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In this update:
It is Time to Save Women’s Sports
Despite the strong bipartisan passage of Senate Bill 9, the ‘Save Women’s Sports Act,’ out of the Senate, the House continues to play games with women’s rights and the protections enshrined in Title IX. The action of the House Education Committee to re-refer Senate Bill 9 to the House Health Committee shows that they and the House majority are unwilling to protect women’s rights to fair competition, safety within their own spaces, and equal opportunity. Continued delay on the passage of this legislation is unacceptable. Girls across Pennsylvania deserve better than what the House is giving them. It is long overdue to put partisan politics and ideology aside, do what is right, and bring this legislation to a vote for the girls and women across our Commonwealth. 2nd Annual Women in Motion Symposium
It was an honor to be a keynote speaker at the American Trucking Association’s second annual symposium for Women In Motion (WIM) at FedEx’s Ground Headquarters in Pittsburgh. WIM connects and uplifts women across the trucking industry with training, mentorship and networking opportunities. I had the opportunity to present on the key policies and initiatives shaping the future of Pennsylvania’s multimodal transportation system.
Senior Expo on July 31 in Reedsville
Malicious Deepfake Scams Targeted by New Law
Technology such as artificial intelligence has been used to commit financial scams, injure personal reputations and disrupt the political process. Legislation we passed is now enacted to classify these deepfakes and other forms of digital impersonation as digital forgeries, punishable by law. Act 35 of 2025 amends the current forgery provisions in state law to include “forged digital likeness.” Under the new provision, if someone creates a digital representation of a real person without their consent and distributes it as genuine, with the intent to defraud or injure, they would be subject to penalties. The law targets harmful impersonations while safeguarding legitimate artistic, journalistic and expressive works. The new law will go a long way toward combatting scams that target teenagers, senior citizens, small businesses and other victims. Protecting Our Children: Sex Offender Registry Loophole Closed
Pennsylvania took a huge step forward in efforts to protect children from sexual abuse in youth sports and nonprofit programs with legislation that was passed by the Senate and signed into law. Act 22 of 2025 adds the crime of sexual assault by a sports official, volunteer or employee of a nonprofit association as a Tier II offense under the state’s Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act. Without the change, a conviction for this crime did not require sexual offender registration – a gap that left children and families at risk. Pennsylvania Officially Joins Three Health Care Licensure Compacts
As of this week, Pennsylvania has now fully joined the Interstate Medical Licensure, Nurse Licensure and Physical Therapy Licensure compacts, allowing doctors, nurses and physical therapists to practice across state lines more easily – meaning out-of-state practitioners can begin working in the commonwealth within days instead of months. In addition to these licensure compacts, Pennsylvania also participates in the previously established Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact. Following compacts’ success, the Senate is actively engaged in passing other compacts to further support license mobility, address health care staffing shortages and improve access to care for patients across the commonwealth. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Application Deadline Extended to Dec. 31
The deadline to file for the state Property Tax Rent/Rebate Program has been extended to Dec. 31, 2025, allowing eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older more time to apply for rebates on property taxes and rent paid. The maximum eligible income is $46,520 and the maximum rebates range from $380 to $1,000 depending on the income level of the homeowner or renter. Check income, age and other eligibility details here. Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced that 423,092 Property Tax/Rent Rebate payments totaling $256 million were sent to eligible Pennsylvanians on July 1. Please contact my office if you need help filling out your application. Summer Boating in PA
If you’re putting your boat in the water this summer, it’s a good idea to reacquaint yourself with Pennsylvania boating regulations, safety courses and other information from the state Fish and Boat Commission to help you build outdoor memories. Boating Basics explores knowledge, equipment and understanding of the requirements necessary for boat use in Pennsylvania. Boating Regulations covers rules all boaters should know (including those governing life jackets.) There’s also information on general Boating Safety and applying for a Boating Safety Education Certificate and Course. Operation Safe Driver Week
You can expect some increased enforcement of traffic laws during Operation Safe Driver Week July 13-19. The purpose of the week is to reduce reckless, careless, or dangerous driving for both commercial and passenger vehicles. Targeted behaviors include speeding, distracted driving, following too closely, improper lane changes, failure to obey traffic devices, not using seat belts, and drunk or drugged driving. Drivers exhibiting dangerous behavior may receive a citation or warning, with increased enforcement on major routes. Out and About in the 30th DistrictCentral PA Clinic of Mifflin County The Central Pennsylvania Clinic of Mifflin is a medical home for special needs children and adults located in Belleville. Louise Yoder, executive director of the clinic; and Dr. Katie Mascia, pediatrician and geneticist, provided me with a tour around the clinic which is equipped with its own pharmacy and lab. They also have an eye and dental facility available within the building.
43rd Annual Morrisons Cove Agricultural Parade Known as the “world’s largest small-town parade,” this year marked the 43rd year for the Annual Morrisons Cove Agricultural Parade! Thousands of people from all over come for this wonderful tradition.
River Raptor Jetboats Robert Plank and Jeff Kanagy, own River Raptor Jetboat which is in Belleville. Robert and Jeff, build custom made jetboats at this 20,000 square foot facility, and have 10 employees. Thank you to Robert and Jeff for the tour!
Angie Gioiosa 4th of July Memorial Race The Annual Blair Regional YMCA Angie Gioiosa Memorial July 4th Race in Downtown Altoona is always a wonderful time. Don’t get excited; only did the 2-mile walk!
Metzler Forest Products Controller John Cottrill gave me a tour of Metzler Forest Products in Reedsville. Metzler’s has nearly 80 employees. I was able to speak with John Campbell about the Rotary Drum Machine which produces biochar. This material can be used as an additive to fertilizers, concrete and poultry bedding.
Fort Roberdeau’s Annual Star Spangled 4th Celebration Enjoyed my time reading part of the Declaration of Independence with Blair County Commissioners Dave Kessling and Amy Webster, along with Blair County Controller A.C. Stickel at Fort Roberdeau’s Annual Star Spangled 4th Celebration. Pictured is Glenn Nelson, director of Fort Roberdeau, who is portraying fort commander Maj. Robert Cluggage. Also pictured is Dr. Jared Frederick, local historian, who is training the troops.
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