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In this Update:
Why We Must Save Women’s Sports
This week, I hosted Paula Scanlan, at the Capitol. Paula, a 2022 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and a former captain of her swim team, was forced by her university to swim on the same team as a biological male. She now courageously speaks out against the drastic impacts that are caused to our young women by allowing men onto girl’s teams and forcing girls to even change in locker rooms with men. We must put an end to this. Hearing Paula’s story and the stories of other young girls across our Commonwealth only enhances the importance and necessity of this issue. Which is why we must Save Women’s Sports. You can view my full conversation with Paula, here. Bill to Increase Pensions for Disabled Veterans Advances
The Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee has approved legislation that I have introduced with Senator Devlin Robinson, which would increase the monthly pension amounts for Pennsylvania’s Blind Veterans Pension Program and the Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension Program. Senate Bill 534, would raise the monthly pension payments from $150 to $180 for veterans who suffered service-connected injuries resulting in blindness, paralysis or the loss of two or more extremities. For more than two decades, these critical pension programs have remained unchanged while the cost of living has continued to rise. This modest increase is the least we can do to support the men and women who have heroically sacrificed so much in service to our nation. Under current law, eligible Pennsylvania veterans receive $150 per month through these programs. The last increase occurred in 1999. If enacted, this legislation would provide much-needed financial relief to nearly 2,500 veterans across the commonwealth. As of Nov. 30, 2024, the Blind Veterans Pension Program benefits 98 individuals, while the Amputee and Paralyzed Veterans Pension Program serves 2,345 individuals. The bill is now before the full Senate for consideration. Funding Opportunity for Safety and Mobility Projects
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) will be accepting applications for the 2025 Automated Red-Light Enforcement (ARLE) funding program from June 1 to 30. Interested applicants are required to submit a pre-application scoping form to PennDOT in advance. The recommendation is to complete the pre-application scoping form by April 28, in order to receive feedback from PennDOT by May 30. Local governments and planning organizations are eligible to apply. Examples of projects may include improvements to traffic signals, roadway safety, and bicycle and pedestrian accommodations. The ARLE funding program is a reimbursement grant program and there is no match requirement. More information is available on PennDOT’s ARLE funding program website. Upcoming Financial Aid Assistance Webinars
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) will be hosting Financial Aid Assistance Webinars this month to help you or your student plan for their higher education journey. Articles related to funding a higher education are in the news almost every day and it can lead even the most knowledgeable of us into information overload. Have you ever wanted to simply ask a few specific questions, yet couldn’t find anyone to ask? Maybe you have questions about planning for college, finding the right school, applying for scholarships and for federal and state aid, understanding offer letters, completing loan applications, comparing federal loans to private loans, repaying or refinancing loans after graduation, etc. Join Suzanne Sparrow, William McGinley, and Daniel Wray of PHEAA for a wide open 1-hour Q&A session. Ask your questions in an open forum or privately via the chat. These webinars will be hosted at Noon on Tuesday, April 8, and 6 P.M. on Thursday, April 24. Register here for these sessions or to see what other webinars and services are available from PHEAA. Purple Up for Military Kids Day
This week, I joined Senator Robinson, as he hosted a press conference to highlight Month of the Military Child, Purple Up for Military Kids Day on April 15 and the Purple Star School program. Having a Purple Star School designation means a school district has made significant efforts to help military students have smooth transitions to new schools as they frequently move due to parental base changes or deployment. Speakers included former Senator and Adjutant General John Pippy, Department of Education Acting Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe, school administrators, military families and students.
Shooting Range Improvement Program Now Open
Attention, local sportsmen’s organizations: The Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Shooting Range Improvement Program is now accepting applications for shooting range projects, which began on April 1. The program seeks to provide funding to sportsmen clubs to develop new or unique projects that will positively impact Pennsylvania’s hunters and recreational shooters. A maximum of $50,000 will be awarded, per project. Eligible projects could include: Training, storage, and clubhouse facilities; new construction, renovation, relocation; construction of backstops and safety berms; signage; lead remediation; and more. Submissions are due to the Game Commission by June 1. Projects are expected to be selected by July 1. Click here for all program information. Senate Rare Disease Caucus Briefing
The Senate Rare Disease Caucus, which I co-chair with Senator Maria Collett, held a briefing for Senators and staff presented by the PA Rare Disease Advisory Council. Those present were able to hear about the state of rare disease in Pennsylvania, the challenges they present to those affected by rare disease and what we as policy makers can do to make a difference. More information on the PA Rare Disease Advisory Council can be found here. Senate Votes to Strengthen Crime Prevention, Keep Communities Safe
Pennsylvania families deserve to be safe. The Senate took decisive action this week to hold dangerous criminals accountable and approved three key bills to protect Pennsylvania communities. Senate Bill 92 would impose a mandatory minimum 25-year sentence on drug dealers who sell fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose. Known as Tyler’s Law, after Tyler Shanafelter, who tragically died at the age of 18 after purchasing pills he didn’t realize were laced with fentanyl, SB 92 sends a strong message that those fueling the opioid crisis will face severe consequences. Senate Bill 471 would require prosecutors to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a criminal defendant is identified as unlawfully present in the United States. The bill would ensure that individuals who commit serious crimes are transferred to federal custody for removal proceedings. It also would prohibit sanctuary policies that obstruct communication between local law enforcement and federal agencies. Senate Bill 490 would prohibit non-monetary bail for the most threatening individuals, including those who possess 10 grams or more of fentanyl, have a history of violent crime or assault a law enforcement officer. These bills reflect Senate Republicans’ commitment to fighting crime, protecting Pennsylvania families and ensuring that our law enforcement officials have the tools they need to uphold justice. Each measure builds upon broader efforts to make Pennsylvania a safer place to live, work and raise a family. Senate Acts Against False Emergency Threats at Schools
The Senate this week approved legislation to crack down on false emergency threats targeting schools, a move aimed at enhancing public safety and reducing the strain on emergency responders. The bill, which also passed the Senate in the previous legislative session, now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 96 would establish new felony penalties for individuals who make hoax emergency reports involving educational institutions. If signed into law, making a false report of an emergency threat to a school would be classified as a third-degree felony, and courts would be allowed to impose financial penalties to recover the costs incurred by taxpayers for emergency response efforts. The legislation comes in response to a troubling rise in hoax threats made against schools across Pennsylvania, causing fear among students and parents while diverting law enforcement and emergency personnel from real emergencies. Senate Bill 96 is part of a broader effort to safeguard schools and hold bad actors accountable. May 7 is the REAL ID Deadline
Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license/photo ID card or another form of federally acceptable identification (such as a valid passport or military ID) to board a domestic commercial flight or enter a federal building or military installation that requires ID. Only about 26% of Pennsylvania drivers have replaced their standard driver’s license with a REAL ID. REAL IDs are available now and will continue to be available to Pennsylvanians after the May 7 enforcement deadline. Learn more about REAL ID documentation requirements and find a printable checklist for required REAL ID documents here. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is offering dedicated times at specific driver license centers to help Pennsylvanians get their REAL ID. Some centers will be able to process and issue a REAL ID at the time of service. Others will be able to verify and image your documents. You will then receive your REAL ID by mail within 15 business days. Dates for these REAL ID Days include April 7, April 14, April 28 and May 5 – all Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Customers who want a REAL ID but aren’t able to attend a REAL ID Day may visit any REAL ID Center to receive a REAL ID at the time of service, visit any PennDOT Driver License Center to have documents verified and then receive REAL ID within 15 business days or apply online (pre-verified customers only). In our area, the designated times and locations are set for: Monday, April 7, from 8:30 A.M. to 4:15 P.M., at Altoona Driver License Center located at 1738A 9th Avenue in Altoona, and Lewistown Driver License Center located at 13217 Ferguson Valley Road in Yeagertown. Monday, April 14, from 8:30 A.M. to 4:15 P.M., at Altoona Driver License Center located at 1738A 9th Avenue in Altoona, and Lewistown Driver License Center located at 13217 Ferguson Valley Road in Yeagertown. Monday, April 28, from 8:30 A.M. to 4:15 P.M., at Altoona Driver License Center located at 1738A 9th Avenue in Altoona, and Lewistown Driver License Center located at 13217 Ferguson Valley Road in Yeagertown. Monday, May 5, from 8:30 A.M. to 4:15 P.M., at Altoona Driver License Center located at 1738A 9th Avenue in Altoona, and Lewistown Driver License Center located at 13217 Ferguson Valley Road in Yeagertown. Free Tax Prep Services Available for Qualified Individuals
Free tax preparation services are available to individuals and families who qualify through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. The IRS-sponsored initiative serves households earning approximately $60,000 or less, those with disabilities, the elderly and individuals with limited English proficiency. To find a VITA site near you, dial 211, visit the PA 211 website or use the IRS’s VITA locator tool. It’s essential to make an appointment in advance, as many VITA sites operate on a seasonal basis and appointments can fill quickly. Be sure to bring necessary documents. Households with an annual income of $73,000 or less can file their federal and state tax forms online for free through MyFreeTaxes.com. The user-friendly platform allows filers to easily navigate the tax preparation process at their own pace and features live support from IRS-certified specialists. MyFreeTaxes.com uses secure, IRS-approved software to protect your personal information and data. April is National Donate Life Month
For the 23rd year, we recognize April as an opportunity to raise awareness about organ donation. In the season that represents new beginnings, we honor donors, recipients, their families, caregivers and the clinical teams that make it all possible. More than 6,000 Pennsylvanians are awaiting organ transplants. Organ donation can save up to eight lives, and tissue donation can enhance the lives of 75 others by helping them recover from trauma, spinal injuries, burns and vision loss. If you aren’t an organ or tissue donor yet but would like to be, there’s no need to wait until you get or renew your driver’s license, learner’s permit or photo ID. It’s easy to register online to donate. There are no costs to the donor’s family for donation. Paramedics, doctors and nurses remain committed to doing everything possible to save donors’ lives. Learn more. Out and About in the 30th District40th Annual Precious Life Banquet What an amazing crowd at the 40th Annual Precious Life Banquet held recently! Hundreds of people came out to show their support of the good work that this pregnancy center is doing to support pregnant mothers and their babies. Precious Life supports mothers with resources and supplies prior to their baby’s arrival and afterwards. So many children have been saved through these efforts. I am grateful to centers like these because every life does have a purpose!
PA Career and Technical Education Day at the Capitol Students and teachers from the Huntingdon County Career & Technology Center and the Mifflin County Academy of Science & Technology came to Harrisburg to participate in Pennsylvania Career and Technology Day at the capitol. It was amazing to hear from these students and get to see what sorts of neat things they are creating.
East Juniata Elementary Visits the Capitol The East Juniata Elementary School 3rd grade class swung by the capitol this week during their visit to Harrisburg. In addition to their time at the capitol, the students spent time at the Whitaker Center engaging with hands-on exhibits like the STEM lab where they got to be bubble chemists for a day. It was great to visit with these students and hear what these East Juniata Tigers have been learning.
LeadingAge PA Symposium It was a pleasure to participate in a symposium with Blair County non-profit nursing homes and LeadingAge PA at Blair Senior Life. Austin Crawley, Director of Legislative Affairs with LeadingAge PA facilitated the event.
Center for Community Action I recently met with Wendy Melius, Executive Director of the Center for Community Action. We discussed the work that the centers do in the 30th district.
Blair Alliance for Business and Economic Growth Annual Meeting Recently, the Blair Alliance for Business and Economic Growth held their annual meeting event with special keynote speaker, Elizabeth Currid-Halkett. Elizabeth is a nationally acclaimed researcher and author of the book, The Overlooked Americans: The Resilience of Our Rural Towns and What It Means for Our Country. Pictured with me is Dr. Kyle Kopco, Executive Director of Center of Rural Pennsylvania and Elizabeth Currid-Halkett.
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