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In this Update:

• Senate Acts to Tighten Safety Standards for Operating Big Rigs
• New Medical and Health Professional Loans Support Graduate Students
• Local Groups Can Apply for Watershed Restoration Grants
• Explore Our Rivers and Lakes with Safe Boating
• Mammo May: Questions to Ask Ahead of Your Mammogram
• Honoring Those Who Gave All
• Out and About in the 30th District

Senate Acts to Tighten Safety Standards for Operating Big Rigs

The Senate approved two bills I introduced to tighten commercial driver’s license (CDL) safety standards and close dangerous loopholes in Pennsylvania’s licensing and training systems.

Senate Bill 1294 improves the training curriculum and strengthens penalties to shut down unqualified “CDL Mills.” Senate Bill 1295 requires English proficiency in all testing applications to operate an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle on public highways.

The legislation was developed after a Senate Transportation Committee hearing that I held, exposed alarming gaps in current laws, including instances where individuals without proper training or English proficiency have operated heavy commercial vehicles on U.S. highways. The bills were sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about these CDL improvement bills here. 

New Medical and Health Professional Loans Support Graduate Students

The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency has launched a new Medical and Health Professional Loan Program to support graduate students in medical, dental, veterinarian and health professional studies.

The program features deferred repayment during residency, fellowship, internship, research and other clinical training, and the potential for reduced reliance on co-signers. This initiative helps fill critical, specialized positions to serve citizens across the commonwealth.

Medical students can apply here. Other health-related students can apply here.

Students pursuing advanced degrees in other areas of study can apply here.

Local Groups Can Apply for Watershed Restoration Grants

Local governments, schools, nonprofits, watershed groups and other organizations have until June 22 to apply for Growing Greener Plus grants to help fund local projects that fix flooding problems and restore watersheds.

Growing Greener Plus helps cover the cost of watershed protection, surface mining conservation and reclamation, and stormwater management planning.

All proposals will be competitively reviewed for eligibility, environmental benefits and other criteria. Organizations can access eligibility guidelines and applications here.

Explore Our Rivers and Lakes with Safe Boating

Waterways in our area and across the commonwealth provide plenty of opportunities to enjoy boating.  

During National Safe Boating Week, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission offers a checklist of basic safety guidelines including:

• Always wear a life jacket.
• Never boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Have a float plan to let someone know when and where you will be boating.
• Check the weather forecast for storms and high-water conditions.
• Take a Boating Safety Education Course.

For more information on safe boating, to take a Boating Safety Education Course and to purchase launch permits, boat registration renewals and fishing licenses, visit the commission’s boating webpage.

Mammo May: Questions to Ask Ahead of Your Mammogram

If you’re taking advantage of the new state law that covers diagnostic breast imaging at no cost for insured individuals, make your Mammo May complete by answering these key questions before you go:

• Is this imaging considered screening or diagnostic?
• Am I insured under PA law / is my plan state-regulated?
• If yes, when will Act 52 take effect for me?
• If yes, have I confirmed coverage with my insurer?

Learn more about what you need to know before you go to your appointment here.

Honoring Those Who Gave All

Memorial Day is a time to pause as a nation and honor the memory of Americans who left their hometowns and laid down their lives in service to our country.

Their sacrifice is a debt we can never fully repay. We owe it to them to tell their stories and do our part as citizens of this great nation to ensure they did not die in vain.

Out and About in the 30^th District

The Sweet Spot Creamery Ribbon Cutting

The Sweet Spot Creamery, located in Duncansville behind Coffee on 3rd, cut the ribbon to celebrate their grand opening. The shop is a partnership between Coffee on 3rd and the Hollidaysburg Area School District (HASD) featuring Penn State Creamery ice cream. The shop is owned by Coffee on 3rd owner, Ashlyn Dugan, and will be staffed by students who participated in a business mentoring program at HASD.

True North Wellness Services Tour

I had the opportunity to meet with the wonderful team at True North Wellness Services in McConnellsburg, Fulton County. True North Wellness provides behavior health and wellness services throughout the region to assist those in need.

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