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In this Update:
Eliminating Waste and Fraud in State Government
Reforming the way state government operates includes removing barriers to creating good jobs and preventing fraud and waste of taxpayer dollars. This year, we passed legislation to implement stricter oversight to block regulations that will cost employers or taxpayers more than $1 million, and require automatic review of these kinds of regulations after three years to ensure they remain in the public interest. Other bills passed by the Senate require the Department of Human Services to prevent fraud in public assistance, prevent dead people from receiving benefits and ensure unemployment compensation benefits don’t go to claimants who try to avoid work. To reduce the risk of data breaches in taxpayer-funded systems, we passed legislation requiring all state IT contracts to meet national cybersecurity standards. You can review all the notable bills we’ve passed in 2025 here. Jobs Available with PennDOT’s Winter Maintenance Program
The coming end of summer means job opportunities for those with the skills to maintain and clear Pennsylvania’s roadways in the winter with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Positions and hourly pay include CDL equipment operator ($23), dispatcher ($17.38), diesel and automotive mechanic ($24.97 – $28.37 based on title), tradesman helper and semi-skilled laborer ($18.46), and more. These temporary positions could be a pathway to a permanent PennDOT career. You can find more background information and links to job openings here. Protecting Places of Worship Webinars
Join the Department of Homeland Security and Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency from September 3rd through the 30th for a series of webinars to empower faith-based institution leaders and facility managers to bolster their safety and security. This series is one of many resources available for community leaders to protect and prepare for potential threats. Webinar Topics:
For more information on the webinars and to register, click here. Help for Caregivers: PA CareKit
Caring for a loved one is a selfless act that strengthens family bonds but can be difficult for the caregiver. The PA CareKit can be a great help. From the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, the PA CareKit is a collection of tools and information to help you manage stress, navigate the health care system, stay connected and find support. Topics include the First Five Steps, Understanding Your Needs, Key Caregiving Terms and Concepts, and Caregiving Resources. If you’re a caregiver, I hope you find this information useful for this challenging but lifechanging role. Learn Skills with the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps
Residents ages 15 to 25 can learn new skills, gain job experience and improve public lands with the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps. Skills-building and training opportunities include infrastructure maintenance, habitat restoration, CPR and first aid and more. Interested individuals can learn how to get paid fixing trails, planting trees and more here. National Crime Prevention Week
A key role as lawmaker is passing legislation to combat crime and keep our communities safe. We rely on police to enforce those laws and the justice system to impose punishment when appropriate. National Crime Prevention Week is a reminder of the role citizens play in keeping their neighborhoods safe. The National Crime Prevention Council offers these crime prevention and personal safety tips to help you and your community outsmart potential lawbreakers. “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Day” Resolution
I recently introduced Senate Resolution 142 recognizing September 1, 2025 as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Day” in Pennsylvania. Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or both continues to be a serious threat to public safety on our roads. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 511 people died across the nation in traffic crashes during the 2023 Labor Day weekend. Here in Pennsylvania, there were 1,002 crashes statewide over the last Labor Day holiday weekend, resulting in 13 fatalities and 722 injuries – all of which were preventable. The “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is a long-standing, national enforcement and awareness initiative that combines high-visibility policing with strong public education to deter impaired driving. Each year, PennDOT and Pennsylvania’s law enforcement agencies participate in this campaign to send a clear message: impaired driving is illegal, dangerous, and will not be tolerated. By designating September 1, 2025, as “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over Day” in Pennsylvania, we are able to amplify this message to encourage responsible driving, reduce the number of impaired crashes and ultimately save lives. Out and About in the 30th DistrictJuniata County Fair Recently, the Juniata County Fair honored the 2025 Friend of the Fair award to Casey Leonard and the Farmer of the Year award to Russell Adamire, Jr. I was pleased to sponsor Senate citations to recognize the recipients!
I always have a nice time catching up with my friends at the Juniata County Fair!
Happy 100th Birthday to Mr. Faulds! What an honor it was to present John Faulds of Hollidaysburg with a birthday citation celebrating his 100th birthday! John is an amazing man that I have known for many years. He truly has found the secret to a long, happy life!
Huntingdon County Courthouse Ribbon Cutting It was an exciting day in Huntingdon County as the Commissioners cut the ribbon to celebrate the completion of the renovations at the historic Huntingdon County Courthouse. Joined by county staff, elected officials, and community leaders, the commissioners celebrated the long-awaited reveal of this beautifully restored facility that includes a new courtroom, increased safety and improved accessibility for the public. Congratulations to Huntingdon County on this successful project!
The Chesapeake Bay Commission Visit to Evergreen Farms The Chesapeake Bay Commission made a stop in Huntingdon County at Evergreen Farms in Spruce Creek. We had the opportunity to tour the farm—an impressive operation home to 3,500 Holstein cows, 3,700 young calves, and more than 6,000 acres of forage and grain crops. As part of the visit, we enjoyed a scenic lunch under a beautiful, covered bridge that spans Spruce Creek—a waterway known for its wild trout population and a favorite destination for anglers from near and far. A sincere thank you to the Harpster Family for the warm welcome and for hosting us on your remarkable property. The Commission is a tri-state legislative body that serves in an advisory capacity to the general assemblies of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Its membership includes Senate and House members, a cabinet-level appointee and a citizen-at-large from each of the three states.
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