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In this Update:
Stop The Harm, Protect Our Kids
This week, I joined the Pennsylvania Family Institute, the Do No Harm organization, and my colleagues in the House and Senate to announce the creation of the Stop the Harm Database. This database is a first-of-its-kind national database of hospitals and medical facilities administering irreversible sex change interventions on children in the United States, and it chronicles a horrific trend that our children are under attack. We don’t allow minors to buy cigarettes or alcohol for a reason. How much longer do we wait before we step up and do something? How many more children will be butchered and allowed to make a decision that they may regret the rest of their life? My full comments from the press conference can be viewed here. More information from the press conference and the database can be found here. Joint Hearing on Protecting Senior Citizens from Financial Fraud
As Majority Chair of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee, I convened a second hearing alongside the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee to examine legislation and seek testimony from stakeholders addressing the impacts of financial fraud against Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable population, our seniors. The hearing looked to address the needs of our seniors and focused on legislative revisions to the Older Adult Protective Services Act. Across the Commonwealth, seniors are suffering from financial scams and facing exploitation, losing the little funds they heavily rely on. This places the seniors and their families in very trying situations. The legislation we are reviewing and seek to further develop will provide relief to our seniors and their families. As many individuals adjust to difficult economic times, it is important that we do everything we can to assist the needs of our aging population, so that they are better equipped for the challenges they face. As more of our seniors seek to age independently at home the opportunities for vulnerabilities of abuse and fraud increase. Testimony was provided from the Dauphin County District Attorney’s Office, stakeholders from the financial services industry, AARP, the Pennsylvania Health Care Association, LeadingAge PA and the Pennsylvania Homecare Association. The full hearing can be viewed by clicking the image above. Online Unclaimed Property Auction Oct. 30 to Nov. 1
More than 5,700 items will be up for sale in the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s largest unclaimed property auction from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1. View the items and register to bid here. The auction will include coins, currency, jewelry and more. The Treasury’s auctions are not specifically marked as other items are mixed in, but Treasury items are in the Coins and Jewelry Auction on Oct. 30, the Online Only Decorative Arts – Session One on Oct. 31 and the Online Only Decorative Arts – Session Two on Nov. 1. When an item is sold at auction, the price is documented and the net proceeds remain with Treasury for the rightful owner to claim at any time. Auctions take place twice a year to make room in the vault for incoming property. The department works for at least three years to find the rightful owner of tangible property before an item is auctioned. Search to see if you have unclaimed property. 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. PA Student Aid Guide Available Now
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency’s 2025-26 PA Student Aid Guide is available now. It is a complete overview of the financial aid process for high school students and families. There is information about the federal student aid process and Pennsylvania aid programs, as well as career and salary stats, timelines, applications and more. Learn more. Senate Republicans supported new laws to increase access to the education and training options students have after high school. Act 89 of 2024 creates scholarships for in-state students who attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree for a high-demand industry and agree to live and work in that industry in Pennsylvania after graduation. Act 56 of 2024 offers a tax credit to employers who match their employees’ contributions to PA 529 plans, tax-advantaged savings accounts to pay for education expenses. It’s Medicare Open Enrollment Time!
Did you know it is Medicare Open Enrollment time? Between now and December 7, you can join, switch or drop your Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug Plans. Any changes that you make to your plans will take effect on January 1, 2025. If you have questions, please contact the PA MEDI Helpline, Monday through Friday, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. at 1-800-783-7067 or call your local PA MEDI Program. You can learn more about this here or through your local Area Agency on Aging. More Retirees to Be Eligible for Reduced Vehicle Registration Fee
Beginning Dec. 16, more retirees will be eligible for a reduced processing fee in lieu of the standard vehicle registration fee. Because of a new law passed by the General Assembly, the income cap will rise from $19,200 to $29,906. Eligible retirees pay an $11 processing fee instead of the normal $45 registration fee. Eligible applicants, regardless of age, must be retired and receiving Social Security, SSI payments, retirement benefits or other pensions and annuities. Find details about what is included in the income calculations here. The vehicle may be owned jointly, but the applicant must be the principal operator of the vehicle unless physically or mentally incapable of operating the vehicle. Only one vehicle per qualified applicant may be registered for the retired status processing fee. Learn more. How to Be Safe This Hunting Season
Hunting is a Pennsylvania tradition. Whether it’s your first season out or you’ve ventured into the woods for years, knowing how to hunt safely can help you avoid trouble. Tree stands have injured hundreds of Pennsylvania hunters. Remembering some simple STEPS can reduce your risk of falling and ensure you’re prepared to signal for help if you do. Also to prevent accidents, hunters are required to wear at least 250 square inches of fluorescent orange that’s visible from 360 degrees on the head, chest and back. A hat and vest satisfy this requirement. Out and AboutGuardian of Small Business Award I was honored to receive the National Federation of Independent Business’ prestigious Guardian of Small Business Award, with only 10 being awarded this session. In my job as State Senator, it is important to protect small businesses across our district as they are the backbone of our economy. This award showcases my 100% voting record in support of our locally owned businesses.
Well, Wishes to Captain Pennycuick! It was a pleasure to spend time with Captain Alyssa Pennycuick, who is the daughter of my Senate colleague, Tracy Pennycuick. Captain Pennycuick is an Intelligence Officer in the United States Army in the 1-10th Mountain Light Infantry Division and is preparing for a deployment to Iraq. We offer Captain Alyssa Pennycuick, her troops and her family many prayers. Godspeed, Captain!
Blair County Conservation District Hosts Annual Banquet The Blair County Conservation District (BCCD) held its Annual Banquet at the East Freedom Fire Hall. The program included a report on the district’s 2024 activities, including a presentation on the BCCD’s educational activities at NatureWorks Park. The 2024 Outstanding Conservationist Award was presented to Tom Ritchey for his exemplary service to the Ag Community. Congratulations to Tom and the BCCD for a successful year!
PA Skilled Nursing Facilities Coalition Advocates for Our Seniors The Pennsylvania Skilled Nursing Facilities Coalition presented me with a plaque recognizing the work and advocacy done on behalf of our seniors throughout our Commonwealth. As Majority Chair of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee, I work tirelessly to defend Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable populations.
Girls Night Out Supports Breast Cancer Awareness I joined with 1100 women at the Blair County Convention Center for the 16th Annual Girls Night Out (GNO) to support breast cancer survivors and raise money for breast cancer awareness. Pictured is Amy Mearkle, Master of Ceremonies, Dr. Craig Meyers of the Penn State Hershey Cancer Institute and Juls Bratton presenting the GNO Breast Friend Award to Colleen (and Tom) Deleo. It was an amazing event!
Altoona Annual Prayer Breakfast I was pleased to sponsor a table at the Annual Altoona Prayer Breakfast this week. The keynote speaker was Anne Beiler of Auntie Anne’s Pretzels. The Great Commission School Choir sang the National Anthem. Pictured with me is Scott Barger; Caleb Moses, Associate Pastor of Grace Fellowship Church; Dave Huston, Pastor of Foot of Ten Independent Baptist Church; Bonnie and Jim Crawford; and Tom Tempelton, Samaritan’s Promise of Tyrone.
State of Transportation Luncheon in Huntingdon County I attended the “State of Transportation” Luncheon sponsored by the Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce featuring presentations by Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) Secretary Mike Carroll and PennDOT District 9-0 Executive Vince Greenland. They offered information on the status of transportation in the Commonwealth as well as an update on specific projects in the county.
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