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In this Update:

• School Bus Safety Press Conference
• Schools Can Apply Now for Safety, AED Training Grants
• Strategies to Prevent Electric Bill Spikes Highlighted at Senate Hearing
• What to Know About Teen Gambling
• Elk Cam Shows Largest Free-Roaming Elk population in Eastern U.S.
• Out and About in the 30^th District

School Bus Safety Press Conference

With students across Pennsylvania preparing to return to classrooms, I hosted a press conference at Fullington Auto Bus Company in Duncansville where I was joined by Rep. Scott Barger (R-80), the Pennsylvania State Police and the Pennsylvania School Bus Association to remind motorists of their responsibility to remain alert around school buses.

Pennsylvania’s school bus stopping law prohibits drivers from overtaking a stopped school bus with its red signal lights flashing and stop arm activated. Drivers approaching a bus with flashing amber lights must slow down and be prepared to stop. Drivers must stop at least 10 feet from the bus and wait until the red lights stop flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn and all children have reached a place of safety before proceeding.

In September 2025, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 65, Enhancing the Safe Transportation of School Children, which would extend the stopping distance requirement from 10 feet to 15 feet before reaching the bus when the red signal lights are flashing and the side stop arm is activated. It also develops a tiered penalty system for a second or subsequent offense. Current law does not penalize repeat offenders.

According to PennDOT, approximately 1.5 million children are transported on Pennsylvania roads each day, traveling approximately 400 million miles to school each year. Children are needlessly injured or killed every year by drivers who pass stopped school buses. As we approach the new school year, I encourage drivers to slow down and stop for school buses and school children.

Learn more about Pennsylvania’s school bus stopping law here.

Schools Can Apply Now for Safety, AED Training Grants

School districts can apply now for the latest round of funding to improve safety, including an initiative passed by the General Assembly to increase the presence of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at school events.

Under the School Safety and Mental Health Grant Program, school districts, career and technical centers, intermediate units, charter schools and cyber charter schools are eligible for funding to use for safety and security assessments, staff training and more. It can also be used to improve CPR training and AED preparedness.

In addition, nonpublic schools can apply for funding through the CPR/AED Training for Nonpublic Schools Grant Program that can be used for CPR and AED training.

The AED funding is made available through Greg Moyer’s Law, named in honor of Pennsylvania student-athlete Greg Moyer, who died after suffering sudden cardiac arrest during a high school basketball game.

Strategies to Prevent Electric Bill Spikes Highlighted at Senate Hearing

Strategies to increase energy production and lower utility bills for Pennsylvanians were the focus of a public hearing by the Senate Majority Policy Committee.

The committee heard from energy generators, utilities, business groups, taxpayer advocates and more. Pennsylvania is the top electricity exporter and supplier of natural gas, but the retirement of generation sources is driving up prices and risking electric grid reliability.

Testifiers noted the commonwealth needs to build more reliable baseload generation to keep prices stable and ensure access to energy. Read more and access hearing video here.

What to Know About Teen Gambling

Just because teens aren’t allowed to gamble doesn’t mean they don’t.

Gambling among teenagers is a growing problem. Information is available to learn what teen problem gambling is, how to recognize the warning signs and where to go for help. 

Topics include: Why do people gamble? The “gambler’s fallacy,” and Who’s at risk? Learn more here from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Elk Cam Shows Largest Free-Roaming Elk population in Eastern U.S.

Elk were once native to Pennsylvania but disappeared in the 1800s due to overhunting and habitat loss. Today, Pennsylvania is home to 1,300 to 1,400 elk, making it the largest free-roaming elk population in the eastern U.S.

Live from Elk State Forest in northern PA, the Elk Cam is a window into the world of these impressive animals, as well as turkey, deer and other wildlife. Best viewing times are mornings and evenings.

The livestream is provided by HDOnTap and made possible with the help of the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission.

Out and About in the 30^th District

Dr. Ron Darbeau

I enjoyed sitting down with Dr. Ron Darbeau, Chancellor of Penn State Altoona, to learn about the latest happenings with the Altoona campus. I appreciate the great relationship I have with Dr. Darbeau.

Juniata County Farm Bureau Tour

The Juniata County Farm Bureau recently put on a tour at Love 2 Eat Farm Store, owned and operated by Dan Love, in East Waterford, Juniata County. Federal, state and local officials were on hand to hear from the farmers on some of the issues they have concerns about and give updates on what is going on in state and federal government as it relates to agriculture. Juniata County Farm Bureau puts on this annual event to raise awareness of the issues concerning the agricultural business. 

Blair and Bedford County Farm Bureau Tour

The Blair and Bedford County Farm Bureaus recently hosted a tour of Legacy Livestock Veterinary Practice in Woodbury, Bedford County. The tour was led by Dr. Jennifer Kauf, V.M.D. and Dr. Mary Wright, V.M.D., co-owners of the practice. As one of the largest veterinary clinics in western Pennsylvania, they serve more than 1,300 livestock operations in Blair, Bedford and surrounding counties. During the visit the doctors provided a tour of the clinic and then presented a program on the opportunities and challenges of providing veterinary care in rural Pennsylvania.

Mifflin County Conservation District Board Tour

This year’s Mifflin County Conservation District Board toured the Burnham Borough stream restoration project along Hungry Run. This project focused on a stretch of Hungry Run that contains a walking trail frequently used by residents. The project included bank stabilization, which will reduce the sediment deposition downstream and provide cover for fish and other aquatic organisms. District Manager Trevor Weaver also participated in the tour.

Blair County Chamber of Commerce Ribbon Cutting

It was a beautiful day for the ribbon cutting on the Logan Valley Trail Expansion in Antis Township. The completion of this approximately 1.7-mile trail segment southward from Becker Road to Lower Riggles Gap Road makes way for the next phase to the north end of Altoona, Lakemont and Hollidaysburg, and ultimately to the Lower Trail, offering additional outdoor recreation opportunities in Blair County. Congratulations to Antis Township and the project partners on the completion of this trail segment!

Fulton County Farm Bureau Legislative Ice Cream Social

It was a pleasure to attend the Fulton County Farm Bureau’s legislative ice cream social. I appreciated the opportunity to listen to the members’ concerns and share updates with them regarding legislative matters that affect the agricultural community. A good time was had by all!

Fulton County Chamber of Commerce Tour of Mellott Company

The Fulton County Chamber of Commerce members were treated to a luncheon and tour of Mellott Company in Warfordsburg. This impressive company has been in operation for over 100 years and is a world class leading supplier of rock crushing, screening and washing solutions. It is also the home to Mellott University, a pre-apprentice program for local high school seniors.   

Blair County Junior Livestock Auction

It was an exciting evening at the Blair County Junior Livestock Auction. I purchased a pig from Ty Uplinger and Rylee Stultz and donated the pigs to the Central PA Food Bank. Ty is heading off to Penn State, and Rylee is heading to Cosmetology school.

Huntingdon County Farm Bureau Tour

Huntingdon County Farm Bureau held their annual farm tour at the Hawbaker Dairy Farm in Shade Gap. Special thanks to Mike and Michele Hawbaker for hosting the event. 

Happy Birthday Terry Wilt

I was thrilled to wish Terry Wilt from Hollidaysburg a happy 90th birthday. He is joined by his parish priest, Fr. Alan Thomas.

Huntingdon County Junior Livestock Auction

This year was a record-breaking junior livestock auction in Huntingdon County! I purchased a pig from Natalie Yutzy and donated it to the Central PA Food Bank.