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In this Update:

• New Law Helps Protect Children from Online Exploitation
• Understanding the New Tolling System
• PA Taxpayer-Funded Childcare Programs Face More Accountability
• Home Heating Assistance Program Accepting Applications
• Cold Weather Life Jacket Requirement in Effect
• State Police Accepting Applications for Youth Camp
• Motorboat Fuel Consumption Survey Underway
• Out and About in the 30^th District

New Law Helps Protect Children from Online Exploitation

A new law I supported provides critical resources to law enforcement agencies and prosecutors working to protect children from online exploitation and abuse.

Act 71 of 2026 expands the Investigation and Prosecution of Internet Crimes Against Children Program, providing grants to help pay for investigators, prosecutors, forensic specialists and education for professionals working on cases involving human trafficking, sexual offenses, child sexual abuse, unlawful contact with minors and the sexual exploitation of children using online platforms.

The bill is called “Alicia’s Law” in honor of Alicia Kozak (Kozakiewicz), a Pittsburgh-area resident who was abducted, sexually assaulted and tortured at age 13 by a man she met online in what is recognized as the nation’s first known internet-facilitated child abduction case. Read more about Alicia’s Law.

Understanding the New Tolling System

The Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (Commission) is a Commonwealth agency, which is managed by the governor and a five-member board of commissioners. The Commission has voted on numerous occasions to modernize how tolls are collected from customers, such as the transition towards Open Road Tolling (ORT).

“In the ORT system, tolls are charged electronically as customers drive at highway speeds beneath overhead structures, called gantries, without slowing down or stopping at toll booths. Equipment on the gantry and in the roadway classifies and identifies the vehicle and electronically processes tolls, allowing for free-flowing traffic, which reduces accidents, improves the environment, and allows new access points”, according to the Commission’s website.

This means that toll booths at interchanges from the 1940s will be demolished, and the point of the toll collection will move to innovative overhead gantries along the superhighway. The Commission has determined the trip’s toll amount based on vehicle classification and algorithms to calculate the entrance and exit points. Recently, the Auditor General conducted a performance audit and agreed with the implementation of the Commission’s new ORT formula since it aligns with industry tolling standards.

There is no State law that requires customers to use E-ZPass to pay for their trip, and this remains true under ORT. However, customers may save up to 50 percent on tolls when using E-ZPass compared to “Toll by Plate” transactions. The Commission’s website provides an example of the new invoice as well.

Further, I have been persuading the Commission to crack down on toll evasion. The Pennsylvania Turnpike is patrolled by the State Police, and the State Police have been enforcing drivers who continue to use the Pennsylvania Turnpike with suspended registrations because of toll evasion. I applaud these enforcement efforts to rein in “toll leakages” and am prepared to introduce legislation further strengthening these penalties.

PA Taxpayer-Funded Childcare Programs Face More Accountability

Taxpayers have seen childcare fraud and abuse uncovered in other states, and we’ve passed a new law to strengthen oversight of Pennsylvania’s taxpayer-funded childcare programs.

Act 113 of 2026 requires the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to provide annual reports detailing inspections, investigations, enforcement actions and financial oversight activities related to childcare facilities and programs receiving public funding.

The reports will cover facility inspections, violations, complaints, investigations and enforcement actions. It would also require reporting on taxpayer-funded childcare payments, improper payments identified and efforts to recover misspent funds.

More than a billion taxpayer dollars are spent annually on childcare in Pennsylvania, and this law will help ensure it’s spent properly.

Home Heating Assistance Program Accepting Applications

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) application period is now open.

Eligible applicants can receive a one-time cash grant to help pay a heating bill. Grants range from $200 to $1,000 based on household size, income and fuel type and is sent directly to the utility provider or fuel company.

Families experiencing an emergency related to household heat may be eligible to receive additional funds through a crisis grant. Learn more about the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program here.

Cold Weather Life Jacket Requirement in Effect

Nearly 80% of Pennsylvania boating fatalities occurred because boaters were not wearing life jackets. With that in mind, please note the state’s cold weather life jacket requirement is in effect through April 30.

Boaters are required to wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved life jacket while underway or at anchor on boats less than 16 feet or on any kayak, canoe or paddleboard.

Even on warm days from late fall through early spring, water temperatures can remain frigid on rivers, lakes and streams. Wearing a life jacket helps you survive cold-water shock, which occurs when a person is unexpectedly plunged into cold water resulting in an involuntary gasp where water is often inhaled and swimming is difficult. Learn more from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

State Police Accepting Applications for Youth Camp

Pennsylvania residents aged 15 to 17 interested in a career in law enforcement or the military can apply now to attend the State Police Youth Week camp taking place June 6-12, 2027, at Messiah University in Mechanicsburg, Cumberland County.

Held in collaboration with the Pennsylvania National Guard and the Pennsylvania American Legion, the camp provides cadets hands-on learning experiences and physical fitness training to build their understanding of law enforcement as well as their confidence, teamwork, self-esteem and leadership abilities.

Candidates should be physically fit with a strong academic record. Local American Legion posts sponsor cadets and cover the registration fees. For more information and an application, visit the State Police Youth Week webpage.

Motorboat Fuel Consumption Survey Underway

If you own a motorboat registered in Pennsylvania, you might have received an invitation from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) to take part in its annual fuel consumption survey of motorboat registrants. Participation will help support PA boating.  

The results will be used to determine the Oil Company Franchise Tax refund that PFBC receives on behalf of registered boaters. The refund helps pay for boat access area maintenance, buoys, beacons, signs and other water markers, boating safety education, law enforcement and more.

The survey will be available into mid-November. A random sampling of about 20,000 motorboat registrants will be asked via postcard or email to report their boat fuel consumption from April through September of this year. Learn more at the commission’s website.

Out and About in the 30^th District

Norfolk Southern (NS) Rail Yard

I was invited to visit the Norfolk Southern (NS) rail yard recently to receive an overview of their emergency responder training. The NS Hazmat Team is providing volunteer training seminars for first responders in several areas in an effort to have strategic and coordinated responses to rail emergencies that involve fire departments, EMS and law enforcement. I appreciate Norfolk Southern’s effort to make this collaboration a priority.

Anytime Fitness Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

A wonderful day celebrating the newly remodeled Anytime Fitness in Burnham Plaza located at 224 N. Logan Boulevard, Burnham. Community members were invited to stop by and check out the modernized facility, featuring new equipment, fresh paint, and a friendly, welcoming staff. Whether you’re just starting your fitness journey or looking for a place to maintain your routine, Anytime Fitness offers a convenient option with 24/7 access, including holidays.

90^th Annual Convention of the Juniata County Association of Township Officials

A morning filled with great conversations and connections with the Juniata County community!

On November 6, the 90^th Annual Convention of the Juniata County Association of Township Officials brought together township officials at the Port Royal Fire Company. Each year, this event provides an opportunity for networking, professional development and meaningful discussion on issues impacting local governance.

Several vendors were on hand to share information about products and services available to townships, including heavy equipment purchases and engineering services. Representatives from the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors also attended, providing valuable resources and updates to help township officials better serve their communities.

Thistle Creek Farm

It was a beautiful day at Thistle Creek Farm in Huntingdon County this week, where folks gathered to honor veteran and farm owner, George Lake. George and his family graciously welcomed Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding and other officials for a visit to the property and overview of their operation. George and his wife Christy have built an amazing legacy for his family.

Veterans Day Recognition Event

I was honored to attend the Veterans Day Recognition Event at Valley View Retirement Community in Mifflin County. It was a privilege to help recognize residents who served in the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps for their dedication and sacrifice. I am grateful for the opportunity to thank these veterans for their service to our nation.

Eagle Scout Ceremony

Congratulations to Anthony Kowalski, who earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Anthony is a proud member of Troop 49 of Blair County. His scouting project was the construction of a 12×20 pavilion at Camp Anderson in Tyrone. Anthony dedicated the pavilion to Denny Woomer, who mentored him through his project.

Altoona Veterans Day Parade

I had a fun time walking in the Blair County War Veterans Council Annual Veterans Day Parade with Altoona City Council members Shelley Clinich and Dave Butterbaugh, Mayor Matt Pacifico, and State Rep. Andrea Verobish. A special thanks to the War Council for doing such a nice job to bring everyone together to recognize the veterans in our area!

Farm-City Banquet

Each year, the Blair County Chamber of Commerce’s Farm-City Committee hosts a special banquet to bring together the business community and the agricultural community. Brock Holland of Holland Brothers Meats was the keynote speaker. Rob and Tammy Stoltz were presented with the ACE Award (Agricultural Community Excellence) for their dedication to farming in Blair County. I enjoyed chatting with PA State and Blair County Dairy Princess Rachel Bowman and always appreciate the participation of our county’s FFA members.