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In this Update:
- State Budget Update
- Senior Expo on July 31 in Reedsville
- New Law Will Improve Stroke Care Across PA
- Legislation to Address Pennsylvania’s Shortage of CPAs Signed into Law
- Watch Out for Scammers Posing as State Employees
- July is Independent Retailer Month
- Out and About the 30th District
State Budget Update
The Senate convened for session in Harrisburg this week as work on the 2025-26 state budget progresses. Our discussions with the House of Representatives and the governor continue to advance.
Senate Republicans remain committed to a final agreement which will help to address the structural deficit facing our commonwealth and put Pennsylvania on a solid path for future years.
Senior Expo on July 31 in Reedsville
New Law Will Improve Stroke Care Across PA
Strokes are the fifth-leading cause of death in the U.S. Legislation passed by the Senate and signed into law aims to save lives by providing critical information to health care providers.
Senate Bill 411, now Act 24 of 2025, will establish a statewide stroke registry, administered by the state Department of Health, to deliver resources to emergency medical service providers, hospital stroke teams and other health care providers to ensure high quality stroke care for patients.
It includes a confidentiality clause ensuring any submitted registry data will not include an individual’s confidential or personally identifiable information.
Legislation to Address Pennsylvania’s Shortage of CPAs Signed into Law
A Senate measure aimed at alleviating the growing shortage of certified public accountants (CPAs) in Pennsylvania has been signed into law, to ensure the commonwealth has enough of these professionals so critical to the everyday economy.
Senate Bill 719, now Act 27 of 2025, provides an alternative pathway to CPA licensure by allowing candidates to qualify with 120 credit hours of education and two years of professional experience, rather than the current 150-credit-hour requirement and one year of experience.
Candidates must still pass the CPA exam to be licensed. The new pathway is designed to reduce financial and time burdens on aspiring accountants without compromising professional standards. The law also streamlines the process for qualified out-of-state accountants to practice in Pennsylvania without obtaining a separate state certificate or permit.
Watch Out for Scammers Posing as State Employees
Older Pennsylvanians are being targeted by emails from scammers posing as state employees requesting payments necessary to access a non-existent inheritance.
In an incident reported to commonwealth officials, an older Pennsylvanian received an email from a generic account resembling an official state email address and claiming to be a representative of a credit union.
Don’t respond or click on any links! Report any incidents like this by phone at 1-866-PAComplaint or online.
July is Independent Retailer Month
Independent Retailer Month reminds us to shop at independent business, appreciating their positive social and economic impact in our communities.
Independent retailing can be many types of businesses. For example, a franchise store is often a local independent retail business. Please keep these employers in mind when making your purchases this month and all year.
Out and About the 30th District
EmPATH Unit Ribbon Cutting
It was a good day for the community to cut the ribbon on the new EmPATH Unit (Emergency Psychiatric Assessment, Treatment, and Healing) at UPMC Altoona. This project was made possible by various funding sources including federal, state and local dollars to expand and improve the care for behavioral health patients.
Tour of AmeriPharm
Rep. Kerry Benninghoff and I had the opportunity to tour AmeriPharm DBA Hi-Tech Nutraceuticals located in Reedsville. We were accompanied on the tour by Steve Smith, Vice President of AmeriPharm; Stacey Alexander, CSO of AmeriPharm; and Cliff Kerstetter who is a consultant for the group. This location puts out about 300 different types of supplements. They are looking to add a liquid line soon which would increase their employment as well. We were able to see a pill press at one of the stations as well as a V-Blender which gives the product a homogenous blend.
Altoona AMBUCS Celebrates 100 Years!
I was pleased to present a citation to the Altoona Chapter of AMBUCS to celebrate their 100th year anniversary! Accepting the citation is chapter president, Rick Centar. This is a truly great group of folks in our community.
Crowsnest Broadband Ribbon Cutting
This week the ribbon was cut on the Crowsnest Broadband building in Altoona. Crowsnest is a provider of high-speed internet for Central Pennsylvania residents.
Fulton County 175th Anniversary Celebrations
As part of Fulton County 175th Anniversary Celebration, I attended the Muzzleloader Shoot at the Fulton County Pistol and Rifle Club. I had a blast lighting the fuse of a Civil War cannon for a direct hit on a 200-yard target! The opening ceremony for the day was led by Boy Scout Troop 43. I am also pictured with Buck Hesler and Jan Fraker. Jan organizes this wonderful event.
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