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In this Update:
Save Women’s Sports Act Heads to Full Senate for Approval
This week, the Senate Education Committee has approved legislation which I have authored, Senate Bill 9, the Save Women’s Sport Act, which would ensure athletic teams in public educational institutions are designated based on biological sex, thereby preserving fairness and opportunities for female athletes. Since 2020 in Pennsylvania, 37 female athletes have lost first place, and another 13 lost second or third place. Overall, this has happened over 100 times across track, swimming, fencing and more in that time frame. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, males, on average, have larger hearts, more muscle, less percentage body fat, and use energy more efficiently. This means that for athletic events relying on endurance, strength, speed, and power, males usually outperform females by 10%–30% depending on the sport. Senate Bill 9, would require public schools and colleges to label sports teams as male, female or coed. The legislation states that only biological females can join teams designated for women. The bill would also allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule. The passage of the Save Women’s Sports Act by the Senate Education Committee marks a significant step toward maintaining integrity and fairness in women’s sports. This bill is about ensuring that female athletes have a level playing field and that the progress made throughout the past decades in women’s athletics is protected. The Save Women’s Sports Act now advances to the full Senate for consideration. You can view my comments from the Senate Education Committee here. Honoring the Life of Former Representative Jerry Stern
It was my honor this week to host the Stern family in Harrisburg as we recognized the life of my dear friend and mentor, former State Representative Jerry Stern. Jerry will always be remembered for his faith, kindness and thoughtful legislation. He served the 80th District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives from 1992-2014. During his time in the House, he served as Minority Caucus Secretary, from 2007-2010; appointed to the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency, from 2001-2006; appointed to the Task Force on Commonwealth Owned Lands, in 2002; and appointed to the Legislative Data Processing Center Commission, from 2009-2010. Representative Stern’s life was dedicated to his family and public service, and we are forever grateful to him. It truly was a pleasure to be joined by his lovely wife Susan; his son, Jason, and wife, Megan; his daughter, Gretchen, and husband, Joe; and three grandchildren who were able to join us, Liam, Evalyn and Ella. We also had the pleasure of being joined by Reverend J. Brant Leidy, who opened the session in prayer. Reverend Leidy is associate pastor with Martinsburg Grace Brethren Church and was the pastor of Rep. Stern and his family for many years. My remarks from the Senate floor honoring my dear friend can be viewed here.
Senate Transportation Committee Takes Action to Support Farmers and Ensure the Safety of Students
The Senate Transportation Committee met this week to consider several bills, including passage of Senate Bill 481 that I sponsored with Sen. Gene Yaw, to allow milk hauling during travel restrictions from Commonwealth agencies. I received multiple concerns from farmers in my legislative district over the Commonwealth’s travel restrictions, which may occur during a winter storm. The regulatory framework fails to recognize the unique nature of milk production and hauling, even though farming is one of Pennsylvania’s top economic drivers. Since milk products are a perishable commodity, Senator Yaw and I have been advocating with the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau for a waiver from the burdensome regulations that disregard our farmers’ hard work and sacrifices. In addition, the committee unanimously passed Senate Bill 65, introduced by Sen. Lisa Baker, to increase school bus safety. I also provided an amendment which would further offer for the education of school bus safety laws within our Commonwealth. Also, Senate Bill 185, introduced by Sen. Scott Hutchinson, was reported as amended, to authorize the aftermarket installation of brake bar light strips on vehicles. It is important that our government is less burdensome on the people of our state. This week, we took action to do just that, as well as ensure further safety in the transportation of our students. All three bills advanced to the full Senate for consideration. You can view the Senate Transportation Committee meeting here. Pennsylvania Money Match
This week, I joined my colleagues Reps. Schmitt and Barger, to welcome Treasurer Stacy Garrity to Blair County, where she announced the first Pennsylvania Money Match checks, totaling more than $1.7 million, are now on the way to Pennsylvanians’ mailboxes. Pennsylvania Money Match is a new program that allows Treasury to return certain unclaimed property to rightful owners automatically without the need for residents to apply with documentation. Pennsylvania Money Match authorizes Treasury to automatically return single-owner properties valued up to $500 after a thorough identification and verification process. At least 14 other states have successfully implemented similar programs. If you would like to search to see if you have unclaimed property, visit here. You can view my comments from the press conference, here. April Hearings Set on Proposed UGI Gas Rate Increase
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will hold five in-person and telephone hearings in early April to gather public input on proposed rate changes by UGI Gas. The commission voted in February to investigate UGI’s proposal to increase its annual operating revenues for natural gas distribution service by $110.4 million (9.7%). Under the proposal, the average bill for a residential customer using 73.7 hundred cubic feet of natural gas per month would increase from $104.47 to $115.74 per month (10.8%). The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate has more information on the proposed increase here. The PUC lists dates, times and locations of the public hearings and information on how to provide input here. If you can’t take part in a hearing but want to comment, you can find the form to submit a comment here. Youth Invited to Go Fishing on Saturday
Pennsylvania’s Mentored Youth Trout Day gives young people early access to the state’s stocked trout waters. This year, it will be held on Saturday, March 29, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Youth anglers need a free Mentored Youth Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License, which can be purchased for $2.97, from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Both are available online or at licensing agents across the state. To participate, youth anglers must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler, which are anglers 16 years of age and older. Adult anglers need a valid Pennsylvania Fishing License and a current Trout Permit. Youth with a license or permit can take a total of two trout (combined species) with a minimum length of seven inches. Adult anglers may not possess trout. March 29 is Vietnam War Veterans Day
Nine million Americans served during the Vietnam War era and 58,000 gave their lives. Sadly, because many people didn’t view the war favorably, Vietnam War veterans received a cold reception when they returned to American soil. Some were even deeply mistreated. March 29 marks the day in 1973 when the last United States troops left Vietnam. That same day, 591 American prisoners were released and returned to the United States. Let us recognize those who fought valiantly for our freedoms. We are grateful for their courage and sacrifices. Out and About in the 30th DistrictThe Big 33 Classic Addison Hook, a member of the Pennsylvania Elite Guardians, was chosen to be a member of this year’s Big 33 team and will be representing the 30th district on the cheer squad. Congratulations Addison on the amazing accomplishment and to Coach Homer DeLattre of Hollidaysburg High School!
Visit to Camp Sinoquipe Camp Sinoquipe is a Scout Reservation at Fort Littleton, that is comprised of 528 acres which was established in 1948. The camp serves over 1,500 scouting youth annually during the summer, and over 2,500 people annually year-round. Ranger Lucas Carmean is pictured here with me. Camp Sinoquipe is also a popular venue which serves the community with PSP Cadet camp, hunting, fishing, swimming lessons, weddings, concerts and more. It is made up of 15 campsites and 5 cabins that house between 16-30 people each, with a spacious dining hall.
Alternate Heating Tour in Fulton County Caleb and Lily Gingerich, owners of Alternate Heating; along with Luke, Phyllis and Westin Gingerich took time to show us the furnaces they make at Alternate Hearing in Harrisonville, Fulton County. Thank you for showing us around!
Rail City Realty Ribbon Cutting Congratulations to Rail City Realty, owner Rachel Wagner, on cutting the ribbon on their location in Altoona! Best wishes for great success!
Tess Ledeboer Presents Her Research at the Capitol I had the chance to meet with Tess Ledeboer, a student at Juniata College, who was presenting her research at the Capitol this week. Her research focused on genetic biomarker testing for cancer. Best of luck, Tess, on all your studies!
Universal Tag Services Ribbon Cutting Congratulations to Universal Tag Services, LLC on your grand opening and ribbon cutting. Universal Tag Services is located on 14 S. Wayne Street in Lewistown.
Future Farmers of America Visit the Capitol This week, members of local Future Farmers of America held their State Legislative Leadership Conference at the Capitol. Their members had the opportunity to learn about the legislative process and debated actual bills. These students are very bright and passionate about the various issues impacting our agricultural industry. Pictured along with me and the students are Representative Scott Barger and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. At the FFA Breakfast, I was fortunate to meet with members of the Central Cove, Juniata Valley, Mount Union, Southern Huntingdon and Williamsburg FFA’s.
Altoona Junior High Chamber Orchestra and Vocal Ensemble Performance The Altoona Junior High School Chamber Orchestra and Vocal Ensemble had a spectacular performance at the Capitol this week. Representative Lou Schmitt and I stopped by to chat with the students and had the opportunity to listen to them perform. Well done!
Mifflin County Farm Bureau Spring Meeting My office was pleased to attend the Spring Meeting of the Mifflin County Farm Bureau, where President Tim Goss, provided his annual report. This annual meeting was held at Hoss’ s in Lewistown.
8th Annual Purple Purse Event for Blair County Family Services Great fun at the Purple Purse event to benefit Blair Family Services Inc. and domestic abuse victims throughout our area. This wonderful event hosted over 400 people. Cheryl Gonsman, Director of Education and Marketing at Family Services, was the keynote speaker sharing her personal story.
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