtesy docks, restrooms, access roads, parking areas and signs. The deadline for applications is December 1, 2025. More information HERE.

Funding Available for Fire, EMS and Rescue Companies

The application period for the State Fire Commissioner’s 2025 Act 13 Unconventional Gas Well Fund (UGWF) grant is now open. The online application will remain open until Sunday, November 30, 2025, at 4:00 PM.

The UGWF grant provides grants for volunteer and career fire, emergency medical services (EMS) and rescue companies in counties throughout Commonwealth where unconventional gas well drilling has been permitted to acquire specialized training, skills and equipment to respond to gas well-related emergencies to keep communities safe.

Providing Loan Interest Forgiveness to Counties and Head Start

As work continues on finalizing a state budget for 2025-26, my priority remains enacting a budget that respects taxpayers and does not spend beyond our means. Spending too much this year would set Pennsylvania on a course of fiscal uncertainty and tax increases, and we cannot allow that to happen. It’s important to get a budget finished as soon as possible – but it’s more important to get it done right.

Recognizing the impact of the incomplete budget, the Senate is expected to advance legislation providing loan interest forgiveness to counties and Head Start early childhood education programs that receive state Treasury loans to keep their services available while budget discussions continue.

I’ll update you on the status of this legislation as it moves forward.

Rock the Ribbon During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I hope you’ll join me in supporting those affected by breast cancer by raising awareness and encouraging early detection. You can find plenty of useful information to share at this resource page.

I was proud to support Senate passage of legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s no-cost breast cancer screening law by ensuring diagnostic imaging is fully covered. The measure awaits action in the House of Representatives. Let’s come together and Rock the Ribbon with purpose and compassion.

Applications Accepted for Keystone ChalleNGe Academy January Class

Teens between the ages of 16 and 18 can apply now for the Jan. 2026 class of the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County.

A National Guard program, the academy uses a military academy training model to provide structure and discipline for youth. Classes begin in mid-January and mid-July each year. The residential portion of the program runs for 22 weeks.

All meals, housing, uniforms and school supplies are provided at no cost. You can learn more and apply here.

Examining the Use of AI in Education and Workforce Development

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom and how schools are adapting programs to prepare students for changing workforce demands were the topics of a public hearing held by the Senate Education Committee and the Senate Communications and Technology Committee.

The joint panel heard from educators as well as workforce development and policy experts who discussed the need to embrace AI responsibly, in a manner that retains student critical thinking, ensures ethical and safe use, and prepares students to fill in-demand jobs.

Hearing video and written testimony can be found on the Senate Communications and Technology Committee and Senate Education Committee websites.

Find the Best Fall Foliage Nearby and Statewide

Pennsylvania offers one of the longest and most varied fall foliage seasons in the world. You can find the best spots to view these vibrant displays with the fall foliage map from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

In addition, the department’s weekly Fall Foliage Reports offer regional updates, photos and expert tips to help you experience these seasonal landscapes.

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