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In this Update:
Statement on the Indiana Crash Involving Illegal Alien CDL Holder
As chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I am calling on PennDOT to immediately re-evaluate all non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses in light of the recent fatal crash in the state of Indiana involving a Pennsylvania-issued, non-domiciled CDL held by Bekzhan Bieshekeev of Kyrgyzstan. Effective Sept. 29, 2025, the federal government issued an interim final rule to restore the integrity of non-domiciled CDLs, and PennDOT was subsequently directed to pause the issuance of these licenses. The committee held a fact-finding hearing on Dec. 9, 2025, and we are actively preparing legislation to address deficiencies, inconsistencies and loopholes in the current system. With the ongoing investigations at both the federal and state levels, it is important that we act swiftly to safeguard the public in Pennsylvania and beyond its borders. These efforts require a strong federal-state partnership as we continue to address this critical matter. Pennsylvanians deserve assurances from their federal and state leaders — not political finger-pointing — that our roadways will be safe from criminal illegal migrants. Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
Eligible Pennsylvanians can now apply for a Grow PA Scholarship Grant for the 2026-27 academic year. Applications are available at pheaa.org/growpa. This program offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation and administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Courses of study that qualify for the grant include agriculture, computer science, business, education, special education, STEM education, engineering, nursing, allied health, criminal justice and other programs as approved by PHEAA. The full list is available here. To qualify, applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as well as agree to live and work in Pennsylvania in that occupation after graduation for 12 months for each year they received the grant. Please note: Applicants who received this grant last year MUST reapply to receive the grant again for the upcoming academic year. Legislation to Protect Pharmacies, Save Taxpayer Dollars Introduced
This week, Sen. Lisa Boscola and I, introduced Senate Bill 1186, which would protect patient access to pharmacies by establishing a single pharmacy benefit administrator (PBA) model for Pennsylvania’s state funded health care programs. Under this system, the state Department of Human Services would competitively contract with one pharmacy benefit manager (PBM) to administer all prescription drug benefit programs, which would eliminate the patchwork of PBMs, provide fair and transparent reimbursement to cover pharmacies’ costs and protect patient access to health care. The legislation would also prohibit this single PBA from engaging in predatory practices such as patient steering, spread pricing and specialty drug designation manipulation. Pharmacies continue to close at an alarming rate, leaving countless Pennsylvanians without access to necessary medication and services. The single PBA model has shown promise in other states, and it will create a new environment where pharmacies can continue to provide lifesaving health care so many of our constituents depend on. The Senate Community Pharmacy Caucus, which I chair, held a recent hearing to highlight the problems facing pharmacies and the need for reforms, including the benefits seen in other states when adopting a single PBA model. Ohio adopted this model in 2019, and in just two years, it saved the state $333 million in administrative costs and allowed $700 million in dispensing fees to go directly to pharmacies. A 2025 report found that Ohio’s Medicaid program is now the most stable and reliable payer for its pharmacists. Kentucky followed suit, saving $283 million in the first year. The Virginia, Minnesota and Nevada legislatures have passed similar legislation. Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Economy and Creating More Jobs
As we prepare to examine Gov. Josh Shapiro’s new state budget proposal, one of the things I’ll be most focused on is improving our state’s economy and laying the groundwork to allow businesses to create more family-sustaining jobs. Over the past several years, we’ve steadily improved the tax climate in Pennsylvania by, for example, reducing the corporate net income tax, which used to be second-highest in the nation. We’ve also positioned Pennsylvania to be a national leader in the emerging field of drone research and deployment, protected seasonal workers from unemployment compensation benefit cuts (UC), improved the systems for training barbers and cosmetologists, and much more. One of the most important things we can do to make our state’s economy work better is to enact a state budget that includes responsible state spending. We must also take steps to make Pennsylvania a better place for entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses, bringing more jobs to the commonwealth and strengthening our communities. Concerned About Winter Energy Bills? Call Utilities Now
January and February are usually the months when home energy bills tend to peak, due largely to increased heating demand. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission encourages consumers who are concerned about their utility bills to call their utility company to discuss available options. Utilities can help customers explore payment arrangements, budget billing and assistance programs that may help manage winter energy costs before a bill becomes unmanageable. Utility representatives can also help direct consumers to additional state and local resources. Read more about reducing energy use and how to find help with bills here. The Dangers of Walking on Frozen Bodies of Water
Cold weather means more frozen bodies of water and the risk that comes with walking on them, especially rivers and streams. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers this safety advice:
Look for new ice, which is clear or has a blue tint, and remember that ice thickness is not consistent across the surface of a lake or pond. Learn more about ice fishing and ice safety, including an ice thickness and safety chart, here. Celebrating Presidents’ Day
Monday is Presidents’ Day, a federal holiday that began as a celebration of George Washington’s Feb. 22 birthday and was expanded to cover Abraham Lincoln’s on Feb. 12. While it’s now considered an occasion to honor all the nation’s chief executives, the first and 16th presidents hold a special place in the hearts of Americans. General George Washington led the Continental Army and became the nation’s first president, stepping aside after two terms. President Lincoln guided the country through a horrific Civil War, holding the United States together when victory was not assured, and setting the tone for unity by declaring “malice toward none.”
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