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In this Update:
Senate Passes Bill to Bring Life-saving Treatments to Market More Quickly
The Senate unanimously approved legislation to help get new life-saving treatments and devices to market more quickly while preserving safety standards. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Under current law, a pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturer must first complete a lengthy federal process before it can even begin the state licensure process in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1206 allows companies to gain temporary approval under Pennsylvania’s virtual manufacturers’ law, so that once federal approval is granted, these companies can quickly move forward without having to clear additional administrative roadblocks. Read more about Senate Bill 1206 here. Empowering Patients to Make Care Decisions
Pennsylvania Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) spell out treatments a seriously ill patient does and does not want in an emergency or at the end of life. To empower patients, the Senate passed legislation creating the legal framework for their use across all healthcare settings. These differ from an advance directive, which generally identifies a surrogate decision-maker or provide broad guidance about future care preferences. POLST is a medical order that must be followed immediately, ensuring care aligns with the patient’s wishes in real time. POLST forms are not consistently recognized or applied across all care settings in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 730 provides statutory authority so that these forms are honored statewide by healthcare providers and emergency medical services. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Read more about Senate Bill 730 here. PA Trooper’s Death Highlights Urgent Need to Improve CDL Oversight
Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael E. Pahira Jr. was recently killed in the line of duty during a Schuylkill County traffic stop when he was struck by a tractor trailer driven by a person who was in the country illegally. I mourn this heartbreaking tragedy and join the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association in asking why this individual had been granted a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Massachusetts. I also urge the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to pass two bills approved by the Senate to help prevent similar tragedies in the future: Senate Bill 1294, which improves the training curriculum and strengthens penalties to shutdown unqualified “CDL Mills,” and Senate Bill 1295, which requires English proficiency in all testing applications to operate an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle on public highways. We must strengthen our laws and oversight governing non-domiciled CDLs to improve commercial vehicle safety and help protect lives across our commonwealth. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline Extended to Dec. 31
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides rebates on property taxes or rent paid for the previous year by income-eligible seniors and people with disabilities. The deadline to apply has been extended to Dec. 31, 2026. Funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, it benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Rebates range from $380 to $1,000. The income limit is currently $48,110 a year for homeowners and renters, however, half of Social Security income is excluded. More information is available here. Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced that $224.4 million in rebates have already been sent to 372,291 Pennsylvanians. Our office would be glad to assist anyone who has yet to file by confirming eligibility and completing the application process. Applicants who have already filed can check the status of their rebate here or by calling one of our district offices. Happy 250th Birthday, America!
In my family, we have a tradition: When celebrating birthdays, we take turns sharing what we love or admire about the guest of honor. As we celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding, it feels fitting to pause and take a similar moment of reflection. I love America and I love our history. I believe with all my heart that this country is the greatest in human history; a beacon of freedom, hope, opportunity, and justice to the rest of the world. On this 250th birthday, we as Americans have so much to celebrate. Read more here. Honoring Our Nation’s Semiquincentennial
The Nation’s 250th birthday will be celebrated all year long but the past week’s events were especially meaningful. I was honored to take part in receiving a very special American flag for the America250PA National Flag Foundation‘s Sojourn 250 initiative. The flag traveled throughout the commonwealth’s 67 counties before being delivered on July 4th by Pennsylvania American Legion Riders to be flown over our Capitol.
This flag is a powerful reminder of our nation’s history—and its future. Its colors symbolize the values upon which our country was founded—and those that keep us free: red for valor, blue for perseverance and justice, and white for purity in our ideals. I’m eternally grateful for the bravery, vision, boldness and determination of our founders and our service members who put their lives on the line for our freedom. We must never take that freedom for granted.
Perry County really showed up for the America250 parade in Landisburg! Patriotism and community spirit were on full display! I enjoyed seeing everyone along the parade route and celebrating our nation’s semiquincentennial with you. It was great catching up with Landisburg Volunteer Fire Company, Perry County Commissioners, PA State Rep. Perry Stambaugh, Perry County 4-H and Boy Scouts! Thanks to all who had a hand in organizing and executing this extra special event, including Landisburg Lions Club, Ickesburg Lions Club, Loysville Community Center, and America 250 – Perry County, PA.
The New Kingstown Fire Company hosted an outstanding event this week, in honor of America250. After the excessive heat forced a pivot from their planned parade, they organized an alternative indoor festival that kept everyone cool, well fed, and busy! The antique fire truck displays, car, truck and motorcycle show, games, activities, water fun and station tours were huge hits. I enjoyed catching up with residents and swinging historic baseball bats with the Keystone Baseball Club! The celebration was well attended and truly impressive. I was grateful for the opportunity to attend. New Behavioral Health Facility Makes Care More Accessible
I was pleased to welcome Penn State Health Psychiatry and Behavioral Health at Holy Spirit Medical Center this week! Penn State leadership, physicians, and elected officials came together to officially open a new inpatient psychiatric health care facility in Camp Hill. Being able to obtain quality, integrated care that’s close to home can make a tremendous difference for patients and families. I’m thankful that this new facility and its dedicated team are helping to make mental health care accessible in our area. Thanking Emergency Crews for Storm Response
While storm damage assessments and clean-up are still underway, I want to acknowledge the tremendous efforts of ALL our emergency responders and utility crews across the district. They have been handling record call volume, a wide range of needs, and are always working diligently to keep our communities safe. Thanks to everyone who, without hesitation, gave up their holiday plans and time with family to serve the needs of neighbors and strangers alike. Your dedication, selflessness, and expertise are deeply appreciated. |
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