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In this Update:
Be Aware of PA Department of Motor Vehicles Scam!
Scam alert! The image of a text message above is not an official message sent from the Pennsylvania Department of Motor Vehicles. If you get the text, please disregard. Please be advised that there’s a text scam involving PennDOT. PennDOT has recently received reports of scammers trying to impersonate PennDOT or the Department of Motor Vehicles to obtain personal information, such as bank account information, through a tactic known as smishing. These scam messages indicate that inaction to pay an outstanding fee could result in additional fines, suspended vehicle registration, or suspended driving privileges if not acted on immediately. However, PennDOT does not send texts about traffic violations or fines. Those who receive a fraudulent text can report it to the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and/or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. June is Dairy Month
This week I joined state dairy and agricultural leaders to highlight the impacts the dairy industry has on the Pennsylvania economy. June is Dairy Month, and what better way to start it off than with a Dairyman’s Association milkshake! It was great to see so many of our dairy princesses from across our Commonwealth take part in the festivities as Pennsylvania’s dairy industry is the second largest in the nation, as well as Chris Hoffman, President of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau and owner and operator of Lazy Hog Farm and Lazy Chicken Farm, located in Juniata and Mifflin Counties. From milk to butter, cheese and ice cream, our dairy farmers provide us with so much, and we are grateful for all their hard work and dedication.
Senate Votes to Preserve Prescription Assistance for Seniors
Legislation to protect thousands of Pennsylvania seniors from losing access to life-sustaining prescriptions passed the Senate unanimously. Senate Bill 731 would exclude Social Security cost-of-living adjustments from income eligibility calculations for the PACE and PACENET programs. The bill would extend the current exclusion from the end of this year to Dec. 31, 2027. Funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, the PACE and PACENET programs have provided hundreds of thousands of adults 65 and older with low-cost prescriptions. It now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Seersucker Caucus Benefits Dress for Success
Each June, the Seersucker Caucus gathers for a fun group photo to highlight the fun and fashionable textile. This bipartisan, bicameral group uses this opportunity to partner with the nonprofit organization, Dress for Success, which empowers women to achieve their career aspirations, build confidence and attain economic independence. At the event, donations to Dress for Success are accepted for local women. As we continue through this summer session, the Seersucker Caucus inspires unity and celebrates a shared spirit. Bill to Strengthen Enforcement of PFA Orders Passes Senate
The Senate unanimously approved legislation to improve the enforcement of Protection from Abuse (PFA) petitions and orders and properly reimburse law enforcement agencies. A longstanding imbalance in the law directs a portion of PFA-related court fees to county sheriffs, even when local police departments or state troopers process the paperwork. Senate Bill 302 would require sheriffs to transfer the $25 service fee collected through the existing surcharge to the agency completing the service. The bill would also address a critical safety concern and reinforce professional enforcement standards by authorizing only sheriffs or trained law enforcement officers – not private individuals – to serve PFAs. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Mount Union FBLA Students Make a Difference Through Community Service
This school year, Mount Union Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) students have continued their commitment to service, engaging in a variety of impactful projects within the community. Some of the projects included helping to gather and box items for a yard sale to benefit the Bob Perks Foundation, collecting over 2 tons of food for the local food bank, raking leaves and garbage to help beautify the River Walk, ringing the kettle bell for the Salvation Army, and helping with a variety of other events to help organizations throughout Huntingdon County. FBLA students have demonstrated strong dedication to making a positive difference, increasing their volunteer hours from 450 hours during the 2023-24 school year to 1,158 hours during the 2024-25 school year. These initiatives have not only provided a valuable service to the community but have also instilled in these students a strong sense of civic responsibility. As part of the students’ overall effort, Mount Union FBLA earned recognition from Pennsylvania State FBLA, finishing 6th overall in cumulative community service hours performed by a high school FBLA chapter. This was the first time the Mount Union FBLA Chapter has earned such an honor. FBLA members have expressed how these experiences have helped them understand the importance of giving back to the community and are already planning community service events for the upcoming school year. Senate Approves Bill to Improve Access to Stroke Resources
The Senate unanimously passed legislation that would improve access to stroke resources. Senate Bill 411 would establish a statewide stroke registry administered and maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The registry would improve patient outcomes by giving emergency medical service providers, hospital stroke teams and other health care providers additional resources. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, strokes are the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States. Each year, more than 795,000 people experience a stroke. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Assistance to Firefighters Grant Programs Available
The FY 2024 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) and FY 2024 Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) application periods are now open and close Thursday, July 3 at 5 p.m. Available resources and information for SAFER grants can be found here. Available resources and information for FP&S grants can be found here. Hand-Held Cell Phone Ban for Motorists Now in Effect
A law to increase safety on Pennsylvania roads passed by Senate Republicans that makes it illegal to use a handheld cell phone while driving is now in effect. Use is also prohibited when a vehicle is stopped in traffic or at a red light. Drivers may talk using hands-free devices, but holding a phone to make a call, text, get driving directions or check social media is now a citable offense. For the next year, officers may issue written warnings. Formal citations will be issued beginning June 6, 2026. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, distracted drivers were involved in more than 11,000 crashes in Pennsylvania in 2023, outpacing the number of crashes caused by impaired drivers. If You Need a Birth Certificate, There Could be a Delay
As always, my district offices are happy to assist you with ordering a birth certificate issued by the Department of Health, Office of Vital Records. I wanted to make you aware that due to the increase in requests for birth certificates to verify identity for REAL ID purposes, there could be a slight delay in receiving yours back. The processing time is typically a few weeks, but it may take anywhere from 4 to 6 weeks currently. The processing time does not include delivery time and may take longer if they need to resolve application issues. For questions of more information, click here. 23andMe Consumers Can Still Protect Their Information
While 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy, consumers should know they still have rights. Notably, if a consumer’s personal or genetic information was exposed in the 2023 data breach, they may file a claim electronically by July 14. People may also wish to delete their profiles and accounts to ensure their personal data is erased from the 23andMe system and not sold as part of the bankruptcy process. Attorney General Dave Sunday says consumers can learn how to delete their genetic data from 23andMe, destroy their 23andMe test sample and revoke permission for their genetic data to be used for research here. Remembering D-Day and Those Who Gave Everything
In one of the most important military actions in history, the Allies began the liberation of Western Europe on June 6, 1944. Each year, there are fewer surviving D-Day veterans, which makes it even more important that we preserve their legacy through education. We must never forget the more than 2,500 Americans who lost their lives turning the tide in World War II. The cost of freedom is high, and they gave everything to defend it for all of us. Out and About in the 30th DistrictBig Brothers Big Sisters of Altoona Ribbon Cutting Congratulations to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Altoona on cutting the ribbon with the Blair County Chamber of Commerce to celebrate their garden project for kids!
PA Bus Association Day Bill Scully, owner and operator of Freedom Excursions by Scully, located in Altoona, stopped by Harrisburg this week as part of the PA Bus Association’s legislative day on the hill to talk about important issues facing the bus and motorcoach industry. What started in May of 2005 with one 16-passenger bus has become a successful company with a fleet of two limousine buses, four mini-coaches and four motor coaches. Keep up the great work Bill, and thanks for stopping by!
Golfing Around PA Golf has a major economic impact on our Commonwealth every year. This year, we are proud to host the U.S. Open in Oakmont, which is outside of Pittsburgh, and in 2026, the PGA Championship will return to Aronimink, just outside of Philadelphia. It was great to see the U.S. Open and the Wanamaker trophies at the Capitol this week.
PA Restaurant and Lodging Association Day Matt Price, the Executive Director of the Huntingdon County Visitor’s Bureau, visited the Capitol this week during the PA Restaurant and Lodging Association’s legislative day. We talked about issues important to the tourism industry, infrastructure and how to best promote all the wonderful things Huntingdon County has to offer. Great to see you, Matt!
Hearts for Home Care Recently, I participated in a roundtable discussion with Hearts for Home Care and Bayada Home Health Care workers and had productive conversations concerning issues that are important to our home health care workers.
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