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Is this Update:
My Statement on Alleged Issuance of CDLs and REAL IDs to Illegal Aliens
As Chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee, I am deeply concerned with the allegations in the national news involving the issuance of non-domiciled CDLs and REAL IDs to illegal aliens and plan to launch a fact-finding hearing to collect objective information and properly address the public’s concerns regarding the safety of our transportation system in the near future. We appreciate and uphold the ongoing investigations by the Trump Administration – and Shapiro Administration – into these allegations until all facts are secured. Unlike other states, Pennsylvania has long-standing laws banning driver’s licenses, both regular and commercial, for anyone who is unlawfully present in this Commonwealth. If you are here illegally and falsified documents to receive a Pennsylvanian driver’s license, you will be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent under Federal and State laws. Employers, Trade Unions and Lawmakers: New Permitting Reforms, Stopping RGGI Will Boost PA Economy
Trade unions, employers and energy producers joined lawmakers at the Capitol to celebrate new reforms cutting red tape and blocking the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) electricity tax – moves that will unleash Pennsylvania’s economic potential and help create jobs. Both reforms were enacted with the 2025-26 state budget. Pennsylvania’s permitting process has been a deterrent to businesses moving to or expanding in Pennsylvania, costing our state countless jobs. The new law cuts red tape, establishes clear timelines for permit reviews and creates a real-time online tracking system. In addition, key permits will be deemed approved if a state agency moves too slowly. Participating in RGGI, a multi-state electricity tax Gov. Tom Wolf attempted to implement via an illegal regulation and which Gov. Josh Shapiro pursued through the courts, would have increased electricity rates for families and businesses, eliminated energy and manufacturing jobs, forced Pennsylvania power plants to close and created serious threats to grid reliability. “After six long years the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative will no longer be a part of Pennsylvania politics and our energy future in Pennsylvania. This is great news for hardworking Pennsylvanians all across the state,” said Shawn Steffee, business agent, Boilermakers Local 154 Pittsburgh and president, South Central Building Trades Council. Read more reaction to these reforms here. Veteran Scams on the Rise
Veterans and their families continue to be targeted by increasingly sophisticated scams designed to steal personal information, benefits, and hard-earned savings. In recent years, these fraudulent attempts have grown more common, threatening the financial security of those who have served our nation. The latest scam circulating in Pennsylvania involves a direct-mail postcard claiming to offer eligible Veterans an additional $160 per month through something called the “PA Veteran Savings Program 2025.” The postcard appears official at first glance, using formal language and referencing programs such as CHAMPVA and TRICARE for Life. It urges recipients to call within five days to “help manage call volume,” a tactic often used to pressure Veterans into responding quickly. However, the postcard contains several red flags. It does not include a return address, and it lists a bogus phone number — 855-600-2411 — designed to lure callers into sharing personal information. Veterans who receive suspicious mail or believe they may have been targeted by this scam, or a similar one should report it immediately to:
717-783-1944; PAVETS@attorneygeneral.gov
Baker Brothers Bridge Dedication Ceremony
It was an honor to participate in a bridge dedication ceremony celebrating Hollidaysburg’s own Baker Brothers. These seven siblings, including Edward, Charles, Thomas, Raymond, Philip, Francis, and Joseph, served our country in three different branches of the military totaling over 120 years of service. Along with Representative Scott Barger, PennDOT District 9-0, area veterans, family and friends, we recognized and honored these courageous young men, loyal patriots, beloved family members, friends, and neighbors who courageously and selflessly served our great country. I was proud to sponsor this well-deserved bridge naming in an omnibus bridge naming bill which became Act 17 of 2025. Now, this bridge carrying Old Pennsylvania Route 220 North over the Juniata River in Allegheny Township, Blair County, will forever be known as the Baker Brothers Memorial Bridge. The dedication of this bridge reflects the collective gratitude that is owed to the Baker Brothers by our entire nation. The Hollidaysburg community is proud to have been the home of the Baker family. May this bridge forever serve as a reminder of their dedicated service to our country and the sacrifices they made for our freedoms.
My Bill to Sustain Pennsylvania’s Flex-Fuel Economy Passes Senate
The Senate unanimously passed my legislation to modernize the E-85 fuel blend standard to align Pennsylvania with national standards. Senate Bill 1058 would change the definition of the Alternative Fuels Tax in the Vehicle Code to define E-85 fuel as containing 51-to-85% ethanol. Currently, the definition explains E-85 fuel as containing at least 85% ethanol, which is against the industry standard. The current criterion in Pennsylvania law is outdated and undermines the alternative fuel market, by creating an unachievable standard and jeopardizing the ability of our gas station retailers to promote alternative fuels. The only E-85 fuel blend available in the marketplace contains 51-to-83% ethanol, with no ethanol blends that meet Pennsylvania’s current standard being available to consumers. This legislation is a simple and common-sense solution, which will help sustain Pennsylvania’s flex-fuel economy. The bill is supported by both the Pennsylvania Petroleum Association and the Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association. It now is before the House Transportation Committee for consideration. Lieutenant Colonel Swayne Bridge Dedication Ceremony
It was a pleasure to participate in a bridge dedication ceremony celebrating Bellwood native Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Lee Swayne. An officer in the United States Air Force, F-16 pilot, and graduate of the elite USAF Fighter Weapons School, he earned numerous medals and honors, including the Distinguished Flying Cross for bravery during the Gulf War. Retiring with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel after 21 years of dedicated service, he continued to share his passion for aviation as an instructor pilot with the United Arab Emirates Air Force, tragically losing his life in a plane crash on May 15, 2016. 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 East Pleasant Valley Boulevard over the Little Juniata River in Antis Township, Blair County, will forever be known as the Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Lee Swayne Memorial Bridge. The Little Juniata River held a very special place in his heart. As an avid fisherman, he spent countless hours fishing and making cherished memories with his brother there. So, it is only fitting that this bridge over this river bears his name. We will always remember Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Lee Swayne as a courageous young man, loyal airman, beloved family member, and friend who heroically and selflessly served our great country. The Bellwood community is proud to have been the home of this local hero. May this bridge serve as a reminder of the many miles he flew in service to our country, the numerous lives he touched, and the legacy he left behind.
AI and Children: Legislation to Keep Kids Safe
The Senate approved legislation to better protect young people against the increased threats posed by child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) generated using artificial intelligence (AI). Senate Bill 1050 would require all individuals classified as mandated reporters to notify authorities of all instances of CSAM they become aware of, including those produced by a minor. A mandated reporter includes teachers, childcare workers, health care providers and others responsible for caring for children. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Senate previously passed key legislation to combat the issue of sexually explicit materials created through AI by passing Act 125 of 2024 and Act 35 of 2025, which addressed deepfakes and sexual deepfakes. In addition, Senate Bill 1090, the Safeguarding Adolescents from Exploitative Chatbots and Harmful AI Technology (SAFECHAT) Act, was approved by the Senate Communications and Technology Committee. Read about that measure here. New Law Will Preserve Prescription Access for Seniors
Legislation to prevent thousands of Pennsylvania seniors from losing access to life-sustaining prescription medications is set to become law following final passage by the Senate. House Bill 923 would extend the practice of excluding Social Security cost-of-living adjustments when calculating income eligibility for the PACE and PACENET programs. The exclusion, currently set to expire at the end of 2025, will be extended through Dec. 31, 2027 when the bill is signed by the governor. Without the extension, 10,039 PACENET enrollees would lose their coverage. Additionally, 12,594 PACE enrollees would move to PACENET, losing their lower copayment and their PACE-paid Part D premium. Bill to Ensure Disabled Veterans Receive Free Hunting Licenses Passes Senate
The Senate passed legislation that would close an unintended gap in Pennsylvania’s existing free hunting license program for disabled veterans. Under current law, only veterans who suffered injuries during combat and were deemed 100% disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible for free hunting licenses. Partially disabled veterans may purchase discounted licenses. Those who suffered service-connected injuries outside of combat — in training, non-combat operations, peacetime duties or other hazardous activities — are not currently eligible for a discount. Senate Bill 1020 would expand eligibility so that all 100% disabled veterans qualify for a free hunting license, regardless of how or where their service-connected injuries occurred. It would also maintain discounted licenses for partially disabled veterans. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Attorney General’s New Elder Exploitation Section Expands Protections for Older Pennsylvanians
An expansion of protections and services for seniors, focused on deterring financial theft and holding offenders criminally responsible, was announced with the launch of the Office of Attorney General’s Elder Exploitation Section by Attorney General Dave Sunday. The section will primarily focus on cases involving financial exploitation, deception and theft from older residents — typically perpetrated by relatives, caregivers or appointed conservators and powers of attorney. These are complex cases, involving meticulous review of financial records and other documents. Municipal police departments may not have the resources required to take on these investigations. The Elder Exploitation Section will have the resources, and expects referrals to come from police departments, county, state, and federal agencies and other sources. National Diabetes Awareness Month
Diabetes affects about 38 million Americans, including adults and youth. A disease that occurs when your blood sugar is too high, diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart, and it is linked to some types of cancer. The good news is that taking charge of your health may help you prevent diabetes health problems. Find out more here. Out and About in the 30th DistrictFarm-City Committee Annual Banquet The Blair County Chamber of Commerce’s Farm-City Committee hosted their annual banquet at the Morrisons Cove Memorial Park. Gary Long of Sinking Valley, Blair County, was named the 2025 Agricultural Community Excellence (ACE) award recipient. Gary and his family are great contributors to agriculture in our community. It was nice to see Blair County Dairy Princess Rylee Stultz, Sinking Valley Farm Show Princess Cassidy Fleck and Sinking Valley Farm Show Queen Catie Sklenar. I also enjoyed seeing all the FFA students who helped with the event. They always do a great job!
NAACP of Blair County 2025 Gala It was a pleasure to be at the NAACP 2025 Gala. The Mistress of Ceremonies was Harriett Gaston, Keynote Speaker was Dr. Ron Darbeau. Also pictured with me is my friend, Charles DuPree. What a wonderful evening!
Tyrone Chamber of Commerce Breakfast I enjoyed meeting Erin Crain, Tyrone chapter leader of American Heritage Girls group. Erin was the guest speaker at this week’s Tyrone Chamber of Commerce’s breakfast meeting.
Ward Transport & Logistics Mentorship Panel I was honored to participate in a panel discussion on mentoring for Ward Transport & Logistics. Who has mentored you? Pass it on!
Begin With Us Daycare Thanksgiving Luncheon I enjoyed visiting my little friends at Begin With Us Daycare in Altoona for their annual Thanksgiving luncheon. The children are always so much fun!
EPIC Program at Ward Transport & Logistics Ward Transport & Logistics partnered with PA Chamber and Mt. Aloysius students through the EPIC program. This program worked with students at the Mount to analyze Ward’s website and offer suggestions for improvement. A win/win for all entities! Pictured are Dr. John McKeegan, President at Mount Aloysius; Jon Anzur, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for the PA Chamber; and students from Mount Aloysius who analyzed the website.
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