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In this Update:
Norfolk Southern Juniata Locomotive Shop Tour
Norfolk Southern’s Juniata Locomotive Shop is based in Altoona, comprising one of the largest locomotive repair and component production facilities with approximately 400 skilled employees. I visited this historic facility gaining first-hand experience of repairing and manufacturing locomotives weighing over 200 tons, as well as managing several hundred locomotive components on-site.
Legislation Supporting those with Rare Diseases Heads to Full Senate for Consideration
This week, Senate Bill 715, which I authored, unanimously passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Senate Bill 715, which I introduced with Senators Maria Collett and Michele Brooks, would extend the authorization of the Pennsylvania Rare Disease Advisory Council until 2028. A rare disease is one that affects fewer than 200,000 people in the United States. There are 7,000 rare diseases, and 50% of those affect children. The Pennsylvania Rare Disease Advisory Council was established in 2017 to assist those across Pennsylvania who experience the challenge of rare diseases and increase their quality of life. The work of the council could not be more necessary. As co-chairs of the Rare Disease Caucus, Senator Collett and I are committed to advocating for policies that directly impact the estimated 1.2 million Pennsylvanians living with rare diseases. Senate Bill 715 would do exactly that and would enable the PA Rare Disease Advisory Council to continue doing their work researching and raising awareness for those individuals struggling with rare diseases. Senate Bill 715 now heads to the full Senate for consideration. You can view the full committee meeting here. Legislation to Protect Children from Harmful Medical Procedures Introduced
Senate Bill 843, known as the Do No Harm Act, which protects minors from receiving irreparable gender transitioning procedures and would prevent state tax dollars from going to these procedures, has been introduced. Doctors take an oath to do no harm to those in their care, and sadly some are failing to abide by that promise. The longer we as policy makers wait to enact commonsense protections for our children, more and more children will pay the price. Under this legislation, doctors would be barred from performing medical procedures that alter a minor’s hormonal balance, remove a minor’s sex organs, or otherwise change a minor’s physical appearance which are harmful to a minor. A healthcare provider would still be able to perform these types of procedures if it is for the purpose of treating a minor’s congenital defect, precocious puberty, disease, or physical injury. This legislation would also prohibit government programs, such as the Children’s Health Insurance Program and Medicaid from paying for these types of procedures. An insurer may not provide a health insurance policy to provide coverage for medical procedures prohibited under this bill. Children cannot grasp the complexity and consequence of these irreversible medical procedures. The effects of these procedures will stay with these children forever, and such permanent decisions are not ones that our children should be subject to. The Senate Majority Policy Committee held a hearing on this legislation on April 15 at the Trolleyworks Business Park in Altoona. They received testimony from detransitioners, parents and licensed medical professionals who spoke in unison about the permanent harm that is being done to children because of these procedures. The public hearing and testimony can be found here. This legislation is currently before the Senate Health and Human Services Committee for consideration.
Pennsylvania Rural-Urban Leadership Class XX
This week, the Pennsylvania Rural-Urban Leadership (RULE) Class XX had the opportunity to visit the Capitol this week and meet with legislators including Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward and House Minority Leader Jesse Topper. RULE is a part of Penn State University’s Agriculture Extension and is a transformative leadership development program, fostering professional and personal development for people across the state. The program promotes engagement in public issues, networking, decision making, strategic design, lasting relationships and civic engagement. As an alumnus of the RULE program, I know firsthand the value this program brings. RULE scholars learn strategies and skills that they can carry with them for life, better equipping them to be active and effective leaders in their work and their community. With an alumni base of 722 strong, The RULE program still has room to grow, and I am excited to see what amazing things the program and the leaders it produces will accomplish. I was thrilled to introduce both President Pro Tempore Ward and Leader Topper to the class and welcome them as my guests to the Senate. It was so good to see Andrea Verobish, a Hollidaysburg resident, who is part of the RULE XX class. Andrea is a Field Representative and Economic Development Specialist for Congressman G.T. Thompson. You can view my comments introducing the RULE Class before the Senate, here.
Senate Approves Bill to Secure and Modernize PA’s IT Infrastructure
The Senate unanimously approved two cybersecurity bills to strengthen the commonwealth’s digital defenses. Senate Bill 376 would ban TikTok from all state-owned devices and networks, citing national security risks. It would bring Pennsylvania in line with federal guidelines and action taken by more than 39 other states and State Treasurer Stacy Garrity. Senate Bill 377 would require all state IT contracts to meet cybersecurity standards established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, a move aimed at protecting taxpayer-funded systems and reducing the risk of data breaches across state government. Both measures now head to the House of Representatives for consideration. Bill to Expand Naloxone Access, Support EMS Providers Passes Senate
Legislation to strengthen emergency response efforts and help address Pennsylvania’s opioid crisis passed the Senate with unanimous support. Senate Bill 95 would make permanent the temporary declaration allowing EMS personnel to give a dose of naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, to a caregiver or loved one of someone who has overdosed. Although this life-saving medication has been approved for over-the-counter use, not all versions are readily available. This legislation would allow EMS providers to distribute any formulation at the scene of an overdose, including those still awaiting final approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Committee Votes to Expand No-Cost Breast Cancer Screenings
Building on Pennsylvania’s landmark law that provides no-cost breast cancer screenings for high-risk individuals, the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee this week unanimously advanced legislation to expand diagnostic screening coverage. Senate Bill 88 would make diagnostic screenings free for anyone who finds an abnormality on a supplemental screening. The bill expands the number of supplemental screenings available and ensures no-cost diagnostic imaging for patients. It would ensure coverage for those at average risk of developing breast cancer and expand access to lifesaving early detection tools for many Pennsylvanians. The measure advances to the full Senate for consideration. Measure to Preserve Public Information Receives Senate Support
Legislation to ensure transparency and empower Pennsylvanians by preserving their access to information about government actions was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 686 would make tampering with Right-to-Know (RTK) records a third-degree felony, which can result in up to seven years of prison and a $15,000 fine. The RTK law holds public officials accountable for their actions regarding matters of public concern. However, it doesn’t currently mention a criminal offense for destroying or altering records subject to a request. The bill now advances to the House of Representatives for consideration. Happy Father’s Day!
On Sunday, we recognize the love, hard work and dedication of the dads and father figures in our lives. We appreciate their leadership that guides our families and shapes our lives. Warm wishes for a peaceful Father’s Day filled with cherished moments. Out and About in the 30th DistrictGrand Opening of Kish Bank Kish Bank opened a new branch office in Mifflintown and recently held their ribbon cutting and grand opening. The bank is located at 4215 William Penn Highway in Mifflintown.
Congratulations, Chief Kagarise! Congratulations to Rowdy Kagarise, who recently retired as Chief of Police of the Williamsburg Police Department in Blair County after 23 years with the department. Along with his community servant leadership, Rowdy has been involved in missionary work, completing trips to Mexico, Haiti, Indonesia and Egypt. Best wishes for a well-deserved retirement, Rowdy!
Welcoming My Intern, Marklin, to the Capitol Marklin Myers has joined my team for the summer as our intern in the Hollidaysburg District Office. He is a current student at Duquesne University, studying Political Science and Psychology. Marklin is a very bright young man and is on his way to a successful future.
39th Annual Senior Games Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging recently hosted their 39th Annual Senior Games. Mifflin County Commissioner Kevin Kodish and Juniata County Commissioners Alice Gray and Mark Partner also participated in the opening ceremonies. There were around 150 participants for this year’s games. Here I am pictured with Curtis Beers of Lewistown.
Congratulations, Mayor Dodson! Congratulations to Hollidaysburg Mayor, Joe Dodson, on being named Mayor of the Year by the Pennsylvania Association of Mayors! This is quite an honor, and I was pleased to present a Senate citation acknowledging Mayor Dodson of this prestigious recognition.
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Litter Hawk Youth Award Congratulations to Abigail from Hollidaysburg for earning 2nd place in the Kindergarten category in the Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful Litter Hawk Youth Award. The Litter Hawk Youth Award Program provides a way for students in kindergarten through grade 6 to express their concerns about litter through art, words or video. Each participant completed a project specific to their grade level. In support of the Greatest American Cleanup, Keep America Beautiful’s national three-year campaign to motivate, educate and celebrate communities to clean up and green up ahead of the Country’s 250th anniversary, the theme this year was Join the Greatest American Cleanup! Show us how you can keep your community litter free for America’s 250th birthday.
Chamber Day at the Capitol It was nice to meet up with folks from my district who were representing Blair County Business Alliance/Chamber for Chamber Day. Pictured is Rep. Scott Barger; Steve McKnight, President and CEO; Megan Rossman, Program Manager; and Matt Fox, VP Business Retention & Expansion.
Scouting America Report to the Commonwealth This week, Scouting America came to the Capitol to give their report to the Commonwealth. I was able to meet up with Jeffery Pickett, Scout Executive of the Juniata Valley Council, to hear what Scouting America has been up to recently. It was great to see a friendly face from the district!
Blair County Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding addressed the Blair County Chamber of Commerce breakfast this week. He was introduced by Joe Diamond, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Region 4 Organization Director. Secretary Redding spoke about the importance and future of Agriculture in PA. Always a pleasure to have Secretary Redding in the District!
Zoo Day Zoo Day at the Capitol always brings interest friends and creatures of all shapes and sizes! This year there was a sloth from the Lehigh Valley Zoo and different kinds of lizards. It is always a fun time to see all the unique animals showcased at our zoos across the state.
Camp Anderson Ribbon Cutting Camp Anderson held a ribbon cutting for their new septic upgrades to the camp. This much needed critical infrastructure will be a great asset to the camp. Pictured is Cummins McNitt, President of Camp Anderson.
Congratulations to the Clark Sisters! I had the pleasure of welcoming sisters Leanne and Kylee Clark to the Capitol this week. Both girls are students in the Tyrone Area School District. Leanne will be in 9th grade next year and Kylee will be in 6th grade. The girls are active in 4-H, softball, public speaking and helping on their parent’s farm. They will be competing in the Prepared Public Speaking Contest at the National Holstein Convention in June. Best of luck to you both!
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