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In this Update:
My Bill Enabling Better Service at Long-Term Care Facilities Heads to the Governor’s Desk
Senate Bill 668 that I authored with Senator Maria Collett, now heads to the Governor’s desk to be signed into law. This bill will enhance the availability and quality of service at long-term care facilities across Pennsylvania. The passage of this critical legislation means that long-term care facilities will have greater flexibility in how to staff their operations, enabling them to better care for their residents. The creation of the position of certified medication aide will add to the career ladder of certified nurse aides and help our long-term care providers recruit the talented staff they need. Senate Bill 668 would help address a workforce shortage that exists in Pennsylvania’s nursing homes. The shortage, which existed prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, has only grown in recent years as health care professionals have left the field due to burnout. The bill would enable certified nurse aids (CNAs) to train to become certified medication aides (CMAs) and deliver common, minimally invasive prescribed medications to residents of nursing facilities. Currently, registered nurses and licensed practical nurses are the only authorized caregivers who can administer medications to nursing home residents. CNAs would be able to complete a certified medication administration program established by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The program would include a minimum of 80 hours of classroom instruction, not including testing or instructor evaluation of competency, and 20 hours of skills and demonstration. CNAs who complete the program would be registered as CMAs and would be authorized to administer certain prescribed medications in health care facilities. The certification would require renewal every two years. The Liberty Tree Project – This Saturday!
The Pennsylvania Freemasons in coordination with America250PA are proud to present the Liberty Tree Project! This event is part of a multi-year celebration of our nation’s 250th Anniversary. This Saturday, October 12, there will be a tree planting and dedication in Mifflin and Juniata Counties. Liberty Trees were gathering places for the Sons of Liberty throughout all 13 colonies. From their meetings and discussions, the seeds of the American Revolution were planted. The trees planted are actual descendants of real Liberty Trees. The Mifflin County event will be held at McVeytown Community Park located at 10 N. Queen St. in McVeytown and will be held at 10:30 A.M. The Juniata County event will be held at Westminster United Presbyterian Church Cemetery located on North Street in Mifflintown at 1:30 P.M. For more information or to RSVP, please reach out to Amanda@America250PA.org. Route 75 Bridge Restoration
The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation said restoration work on a truss bridge along a Route 75 bridge spanning First Street and the Juniata River in Port Royal Borough started on Monday, October 7. The project involves removing and replacing overhead structural members, painting, and other non-critical repairs. The contractor will keep one lane of the bridge open for most of the project duration. It will implement eight-hour closures on Sunday, October 13, and Sunday, October 20. It will close the road between 8 A.M. to 2 P.M. on those dates and implement a detour using Routes 333, 35, and 3002 (Main Street). PennDOT hopes that closing the bridges on Sunday will minimize traffic disruptions for motorists. It anticipates project completion after lifting the detour on Sunday, October 20, but notes that all work is weather-dependent. Motorists can check conditions on major roadways by visiting www.511PA.com Join Us for Our Veterans Appreciation Luncheon
In coordination with the American Legion, Post 516, this free veterans appreciation luncheon will be hosted on Thursday, November 7 from Noon to 2 P.M. at the American Legion Park Social Hall in Hollidaysburg. An RSVP is required. Please call my office at 814-695-8386 to register. Legislation to Combat AI-Generated Deepfake Images of Minors in PA Set for Enactment
Legislation to combat “deepfake” images of minors and child sexual abuse materials generated by artificial intelligence (AI) received final legislative approval and is set for enactment into law. Senate Bill 1213 addresses the alarming rise in AI-generated deepfake sexual images of children and non-consenting adults. This bill was amended to include language from Senate Bill 186, that I authored, which would update the terminology in Pennsylvania’s statutes to help fight the exploitation of children. Currently, Pennsylvania law makes it illegal to share intimate images without consent but does not clearly address the use of AI deepfake technology for this purpose. This gap in our law leaves many vulnerable to a new form of digital abuse. The bill also prohibits AI from being utilized to generate child sexual abuse material, previously referred to as “child pornography,” which is not currently prohibited under law. In August, police in Lancaster County launched an investigation into a case of artificially generated nude photos that use the faces of more than 20 female teenage students. The district attorney said that in some cases charges can’t be filed because the images don’t involve actual children. Senate Bill 1213 seeks to close that loophole. Senate Committee Votes to be Prepared for Natural Disasters
As hurricanes Helene and Milton remind us of the importance of being prepared to respond to natural disasters and other emergencies, the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee advanced three bills to support Pennsylvania’s emergency responders. All three bills now advance to the full Senate for consideration. House Bill 843 would establish a second urban search and rescue team in western Pennsylvania. Funding for the team was included in this year’s state budget. The bridge collapse and East Palestine train derailment demonstrated the need for emergency response in minutes, not hours. House Bill 1304 would update the language in the 911 Law to increase penalties for misuse of the 911 system and ensure communications service providers report service outages as specified by the Federal Communications Commission or Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. House Bill 2407 would update the state Fire and EMS Grant Program by enabling fire and EMS companies to use grants for preventative health measures, mental health awareness and treatment. The legislation also would allow testing after each of the four training modules that total 188 hours for the Firefighter 1 certification, as opposed to requiring firefighters to pass a cumulative test covering all modules as is currently the case. Finally, the bill would increase the thresholds that fire and EMS companies can borrow from the low-interest Fire and EMS Loan Program. PA’s Credit Rating Upgraded Because of Strong Budget Reserves
Pennsylvania received yet another upgrade to its credit rating because of strong budget reserves and prudent financial management of Senate Republicans. Moody’s Investor Services raised the rating to Aa2. The announcement was the fourth significant upgrade to the state’s financial outlook in the past 13 months. Previous upgrades helped Pennsylvania and its taxpayers save nearly $100 million during the December 2023 bond sale. Senate Republicans have been dedicated to building the state’s Rainy Day Fund, allocating nearly $740 million more in this year’s budget – bringing the total balance to more than $7 billion. Above the national average, the fund directly influenced the rating upgrades. What Do You Think of PennDOT’s Construction and Maintenance Services?
Motorists have until Tuesday, Oct. 22, to provide feedback regarding PennDOT’s construction and maintenance services via an online survey. The survey asks respondents how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations regarding construction and maintenance services. Respondents are also asked about experiences with reporting concerns to their department, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. Act 1 of 2023
Act 1 of 2023, a landmark law we passed in Pennsylvania, eliminates all costs associated with screening breast MRI, ultrasound, genetic testing and counseling for individuals at high risk of breast cancer who are insured under state-regulated plans. High-risk factors include a personal or family history of breast cancer, abnormal breast screenings or dense breast tissue. Individuals with gene mutations like BRCA1 or BRCA2, or those with a first-degree relative carrying these mutations, are also covered for additional screenings and genetic counseling. The law will be fully in effect for all state-regulated insurance plans by the end of 2025, though many plans will begin coverage between 2024 and 2025. To find out if your plan qualifies, check with your insurer or employer’s human resources. For uninsured or underinsured women who need immediate screenings, Pennsylvania offers no-cost options through the Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. DCNR Offering Virtual Grant Workshop
The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) will be hosting a free, virtual grant workshop for those seeking funding assistance for a new park, trail or conservation project on Thursday, November 7, from 9 A.M. to Noon. DCNR’s Bureau of Recreation and Conservation staff will present about grant program selection criteria, review current program priorities, and discuss eligible project types. 2025 potential applicants are strongly encouraged to attend. The workshop is especially suited for municipal officials, consultants, board members, trail managers, land trust staff, and park and recreation professionals. A general session for all applicants will begin at 9 A.M. Project type-specific breakout sessions will follow. Applicants should plan on attending both the general session and the breakout session for the project type they plan on applying for. There will be ample time for project-specific Q&A with DCNR’s professional grant managers and regional advisors. To register or for more information, click here. State Game Lands Tours About to Get Rolling
The Pennsylvania Game Commission will be offering Fall Driving Tours on State Game Lands, happening on Sundays in October. These driving tours provide residents with a look at habitat projects, as well as hunting and trapping opportunities on public lands across the state. All tours are held on Sundays (no hunting is interrupted). They are FREE, held rain or shine, and open to vehicles licensed for travel on public roads. Here is a schedule of all events across the state: SUNDAY, OCT. 13
Starting Point: Gate 6 along Rte. 869. (40.29883, -78.640998.)
Starting Point: Rte. 53 towards Prince Gallitzin State Park, past Marina Rd. (40.6598, -78.49579)
Starting Point: Game lands parking lot on Mountain Springs Rd off Rte. 487. *Tour route will vary from previous years due to storm damage* (41.38830, -76.27779) SUNDAY, OCT. 20
Starting Point: SGL Parking Lot off Rte 810/ Mountain Rd. (40.552243, -76.054135)
Starting Point: SGL gate off Ellendale Rd. (40.406108, -76.818071)
Starting Point: SGL 51 Maintenance building at 268 Dunbar Ohiopyle Rd, Dunbar. (39.9147133, -79.5523173)
Starting Point: Kenrock Rd, off Rte 913. (40.2163556, -78.1827349) Out and AboutTour of John R. Wald Company A very interesting tour at John R. Wald Company in Huntingdon. They produce state license plates for several states and assist with state correctional facilities who produce license plates. Other legislators with me were Congressman Dr. John Joyce and State Representative Rich Irvin.
President McKeegan Stops by the Capitol It was great to see my friend, President John McKeegan of Mount Aloysius College, this week. He stopped by the Capitol to provide me with an update of all the wonderful things that Mount Aloysius is doing. It is amazing to hear all the incredible success stories of students at Mount Aloysius College.
Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce Annual Awards Gala The Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce held its Annual Awards Gala at Trophy Mountain Lodge. Seven awards were presented in a variety of categories to honor and recognize businesses and individuals that have made significant contributions to the community during the past year. Congratulations to all the 2024 award recipients!
Makayla Huston – Senate Shadow What a pleasure to have Makayla Huston with me this week while in session. Makayla is a junior at Blair County Christian School. She was able to join in on an Aging and Youth Committee Meeting that I chaired, was introduced during session and was able to tag along to other meetings that I had. It is always wonderful to show constituents our Capitol, but such a treasure to have a bright and compassionate, young lady shadow me for the day.
Congratulations, Bobcat! Congratulations to Bobcat of Altoona, located on Rt. 764, on the opening of their new facility! They offer sales and rentals and have a great show room!
Private First-Class Charles Shore Greenland Bridge Dedication Joined by family, friends and the community, we celebrated the life of Private First-Class (PFC) Charles Shore Greenland and dedicated the bridge carrying State Route 829 over the Juniata River in Henderson and Union Townships, Huntingdon County, after this brave soldier. Born on April 27, 1916, in Huntingdon County, PFC Greenland was drafted and served in the 63rd Division, 255th Infantry of the United States Army in 1944. He was wounded in action during the European Theater War, returned to action, was wounded again and perished at the aid station. Act 63 of 2024 passed by the Pennsylvania General Assembly will forever solidify his courage and patriotism at this bridge located near the family’s camp where they still fish and enjoy the river. We honor PFC Charles Shore Greenland for making the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
District Librarians Make A Visit The Pennsylvania Library Association held their annual conference in Harrisburg this week which brought many of our great librarians to the area! I had the chance to catch up with Jennifer Knisely, Director of Altoona Public Library; Heather Lindskold, Altoona District Consultant; Kevin Yoder, Director of Hollidaysburg Public Library; Danette Feathers, Director of Martinsburg Library; and Jen Powell, Director of Tyrone Library. It was fantastic to chat about the exciting things that are going on in their libraries.
Private Samuel H. Thompson Bridge Dedication The community gathered to dedicate a Huntingdon County bridge in memory of Private Samuel H. Thompson at the Veterans Monument in Coalmont Borough. Pvt. Thompson served in the Army Air Force, 28th Material Squadron, 20th Airbase group. Pvt. Thompson was taken prisoner by Japanese forces when those forces captured Corregidor in the Philippines. Pvt. Thompson endured brutal conditions during his march and captivity at Cabanatuan P.O.W. Camp in Luzon, succumbing to those conditions while in captivity on October 29, 1942. State Representative Rich Irvin introduced legislation to name the bridge carrying State Route 913 over Shoup Run in Coalmont.
Annual PA Chamber Dinner The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry celebrated their 40th Anniversary with their annual Chamber dinner held at the Hershey Lodge, welcoming hundreds of business leaders from across the Commonwealth. It is always a treat to catch up with colleagues and friends, as well as hearing from the Keynote Speaker Serena Williams. Here I am with Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill and Senator Elder Vogel.
Girl Scouts Earn A New Badge I had the pleasure of assisting Girl Scout Troops 46502 and 46695 in Blair County earn their Democracy badge with an overview of the branches of government and how each branch functions. This was a great group of girls!
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