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In this Update

• Public Comments Due Monday on Gov. Shapiro’s Overreaching Regulations
• Congratulations, Nolan!
• Farm-Related Incident Safety Seminar
• Celebrating Constitution Week
• Key Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Still Awaits House Action 
• Let Students Know It’s Safe2Say Something
• Homeland Security Grant Webinar Oct. 15
• “See Tracks? Think Train” Week Promotes Rail Safety
• Out and About in the 30^th District

Public Comments Due Monday on Gov. Shapiro’s Overreaching Regulations

Gov. Shapiro and the Department of Health recently proposed sweeping new regulations that would vastly expand state government’s power over the lives of Pennsylvanians. This includes expanding the government’s authority to enter private residences and schools without a warrant, access private citizens’ health information, speak with children without parental consent, enforce mask mandates and much more.

Many of these regulations mirror the failed policies of the Wolf Administration during COVID, that Shapiro defended while Attorney General. Like the Executive Branch’s heavy-handed response during the pandemic, this Administration is now attempting to push through these Department of Health changes through the regulatory process – completely bypassing the General Assembly.

More details about what these regulations could mean for Pennsylvanians are available here.

I encourage all citizens to submit public comments on the regulations to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission before the public comment period ends this coming Monday, Sept. 21. Full instructions for submitting comments are available at the commission’s online comment page.

Congratulations, Nolan!

My Executive Director, Nolan Ritchie, for the Senate Transportation Committee was recently honored by Penn State Harrisburg with the People to Watch Award! As a 2012 graduate from Penn State Harrisburg with a master’s degree in public administration, Nolan supports my office with the legislative priorities of the Transportation Committee and is responsible for managing transportation-related laws, regulations and policies for the Commonwealth.

Nolan has had many legislative accomplishments during his 11 years with the Senate, and we are very grateful to have him be a part of the team assisting the 30^th district and those across the Commonwealth!

Farm-Related Incident Safety Seminar

Penn State Extension will be hosting a seminar on September 29 from 6:00-7:30 PM at the Needmore Volunteer Fire Company, 8366 Great Cove Road. The seminar will cover how to keep yourself safe while helping the victim of a farm incident, what actions to take and not to take to have a positive effect on the victim’s well-being, how to effectively summon help from emergency services and the importance of seeking additional training, such as first aid, CPR and Stop the Bleed. To register, visit here or call 877-345-0691.

Celebrating Constitution Week

Constitution Week is the commemoration of the United States of America’s most important document. Each year we celebrate this from September 17^th to the 23^rd.

The United States Constitution stands as a testament to the tenacity of Americans throughout history to maintain our liberties, freedoms and inalienable rights.

This celebration of the Constitution was started by the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). In 1955, DAR petitioned Congress to set aside September 17-23 annually to be dedicated for the observance of Constitution Week. The resolution was later adopted by the U.S. Congress and signed into law on August 2, 1956, by President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

The aims of the Constitution Week celebration are to:

• Emphasize citizens’ responsibilities for protecting and defending the Constitution.
• Inform people that the Constitution is the basis for America’s great heritage and the foundation for our way of life.
• Encourage the study of the historical events which led to the framing of the Constitution in September 1787.

At the closing of the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787, Benjamin Franklin, a Pennsylvanian, is noted saying “I agree to this Constitution with all its faults, if they are such, because I think a central government is necessary for us. I doubt too whether any other Convention we can obtain may be able to make a better Constitution.”

You can learn more about the U.S. Constitution here.

Key Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Still Awaits House Action 

Property owners scored a key victory this legislative session when the Senate approved a measure to protect and financially compensate them if targeted by eminent domain abuse. However, the bill has languished in the House of Representatives for more than a year.  

Senate Bill 225 would ensure business owners and farmers whose properties are seized through eminent domain are compensated for loss of “goodwill,” which goes beyond the assessed value. For farms, the land may possess characteristics that make it particularly special, such as fertile soil. In the case of another business, goodwill may be the location, access to utilities and other factors. 

This bill received unanimous support in the Senate and there’s no reason for the House not to act. Read more about this bill and federal efforts to end eminent domain abuse here.

Let Students Know It’s Safe2Say Something

As students settle in for the new school year, they should know about a resource available if they’re concerned about the wellbeing of themselves or others.

Authorized by the General Assembly, Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” before it is too late.

Students can report concerns by phone at 844-723-2729, by emailing info@safe2saypa.org or on the Safe2Say website, where they can also download the Safe2Say Something app.

Homeland Security Grant Webinar Oct. 15

When a crisis strikes, faith-based communities are often among the first places people turn for help, hope and support.

Houses of worship, nonprofits, schools and community organizations can learn how to play a vital role before, during and after a crisis via a free Pennsylvania Department of Homeland Security webinar Oct. 15.

Participants will gain practical tools and resources to help their organization respond with compassion, coordination and confidence. Learn more at the webinar registration page.

“See Tracks? Think Train” Week Promotes Rail Safety

Pennsylvania recorded 56 collisions at rail grade crossings last year, resulting in three fatalities and 24 injuries. There were also 34 deaths and 15 injuries involving people trespassing on rail property. Nationwide, a person or vehicle is struck by a train roughly every three hours.

Railroad tracks are private property and should never be used as a walking path, shortcut or setting for photographs. Drivers and pedestrians should always expect a train, cross only at designated crossings and obey warning lights and crossing gates.

“See Tracks? Think Train” Week Sept. 21-27 aims to raise awareness of the danger, reduce collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and discourage trespassing on or near railroad tracks. You can find more rail safety information here.

Out and About in the 30^th District

Fulton County Farm Bureau Event

The Fulton County Farm Bureau held its annual meeting at the home of Connie and Ronnie Richards and used the occasion to celebrate its 75^th Anniversary. After the policy discussions and event updates, a bake sale auction, led by Dustin Deshong of DeShong’s Auction Service, LLC, raised over $1500 for the scholarship fund.

Great Commission School Groundbreaking

What an exciting day for Great Commission Schools as they held a formal groundbreaking ceremony at their new site location in Hollidaysburg. Along with my office, Representatives Verobish and Barger were present to participate in the ceremony as well. I am happy for the Great Commission community and look forward to seeing this great new facility.

Mifflin County 3^rd Grade Agricultural Tour

Mifflin County Farm Bureau recently held their annual Mifflin County 3^rd Grade Agricultural Tour. This year’s farm tour was held at the Goss Farm in Decatur Township, Mifflin County. Over 400 3^rd graders from Mifflin County and a class from Huntingdon County were able to spend time learning about agriculture by visiting several information booths on various agricultural practices. A corn maze and petting zoo were also part of the day for the grade schoolers.

Fulton County Chamber of Commerce Networking Luncheon

The Fulton County Medical Center (FCMC) hosted the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce September Networking Luncheon.  The attendees were updated on FCMC’s new partnership with West Virginia University (WVU) Medicine. The map shows the proximity of FCMC to WVU’s facilities in relation to other familiar advanced care locations.

Improper Payment Press Conference

This week, I joined Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity, along with my colleagues Senators Kristin Phillips-Hill, Chris Gebhard and Cris Dush for a press conference highlighting the level of improper payments processed by state agencies. I am a co-sponsor of legislation being introduced by Senators Phillips-Hill and Gebhard, that will hold our state government more accountable to safeguard taxpayers’ hard-earned money.

25^th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony

Thank you to all those who organized the recent 25th Anniversary 9/11 Remembrance Ceremony event at the Jaffa Shrine Center in Altoona. What a special time of reflection and patriotism. If you were not able to attend, you can view the ceremony here.

Tour of LKQ Corporation

My Capitol Office staff recently toured LKQ Corporation, which is the leading provider of recycled auto parts to repair and accessorize vehicles. With operations in North America, Europe and Taiwan, LKQ has more than 650 employees at 34 facilities in 28 cities across the Commonwealth who are involved in dismantling operations, distribution centers and automotive calibration services for aftermarket and recycled parts. LKQ’s products may sell for up to 50 percent less than new car parts. If you purchased used parts for your car, there is a strong chance they were sourced from LKQ.  

Pennsylvania Historic Preservation Awards

Blair County native, Mark Frederick, received the Education Leadership Award from Preservation Pennsylvania at their PA Historic Preservation Award Ceremony recently at the Yorktowne Hotel in York. Mark’s award was presented for his work with the PA Military Museum in Boalsburg.

Brad Esposito and Bennett Levin from East Broad Top Railroad in Huntingdon County accepted the Henry A. Jordan Award for the incredible work and preservation they have done at the East Broad Top Railroad. Congratulations to this year’s winners!