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In this Update:
PA Supreme Court Rules Counties Must Comply with State Election Law
The state Supreme Court has reiterated its previous stance and ruled that undated or misdated mail ballots should not be counted in the 2024 election. It upholds prior rulings clarifying mail and absentee ballots that fail to comply with the Pennsylvania Election Code “shall not be counted” for the purposes of the Nov. 5 election. This is a win for voters and the rule of law. Senate Republicans will continue to work to boost election integrity and ensure free, fair and secure elections. Investment to Enhance Broadband Access in Blair County
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) has awarded a more than $415,000 grant to Tyrone-Snyder Public Library to bolster internet access throughout our community. The project includes substantial building renovations and enhancements to support increasing the functionality and usability of the library. Investments to improve internet access in libraries and other non-profit organizations help to ensure the facilities remain critical hubs for the public’s benefit. Public access to the internet is essential, and community anchor institutions such as libraries play a critical role in providing that access, particularly in rural areas. This funding award is very exciting because it will provide substantial physical improvements to the Tyrone-Snyder Public Library, making it a modernized community center that allows area residents the benefits of online connectivity to education, workforce development, healthcare and other resources important to daily life. The grant, funded through the federally backed Multi-Purpose Community Facilities Program, is part of a $45 million competitively awarded initiative to support projects that bolster high-speed broadband access for essential services, including work, education and health monitoring, using community anchor institutions. To maintain transparency and ensure measurable progress, PBDA requires grantees to submit quarterly and annual reports detailing the project’s advancement and compliance with federal standards. A final report, due within three months of project completion, will outline the full impact of the grant, including outcomes, sustainability efforts and equity considerations. The final 10% of funding will only be released after a thorough review of this report. This investment is a key part of the commonwealth’s broader mission to strengthen community infrastructure and create accessible public spaces that serve as lifelines for work, education and health. By improving these facilities, Pennsylvania is ensuring its communities are well-equipped to meet current and future needs. More information on the PBDA and the projects can be found here. Mixed-Use Housing Development Pilot Program Now Open
The Pennsylvania Mixed-Use Housing Development Pilot Program (PA MHD) is now open through December 6. PA MHD was established to provide grant funding to eligible applicants for the development or conversion of buildings or land for mixed-use development, which include a portion of the development or conversion project devoted to a final residential use. There is no maximum or minimum grant amount. However, grant awards will be subject to availability from the annual funding appropriation. For more information on the program, search the program guidelines, here. Bridging the Digital Divide with New Device Grant
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) awarded Fulton County Library, 25 laptop devices through the Digital Connectivity Technology Program. This program provides technology devices to communities where affordability has been a barrier to broadband access. These devices will be distributed to provide online resources for education, job training and connectivity—all at no cost to users. Access to a computer and up-to-date technology is critical in today’s digital age. By providing the Fulton County Library with these laptops through this award, they will be better able to give residents of Fulton County the tools they need to connect, succeed, and pursue their best future. This investment is part of Pennsylvania’s commitment to closing the digital divide and ensuring that all communities and its citizens have the tools they need to thrive. To ensure accountability, grantees must submit progress reports that outline the impact of these devices, ensuring responsible use of taxpayer dollars. Learn more about this program, here. New Law Creates Rape Kit Tracking System
To empower survivors and hold offenders accountable, a bill establishing a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system was signed into law as Act 122 of 2024. Act 122 allows survivors to track the status of their rape kits throughout the testing process, from collection to destruction. The law clarifies existing rights and enshrines new statutory rights for survivors of sexual assault. It also brings Pennsylvania into compliance with the Fairness for Rape Kit Backlog Survivors provision of the recent Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization. To comply with VAWA, the law provides a waiver for survivors who file untimely claims for compensation due to delays in rape kit testing. Survivors will not need to undergo an appeal process for consideration of this waiver. Bill Allowing Year-round Motorcycle Inspections Now Law
Legislation making safety precautions more convenient is now law after receiving unanimous Senate and House support. It allows year-round motorcycle safety inspections in Pennsylvania. Even though motorcycles can be purchased and driven on Pennsylvania roadways throughout the year, the state Vehicle Code previously only allowed safety inspections to be performed from March to October. The legislation eliminated the old restriction to give motorcycle operators more opportunities to complete required inspections. Motorcycle registration with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will continue to be tied to the month the vehicle is to be inspected. Senate Passes Bill to Honor Gold Star Families
It’s important to recognize fallen service members and the families they left behind. I supported a new law that will authorize construction of a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at the State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg. The monument will be sponsored by the Woody Williams Foundation, which was established to honor and support Gold Star Families. It will be built to reflect five main philosophical pillars of the foundation: homeland, family, patriot, sacrifice and legacy. The monument will give Gold Star Families a permanent place to gather, remember and honor their fallen loved ones. It will also remind the public of the ultimate sacrifice made by the country’s bravest patriots. The monument will be constructed south of the Auditorium Forum Building, east of the Irvis Office Building and north of Walnut Street. New Maple Map Paves the Way for a Tasty Treat
Pennsylvania maple is a true taste of fall, and it’s simpler than ever to enjoy maple syrup and related candies, popcorn and sauces produced right here in the commonwealth. The new Maple Map highlights local producers and businesses all across the state. Using the interactive mapping application makes it easy to find delicious snacks to help you enjoy the season. It also provides maple syrup recipes and a list of restaurants and coffee shops with maple menu offerings. November is Child Safety and Protection Month
Our children are our most precious resource. During Child Safety and Protection Month, we focus on the dangers kids face every day and resolve to do our part to minimize these risks and provide support. Senate Republicans have placed a high priority on keeping kids safe, through advancing several bills during the current legislative session to improve child safety, including:
Out and About in the 30th DistrictHuntingdon County Chamber of Commerce’s Coffee Connection Along with Representative Rich Irvin, I participated in the Huntingdon County Chamber of Commerce’s Coffee Connection, to provide an update on legislation as well as our Commonwealth’s budget. It was a great opportunity to share information on the state budgeting process, legislative accomplishments from the current session and future legislative priorities. I also had a wonderful time answering questions and chatting with local businesses and community leaders.
Honoring Representative Schemel Congratulations to my friend and colleague in the House, Representative Paul Schemel, Esq., who was the recipient of the St. Thomas More Society Fidelis Award for his adherence to strong moral principles. Rep. Schemel will be retiring from the legislature November 30. Thank you, Rep. Schemel for your strong courage and leadership. Pictured is Paul with his wife, Lucy.
Reliance Bank Ribbon Cutting Congratulations to Reliance Bank who cut the ribbon on their new corporate location at The Mill building in Altoona. The building was a former twenty thousand square foot silk mill that was renovated for multiple business spaces in 2019. Mishler Theatre Tour I had the opportunity to tour the beautiful, historic Mishler Theatre in the City of Altoona along with Representative Lou Schmitt and Representative-elect Scott Barger. Kate Shaffer, Executive Director of Blair County Arts Foundation (BCAF), gave us a tour and highlighted the projects undertaken over the years to preserve and maintain this cultural gem. I look forward to working with the BCAF and other community leaders on continuing to preserve and enhance this magnificent building for generations to come.
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