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In this Update:
Providing Loan Interest Forgiveness to Counties and Head Start
As work continues on finalizing a state budget for 2025-26, my priority remains enacting a budget that respects taxpayers and does not spend beyond our means. Spending too much this year would set Pennsylvania on a course of fiscal uncertainty and tax increases, and we cannot allow that to happen. It’s important to get a budget finished as soon as possible – but it’s more important to get it done right. Recognizing the impact of the incomplete budget, the Senate is expected to advance legislation providing loan interest forgiveness to counties and Head Start early childhood education programs that receive state Treasury loans to keep their services available while budget discussions continue. I’ll update you on the status of this legislation as it moves forward. Honoring LCpl. Ralph J. Fabbri, USMC
PennDOT District 9-0, along with local officials, area veterans, family and friends, gathered to honor the memory of Lance Corporal (LCpl.) Ralph J. Fabbri, United States Marine Corps, whose name is now posted on the bridge carrying Tunnelhill Street over SR 22 in Allegheny Township, Blair County. LCpl. Ralph J. Fabbri, a 2008 graduate of Penn Cambria High School, served our great country in Operation Enduring Freedom. He was killed in action in Afghanistan on September 28, 2010, one day before his 21st birthday. Senator Wayne Langerholc and I were honored to partner in sponsoring this well-deserved bridge naming in an omnibus bridge naming bill, which became Act 63 of 2024 and was signed by the governor on July 15, 2024. The dedication of this bridge is a reflection of the collective gratitude that is owed to Ralph by all Pennsylvanians and our entire nation. May this bridge forever serve as a reminder of his dedicated service to our country and the sacrifices he made for our freedoms.
Rock the Ribbon During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I hope you’ll join me in supporting those affected by breast cancer by raising awareness and encouraging early detection. You can find plenty of useful information to share at this resource page. I was proud to support Senate passage of legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s no-cost breast cancer screening law by ensuring diagnostic imaging is fully covered. The measure awaits action in the House of Representatives. Let’s come together and Rock the Ribbon with purpose and compassion. State Game Lands Driving Tours
The Pennsylvania Game Commission Southcentral Regional Office is hosting state game lands audio driving tours this October. These driving tours provide an inside look at habitat projects as well as hunting and trapping opportunities on public lands across the state. The tours are held on Sundays, are free, held rain or shine and open only to vehicles licensed for travel on public roads. Prior to attending the tour, please download STQRY Guide app to your smartphone. You must ‘Allow’ STQRY Guide to use your phone’s location services. Once you allow location services, look for your tour and click on the icon and select download tour. State Game Lands 26 – Sunday, October 12, from 12 to 3 p.m. in Bedford County. The tour begins off Route 869 near the Bedford/Cambria County line and covers 7 miles. State Game Lands 67 – Sunday, October 19, from 12 to 3 p.m. in Huntingdon County. The tour beings on Burma Road located off Little Valley Road, near Saxton, PA. Signs will be posted along Little Valley Road. For more information, click here. Discover S.T.E.M.
Thank you to all the families who attended my recent Discover S.T.E.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics) event held at Juniata College. We had so many great exhibitors. I would like to thank Juniata College and Science in Motion for partnering with me to make this event possible. I would also like to thank Just Play for generously providing Slinkys for all attendees, and to DelGrosso’s Amusement Park for donating park passes, which made for some very exciting door prizes! Be sure to check out the full photo gallery from the event! Grant Funding Opportunities Available
There are currently multiple grant funding opportunities that may be available to you. Please click on the links below for more information on each program and dates on when you must apply by.
PennDOT Invites Public to Share Feedback on Construction and Maintenance Services
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is accepting construction and maintenance services feedback through an online survey. The public can take the survey through October 21 by visiting 2025 PennDOT Construction/Maintenance Customer Satisfaction Survey. PennDOT has been working to improve Pennsylvania’s roads and bridges throughout the year, improving more than 2,600 miles of road, including over 900 miles of paving, and beginning work to repair, replace, or preserve more than 230 bridges from January through August of this year. The 22-question survey asks participants how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations in construction and maintenance activities. Respondents are also asked about experiences with reporting concerns to the department, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com. Applications Accepted for Keystone ChalleNGe Academy January Class
Teens between the ages of 16 and 18 can apply now for the Jan. 2026 class of the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. A National Guard program, the academy uses a military academy training model to provide structure and discipline for youth. Classes begin in mid-January and mid-July each year. The residential portion of the program runs for 22 weeks. All meals, housing, uniforms and school supplies are provided at no cost. You can learn more and apply here. Resources for Choosing an Insurance Provider
Cost matters when choosing insurance, but it’s not the only factor. Comparing quotes, checking coverage and reviewing customer feedback can help you decide. A good rule of thumb is to compare at least three companies, according to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. The department has resources to help you:
Access information to help you make these important decisions here. Out and About in the 30th DistrictAmerica250PA’s Bells Across PA in Mifflin County The America250PA’s Bells Across PA initiative unveiled a brand-new commemorative bell sculpture in celebration of America’s 250th anniversary outside the Mifflin County Courthouse. America250PA is working to place a Liberty Bell in all 67 counties across the Commonwealth.
Hollidaysburg Farm Show Each year, there is a great team of volunteers that puts on the Hollidaysburg Farm Show. I am always amazed at the local talent that is displayed under one roof. I am grateful for the efforts put in by the volunteers to give this opportunity to the community.
Eagle Scout Ceremony for Matthew Harkins Congratulations to Matthew Harkins who received his Eagle Scout Award recently. For his Eagle Scout project, Matt renovated a space at Canoe Creek State Park to host programs for the community.
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