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In this Update:

• Working to Increase Affordability for Pennsylvanians
• New Law Cracks Down on Robocalls, Scam Texts and Caller ID Spoofing
• State Game Lands Driving Tours
• Join Me for My Veterans Appreciation Luncheon on Nov. 5!
• All Aboard! Additional Amtrak Service Starts November 18
• Key Election Dates to Remember
• National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Oct. 24
• Understanding Metastatic Breast Cancer
• Out and About in the 30^th District

Working to Increase Affordability for Pennsylvanians

At a time when families continue to feel the strain of inflation, we know state government must look for ways to implement policies and programs to increase affordability. Fighting for the state budget to respect taxpayers and take less of your hard-earned money, enacting the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit and the Employer Child Care Contribution Tax Credit Programs, and making homes more attainable are some of the ways we’ve focused on affordability during the 2025-26 legislative session.

The new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit provides meaningful relief for working families across the commonwealth. Families that claim the federal Earned Income Tax Credit may also claim the state tax credit equal to 10% of the federal amount. This amounts to hundreds of dollars saved every year for many working families.

We also created the Employer Child Care Contribution Tax Credit Program, which provides incentives for businesses to make contributions of up to $500 annually toward their employees’ child-care costs.

And we took steps to make housing attainable to more Pennsylvanians by passing legislation streamlining municipal approval processes, reducing delays, cutting unnecessary red tape, and creating a Housing Development Regulatory Compliance Officer to serve as a single point of contact and improve coordination in the permitting process.

We’re committed to continuing to implement greater government efficiencies and policies to control the growth of spending and help address affordability for families throughout Pennsylvania.

New Law Cracks Down on Robocalls, Scam Texts and Caller ID Spoofing

Legislation we unanimously passed enacting stronger protections from deceptive telemarketing practices will take effect Monday, Oct. 19.

Under Act 47 of 2026, Pennsylvania’s telemarketing law will now cover modern forms of solicitation, including text messages, voicemails, ringless voicemails and robocalls. It also establishes stronger rules for when and how telemarketers can contact Pennsylvanians, including:

• Prohibiting telemarketing calls before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m. and on Sundays.
• Requiring prior express written consent for most robocalls and telemarketing text messages.
• Prohibiting telemarketers from falsely identifying themselves or using deceptive caller ID information, including spoofed numbers.
• Requiring telemarketers to stop a solicitation when a consumer asks them to do so.

The legislation also prohibits the use of AI-generated messages to deceive consumers.

State Game Lands Driving Tours

It’s time once again for state game lands driving tours across our state, showcasing hunting and trapping opportunities, all while enjoying Pennsylvania’s beautiful fall scenery. Tours are FREE, held rain or shine, and open only to vehicles licensed for travel on public roads.

Sunday, October 18, from 12 to 3 p.m. State Game Lands 67, Huntingdon County—Starting Point: (40.2488603, -78.1980772) In Saxton on Burma Road, off Little Valley Road.

Both tours are self-guided audio tours using the STQRY Guide app. You must go to your phone’s app store and download the STQRY Guide app ahead of time. Once you install this free app, download the “Pennsylvania Game Commission SGL 26” or “Pennsylvania Game Commission SGL 67” tour prior to arriving for the tour.

Join Me for My Veterans Appreciation Luncheon on Nov. 5!

On Thursday, November 5, from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m., I am inviting all area veterans and their family members to attend a free veteran appreciation luncheon at the American Legion Social Hall located at 1501 N. Juniata Street in Hollidaysburg.

As a token of my deepest gratitude to our veterans for their service to our country, I hope you will join us!

Rsvp’s are required by October 30^th, you can call 814-695-8386 to register.

All Aboard! Additional Amtrak Service Starts November 18

I’m excited for the additional Amtrak service to start on November 18. With critical funding from the U.S. Congress and the General Assembly, there was extraordinary teamwork from Amtrak, Norfolk Southern and PennDOT to accomplish this initiative.

Currently, the Amtrak train, referred to as the Pennsylvanian, provides one daily roundtrip for travelers between Pittsburgh and New York via Harrisburg, Philadelphia and stops in between. Beginning November 18, Amtrak will double the service and create more mobility options for Rural Pennsylvania. The 30^th district has Amtrak stations in Altoona (ALT), Tyrone (TYR), Huntingdon (HGD) and Lewistown (LEW), and we have been working to upgrade them as well. Tickets for the new departures are now available on Amtrak.com and the Amtrak mobile app.     

Key Election Dates to Remember

Election Day will be here before you know it, and I want to make sure you know the key dates.

• The first step is registering to vote, and the deadline to do that is Monday, Oct. 19.
• If you want to vote by absentee ballot, the deadline to file a request is Tuesday, Oct. 27.
• Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 3.

To make sure you’re registered, learn how to request an absentee ballot and find your polling place, visit the state’s elections information webpage.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Oct. 24

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, most people who use prescription medication for a nonmedical purpose obtained that medication from a family member or friend. Removing unnecessary medications from the home can help remove this risk.

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., providing a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs.

Find a local collection site near you at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration website.

Understanding Metastatic Breast Cancer

Metastatic breast cancer, also known as Stage IV breast cancer, is diagnosed when breast cancer has spread to other parts of the body. While treatments can help control metastatic cancer and allow many people to live longer, Stage IV breast cancer is currently considered incurable.

During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, let’s recognize the Pennsylvanians living with metastatic breast cancer every day. Organizations like the PA Breast Cancer Coalition offer programs specific to individuals with metastatic breast cancer including a Stage IV-specific care package program and patient resources.

Metastatic breast cancer research is essential to developing more effective treatments, improving quality of life and extending the lives of those living with stage IV cancer.

Please consider making a $5 contribution to research when you renew your Pennsylvania driver’s license or vehicle registration online. For more information, visit the PA Breast Cancer Coalition website.

Out and About in the 30^th District

Leadership Huntingdon County

Michele Ivory from my Hollidaysburg District Office was honored to participate in the Local Government and Public Service Session for the current Leadership Huntingdon County class. It was a great opportunity to share information about the roles of the various levels of government and share insights into the day-to-day challenges, opportunities, and responsibilities of public service. Thank you to everyone who attended and took part in the discussion!

Fulton County Association of Township Officials Annual Convention

Kathleen Gunnell from my McConnellsburg District Office attended the Fulton County Association of Township Officials 104^th annual convention recently, at the Pleasant Grove Pentecostal Church in Warfordsburg. Attendees heard from representatives of State and Local Officials, the Fulton County Commissioners, Pennsylvania State Police, Volunteer Fire Companies & EMS, Southern Alleghenies Planning and Development Commission, and several others.

Mifflin County Association of Township Official Annual Convention

It was a great time attending the 102^nd Annual Fall Convention of the Mifflin County Association of Township Officials this week. There were several equipment, engineering and business vendors on hand to share their products with the township personnel who attended this year’s convention. Jeff Shaffer spoke to the group as a member of the PSATS Executive Committee.