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In this Update:
Senate Acts to Expand Access to Midwife Maternal Care
The Senate approved legislation to strengthen maternal health care in Pennsylvania by expanding access to midwife services. Senate Bill 507 would modernize licensure requirements for certified midwives, improve collaboration between midwives and physicians and update prescription authority – particularly for the treatment of substance use disorders. Midwives provide care for women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, as well as newborn care during the first 28 days of life. Many also offer routine reproductive health services, including prenatal care, clinical exams, screenings and patient education. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Measure to Alleviate Corrections Officer Shortage Passed by Senate
The Senate approved legislation targeting the staffing crisis facing the state’s correctional institutions. Senate Bill 111, supported by the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association, would expand the pool of qualified candidates to help fill critical vacancies in Pennsylvania’s correctional facilities. Corrections officers across the commonwealth have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years – including mandatory overtime, increased stress and a rise in violent incidents – that have strained morale and operations. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Bill Protecting Privacy of Lottery Winners Passes Senate
Legislation that would protect the privacy of Pennsylvania Lottery winners who receive prizes of $100,000 or more was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 73 would keep the names, addresses and other personal identifying information of these winners confidential, unless they choose to make it public. The measure allows the Pennsylvania Lottery to continue operating transparently by releasing the winner’s county and municipality of residence and the prize amount. Half of all states already provide either full or partial anonymity for major lottery winners to shield them from harassment, scams and unwanted attention after winning large sums of money. Watch Out for Increased Deer Activity on Roads
The number of deer-related crashes in Pennsylvania has been on the rise since 2020, with last year’s total of 6,426 setting a five-year high, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Autumn means increased deer activity on roads. Deer become more active at dawn and dusk, and if you see one, there are usually more. PennDOT advises motorists involved in a deer-related crash to assess the situation to determine whether they need to contact local authorities. Pennsylvanians can report a dead deer for removal from state-maintained roads by calling 1-800-FIX-ROAD or submitting feedback through the PennDOT Customer Care Center. A Special Thanks to All Veterans
We set aside Veterans Day to acknowledge and celebrate our fellow citizens who answered the call to serve in the military, securing and defending freedom we enjoy year-round. We owe a debt of gratitude to veterans locally and across this great nation. One way we show our appreciation is through the Veterans Trust Fund, which supports organizations that assist Pennsylvania veterans and their families in need of housing, financial help, food, training, recovery and more. Find out how you can donate to this fund here. Out and About in the 30th DistrictWell Wishes in Your Retirement! Congratulations to Carol Steffen, who retired as the executive director of Every Life Matters (ELM) Pregnancy Center in Tyrone, Blair County. Carol has been an important part of this community for nearly 12 years in this role, and has been steadfast in her commitment to women, babies and families! Thank you, Carol, for all you have done!
Fostering a Better Pennsylvania Representative Scott Barger and I met with members of the PA Family Institute’s Church Ambassador Network, Keystone Family Alliance and FigTree Health to discuss efforts to improve the child fostering program in Pennsylvania. Across our Commonwealth there are roughly 14,000 children seeking foster families, and every day this network works closely with churches throughout the state to build communities that support the children and families in need.
Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Update The Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce hosted a Budget and Legislative Update Breakfast at the Huntingdon Country Club. Representative Rich Irvin and I responded to questions related to the current budget process, business competitiveness policies and top 2026 priorities. I appreciated the opportunity to provide updates and share information with the Chamber and its members.
Sweat for Vets Challenge A beautiful day for the annual “Sweat for Vets Challenge” race in Altoona. General John Kuntsbeck addressed the crowd before the race. This wonderful race is organized by Blair County veterans, and all proceeds raised supports veterans causes.
Catholic Daughters of America Patriotic Rosary Such a pleasure to gather in prayer before the general election each year with Catholic Daughters of America and Bishop Mark Bartchak, from the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, for their 14th Annual Patriotic Rosary.
Veterans Appreciation Luncheon It was an honor to show appreciation to local veterans and their families at my annual veterans’ luncheon today, in partnership with American Legion Post 516. Post Commander Sam Dunkle presented the 2025 General Soyster Awards to three community heroes at the event: Zenas Brehm, Robert Lingafelt, and Robert Taylor.
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