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In this Update:
A Major Win for Women’s Sports
This week, we scored a big victory for women across Pennsylvania in fighting for fairness in women’s sports. President Donald Trump fought to increase the protections provided for by Title IX and ensure biological men cannot compete against biological females with the signing of an Executive Order on February 5th titled “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports.” I was thrilled to be at the White House that day, as the President took decisive action, protecting women across the nation. Here at the state level, I joined every female Republican Senator to champion Senate Bill 9, the Save Women’s Sports Act. Senate Bill 9, which was passed in a bipartisan measure in the Senate is waiting for the House to take action to make sure every girl here in Pennsylvania has a level playing field and is safe and secure in their locker room. On Tuesday Evening, U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon and the U.S. Department of Education announced it has entered into a resolution agreement with the University of Pennsylvania over its continued violation of Title IX. This agreement includes removing all swim records belonging to a biological male athlete, “Lia” Thomas, who set school records in the 100, 200 and 500 freestyle competitions while swimming against biological women on the University of Pennsylvania’s swim team during the 2021-22 season. Paula Scanlan, pictured above, who swam at UPenn with Thomas, has been a strong advocate of protecting women’s sports at all levels. I was proud to host her earlier this year at the Capitol and hear her story and discuss why this issue is so important. You can view our full discussion here. Progress on the 2025-26 State Budget
Standing up for families and taxpayers remains our focus as work on the 2025-26 budget continues in Harrisburg. Over the last two weeks as work continues on reaching a full budget agreement, we have taken steps to advance several key components of the state budget and to fund certain government functions. This year’s budget must invest in our communities and core government functions that people across Pennsylvania rely on as part of their daily lives. However, we must also address the fact that in the current fiscal year Pennsylvania is faced with a $3 billion structural deficit that could grow to $6 billion if spending is left to grow unchecked. We cannot rely on one-time use dollars from our state’s Rainy-Day Fund to fill the gap, given this would cause a massive fiscal cliff and tax increases in the coming years. While divided government certainly brings challenges of different viewpoints, Senate Republicans are focused on completing a budget that respects taxpayers and addresses the needs of organizations and individuals who rely on state resources and services. Senior Expo on July 31 in Reedsville
Senate Acts to Prevent Student-Athlete Tragedies
To prevent student-athlete deaths from sudden cardiac arrest, the Senate passed legislation requiring schools to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) present at sporting events. Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death for student-athletes nationally and can strike without warning, even in young people with no known heart conditions. Timely access to an AED can increase survival rates by up to 70%. In addition to ensuring an AED is present at all PIAA-sanctioned athletic events and practices, Senate Bill 375 would require schools to develop and rehearse emergency plans for cardiac incidents. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. PHEAA Webinar Available
On Thursday, July 10 from Noon to 1 P.M., the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency will be hosting a free webinar focused on the PA State Grant Form Completion. PHEAA Access Partners will present an overview of the 2025-26 PA State Grant process to guide college students and families through a step-by-step process of filing the PA State Grant Form. For more information or to register, click here. Legislation Cracking Down on New Car Theft Tactic Approved by Senate
The Senate approved legislation that would target thieves who use new technology to spoof key fobs and steal vehicles. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Current law does not specifically cover this tactic, which involves criminals using key programming tools and relay attack devices to gain access to vehicles by cloning or reprogramming key fobs. Senate Bill 739 would update the statute governing the manufacture, distribution and possession of master keys to include these new devices, making it a first-degree misdemeanor and ensuring the law keeps pace with technological developments. New Law Targeting Organized Retail Theft Results in Arrests
Senate Republicans led the way on cracking down against organized retail theft, and the law we pushed for is resulting in arrests, prosecutions and recoveries of stolen goods across the commonwealth, according to Attorney General Dave Sunday. The office’s Organized Retail Crime Unit launched in July 2024 following enactment of Act 42 of 2023 and a new criminal statute that made retail theft of goods over $50,000 a first-degree felony. In its first year, the unit opened more than 65 investigations, charged more than 40 alleged thieves and recovered nearly $2 million in stolen goods. The crimes feature multiple thieves who manipulate gift cards and store return policies or enter retail stores in packs and steal as many items as they can. It’s good to see this legislation is working. Fireworks Safety Tips
Fireworks started 31,302 fires in 2022 and were involved in 9,700 emergency room injuries nationwide in 2023, with children younger than 15 accounting for nearly one third of fireworks injuries. Here are some safety tips from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner:
Find more fireworks safety tips here to avoid being a statistic. Happy Independence Day
I hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend with friends and family celebrating the birth of this great nation. America is one year away from its 250th birthday. I hope the next year sees us come together as citizens to appreciate the great blessings of our nation. Out and About in the 30th DistrictCongratulations to Conemaugh Nason Medical Center Congratulations to Conemaugh Nason Medical Center on unveiling their new Gastrointestinal Endoscopy Suite. This is exciting news for our community and will better serve our residents. Pictured with me are Dr. George Cummings and Nason Chief Operating Officer, Michelle Buttry.
Blair County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala Congratulations to all the award recipients at this year’s Blair County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala! Pictured left to right: Mike Gentry, Small Business of the Year; Mile Level Physical Therapy, Matt Meiser, Business of the Year; Stuckey Automotive, Jessica Hogan, Judith A. Rossi Educator of the Year; Jamie Stumph, ATHENA Award; Greg Haffling, Chamber Extra Mile; Carol Stern, Joseph P. Rosenhamer Chamber Spirit; Richard Servello, George Award; Maureen Dodson, Donna D. Gority Servant Leadership; and Girls Night Out Altoona, Inc., Juls Bratton, Non-Profit Spotlight.
LCBC Altoona Ribbon Cutting Congratulations to LCBC Church Altoona on cutting the ribbon on their location in the Pleasant Valley Shopping Center!
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