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In this Update:
Senate Transportation Committee Examines PA Commercial Vehicle Safety and Nondomiciled CDLs
The Senate Transportation Committee, which I chair, held a public hearing to examine commercial vehicle safety and nondomiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs) following recent claims of CDLs and REAL IDs being issued to illegal immigrants. I’m deeply concerned by the fact that nondomiciled CDLs and REAL IDs were issued to illegal aliens. This fact-finding hearing will help us to get to the root cause of this issue and develop policy changes to prevent it from happening in the future. 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’re here illegally and falsified documents to receive a Pennsylvania driver’s license, you will be found and prosecuted to the fullest extent under federal and state laws. Last month, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) arrested Akhror Bozorov, 31, an illegal immigrant from Uzbekistan wanted for belonging to a terrorist organization. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) issued him a CDL with a REAL ID indication in July. The hearing included testimony from driving advocates, along with officials from PennDOT and the Pennsylvania State Police. “We appreciated the opportunity to participate in the constructive conversation about the risks posed by unqualified CDL drivers on our roads,” said Rebecca Oyler, president and CEO of the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association. “This hearing allowed us to walk through the real challenges the industry is facing and to discuss achievable ways to close gaps in CDL licensing and education at both the state and federal levels. PMTA is grateful for the seriousness and deliberation the committee is bringing to this issue — not simply reacting to headlines but taking a measured approach to strengthening safety for everyone who travels Pennsylvania’s highways.” Video from the Senate Transportation Committee public hearing can be found here. Tax Relief for Working Pennsylvanians
The new state budget we passed includes the new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, which provides meaningful relief for working families across the commonwealth. In a time when affordability is a top issue affecting Pennsylvanians, policies like this tax credit help relieve some of the financial burden on families. If you claim the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit, you may also claim the state tax credit equal to 10% of the federal amount. You can use this online calculator to determine if you qualify for the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit and estimate how much you could receive. Are You Missing Mail from the State?
The Shapiro administration recently announced the termination of a vendor responsible for handling outbound mail from some state agencies. This vendor failed to deliver a significant volume of documents, and it remains unclear how many Pennsylvanians may have been impacted. Among the affected agencies was the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), which indicated some invitations to renew driver licenses and vehicle registrations, driver license camera cards, vehicle registration cards and address update cards were delayed. A new vendor has been hired, and all previously unsent mail should be delivered within 7-10 days. If you are waiting for official paperwork from a state agency and believe your mail has been delayed, you are welcome to contact my office. We may be able to assist in determining the status of missing materials or help facilitate communication with the appropriate agency. State Budget Funds New State Police Troopers
Public safety is a critical component of healthy, stable communities, and I am committed to ensuring that law enforcement gets the support it needs to keep criminals at bay. The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) fills a vital public safety role in the commonwealth, and I’m happy to report that the 2025-26 state budget includes funding for four state police cadet classes. After completing approximately 27 weeks of training, the most recent cadet class saw 49 graduates join the ranks as state troopers. I wish these new troopers much success as they keep our communities safe and pray for their wellbeing. The PSP’s latest hiring cycle is open until Jan. 23, 2026. Those interested in becoming a state trooper can find application requirements, job benefits and other details at PATrooper.com. Senate Votes to Make State Funds Available for Local Bridge Projects
Legislation to make state funding available for local bridge projects was approved by the Senate. Counties receive dollars through the Highway Bridge Improvement Restricted Account within the state Motor License Fund to pay for repair and replacement of county-owned bridges. However, current law does not allow for further practical uses of leftover funds. Senate Bill 1070 would give counties the flexibility they need to improve local, municipal-owned bridges before they become at-risk. Senate Bill 1070 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. PA 529 is the Gift of Education
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced a new, easy way to give the gift of education this holiday season – Gift of College gift cards. Friends and families can buy these digital gift cards, available at pa529.com/gift, for recipients to deposit into their PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account. Anyone, including parents, grandparents, other relatives and family friends, can contribute to a PA 529 account. Savings can be used for qualified education expenses for K-12, higher education, credential programs and apprenticeship programs. The person giving the gift also gets something – a PA state tax deduction for the amount of the PA 529 contribution. In November, PA 529 was ranked one of the best college savings plans in the nation. To learn more about PA 529, visit pa529.com or call 800-440-4000. Dec. 19 Deadline to Apply for Veterans Services Grants
Nonprofits, counties and other groups that provide services to veterans have until Dec. 19 to apply for Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) grants to help fulfill their missions. Administered by the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the VTF supports programs that improve services to veterans at the county, regional or state level. For nonprofit and veterans’ organizations, funding priorities include mental and behavioral health, transportation and employment. These applicants may request up to $40,000. County directors and their association may apply for up to $15,000 per county. Their funding priorities must include outreach initiatives, enhancing veteran service officer and advocate capabilities and addressing emerging needs such as transportation, food insecurity, suicide prevention and legal assistance. Celebrating the Bill of Rights
Monday, Dec. 15 is national Bill of Rights Day, when we celebrate the ratification of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution in 1791. The Bill of Rights guarantees civil rights and liberties to the individual – like freedom of speech, press and religion – and limits the power of government. This document forever enshrined the fundamental rights and liberties we hold sacred as Americans and set in motion the greatest self-governance experiment in the history of the world. Out and About in the 30th DistrictHuntingdon County Bridge # 17 Ribbon Cutting Huntingdon County, along with West Township and Keller Engineers, cut the ribbon on Bridge #17 to celebrate the completion of the superstructure replacement on this bridge located on Harpers Hill Road in Petersburg. Congratulations to the county and the project team on a job well done!
Altoona Spirit of Christmas Parade I enjoyed participating in the annual Altoona Spirit of Christmas parade. It was a cold day, but that didn’t keep folks at home! The streets were lined with so many people in our community, excited for the Christmas season!
Concerned Women for America of Pennsylvania Visit the Capitol I had the pleasure of meeting with the Pennsylvania chapter of Concerned Women for America at the Capitol this week. We had the opportunity to discuss many issues important to them including my legislation Senate Bill 9, the Save Women’s Sports Act.
Tyrone Christmas Parade It was nice to join in the Tyrone Christmas season festivities at their annual parade. Riding with me is my staffer and Tyrone resident, Kelly Fedeli!
Shade Mountain Broadband Tower Ribbon Cutting Upward Broadband along with Alleghenies Broadband, Inc. (ABI), celebrated a ribbon cutting for a new tower that will deliver high-speed, reliable internet to Orbisonia, Shade Gap, Blairs Mill, East Waterford, Mount Union, Doylesburg and Shirleysburg in Huntingdon County. Congratulations to all the project partners on bringing broadband internet service to the residents of this area.
Fulton County Chamber of Commerce Mixer Community State Bank’s McConnellsburg Branch hosted a mixer event in the bank’s newly updated community room for the Fulton County Chamber of Commerce. Pictured here are Trent Sowers, Executive Director of the Chamber and Jean Pepple, Office Manager. The event was well attended by chamber members, bank staff and representatives of state and local officials.
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