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In this Update:
It is Time to Pass the Save Women’s Sports Act
On Wednesday, I joined my colleagues in the Senate to announce the bipartisan passage of Senate Bill 1293, the Save Women’s Sports Act. I authored this legislation with my female Senate Republican Colleagues to preserve opportunities for female athletes at public schools and colleges by requiring scholastic sports teams to be designated based on biological sex. Senate Bill 1293 would require public institutions to label sports teams as male, female or coed. The legislation states 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 Save Women’s Sports Act 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. While House Democrats continue to play partisan politics instead of protecting the women of this commonwealth, Senate Republicans stand ready to provide every female athlete the opportunity they have fought so hard to achieve. Since 2020 in Pennsylvania, men have stolen first place from female athletes 87 times and unjustly took second or third place 64 times. According to the American College of Sports Medicine, males, on average, have larger hearts, more muscle mass, 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. Recently, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) enacted new policy guidelines ensuring that all sporting events under their jurisdiction for any female category are limited to biological females only. Additionally, the IOC provided that after scientific review, they determined a sex-based eligibility rule is necessary and adequate to the attainment of their goals for competition. The legislation will be sent to the House of Representatives, where action is urged. You can view the press conference here. Mifflin County Community Responds Quickly
Following an incident involving a tractor trailer at the Laurel Run Reservoir last week, residents in Mifflin County were faced with a very serious situation, that had briefly placed the Mifflin County Water Authority under a ‘do not drink’ notice. Thankfully, due to the quick response of our local first responders, County Emergency Response, the Mifflin County Water Authority and Lewistown Mayor Deborah Bargo, everyone went into action. Water distribution sites were set up in the Lewistown area and staffed to assist our local community to ensure that clean water was provided. Again, thank you to all those involved. This notice was lifted the following day and is no longer in effect. I am grateful to all our first responders and all those who quickly got to work for the safety of our communities. “Kyle Costrello and Glenn Compton Law” Advances in Senate
I was contacted by constituents to increase penalties for careless driving resulting in unintentional death following tragic fatalities of their loved ones. In July 2024, Kyle Costrello was riding his motorcycle in Lancaster County when another driver crossed the centerline and crashed into Kyle’s motorcycle, ejecting Kyle from his motorcycle and killing him at the scene. The other driver was charged with Careless Driving/Unintentional Death. Kyle’s mother and stepfather, Beth Moore-Weirich and Michael Weirich, reside in Blair County. Last August, Glenn Compton was driving with his wife when they entered a work zone in Juniata County. An out-of-state driver was behind them without noticing the stopped traffic and crashed into Glenn’s car, killing him and seriously injuring his wife. The other driver was charged with Careless Driving/Unintentional Death. Mr. Compton’s wife, Jean Compton, resides in Juniata County. This week, the Senate Transportation Committee, which I chair, passed Senate Bill 1286 to increase the penalty from a fine of $500 (current) to a fine of up to $2,500 and a license suspension of up to two years for a conviction under careless driving resulting in unintentional death. The families of Kyle Costrello and Glenn Compton joined me in the Capitol to advocate for the passage of Senate Bill 1286; I am pictured with them above. The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration. Unclaimed Property Event with Treasury in Hollidaysburg
On Tuesday, May 12 from 10 a.m. until Noon, I invite you to join a representative from Treasurer Garrity’s office to find out if YOU have any unclaimed property! The treasurer’s office will be available to assist in the online property search and complete paperwork on the spot. No appointment necessary. You will only need to bring a valid Photo ID. For questions, please call my district office at 814-695-8386. What is Unclaimed Property? Unclaimed property can be old bank accounts, uncashed paychecks, insurance payments, rebates – the list is virtually endless. The bottom line is that it is money owed to people like you. More than 1 in 10 Pennsylvanians have unclaimed property available to be claimed! You can search online and file a claim yourself, click here. If you find unclaimed property in your name, follow the steps to file your claim. Senate Committees Pass Package of Bills Reinforcing Commercial Vehicle Safety
Last year, Pennsylvania was thrust into the national spotlight when U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested Akhror Bozorov, a “criminal illegal migrant” from Uzbekistan, with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and REAL ID issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Under my leadership, the Senate Transportation Committee convened a fact-finding hearing in December, which highlighted alarming gaps, deficiencies and loopholes in the administration of non-domiciled (or non-resident) CDLs. PennDOT testified at the hearing that Mr. Bozorov was issued a non-domiciled CDL following verification in the U.S. Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements system. A CDL is primarily governed by the U.S. Congress and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The Federal Government immediately conducted audits and investigations, citing States had an unacceptable standard in vetting non-domiciled CDL applicants. To close these loopholes, FMCSA directed States to stop issuing non-domiciled CDLs, and PennDOT’s program has been on hold since September 2025. Further, FMCSA published new regulations, “Restoring Integrity to the Issuance of Non-Domiciled Commercial Driver’s Licenses” [Docket No. FMCSA-2025-0622], which became effective last month. I introduced a package of bills to reinforce commercial vehicle safety in this Commonwealth. First, Senate Bill 1294 empowers the Pennsylvania Department of Education to shutdown so-called “CDL mills” that have been illegitimately operating across the state to expedite commercial vehicle training. Second, Senate Bill 1295 establishes an English proficiency standard to operate a commercial vehicle and aligns PennDOT’s non-domiciled procedures with the strict rules promulgated in the new Federal regulations. Last, Senate Bill 1296 creates harsh penalties for operating a commercial vehicle and failing to meet the English proficiency standard. All three bills advanced out of committees this week and head to the full Senate for consideration. You Are Invited to My Fulton County Senior Expo!
On Thursday, May 21 from 10 a.m. to Noon, I will be hosting my 2026 Senior Expo at the American Legion Post 561 located at 411 N. 5th Street in McConnellsburg. This event is free to attend and will offer door prizes, health screenings, vendor exhibits and light refreshments. I look forward to seeing you all there! Station Medical Ribbon Cutting in Blair County
The Blair County Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony at Station Medical to kick off the inaugural Blair Wellness & Senior Expo community initiative, a joint venture between Chamber members, UPMC Altoona and community partners, Care Compass, PA CareerLink, Oasis Senior Advisors, and Better Homes and Gardens GSA Realty. Strengthening Electricity Affordability and Reliability
Pennsylvanians need electricity that’s affordable and reliable. That’s why I joined legislative colleagues in February urging action to preserve critical baseload power generation by preventing the premature shutdown of two commonwealth power plants. I’m pleased to report the Trump administration has reached agreement with the state Department of Environmental Protection and the operator of the Keystone and Conemaugh Generating Stations in Indiana and Armstrong counties to allow continued operation of both plants. The agreement ensures continued, environmentally compliant generation of 3,400 megawatts of electricity for the regional grid and preserves the livelihood of more than 1,000 workers. I applaud the parties for working to find common ground, and will continue working to expand Pennsylvania energy production to provide our residents with a true “all of the above” energy strategy to ensure affordable, reliable electricity. Out and About in the 30th DistrictYellow Umbrella Walk Every Life Matters (ELM) Pregnancy Center held their annual Yellow Umbrella Walk today in Tyrone, Blair County. I always enjoy this event, walking with members of the community to raise awareness for the center and the good work that is done there. Learn more here.
Wise Women of Blair County 2026 Congratulations to the Wise Women of Blair County 2026 Honorees! Pictured Left to Right: Zhorea McAnuff; Non-Profit/Government, Kathy Muller; Arts & Letters, Dr. Lisa Surkovich; Education, Tami Hinish; community Service Volunteer, Kelly Irwin-Adams; Business & Professional, Emma Peterman; Rising Star, Janet Pennington; Lifetime Achievement.
Altoona Blair County Development Corporation Meeting Altoona Blair County Development (ABCD) Corporation, in partnership with the City of Altoona, hosted a special recognition and overview of the PA Neighborhood Partnership Tax Credit Program (NPP). The city recognized key private sector contributors to the local NPP and highlighted investments that are planned as a result of their support. Jamie Baser Foust was introduced as the City’s new Main Street Manager.
Grand Opening of ACE Fix-It Hardware in Roaring Spring Congratulations to the team at Ace Fix-It Hardware on their grand opening location on Woodbury Pike in Roaring Spring. The location offers a wide range of products and brands including Dewalt, Milwaukee, Craftsman, Weber, Benjamin Moore, and many more. Furniture, mattresses, and authorized scouting and gym clothing are also featured in its product line. Additional services are available such as UPS drop-off, dry cleaning, key cutting, screen repair, window repair and more. Best wishes!
2026 Claysburg Hall of Fame What a special day for the 2026 Claysburg Hall of Fame Honorees! This year’s recipients are Heidi Kennedy, Robert Clark, Sr., Danny Crist, Barbara Leslie, and Room 102 named for the Pioneer Award and accepted by Tom Ringler. There were eight members of Room 102 in attendance. They were Danny Crist, Mark Dively, Grace Walter Helsel, Elaine Doran Crist, Crystal Gordon Gilchrist, Cindy Gordon John, Sandy Burket Yagiela and Kim Close Lingenfelter and director Tom Ringler. Here is a little about Room 102 if you are curious! Room 102 was a folk-rock singing group at the Claysburg-Kimmel High School organized in 1971 by art teacher, Tom Ringler. They took their name from the high school art room where they spent a lot of time practicing and ‘hanging out’! They began performing for local club gatherings, area hospitals and retirement homes. They appeared several times on the Big John Riley television show on WTAJ in Altoona. The group was featured in the “Young Living” section of the Altoona Mirror in February of 1971.
2026 Mifflin-Juniata Envirothon The 2026 Mifflin-Juniata Envirothon was held at the Port Royal Lions Club Park in Juniata County. 5 schools from across 2 counties competed in events focused on aquatics, forestry, soils, wildlife and current issues. The Mifflin-Juniata Envirothon event is hosted annually by the Juniata County and Mifflin County Conservation Districts. The event is a scholastic competition testing and teaching high school students on a multitude of environmental topics.
Fayette Fire Company’s Fire and EMS Awards Banquet Proud to speak to Fayette Fire Company’s Fire and EMS Awards Banquet. Glenn Kerstetter, President of the Fire Company was the emcee. Awards were presented to Lee Shaffer, Cody Shadel, Jordan King, Ivan King and Gary Martin for Top Five Responders, Non-Line Officers; Brent Brubaker and Bryan Strouse for Firefighters of the Year; Stephanie Goodling for Fire Company Volunteer of the Year; Ivan King for Chief’s Award; and Dawn Hart and Jeffrey Burd for EMS Volunteers of the Year. Thank you to all our dedicated firefighters and EMS volunteers for all you do to help our communities!
Our Main Streets Matter! It was great to see and catch up with Jim Zubler, Executive Director of Downtown Lewistown, this week at the Capitol. Jim was there with Pennsylvania Downtown Center to highlight the importance of our Main Streets across Pennsylvania.
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