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In this Update:

• Coalition Calls Out Pennsylvania House on Women’s Sports Bills
• Penn State Ag Extension Data Center Presentation
• Senate Stands with Attorney General, District Attorneys, State Troopers and Police
• Consider a Future as an Emergency Medical Services Provider
• Nominate a Non-Teaching School Employee for a RISE Award
• Organ and Tissue Donation Saves Lives
• Registration Opens for Annual C2P2 Grant Workshop
• Low-Interest Loans and Grants Available to Those Impacted by Flash Flooding
• Out and About in the 30^th District

Coalition Calls Out Pennsylvania House on Women’s Sports Bills

The Pennsylvania Women’s Sports Bipartisan Coalition (PWSBC) recently sent a letter to the members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives calling for a floor vote on the Save Women’s Sports Act legislation that is currently in their chamber.

The PWSBC is a diverse group of parents, athletes, attorneys, child and student rights advocates, faith leaders and organizations dedicated to preserving the rights of Title IX. Titled, “1057 Days Without a Vote”, the letter highlights the concerning lack of action and prolonged delay on this issue by the House and the broad support there is across political, demographic and geographic lines for legislation preserving fair competition and equal opportunities for female athletes.

Several of these bills are currently being blocked by Democrat leadership in the House, including my two Save Women’s Sports Act bills, Senate Bills 9 and 1293. It is shameful that the House continues to place partisan politics before the rights and safety of women in this commonwealth, and I join the PWSBC and other advocates in calling for immediate consideration of this crucial legislation.

You can read the letter here.

Penn State Ag Extension Data Center Presentation

Recently, I hosted an informational session for local elected officials on data centers with Penn State Ag Extension and wanted to share this presentation with you. As data center development continues to be an important topic in communities across the Commonwealth, I wanted to create an opportunity for you to hear clear, fact‑based information directly from area experts.

These decisions are ultimately local decisions made by municipalities. Data center development may be a good fit for some communities and not for others. The goal for this informational session was to share information that can help communities make informed choices.

This informational session provided a balanced look at what data centers are, why companies are choosing Pennsylvania and what potential opportunities and challenges our communities may encounter as this industry grows. You can view the full presentation from Penn State Ag Extension here.

Senate Stands with Attorney General, District Attorneys, State Troopers and Police

Second-degree murder is a horrific crime – these are homicides committed while the defendant was also committing another violent felony such as rape, arson, robbery, burglary or kidnapping. Those who commit such an act deserve a punishment that matches.

In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that our current sentencing structure for second-degree murder (life without parole in every case) is unconstitutional. The justices gave the General Assembly 120 days to enact legislation correcting the situation.

The Senate successfully passed strong bipartisan legislation to address this issue – twice. The Senate’s legislation is supported by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, Pennsylvania District Attorneys, the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, the Pennsylvania State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police, and the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.           

Unfortunately, Democrat leadership in the House of Representatives refused to allow a vote on this bipartisan legislation, instead passing a weak bill on a near party-line vote. That bill has several serious problems, including the fact that it could allow more than half of all inmates, including those on death row, to qualify for release from prison under an overbroad, ill-defined “medical release” program that is riddled with loopholes. It makes no sense.

I will continue fighting for a strong, common-sense response to the Supreme Court’s decision because the safety of our communities is at stake.

Consider a Future as an Emergency Medical Services Provider

You could have a future in Emergency Medical Services, a critical component of healthy communities. Find out what it takes to be an EMS provider and get your start with the state Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. The site includes EMS education, information and resources, regional EMS council contact information and more.

Nominate a Non-Teaching School Employee for a RISE Award

Non-teaching school employees – including paraprofessional, clerical, transportation, food service, custodial, security and health workers – play key roles in keeping our local schools running. If you know an incredible non-teaching employee, you can nominate them for a Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. Find details and a nomination form at the state Department of Education website. Nominations for 2026 close Aug. 30.

Organ and Tissue Donation Saves Lives

Saturday is PA Donor Day across the commonwealth, a statewide effort to rally support for the more than 6,000 Pennsylvanians waiting for a life-saving transplant. It’s held on 8/1 because eight lives can be saved by just one registered donor. PA Donor Day 2026 is especially important because the number of Pennsylvanians registering as organ donors has slowed and transplant waiting lists are long. You can register to donate at any time – you don’t need to get a driver’s license or permit. Learn more about organ and tissue donation and register to be a donor here.

Registration Opens for Annual C2P2 Grant Workshop

Registration is now open for the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) annual grant workshop.

The workshop covers what applicants need to know to apply for Community Conservation Partnerships Program (C2P2) grants, several changes to C2P2’s application questions and selection criteria in 2027 and tips on creating a competitive application.

The virtual workshop will take place on Thursday, November 5 from 9:00 a.m. to noon. The workshop is free, but pre-registration is required to ensure attendees receive accompanying materials.

The 2027 C2P2 grant round will open on Monday, January 11. The application deadline is 4:00 p.m. on Friday, April 30.

Low-Interest Loans and Grants Available to Those Impacted by Flash Flooding

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is providing financial assistance through their Disaster Loan Program (DLP) to those affected by the July 5-6, 2026, flash flooding in Blair County and the surrounding counties. Small businesses and most private nonprofits located in the declared disaster area that have suffered substantial economic injury may be eligible for an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL). More information about the SBA disaster declaration and access to the online loan application for the flooding can be found here. The deadline to return SBA DLP applications is Monday, Sep. 21, 2026. The deadline to return SBA EIDL applications is Wednesday, April 21, 2027.

Additionally, the Commonwealth Disaster Recovery Assistance Program (DRAP) through the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency (PEMA) is providing grants to individuals and families affected in the following municipalities of Blair and Huntingdon counties: Altoona City, Antis Township, Logan Township, Snyder Township, Tyrone Borough and Warriors Mark Township. Those impacted are encouraged to visit the PEMA website at pa.gov/ready/drap to see if they qualify for DRAP grants. The DRAP application portal is open. All DRAP applications must be submitted by Wednesday, Oct. 21, 2026.

Out and About in the 30^th District

Juniata County Livestock Auction

It is always a good time at the Juniata County Livestock Auction. Pictured with me is Amy Carvell and her market goat that I purchased.

Mifflin County Senior Expo

Our annual Mifflin County Senior Expo is in the books. Thank you to all the vendors for participating, and thanks to all those who chose to come out to join us. It is always great to be able to speak directly to my constituents and hear from them how Harrisburg can best help them.

Pictured here with Jean Compton and her daughters.

7 Brew Coffee

Blair County is happy to welcome 7 Brew Coffee to Altoona! Congratulations on your grand opening!

Main Street RX

Main Street RX held a listening session which I was thankful to be a part of that brought together a great group of local small business owners, healthcare professionals and community leaders. There was a great exchange of ideas as the group explored how growth in education and healthcare impacts everyday economic life. Thanks to Chancellor Darbeau and Penn State Altoona for providing a great meeting place for this event. Pictured with me is Congressman John Joyce. 

Hunter Wood

Hunter Wood, a 4-H student in Huntingdon County, stopped by my Blair County office this week to invite me to the upcoming livestock sale. I always enjoy attending all the sales in my district!