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In this Update:
PA Trooper’s Death Highlights Urgent Need to Improve CDL Oversight
Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael E. Pahira Jr. was recently killed in the line of duty during a Schuylkill County traffic stop when he was struck by a tractor trailer driven by a person who was in the country illegally. I mourn this heartbreaking tragedy and join the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association in asking why this person had been granted a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Massachusetts. You can view my statement I released with Senate leadership here. I also urge the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to pass two of my bills that were approved by the Senate to help prevent similar tragedies in the future: Senate Bill 1294, which improves the training curriculum and strengthens penalties to shutdown unqualified “CDL Mills,” and Senate Bill 1295, which requires English proficiency in all testing applications to operate an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle on public highways. We must strengthen our laws and oversight governing non-domiciled CDLs to improve commercial vehicle safety and help protect lives across our commonwealth. Senate Passes Bill to Bring Life-saving Treatments to Market More Quickly
The Senate approved legislation to help get new life-saving treatments and devices to market more quickly while preserving safety standards. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Under current law, a pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturer must first complete a lengthy federal process before it can even begin the state licensure process in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1206 allows companies to gain temporary approval under Pennsylvania’s virtual manufacturers’ law, so that once federal approval is granted, these companies can quickly move forward without having to clear additional administrative roadblocks. Read more about Senate Bill 1206 here. 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! Strengthening Medical Imaging Standards
Medical imaging – such as MRIs or x-rays – are essential to diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions and rely on magnetism or radiation to do so. Performed incorrectly, these tests can cause serious harm to patients. Yet, Pennsylvania is one of only four states that do not have a licensure or certification framework for these professionals. The Senate approved Senate Bill 1334 to create a statewide licensing structure for professionals who perform medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures. The bill doesn’t require additional schooling or place unnecessary burdens on qualified professionals. It was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 1334 here. Empowering Patients to Make Care Decisions
Pennsylvania Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) spell out treatments a seriously ill patient does and does not want in an emergency or at the end of life. To empower patients, the Senate passed legislation creating the legal framework for their use across all healthcare settings. These differ from an advance directive, which generally identifies a surrogate decision-maker or provide broad guidance about future care preferences. POLST is a medical order that must be followed immediately, ensuring care aligns with the patient’s wishes in real time. POLST forms are not consistently recognized or applied across all care settings in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 730 provides statutory authority so that these forms are honored statewide by healthcare providers and emergency medical services. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Read more about Senate Bill 730 here. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline Extended to Dec. 31
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides rebates on property taxes or rent paid for the previous year by income-eligible seniors and people with disabilities. The deadline to apply has been extended to Dec. 31, 2026. Funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, it benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Rebates range from $380 to $1,000. The income limit is currently $48,110 a year for homeowners and renters, however, half of Social Security income is excluded. Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced that $224.4 million in rebates have already been sent to 372,291 Pennsylvanians. You can find more information and apply here. Contact my office for assistance in applying. State Police Cadet Selection Open Through July 31
Do you know someone who is considering a law enforcement career? The Pennsylvania State Police Cadet selection cycle is open through July 31. In addition to patrol services and policing residential areas, state troopers provide a variety of support services through specialized positions. The selection process consists of a written exam, background check and polygraph exam, physical readiness test, medical checkup and psychological evaluation. College internships are also available at participating schools. Learn more about the cadet selection process here. Out and About in the 30th DistrictBlair County Clock Tower Re-Dedication It was an exciting time in the Borough of Hollidaysburg as the community came together for the re-dedication of the clock tower ceremony at the courthouse. A successful campaign to raise money for the clock tower was completed, raising $130,000 to repair the bells.
Blair YMCA Angie Gioiosa Race There was a great crowd for the annual Blair YMCA Angie Gioiosa Race. Altoona Curve Mascot “LOCO” is everywhere!
Oasis of Love I enjoyed attending the annual patriotic service held by Pastor Kathy Speck and Oasis of Love Church in Saxton. This year’s event had a special emphasis on the 250th anniversary of our great nation!
Martinsburg Ag Parade It always amazes me how many people are in attendance for the Martinsburg Ag parade in Blair County! People travel from all over the state for this exciting event. This year’s event was 2.5 hours from start to finish, with many participants commemorating America’s 250th birthday!
Fort Roberdeau’s America 250 Celebration It was certainly a patriotic time at Fort Roberdeau’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday on Independence Day! Pictured are readers of the Declaration of Independence. Three of the readers are area veterans including my son Bill, Jr. Glenn Nelson dressed as Major Cluggage (Director of the Fort) and many children participated in the day’s activities.
Union Pacific’s Big Boy in Tyrone Tyrone Borough had an exciting day this week! The community held a vendor fair in conjunction with the appearance of Union Pacific’s famous Big Boy #4014 train. Treasurer Stacy Garrity stopped by to visit the residents.
Pictured with me are Representative Scott Barger, Treasurer Stacy Garrity, and Tyrone Mayor John Harlow.
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