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In this Update:
PA Pregnancy Wellness Collaborative Press Conference
This week the PA Pregnancy Wellness Collaborative (PPWC) held a press conference in Harrisburg to highlight the amazing work they do for women and babies across Pennsylvania. Pregnancy medical and resource centers from all over the state showed up to share their stories and participate in the PPWC’s Day of Advocacy. You can view the entire press conference here. About one in four women do not begin prenatal care until after the first trimester, and these centers and their medically credentialed staff fill that gap by helping women early, often between 6 to 8 weeks, with pregnancy confirmation, education, and referrals all free of charge. This early medical care is crucial, allowing increased opportunity to identify risks to the mother and baby and intervene to create positive outcomes, especially in the areas that these centers serve. As chair of the Senate Maternal and Infant Health Caucus, I have seen the amazing work these centers do first-hand. Over the past three years, the Caucus has traveled across the state visiting more than a dozen centers and learning from staff and clients about the immense impact they have in their communities. The support, compassion, and care they show to every woman who comes to them is inspiring, and I hope the members of PPWC were able to share that same inspiring story with those who they met with during their advocacy day. Senate Approves Bills to Make Housing More Attainable Across PA
The Senate acted to help alleviate Pennsylvania’s growing housing shortage by approving three bills to expand access to housing while preserving local control. Senate Bill 1279 creates a Housing Development Regulatory Compliance Officer to improve coordination and efficiency in the permitting process. Senate Bill 1236 reduces regulatory burdens on small-scale home construction projects by reforming the stormwater permitting process. Senate Bill 1281 empowers local governments to streamline approval processes using uniform housing plans, helping reduce delays and cut unnecessary red tape. These reforms reduce several of the barriers contributing to Pennsylvania’s housing shortage, helping create more opportunities for homeownership while giving communities the flexibility to encourage growth in a way that reflects local needs and priorities. The bills were sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age To make sure state laws keep pace with emerging online threats, the Senate voted to establish a Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age. Senate Resolution 244 would direct the Joint State Government Commission to convene a task force to review Pennsylvania’s laws, assess new technologies and identify legal gaps in protections for children in the digital environment. The commission will issue a recommendation for action to the General Assembly. The proposal builds on previous work by the legislature: In 2024, we passed a law to combat AI generated child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). In 2025, we acted to classify deepfakes as digital forgery for more severe punishment. The Senate also approved bills to strengthen reporting requirements for AI-generated CSAM and to establish commonsense safeguards for AI chatbots accessible by minors. Read more about our efforts to protect children in the digital age here. Cellphone Law to Reduce Distracted Driving Takes Full Effect
After a one-year warning period, a state law aimed at reducing distracted driving becomes fully enforceable. The law prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light or other delays. Drivers can still use their phones to alert authorities in the event of an emergency and use hands-free technology to make phone calls, use a GPS and listen to music. Drivers convicted of using a hand-held device while driving will pay a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees under Paul Miller’s Law. The law is named for Paul Miller Jr., who was tragically killed in a 2010 Monroe County crash by a tractor trailer operator distracted while reaching for his phone while driving. Read more about this new law here. Protecting Yourself During Tick Season
Pennsylvania recorded more than 18,700 cases of Lyme disease in 2025, and the Centers for Disease Control estimates the true number may be much higher due to underreporting. Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses can cause serious long-term health complications, particularly when left untreated. Nearly 55% of ticks tested in Pennsylvania were found to carry at least one tick-borne pathogen, and blacklegged ticks have now been identified in all 67 counties. You can protect yourself by using repellent, avoiding brushy areas and checking your body and pets after outdoor activities. Learn more about protecting yourself from ticks here. Remembering D-Day
On June 6, 1944, the fate of Europe would be determined by the largest amphibious invasion in history, including 13,000 aircraft and gliders, 23,400 paratroopers, 5,000 ships and landing craft and 160,000 American, British and Canadian troops. More than 9,000 Allied servicemen were killed or wounded that day in northern France. It is our responsibility as Americans to honor their bravery, tell the stories of their heroism and preserve what they defended so their sacrifices were not in vain. Out and About in the 30th DistrictChristian Retreat Center Pavilion Ribbon Cutting Christian Retreat Center in East Waterford, Juniata County, recently held a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of their new pavilion. This pavilion will be able to be used by campers as a place to have snacks, congregate for events or just to hang out and get out of the sun for a while. They provide ministry and summer youth programs and camps. They also host retreats, church groups, families and organizations throughout the year.
Capitol Visitors What a pleasant surprise to have two good friends, Anita Lewis and Patti McLaughlin visit me on a busy session day. Thanks for stopping by!
Happy Birthday Ruth! Ruth Bain, who grew up on Laurel Ridge and is currently a resident at the Fulton County Medical Center Long-term Care Unit, celebrated her 107th birthday on Monday surrounded by family, friends and facility staff. When asked what led to a long life she replied “hard work and lots of strong coffee!”.
Aerium Innovation Summit To better understand the challenges and opportunities facing the aviation sector, the Aerium Innovation Summit was held at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport with U.S. Senator Dave McCormick and my colleague Senator Wayne Langerholc in attendance. The Aerium Innovation Summit convened educators, industry leaders and policymakers to develop the aviation workforce, evaluate emerging technologies and strengthen critical infrastructure.
PA Prayer Breakfast I had the distinct honor of co-hosting the 2026 PA Prayer Breakfast with my friend, Senator Anthony Williams, this week. It was an amazing chance to join with people all across the political spectrum to spend time together in prayer and fellowship. The keynote speaker this year was Joshua Enck, President and Chief Story Officer at Sight and Sound Theatres in Lancaster County who shared about how God has worked in his life and the exciting things in store for Sight and Sound in the future.
Southwestern PA Commission This session week brought folks from the Southwestern PA Commission to Harrisburg. We discussed various issues important to them including the state budget, transportation funding, housing needs, permitting reforms and other regional issues. Thanks for stopping in!
Youth Peace Conference A local student is preparing to take an extraordinary step onto the world stage. Ethan Papi, a senior at PA Virtual School, has been selected as one of only 125 students worldwide to attend the Youth Peace Conference at The Hague in the Netherlands from June 17–19. Representing the United States, Ethan will participate in international peace seminars and present his own essay before a panel of global peace leaders. Ethan, 18, will continue his education this fall at Juniata College, where he plans to major in Political Science with a focus on Peace and Conflict Relations. His long‑term goal is to serve as a U.S. ambassador and work within the United Nations. While attending the conference, Ethan will stay with a host family in Rotterdam and take part in a week of workshops and networking events designed to encourage international cooperation among young leaders. Ethan resides with his parents, Andrew and Helen Papi, who have lived in Tyrone for over two decades.
Garver Memorial YMCA Renovation Congratulations to the Garver Memorial YMCA in Roaring Spring, Blair County, on the complete renovation of the Wellness Center!
Hollidaysburg Community Band to Perform in France The Hollidaysburg Community Band is traveling to France this week and will be performing multiple times over six days in locations including Normandy and Paris. This trip and its performances commemorate the end of WWII 80 years ago and the 250th anniversary of the United States. Over 1,000 musicians (including 64 members of Hollidaysburg Community Band along with other visiting bands and choirs) will be performing two pieces of music together at one point. The Community Band will also hold a performance near the base of the Eiffel Tower. Congratulations to the Hollidaysburg Community Band for being selected to participate in this event! Way to represent Blair County! Photo Credit: Harold Dertinger
PA Realtors Association Reception It is always great seeing folks from back home in Harrisburg. During a busy session week, I was able to stop down and see some friends, Jack and Cheryl Rawlings, at the Pennsylvania Realtors Association Reception as local realtors were in town to discuss important issues impacting housing and their industry.
Local Bankers Advocate During Their Day on the Hill Folks from Kish Bank stopped by during their day on the hill with the PA Bakers Association. It was great seeing them and hearing from them about the current issues that are most important to them and their business. Pictured with me are Michael Bibak from the Community State Bank of Orbisonia and Mark Yerger, Ryan Clarke, Kimberly Bubb, and Shane Graham from Kish Bank.
Penn State Ag Extension It was a pleasant surprise when I was able to run into friendly faces from the Penn State Ag Extension program and the Farm Bureau. These organizations do tremendous work promoting, educating, and supporting our farmers and the agriculture industry in Pennsylvania.
Seersucker Caucus Every year, the Seersucker Caucus gets together for their annual photo. The Caucus was founded by a group of visionary legislators to celebrate and bring back this classic warm-weather fabric. Its lightweight, breathable texture is perfect for warm summer days at the Capitol. The Caucus also organizes an annual clothing drive to help those in need.
Punxsutawney Phil The most famous groundhog in Pennsylvania made his way to the Capitol this week! While I wish he wouldn’t have given us six more weeks of winter this year, it was good to be able to stop by and say hello.
Gavin Ciampoli Gavin Ciampoli was my guest in Harrisburg this week as we recognized his outstanding achievement of winning the PIAA Class 3A championship in the 160-pound weight class. The 30th District couldn’t be prouder. Way to go Gavin!
Local Eagle Scouts, Carson McCloskey and Jared Fitzgerald Scout Troop 3031 in Duncansville held an Eagle Scout ceremony for two outstanding young men, Carson McCloskey and Jared Fitzgerald. For their Eagle Scout projects, Jared chose to build a gaga ball pit for the students and community at St. Patrick School in Newry and Carson designed and constructed a “Welcome to Hollidaysburg” monument sign located along a main thoroughfare into the town. Congratulations to the both of them on their impressive achievement.
So Every Body Can Move This week I joined my colleagues and advocates for the So Every Body Can Move press conference at the Capitol to champion increased access to orthotics and prosthetics. Access to this equipment can be life-changing for all those who suffer from limb loss, limb difference or mobility impairment. That’s why I was happy to join with Senators Farry and Tartaglione to introduce Senate Bill 1360, legislation that would ensure insurance coverage of orthotic and prosthetic devices. Thank you to all who traveled to Harrisburg to show support for such an important cause.
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