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In this Update:

• Veterans are Invited to my Annual Veterans Breakfast!
• Fire and EMS Companies Can Apply Now for State Assistance
• Remembering 9/11 – 25 Years Later
• Protecting Children and Families from Online Threats
• New Law Cracks Down on Robocalls, Scam Texts and Caller ID Spoofing
• Phishing Scam Targets “MyChart” Patient Portal Users
• In the District!

Veterans are Invited to my Annual Veterans Breakfast!

Veterans in the 34th Senate District are invited to attend a free breakfast honoring all who have served!

The free breakfast will be held on Saturday, Oct. 24, from 8-10 a.m. at the Carlisle Expo Center and feature guest speaker Maj. Gen. John R. Pippy, Adjutant General of Pennsylvania. Local veterans’ organizations and various government agencies will also be on hand providing veterans and their families with helpful details about the services, benefits, and programs available to support them.

RSVPs are required. Interested veterans can click here to RSVP. I hope to see you there!

Fire and EMS Companies Can Apply Now for State Assistance

Attention local fire companies, emergency medical services and volunteer rescue squads: Applications are being accepted for the latest round of the state Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant program.

The funds can be used to help pay for facility construction/renovation, equipment, training, debt reduction and more. The application period closes Oct. 22.

Providing communities with fire, medical and rescue services comes with a considerable price tag, especially for volunteer organizations. The General Assembly funds these grants to ensure these life-saving services are available. Find more information and applications here. 

Remembering 9/11 – 25 Years Later

Today marks 25 years since the terrorist attacks of 9/11. When I think back to that day, I remember the anger, the sadness, and the shock — but I also remember the resolve of the American people coming together.

As we reflect on the tragic loss of nearly 3,000 lives and the countless others impacted in the years since, let us come together as a nation in unity, thanking God for the brave men and women who have defended freedom both here and around the world.

Protecting Children and Families From Online Threats

It’s critical for state laws to keep up with fast-evolving Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, especially as it relates to protecting our children online. I’m proud of our work to address the alarming rise in AI-generated sexual images of children, as well as non-consenting adults, through  Act 125 of 2024 which gives prosecutors the ability to go after criminals who create “deepfake” AI images of minors and child sexual abuse materials.

Previously, Pennsylvania law made it illegal to share intimate images without consent. Act 125 took it a step further to combat the use of AI technology for this purpose and prohibits AI from being utilized to generate child sexual abuse material. As technology continues to advance, we must be vigilant in making sure proper safeguards are put in place.

New Law Cracks Down on Robocalls, Scam Texts and Caller ID Spoofing

Legislation we unanimously passed enacting stronger protections from deceptive telemarketing practices will take effect on Oct. 19.

Under Act 47 of 2026, Pennsylvania’s telemarketing law will now cover modern forms of solicitation, including text messages, voicemails, ringless voicemails and robocalls. It also establishes stronger rules for when and how telemarketers can contact Pennsylvanians, including:

• Prohibiting telemarketing calls before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m. and on Sundays.
• Requiring prior express written consent for most robocalls and telemarketing text messages.
• Prohibiting telemarketers from falsely identifying themselves or using deceptive caller ID information, including spoofed numbers.
• Requiring telemarketers to stop a solicitation when a consumer asks them to do so.

Signing up for Pennsylvania’s Do Not Call List is quick and easy! Click here to register your phone number with the Office of Attorney General. Of course, my office would be glad to assist as well—just give us a call.

Phishing Scam Targets “MyChart” Patient Portal Users

If you use MyChart — a popular online patient portal used by many hospitals and healthcare providers — please be aware of a phishing scam targeting patients.

State Attorney General Dave Sunday reports scammers are impersonating MyChart by sending emails or text messages that offer patients a chance to claim a reward in the form of a “MyChart Medicare Kit.” No such program or reward exists.

These emails and text messages are attempts to trick recipients into clicking on malicious links, and obtain passwords and personal information from patients, which allows hackers to gain access to the patients’ MyChart portals. Read about how to avoid this and other phishing scams here.

In the District!

Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Enola celebrated 100 years over the weekend. I was honored to be among the parishioners and present a Senate citation for the special occasion. Bishop Timothy Senior conducted a beautiful anniversary mass. Thank you, Pastor Smith, for the invitation!