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In this update:
Standing Up for PA Taxpayers
On August 12, the Senate Republicans passed Senate Bill 160, a budget that protected taxpayers while funding counties, hospitals, schools and other critical needs. Two months after we took action, the House Democrats passed an amended version of that bill that does not reflect honest, good-will negotiation, but rather more partisan politics. Instead of sending over a budget that is financially responsible and lives within its means, we were sent a budget that drains our Rainy-Day Fund and puts us on a path toward massive tax increases in the near future. This is far from compromise. I will continue to work with my colleagues and the House to pass a budget that respects the taxpayers of Pennsylvania, and Senate Republicans are ready to return at a moment’s notice to complete this important work. You can click the image above to view the Senate Republican leaders comments on the budget impasse. Veterans Appreciation Luncheon
Veterans and their family members are invited to an appreciation luncheon on Thursday, November 6th at the American Legion Social Hall in Blair County. This is a FREE event, but RSVPs are required, so please call my office at 814-695-8386 to register. Honoring Sergeant Robert E. Davis, U.S. Air Force
Along with PennDOT District 9-0, area veterans, family and friends, I was honored to participate in a bridge dedication ceremony honoring the memory of Sergeant Robert E. Davis. Sergeant Davis made the ultimate sacrifice for our great country, giving his life as a defender of freedom on January 11, 1944, while serving in the United States Air Force during World War II in Germany. Sergeant Davis served as a gunner on a Flying Fortress bomber. He was initially listed as missing in action when his aircraft was shot down by the enemy in a raid over Brunswick, Germany, one of 60 planes that did not return home that day. Sergeant Davis was the first Duncansville youth to lose his life in this war. At the request of the nephew of Sergeant Davis, I was honored to sponsor this well-deserved bridge naming in an omnibus bridge naming bill which became Act 17 of 2025. Now, this bridge carrying 3rd Avenue over Blair Gap Run in Duncansville Borough, Blair County, will forever be known as the Sergeant Robert E. Davis Memorial Bridge. The dedication of this bridge reflects the collective gratitude that is owed to Sergeant Davis by 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.
Senate Acts to Waive Interest on Short-Term Budget Impasse Loans
Pennsylvania counties, early education programs, rape prevention and domestic violence prevention centers could pay no interest on loans from the Pennsylvania Treasury under legislation approved by the Senate. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Under current law, the Pennsylvania Treasurer may provide investment loans during a budget impasse but must charge interest on those loans. Treasury’s Budget Bridge Loan program would provide up to $500 million in low-interest loans from the Liquid Asset Pool Investment Fund for county governments, domestic violence and rape crisis centers, Head Start agencies and approved providers under the Pre-K Counts program. Those investment loans would cover up to 25% of a recipient’s state budget appropriation from the previous fiscal year. Senate Bill 1040 would authorize the state treasurer to waive interest charges on loans issued during a budget impasse and help prevent additional costs for taxpayers and communities. Remembering Craig Walker
I was honored to participate in the ceremony naming the bridge carrying State Route 305 over the Frankstown Branch of the Juniata River in Alexandria Borough, Huntingdon County, as the Craig Walker Memorial Bridge. Representative Rich Irvin, PennDOT District 9-0, family, co-workers, friends, and the community gathered to celebrate the life of Craig Walker, an 18-year PennDOT employee who worked as a Diesel and Construction Equipment Mechanic in Huntingdon County and was tragically killed in a workplace accident. Craig was known for his passion for his hobbies, including classic cars, sports, and the outdoors. He was also well known for his cheerful smile, distinctive laugh, and his ability to fix almost anything. This bridge will forever carry his name and will serve as a reminder of his dedicated service to our Commonwealth.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection Saves Lives
One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. But when detected at its earliest stages, the five-year survival rate for breast cancer is over 90%. The Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition turned the State Capitol East Wing Fountain pink to mark Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The action honors survivors, remembers those lost and encourages early detection through annual mammograms. Learn more about breast cancer and the tools available for early detection here.
Measure to Support Mental Health Services with Specialty License Plate Approved by Senate
Pennsylvania’s lifesaving 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline would receive new support through the sale of specialty license plates under legislation approved by the Senate. Under Senate Bill 955, $15 from each plate will be deposited into the Mental Health Restricted Account, helping to fund the 988 service. The lifeline offers confidential, one-to-one support from a trained crisis responder. You can read more about this legislation, and the story that inspired it, here. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Examining the Use of AI in Education and Workforce Development
The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the classroom and how schools are adapting programs to prepare students for changing workforce demands were the topics of a public hearing held by the Senate Education Committee and the Senate Communications and Technology Committee. The joint panel heard from educators as well as workforce development and policy experts who discussed the need to embrace AI responsibly, in a manner that retains student critical thinking, ensures ethical and safe use, and prepares students to fill in-demand jobs. Hearing video and written testimony can be found on the Senate Communications and Technology Committee and Senate Education Committee websites. Ensuring U.S. and Pennsylvania Flags Are Made in America
Reflecting a growing effort to support American manufacturing, the Senate approved legislation ensuring every U.S. and Pennsylvania flag purchased by the commonwealth is made entirely in the U.S. using American materials. Senate Bill 784 requires the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to procure only flags that are both produced and constructed from materials sourced within the U.S. Each flag must also carry a label reading “Made in America.” The measure not only promotes American-made products within state procurement practices, it prevents the use of taxpayer dollars to purchase flags from nations that do not share the values of Pennsylvania citizens. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Drought Watch Declared in Western PA
After lower-than-normal rainfall, more than two dozen, mainly western, Pennsylvania counties are under a drought watch declared by the Pennsylvania Drought Task Force. Drought declarations are based on the levels of precipitation, stream flows, groundwater levels and soil moisture. Under a drought watch, residents are encouraged, but not required, to voluntarily reduce their water use by five to 10%. A drought warning and drought emergency are more serious. The Department of Environmental Protection makes its drought declarations after assessing the departures from normal ranges for three-12 months. For a map that’s updated daily to show the status of all four indicators for each county, see the USGS Pennsylvania drought condition monitoring website. Out and About in the 30th DistrictMifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging 50th Anniversary The Mifflin-Juniata Area Agency on Aging celebrated its 50th Anniversary. A Senate Citation was presented to the staff commemorating this event and for all their hard work and dedication to our community over the past 50 years! At the event, they opened a time capsule and prepared a new one to put in its place.
2025 Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence Congratulations to Greg Drew, recently retired President of Value Drug Company, who was named the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award for Excellence at the Blair County Chamber of Commerce’s recent ceremony. I was honored to recognize Greg with a Senate citation.
75th Anniversary at Needle in a Haystack The Fulton County Medical Center (FCMC) celebrated its 75th Anniversary at Needle in a Haystack in Big Cove Tannery. Dr. Edgar H. MacKinlay served Fulton County in the late 1940’s and had a vision for a hospital in this small farming community. His daughter-in-law, Julie MacKinlay, along with seven of his grandchildren shared amazing stories about the care Dr. MacKinlay provided making house calls to his patients. Current and past employees, staff, donors, and volunteers were all honored throughout the very special evening. Today, FCMC continues to provide critical medical care to the region.
Night in the Vineyard Mount Aloysius College hosted their 5th Annual Night at the Vineyard benefit event, recently. This event raises money for student scholarships, making it possible for young people to receive a great education at Mount Aloysius!
PA Chamber of Business and Industry Dinner The PA Chamber of Business and Industry always puts together a great dinner with phenomenal speakers every year! This year, we had the opportunity to hear from (ret.) General David Petraeus and Shaquille O’Neal. Both gave fantastic speeches on leadership, discussed their upbringings and careers, and what it was like to have faced many different adversities in life.
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