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In this Update:
Supreme Court of the United States Rules to Save Women’s Sports
This week, the Supreme Court of the United States issued a commonsense ruling in West Virginia v. B.P.J. The court affirmed what the plain language of Title IX has always made clear: the law refers to biological sex and permits separate athletic teams for women and men. The court also held that the Equal Protection Clause provides states the ability to restrict participation in women’s sports based on biological sex, allowing states to protect the safety, fairness and competitive opportunities of women and girls. It is long overdue for Pennsylvania to enact legislation that protects those same principles. Once again, the Supreme Court has affirmed that states have the authority to safeguard their citizens. The House of Representatives should stop playing political games and pass the Save Women’s Sports Act to ensure fairness, safety and opportunity for women and girls across our commonwealth. I was proud to join advocates and supporters outside of the Supreme Court of the United States in January as oral arguments were heard on these cases. Pennsylvania must act now. The Senate has passed both of my bills, Senate Bill 9 and Senate Bill 1293, to protect female athletes by requiring public schools and colleges to label sports teams as male, female or coed. Both bills state that only biological females can join teams designated for women, and the bills would allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule. Freedom 250 Great American Fair in Washington, D.C.
Putting Pennsylvania first, Senators David McCormick and John Fetterman worked together to ensure the Keystone State secured its place at the Freedom 250 Great American Fair in Washington, D.C. After finding out that Pennsylvania was not confirmed to attend, McCormick and Fetterman teamed up with the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, PennAg Industries Association, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, NFIB, the Pennsylvania Manufacturers’ Association, and the Manufacturer & Business Association to showcase the commonwealth. A growing list of partners including everything between Crayola, Utz, Christmas trees, coal and electricity are all donating displays, manpower, and products. A hometown favorite, Boyer Candy Company, also stepped up and participated, bringing their world class candies and the famous Mallo Cup to the fair for all to enjoy. As the birthplace of America, Pennsylvania played a pivotal role in the establishment of our nation with the signing of the Declaration of Independence, and it would have been a glaring oversight for Pennsylvania not to be present for America’s 250th birthday celebration. Pennsylvania has hosted several events throughout the commonwealth this year to honor the semiquincentennial, but the Shapiro Administration did not include this one on the list of events. Pennsylvania will be represented at the Freedom 250 Great American Fair and will have the opportunity to honor our shared history and showcase the businesses, farmers and industries that help make Pennsylvania stand out and our nation great. Thank you for saving the day, Senators McCormick and Fetterman! Mifflin County Senior Expo
I will be holding my annual Mifflin County senior expo on Tuesday, July 28, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Reedsville Fire Company, 16 PA 655, Reedsville. Attendees will be able to learn from participating vendors about the services and resources that are available to them, receive health screenings and enter into door prize drawings. Admission is free and there will be light refreshments provided. I hope to see you there! Nonprofit Security Grant Program Application Period Begins
The 2026 Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) application period will open Monday, June 29, at 8 a.m. and will close promptly at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14. Please note that applications must be submitted before the closing deadline. Extensions will not be given. PEMA will be conducting webinars to discuss the NSGP application process and how to be better prepared to apply during the current funding opportunity. Webinars will take place on June 30 at 2 p.m. or July 2 at 10 a.m. The registration links may be found here. Working to Finalize the State Budget
Good progress is being made as we work on finalizing the state budget for fiscal year 2026-27. This week, we received needed clarity on a number of issues which were delaying the budget’s completion. We’re now well on our way to reaching a full budget agreement in the coming days. In a divided government, all parties must work together to find common ground and I’m confident that agreement can be reached and a responsible new state budget enacted soon. My focus remains on controlling the growth of state spending and implementing pro-growth policies to protect taxpayers. Increasing Accountability of Taxpayer-Funded Childcare Programs
To combat the kind of fraud and abuse uncovered in other states, the Senate approved legislation to strengthen oversight of Pennsylvania’s taxpayer-funded childcare programs. Senate Bill 1372 would require the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to provide annual reports detailing inspections, investigations, enforcement actions and financial oversight activities related to childcare facilities and programs receiving public funding. The reports would cover facility inspections, violations, complaints, investigations and enforcement actions. It would also require reporting on taxpayer-funded childcare payments, improper payments identified and efforts to recover misspent funds. More than a billion taxpayer dollars are spent annually on childcare in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1372 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Votes to Improve PA Amber Alert Response
The Senate passed legislation to help law enforcement respond more effectively during Amber Alerts and missing person investigations. Senate Bill 1273 clarifies that the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission may share time-sensitive information collected through its automated tolling system with law enforcement in specific situations. This includes cases involving Amber Alerts and Missing Endangered Person Advisory System alerts, where rapid access to vehicle data can be critical. This commonsense measure improves coordination between agencies to help a citizen in danger when every minute counts. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 1273 here. Providing Pennsylvanians with Information on Long-Term Care Options
Legislation to ensure older Pennsylvanians receive complete information about long-term care options was approved by the Senate. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 482 strengthens outreach and accountability surrounding Pennsylvania’s Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) Program, which helps eligible seniors remain in their homes and communities while receiving comprehensive healthcare and support services. Currently, individuals enrolling in Medicaid managed care may not receive information about the LIFE Program during the enrollment process. Senate Bill 482 requires the state’s Independent Enrollment Broker to include information about the LIFE Program with enrollment materials provided to eligible individuals. Read more about Senate Bill 482 and the LIFE Program here. Staying Cool When the Weather Turns Hot
Summer heat waves can be merely uncomfortable or worse depending on how we react. Drink plenty of water, limit time outside and cool off with AC. Call 211 or visit here for a list of cooling centers by county. And check on older family and neighbors. Never leave kids or pets in a vehicle. Most vehicle heatstroke deaths involving children are a result of a parent or caregiver forgetting a child in a car. Check the back seat before walking away from your car. Read more about preventing hot car deaths. The PA Public Utility Commission offers these tips on staying cool and cutting energy costs:
I hope you stay safe and cool and have a fantastic summer. New Savings Plan for Children in 2026
Families have a new way to save for kids in 2026 with the 530A IRA, also known as a Trump Account. A Trump Account is an investment account for kids under 18. Families and others can contribute up to $5,000 per year, and employers may be able to contribute up to $2,500 per year toward that same limit. Eligible children born between 2025-2028 may receive a one-time $1,000 federal deposit. Funds are generally inaccessible until your child turns 18, when the account converts into a traditional IRA. The money will be invested in a suite of low-cost index funds, where the initial $1,000 deposit could grow to an estimated half a million dollars or more by retirement age. Learn more and download the app at the official Trump Accounts webpage. Celebrating 250 Years of American Freedom
250 years ago – on July 4, 1776 – our nation’s founders gathered in Philadelphia and signed the Declaration of Independence. President Abraham Lincoln once described the Declaration as “an apple of gold” and said it gave “liberty, not alone to the people of this country, but hope to the world for all future time.” Earlier this year, the Senate visited Independence Hall in Philadelphia and convened for a ceremonial celebration at the National Constitution Center to honor America’s 250th birthday. As we gather in our communities to celebrate Independence Day this year, and to mark our nation’s semiquincentennial, may we all take time to reflect on the many blessings of being Americans and living in the United States. Out and About in the 30th DistrictMadi Van Zant Madi Van Zant joined our team this summer as our intern in my Capitol office. Madi is a junior at Juniata College, majoring in politics with a secondary in legal studies. On campus, she serves as a campus tour guide, and she is actively involved as a member of the women’s lacrosse team, student government, mock trial and the National Society for Leadership and Success. Outside of school, she works in a retirement community in her hometown where she enjoys building relationships with residents and supporting their needs. Her experiences in both community care and public service have strengthened her commitment to serving others. Passionate about civic engagement and public policy, she hopes to pursue a career in government service.
Juniata River Valley Chamber After-Hours Event Juniata River Valley Chamber of Commerce recently held an after-hours event at Bushmen Landscaping in Lewistown. They are celebrating 25 years of business and service to the greater Lewistown community.
Academy Sports and Outdoors Ribbon Cutting Academy Sports + Outdoors cut the ribbon with the Blair County Chamber of Commerce and members of the community at their new location in Altoona. Welcome to the district!
Carriage House Eatery Grand Opening The Carriage House Eatery recently held a grand opening and ribbon cutting at their location in Mifflintown. The eatery is owned by George and Colleen Hazard and is located right next to Juniata Valley Winery. Congratulations on the grand opening!
Nicholas Kupniewski Nicholas Kupniewski joined my Blair County district office for the past several weeks for an internship. Nick is a political science student at Saint Francis University. He was a great addition to our team this summer. Best of luck to Nick!
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