|
|||||
|
In this Update:
Department of Health Withdraws Overbearing Health Regulations After Public Outcry
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s Department of Health (DOH) withdrew proposed health regulations that would have vastly expanded state government’s power over the lives of Pennsylvanians, a tremendous victory for the grassroots efforts of commonwealth citizens. Shortly before the regulations were withdrawn, more than 10,000 citizens, school officials and others submitted comments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission expressing their serious concerns. I joined my colleagues in a letter to the commission warning the changes would infringe on our constitutional rights. The proposed regulations would have given the state more power to enter homes and businesses without a warrant, speak to students without parents present, access private health records, unilaterally impose mask mandates and more. The DOH introduced the massive, 502-page regulatory overhaul without input from the public or the General Assembly. Although these regulations were withdrawn, we must remain vigilant – the governor’s DOH could resubmit them at any time. A.B. Ross Agricultural Leadership Program
What a great time I had hosting my annual A.B. Ross Agricultural Leadership Program with 4-H Club members of my district. This year’s topic was “Learning from the Past, Leading in the Present, Shaping Agriculture’s Future.” I have partnered with the Penn State Extension Offices for many years to provide 4-H Club members in 7th grade through 12th grade with knowledge and hands-on learning about timely topics affecting Pennsylvania’s No. 1 industry, agriculture. The program offers a full day of interactive learning experiences focused on a specific topic. Extension educators and experts in the field are invited to discuss the impact that topic has on our farmers and future farmers in Pennsylvania.
Senate Passes Measures to Boost Protection of Senior Citizens
The state Department of Aging has been under review by the Pennsylvania auditor general and inspector general over concerns for the well-being of seniors being taken care of by Pennsylvania’s 52 county-based Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). The Senate approved legislation that would build on the release of Auditor General Tim DeFoor’s recent audit and implement proper safeguards for older Pennsylvanians. Senate Bill 1376 would:
The Senate also passed legislation to update Pennsylvania’s Older Adult Protective Services Act to better protect seniors from financial abuse and scams. The FBI ranked Pennsylvania ninth in total losses to fraud experienced by older adults in 2025. More than 7,000 seniors were defrauded of more than $200 million, representing a 43% jump from 2024. Senate Bill 738 would require financial institutions to report suspected cases of elder financial abuse and empower the institutions to hold suspicious financial transactions. The institution would have to report this transaction to the appropriate AAA. Similar legislation has been passed in more than 20 states and has been used as an effective tool to prevent fraud. Read more about Senate Bill 738 here. Senate Transportation Committee Update
As Chair of the Senate Transportation Committee, I organized two voting meetings this week to address a variety of our Commonwealth’s transportation needs. The first meeting advanced comprehensive legislation, Senate Bill 1217, to authorize the naming of Commonwealth infrastructure, including the following sponsored by Senator Ward throughout 30th legislative district: (1) PFC Ronald and CPL Thomas Kustaborder Memorial Bridge, (2) Kutz Brothers Veterans Memorial Bridge, (3) S.W. Neal Family WWII Veterans Memorial Bridge, (4) Hazenstab Family Veterans Memorial Bridge, (5) Robertsdale Area Veterans Memorial Bridge, and (6) Corporal Eldon “Bish” Neuder Memorial Bridge. The omnibus SB 1217 passed the Senate with unanimous support and was referred to the House of Representatives for consideration. The second meeting prioritized an important reform for Pennsylvania’s businesses. Senate Bill 1476 was introduced by Senator Yaw and myself to update PennDOT’s regulations, which currently require haulers to possess a printed copy of a special permit. The committee passed the bill to allow commercial drivers the option to possess the special permit in electronic form, saving businesses time and money when hauling goods across the Commonwealth. You can view more work from the Senate Transportation Committee here. Legislation to Ban “Nudification” Apps Passed by Senate
Continuing our work to implement stronger safeguards on artificial intelligence, legislation to ban “nudification” apps – which allow individuals to take an image of someone and generate a fake nude or sexually explicit photo of that person – was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 1368 prohibits such apps from being developed, operated or made available in Pennsylvania, including through online application marketplaces. These apps serve no legitimate purpose and pose a special risk to children and school students, whose lives can be upended and reputations damaged through the malicious use of this technology. The measure will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Learn more about Senate Bill 1368 here. Make a Difference in Your Community with AmeriCorps Seniors
Are you 55 or older and looking for a meaningful way to give back? Blair Senior Services is currently seeking volunteers for its AmeriCorps Seniors Foster Grandparent and Senior Companion Programs. Foster Grandparent volunteers provide encouragement, mentoring, and one-on-one support to children in local schools and other community settings. Senior Companion volunteers help older adults remain independent and connected by providing companionship, socialization, and assistance with everyday activities. Eligible volunteers can receive an hourly tax-free stipend, mileage reimbursement, paid time off, training, and other benefits while making a difference in the lives of others. Whether you enjoy working with children or would prefer providing friendship and support to an older adult, there may be a volunteer opportunity that’s right for you! To learn more about becoming a Foster Grandparent or Senior Companion volunteer, contact the Blair Senior Services Volunteer Program Office at 914-946-1235. Strategies to Combat Antisemitism and Hate Highlighted at Senate Hearing
Educators, parents and advocacy organizations shared their experiences with antisemitism and explored strategies to combat hate during a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee. According to the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) 2025 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, Pennsylvania recorded 281 antisemitic incidents, the fifth highest number in the nation. Harassment accounted for 70% of these cases — 194 incidents — alongside 80 acts of vandalism and seven physical assaults. It’s believed these incidents are grossly underreported because victims fear for their safety. Testifiers discussed how antisemitism can take root in schools, noting the state Department of Education doesn’t track or require administrators to note when an incident is antisemitic, leaving students and parents without a way to seek justice. Video of the full hearing and written testimony are available on the Senate Majority Policy Committee’s website. Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grants Available
Pennsylvania students who are blind, deaf or have a visual or hearing impairment may qualify for up to $500 in scholarships through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Applicants must supply written documentation to PHEAA showing they have been evaluated and are eligible to receive benefits and supply a completed Medical Professional Certification form regarding a visual or hearing impairment. Interested students must also complete the Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant Application. The completed 2026-27 application and additional documentation must be submitted by March 31, 2027. Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Don’t Miss Your Mammogram!
The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk begin annual screening mammograms at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, talk with your healthcare provider about whether earlier or additional screening may be appropriate. To help, we passed Act 1 of 2023 to ensure supplemental breast cancer screening MRIs and ultrasound for individuals at higher risk are covered with no out-of-pocket costs. We also passed Act 52 of 2025 to eliminate all out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic breast imaging, including mammograms, MRIs and ultrasounds needed to evaluate an abnormal finding. Act 52 is currently beginning the implementation process, with full implementation by January 2028. Pennsylvania residents without insurance or limited insurance, like a high-deductible plan, may qualify for no-cost mammograms and follow-up imaging through programs such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To learn more, contact the PA Breast Cancer Coalition’s Director of Patient Advocacy Dolores Magro at 800-377-8828. When breast cancer is detected at its earliest stages, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. Don’t miss your mammogram. Early detection saves lives! State Game Lands Driving Tours
It’s time once again for state game lands driving tours across our state, showcasing hunting and trapping opportunities, all while enjoying Pennsylvania’s beautiful fall scenery. Tours are FREE, held rain or shine, and open only to vehicles licensed for travel on public roads. Sunday, October 11, from 12 to 3 p.m. State Game Lands 26, Bedford County—Starting Point: (40.298825, -78.641233) Off Route 869 near the Bedford/ Cambria County line. Sunday, October 18, from 12 to 3 p.m. State Game Lands 67, Huntingdon County—Starting Point: (40.2488603, -78.1980772) In Saxton on Burma Road, off Little Valley Road. Both tours are self-guided audio tours using the STQRY Guide app. You must go to your phone’s app store and download the STQRY Guide app ahead of time. Once you install this free app, download the “Pennsylvania Game Commission SGL 26” or “Pennsylvania Game Commission SGL 67” tour prior to arriving for the tour. Mount Union FBLA
Mount Union FBLA members recently completed the chapter community service project, “Feeding the Entire Family”. The idea behind the project was to feed as many people and pets as possible through donations/collections of food items. Throughout the year, Mount Union FBLA members led by members Jake Cooper and Dorian Loner hosted various events, with the goal to collect at least 5,000 items to donate to the Mount Union Food Pantry and Righteous Rescue (the pet portion of the project). The project had an amazing effect on the community. Food pantry personnel noted that 68% of all individual donations came from Mount Union FBLA efforts. By the end of summer, Mount Union FBLA had collected over 7,000 items, all of which were donated to help families and pets in the Mount Union community. Mount Union FBLA plans to continue their fight against hunger by hosting additional food drives throughout the upcoming school year. Out and About in the 30th DistrictBlair County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Blair County Breakfast I had the privilege of being the keynote speaker at the Blair County Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Blair County (LBC) alumni breakfast. As graduate of LBC in 2004, I think this is such a valuable program that is offered. It is a great way of really getting to know your community and the people that make our area special.
Juniata County Voter Hall of Fame 30 constituents were recently recognized at the Juniata County Voter Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony held at the Juniata County Courthouse in Mifflintown. Senate Citations were presented to them along with House Citations from Reps. David Rowe and Perry Stambaugh.
Borough of Tyrone Liberty Tree In continuing the celebration of America 250, the Borough of Tyrone planted a Liberty Tree at the Tyrone Railroad Park. Former Secretary of Agriculture, Samuel Hayes Jr., donated the tree that was planted on the 250th anniversary of Pennsylvania ratifying its first Constitution on Sept. 28, 1776. The idea behind the Liberty Tree dates to Colonial Boston and served as a central meeting place and symbol of early American resistance against British rule before the American Revolution. The British eventually would cut the tree down in August of 1775. The original Boston tree inspired colonists across the thirteen colonies to designate their own local liberty trees and poles.
Senate Guest Chaplain – Pastor Mike Blackie It was such an honor and pleasure to welcome Pastor Mike and April Blackie to the Senate as our guest chaplain to open session on Monday. Mike is a native of Altoona, the current pastor of Catalyst Church and serves as the Chief Chaplain of the Blair Emergency Services Chaplain Platoon. The Chaplain Platoon is an 18-person platoon of former and current emergency services veterans, that supports the psychological, emotional, physical and spiritual needs of our community, including families and retirees. You can view my full remarks, along with Pastor Mike’s opening prayer here.
Blair County Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Club I was happy to participate in a transportation panel this week for the Blair County Chamber of Commerce’s monthly breakfast club. Joining me in the discussion was Vince Greenland, Penn DOT District 9 Executive Director, Tracy Plessinger, Executive Director for the Altoona Blair County Airport, and Rob Gleason, Amtrak Board of Directors. The panel discussion was facilitated by Steve McKnight, President of the Altoona Blair County Development Corporation (ABCD).
Slinky Museum Open House It was a great day at the community open house for the Slinky Museum at the Reiser House at the Canal Basin Park in Hollidaysburg. Pictured with me are the State Dairy Princess, Rachel Bowman, as well as Becky James Morris and her brother, Chris James, children of the founders of the Slinky toy. Do you remember the Slinky song?
Newry Lutheran Church Celebrates 225 Years Newry Lutheran Church celebrated 225 years of service to the community recently with a worship service and fellowship. Pictured is the Pastor of Newry Lutheran Church, Marty Jo Irvin-Stellabotte. Rev. Michael Rhyne, former Pastor Newry Lutheran and former Bishop Allegheny Synod.
Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology Open House A very interesting open house at the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology recently. The students got to show off their talents for the community! Everything from Robots to car repair and a car show. The car show trophies were made with car parts by the students. Pictured with me is Mike Dern, the new Director.
Joseph and Suzanne Paterno Community Impact Award It was my honor to present the Joseph and Suzanne Paterno Community Impact Award from the Juniata Valley Scouting America to my friends Tiffany and Matt Stuckey for their leadership and philanthropy to the region.
|
|||||
|
|||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2026 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorjudyward.com | Privacy Policy |
