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In this Update:
U.S. Supreme Court Hears Cases on Save Women’s Sports Acts
This is such an important issue for me and so many others. I wanted to share with you my recent visit to a rally outside the Supreme Court (SCOTUS) to join with others and stand in support of female athletes and their rights to safe, fair and equal athletic competition. This week SCOTUS heard arguments in the cases of Little v. Hecox and West Virginia v. B.P.J. that will determine the fate of Title IX in America. While we won’t know how SCOTUS will rule for likely several months, I was encouraged by the passion of the advocates who were there with me. Numerous speakers shared personal stories and heartfelt messages about the importance of this issue. It isn’t just about sports. It’s about protecting the rights of women that Title IX enshrined decades ago. The rights to athletic opportunities and safe spaces for every girl are not optional. They’re fundamental. On the state level, I continue to work to advance the Save Women’s Sports Act, legislation I sponsored with my female Republican colleagues in the Senate. Unfortunately, this legislation remains trapped in the House due to Democrats partisan politics and political games. However, my colleagues and I are not giving up and will continue to fight. I also have recently joined the Defending our Daughters campaign. By going to the website www.defendingdaughters.com you can sign the I Believe promise and send a clear message that the rights of female athletes to safe and fair competition, private locker rooms, scholarships and medals, and the protections provided by Title IX matter. We must continue to fight to save women’s sports and preserve and uphold the intent of Title IX. All of Pennsylvania’s daughters depend on it.
110th Annual Pennsylvania Farm Show
What a great week at the 110th Annual Pennsylvania Farm Show! One of my favorite parts of the Farm Show is getting the chance to sit down and talk with Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, which you can click on the image above and watch. The public officials luncheon provided agriculture updates from several notable speakers including, Matt Espenshade, President of the PA State Grange, Secretary Redding, and even the wife of William Penn, Hannah! While walking around I was able to speak with representatives from the PA State Grange about the exciting things they are up to, including my friend, Jodi Keith Kensinger and her son, from Huntingdon County. I even got to run into a few constituents at the DelGrosso’s stand and Jerry Long, owner of Nuts for You from Tyrone.
2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications Now Being Accepted
The application period is now open for this year’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, which provides rebates from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is accepting applications for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025. Forms and instructions are available online, and eligible Pennsylvanians are encouraged to file their applications via myPATH to ensure their rebates are processed as quickly as possible. Please reach out to my office with any questions. Your Input Wanted on Program Helping PA Seniors and People with Disabilities
Older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities and their families can find services and support in their community through Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources (PA Link). Public input is wanted on a plan to redesign and improve PA Link. The plan calls for developing performance metrics, expanding call center functionality, deploying volunteers for community engagement and more. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging will hold a listening session Jan. 27, and the public comment period will be open until Feb. 9. You can review the draft plan, submit comments and sign up for the listening session here. Tips for Preparing for Winter Storms and Power Outages
Winter storms are part of Pennsylvania living, and they’re made worse when the power goes out. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission offers these tips for what to do before and during winter storms:
Learn more about what to do if you lose power during the storm, how to stay safe while waiting for power to be restored and what utilities do to deal with storms here. Deadline Approaching for PennDOT “Innovations Challenge”
How can artificial intelligence (AI) improve work zone safety? That’s the latest Pennsylvania Department of Transportation “Innovations Challenge” for high school students. Students are asked to develop a concept for the use of AI in work zones to dramatically improve safety for work crews and motorists. The concept should take into consideration cost-benefit information, statewide deployment implications and public outreach. Regional winners will be invited to present their solutions to a panel of judges, who will determine the statewide winners. Teams must submit entries by Jan. 30 for a chance at a prize. Rules and submission information can be found here. Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream
Americans of all colors and backgrounds are bound by a love of liberty, a can-do spirit and other ideals that resonate strongly across the United States. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity to celebrate what brings us together and to see each other as fellow citizens, judged by what we do and not what we look like. Out and About in the 30th DistrictPA Bankers Association Roundtable I recently attended the PA Bankers Association roundtable discussion with U.S. Senator Dave McCormick and State Rep. Perry Stambaugh at the Juniata Valley Bank Trust Services Office. Those in attendance went over several key issues facing their companies with us.
Juniata Business and Industry Annual Meeting Junita Business and Industry, Inc. held their annual meeting with Board President Mark Partner hosting the meeting. The guest speaker for the evening was Jon Hart, President of Ag Source, LLC. The meeting also featured a discussion about the current Industrial Park Expansion and the lots and acreages currently available.
Fulton County Medical Center Tour I visited Fulton County Medical Center (FCMC) along with U.S. Senator Dave McCormick and State Rep. Jesse Topper. We learned about investments that FCMC is making to modernize the facility to improve access to care, and we discussed efforts to strengthen their rural health workforce. During the tour we spoke with several of the wonderful staff members in the various specialty departments including Long Term Care and Physical Therapy. The FCMC team expressed much gratitude to the incredibly generous and supportive local community that is a vital part of making this facility the gem that it is.
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