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In this Update:
The Facts About Transit Funding
A bill to fund rural State roads and help improve the safety, accountability and stability of Pennsylvania’s mass transit systems was approved by the Senate weeks ago. As amended by the Senate, House Bill 257 provides additional funding for every transit agency in a way that protects taxpayers, improves safety and implements new accountability measures. Importantly, the plan does this without impacting the General Fund, ensuring critical programs aren’t threatened in the future like the governor’s funding proposal. The legislation matches and exceeds the governor’s own funding proposal by providing $292.5 million to mass transit this year and another $300 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year. The plan provides the same amount of funding for roadway reconstruction, including for many rural roads the governor has overlooked, right here in our own communities. The legislation ensures the majority of the new money comes from the surplus in the Public Transportation Trust Fund (PTTF). The PTTF has grown from $370 million in 2019 to more than $2.4 billion today. Pennsylvania needs common-sense solutions that take advantage of existing funds before asking hardworking taxpayers to send more of their money to Harrisburg. Because the PTTF receives billions of dollars of revenue each year, the legislation would not jeopardize any planned capital projects. This is a proposal that the governor says he now supports using to fund transit. Rather than following the governor’s and House Democrats’ approach of taking more money out of the Sales and Use Tax – which impacts General Fund support for schools, nursing homes, hospitals and other priorities in the future – the legislation ensures the new money comes from the PTTF and existing i-Gaming Revenue Fund. It is long overdue for the governor and House Democrats to come together to ensure our transit systems and rural infrastructure are responsibly funded. Improving Health Care
The Senate approved several measures this year to improve the delivery of health care in our communities. Among the new laws we passed was a measure establishing a statewide stroke registry to deliver vital information to EMS providers and hospitals, ensuring the best treatment possible. Other laws aim to reduce overdose deaths by incorporating real-time reporting by EMS providers into the statewide overdose mapping system, and giving EMS personnel permanent authority to leave behind a dose of naloxone at overdose scenes, placing this lifesaving medication in the hands of a caregiver or loved one. Critical measures passed by the Senate and awaiting action in the House of Representatives include bills to strengthen Pennsylvania’s no-cost breast cancer screening law by ensuring diagnostic imaging is fully covered, and preserving prescription drug coverage for more than 10,000 seniors. You can review other measures we passed to improve health care and address other subjects here. Paint the Plow Program
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is inviting high school students to participate in the annual Paint the Plow program. The program challenges youth to paint an original mural on a PennDOT snowplow blade, while incorporating a designated statewide safety theme, to promote winter driving safety and foster appreciation for school art programs and student creativity. The designated 2025 theme, “Don’t race. Allow some space.” was chosen to remind motorists to practice caution when around snowplows, always maintain a safe distance of at least six car lengths behind a plow, avoid driving in blind spots, and never attempt to pass or drive between plows operating side by side. Students in public and private high schools are welcome to participate and must have their school officials complete and return an application to the regional PennDOT coordinator. For more information, click here. New Law Streamlines Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
A new law we passed earlier this year is now in effect removing the annual fishing license fee and application for veterans with 100% disability. Previously, only those disabled veterans with a 100% permanent disability determination from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs could receive free lifetime fishing licenses. Disabled veterans with a 100% disability determination also receive free licenses but must apply for them on an annual basis. Act 21 of 2025 takes away the annual fee and application part of the process and allows all disabled veterans with a 100% disability determination, whether or not it is a permanent determination, to purchase free lifetime fishing licenses. Road to Opportunity Small Business Workshop
Are you a small business interested in working with state government? Then you don’t want to miss this “Road to Opportunity” event series aimed at connecting businesses like yours with Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) contracting opportunities. At these full-day events, which is co-host with the Pennsylvania Department of General Services, small businesses will:
The Road to Opportunity event will take place on September 10 in Hollidaysburg at the PennDOT District 9 Office located at 1620 N. Juniata St. For more information or to register, email ra-pdroadstoopport@pa.gov by September 3. 2026-27 PA Student Aid Guide Available
For parents and students planning for college, the new Student Aid Guide from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) provides a complete overview of the financial aid process. The guide can help you:
For more help planning for college, check out PHEAA webinars and EducationPlanner.org. Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law
Students are heading back to class, so we all need to be on the lookout for children around school buses and bus stops. Some reminders about Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law:
School districts are permitted to install automated camera systems on buses to enforce the law. You can find more information about the law and penalties, and safety tips for children, here. Happy Labor Day
Labor Day is a time to celebrate the workers who make our communities thrive while providing for their families. No matter what your vocation or whether you’re an active employee or a retiree, I hope you enter this last stretch of summer with a wonderful holiday weekend. Out and About in the 30th DistrictBlair County African American Festival I had a great time at the Blair County African American Festival in Altoona, recently! Harriett Gaston greeted me at the African American history booth. I then stopped by the Blair County Historical Society booth where I saw Julia Schokker. I also caught up with Mark Frederick at the PA Military Museum booth, the museum is located in Boalsburg. Great to be there! Lots to do!
Hollidaysburg Borough Citizen of the Year Surrounded by his family, friends and past award recipients, Attorney James “Jim” Huff, II, was recognized as the Citizen of the Year by Hollidaysburg Borough at a ceremony held at the American Legion Hall for his many years of dedicated service to the community. Mayor Joseph Dodson and Borough Manager Ethan Imhoff presented a proclamation, and local elected officials presented honorary citations in recognition of this award. Congratulations to Attorney Huff!
Fulton County Farm Bureau Legislative Breakfast Kathleen from my McConnellsburg District Office attended the Fulton County Farm Bureau Legislative Breakfast at Krazy Rayz Restaurant in McConnellsburg. Administrative Secretary Chanin Mountz organized the event that brought together Federal, State and Local Legislators to listen to the concerns of the agriculture community and to allow us to share updates on pending legislation of interest to the Farm Bureau members.
Juniata County Farm Bureau Legislative Tour The Juniata County Farm Bureau Legislative Tour was held at Pennsylvania Hickory Syrup and Ox Dynasty owned by Doug and Shirley Drewes in Mifflintown, recently. Items discussed included the state budget; Senate Bill 481, legislation I introduced to assist milk hauling during travel restrictions; Senate Bill 566, legislation I introduced to provide a limited exemption for agricultural buildings used for special events; as well as a few federal items.
Fulton County Chamber of Commerce Luncheon The Fulton County Chamber of Commerce Luncheon was hosted by Employment & Training, Inc. of Fulton County. Barb, Wendy, Joyce and Jessica are excited to help with job training and employment needs for employees and businesses in Fulton County. Fulton County businesses were also recognized for participating in the Summer Youth Work Experience Program by providing employment and on the job training to participants aged 14 – 24.
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