|
|||||
|
In this Update:
Celebrating National Nurses Week
In conjunction with Florence Nightingale’s birthday, “National Nurses Week” takes place each year from May 6 to 12. I sponsored Senate Resolution 296, alongside Senator Maria Collett, to recognize “Nurses Week” here in Pennsylvania. As nurses, we understand the commitment and extraordinary work that nurses do every day. That is why each May, we come together to promote the importance of “Nurses Week.” It highlights the numerous ways nurses are working to transform health care across Pennsylvania. Our dedicated nursing professionals strive to meet the health care needs of our Commonwealth and deserve to be recognized. I also had the distinct pleasure of welcoming the Central Pennsylvania Nurses Honor Guard to the Capitol, along with Senator Wayne Langerholc. We are photographed above in the Senate Chamber. The Honor Guard is comprised of volunteers from across our region who gather to pay their final respects to fellow nurses and are rooted in a deep tradition. Through each tribute, the Nurses Honor Guard preserves the rich heritage of nursing and ensures that the legacy of every nurse is remembered with gratitude and respect. To all our nurses across the Commonwealth, we thank you! “Kyle Costrello and Glenn Compton Law” Passes Senate
I introduced Senate Bill 1286 in memory of Kyle Costrello and Glenn Compton whose lives were lost in separate traffic crashes and caused by the other driver. Families of both Kyle and Glenn, who reside in my legislative district, expressed serious concerns with the relatively low penalties for careless driving resulting in unintentional death. Under current law, the penalties include a $500 fine and a six-month license suspension. Senate Bill 1286 establishes a misdemeanor and increases these penalties to a fine of up to $2,500 and a license suspension up to two years. I worked with the grieving families, as well as law enforcement, to close a long-standing loophole in how vehicular crimes are prosecuted under our traffic laws. The bill passed the Senate with bipartisan support and was referred to the House Judiciary Committee for consideration. By clicking on the image above, you can view my remarks on the legislation from the Senate floor. Unclaimed Property Event with Treasury in Hollidaysburg on Tuesday
This 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. If you find unclaimed property in your name, follow the steps to file your claim. Senate Honors America 250 with Ceremonial Gathering in Philadelphia
With the U.S. Semiquincentennial less than two months away, the state Senate held a ceremonial gathering honoring America’s 250th birthday at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia. The meeting included senators representing all corners of the commonwealth and students from across the state as part of a partnership with America250PA. The event marked the fourth meeting in the last 100 years that has taken place outside of the State Capitol in Harrisburg. The previous three meetings were also held in Philadelphia to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1926, the 200th anniversary of the Declaration’s signing in 1976 and the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. Constitution in 1987. Read more about the historic gathering. As part of the special day, Michael Waibel joined as a student from my district. Michael, an accomplished Eagle Scout, is a highly motivated young man and well-deserving of the special opportunity to join in the America 250 ceremony with the Pennsylvania Senate.
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! Commercial Vehicle Safety Bills Pass Senate
Pennsylvania was thrust into the national spotlight with the arrests of two “criminal illegal aliens” with a Commercial Driver’s License issued by the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation with a REAL ID credential. As Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I launched a fact-finding hearing in December 2025, to investigate the issuance and management of non-domiciled (or non-resident) CDLs. Following the hearing, I introduced a package of bills to reinforce commercial vehicle safety in this Commonwealth. Senate Bill 1294 was introduced with the sole intent of shutting down unlicensed CDL training schools, also referred to as “CDL mills.” The Senate Transportation Committee collected testimony at the hearing in December that “CDL mills” were operating in Pennsylvania with unqualified teachers and incomplete instruction of the Entry-Level Driver Training, which is a federal prerequisite to obtain a commercial permit or CDL. Senate Bill 1294 empowers the Private Licensed Schools Board, under the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to impose a civil penalty up to $25,000 on unlicensed CDL training operations. The bill passed the Senate with broad bipartisan support and now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Here are my comments on Senate Bill 1294 from the Senate floor. Senate Bill 1295 provides comprehensive reforms to improve commercial vehicle safety. First, it enforces an English proficiency standard, consistent with federal regulations, to operate a commercial motor vehicle. Second, it aligns the State’s non-domiciled procedures with new federal rules that took effect on March 16, 2026. Last, it establishes new penalties, such as a one-year disqualification, following conviction for a CDL operator failing to meet the English proficiency standard. The bill passed the Senate and heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Here are my comments on Senate Bill 1295 from the Senate floor. Senate Prioritizes Vehicle Emissions Reform
To emphasize the importance of reforming the outdated vehicle emissions test, the Senate advanced Senate Bill 1298, sponsored by Sen. Langerholc and myself, to overhaul the Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program. Currently, gas-powered cars and light-duty trucks registered in 25 “metropolitan” counties throughout Pennsylvania, such as Blair County, are subject to a vehicle emissions test. According to an independent analysis, Blair County should be removed from the I/M program for meeting or exceeding federal air quality measures. Further, under Senate Bill 1298, any county that can maintain the relevant standards without the I/M program in place should be removed from the State’s plan to comply with the federal Clean Air Act, resulting in the elimination of an emissions test for any gas-powered car and light-duty truck. The bill is now before the House Transportation Committee for consideration. Senate Approves Tougher Penalties for Attempted Murder of Law Enforcement Officers
The Senate approved legislation closing a gap in state law and imposing tougher penalties on individuals who attempt to murder a law enforcement officer and cause serious bodily injury. Under current law, the penalty for attempted murder of a law enforcement officer could be as little as seven years in prison. Senate Bill 1284 establishes a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence and a maximum of up to life in prison. The measure was passed on Police Officers’ Memorial Day in Pennsylvania, which honors the brave men and women of law enforcement. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about this legislation. Protecting Pennsylvanians’ Second Amendment Rights
The Senate moved to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens by approving Senate Bill 822, which strengthens Pennsylvania’s state preemption over regulating firearms and ammunition, preventing local governments from enacting ordinances that are more restrictive than those established by the General Assembly. Allowing local governments to establish a patchwork of inconsistent gun laws would make it impossible for Pennsylvania residents, along with citizens from other states, to travel without fear of inadvertently breaking a local law they were unaware of. Senate Bill 822, which passed with bipartisan support, also reinforces and restores the original intent of Pennsylvania’s Uniform Firearms Act, ensuring consistent and clear regulations across the state. The bill has been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Mother’s Day and Mammo May
Mother’s Day is a great time to remind Mom and all the women in your life about the importance of annual mammograms. While these low-dose x-rays are critical to a lifesaving early diagnosis of breast cancer, one in four Pennsylvania women fail to get a mammogram each year. Annual mammograms are recommended for women beginning at age 40 or as early as age 25 if a woman is considered at increased risk for breast cancer. Learn more from the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. Out and About in the 30th District25th Anniversary Celebration of Reclamere What a joy to attend the 25th Anniversary celebration for Reclamere in Tyrone to congratulate Joe Harford (Founder and President), Angie Singer Keating (Co-Founder and CEO), and their entire team on their year of success providing cybersecurity solutions to businesses and organizations. What an amazing milestone for this homegrown start-up company!
Fulton County Celebrates America 250 In celebration of America’s 250th Anniversary, Scouts and Sheriffs’ departments have partnered in flag raising ceremonies in all 67 counties. Fulton County Sheriff, Mike Sprague, and local scouts from the Shenandoah Area Council, along with local officials gathered at the Fulton County Courthouse to raise the flags. Afterwards, participants were invited to be a part of history by signing the flag that will eventually be displayed in the Smithsonian Museum.
5th Annual Pennsylvania Bible Reading Marathon What a wonderful start to my week in Harrisburg, joining the 5th Annual Pennsylvania Bible Reading Marathon. This 5-day event, spans over 90 hours, which is a non-stop reading of the bible from Genesis to Revelation. It was great to see Tim and Dawn Allen, who were there with their family.
Tiger TV Visit the Capitol It was a pleasure to host students from Hollidaysburg Area High School’s Tiger TV club, along with Reps. Scott Barger and Andrea Verobish. Tiger TV is a student-led broadcasting program, where students can perform journalism, broadcasting, and communications in their school and around the community. It’s always great seeing friendly faces from the district on busy session days at the Capitol!
Aerospace Day in Pennsylvania May 4, 2026, was Aerospace Day in Pennsylvania, recognizing our Commonwealth as an emerging national leader in aerospace innovation. I had the opportunity to take part in a meaningful conversation with industry leaders and even two NASA Astronauts!
PA Rural Electric Association The Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association held their annual gathering this week in Harrisburg to bring together electric cooperatives from around Pennsylvania. I was able to catch up with Valley Rural Electric and New Enterprise Rural Electric to discuss current issues impacting the industry.
Tour of M.H. Eby M.H. Eby gave me a tour of their manufacturing facility where they make trailers and truck beds. What started out as a small family business has grown into a very impressive operation spanning multiple states and making products for companies like Home Depot. Thanks for the interesting tour!
National Day of Prayer Thank you to Way Truth Ministries and Pastor Gary Dull for hosting a National Day of Prayer gathering in Blair County each year. Several pastors in the community led prayers for various topics. Rep. Scott Barger was the keynote speaker and spoke on the importance of praying for our government officials.
James E. Van Zandt VA Pharmacy Ribbon Cutting James E. Van Zandt VA Medical Center in Blair County cut the ribbon on their relocated Pharmacy and Veteran Experience Center. Congratulations!
Visit to PGT Trucking & WD Wright As chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I met with business leaders in the Pittsburgh area to discuss legislation and learn more about the challenges facing Pennsylvania-based companies. The first stop was PGT Trucking with headquarters in Aliquippa. For more than 45 years, PGT Trucking has been an asset-based carrier offering flatbed, dedicated, international, project cargo and specialized shipping solutions. The second stop was WD Wright in Beaver, which provides traffic control services for transportation and utility projects. With over 47 years in the field, the company continues to innovate work zone safety with the “Guardian SmartFlagger”, a traffic control solution that relies on stop-light technology. What an informative trip!
|
|||||
|
|||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2026 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorjudyward.com | Privacy Policy |
