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In this Update:
- State Budget Update
- Expanding Access to Lifesaving Naloxone, Making Prescription Drug Costs More Transparent
- Legislation to Address Pennsylvania’s Shortage of CPAs Signed into Law
- Honoring Fire Chief David Warfel’s Life of Service
- Watch Out for Scammers Posing as State Employees
- July is Independent Retailer Month
- See You at the Fair!
State Budget Update
The Senate convened for session in Harrisburg this week as work on the 2025-26 state budget progresses. Our discussions with the House of Representatives and the governor continue to advance.
Standing up for hardworking families and taxpayers is my top priority. As the progress and negotiations continue, I am advocating for a budget that respects taxpayers and responsibly meets the needs of Pennsylvanians.
Expanding Access to Lifesaving Naloxone, Making Prescription Drug Costs More Transparent
Legislation has been signed into law to give EMS personnel permanent authority to leave behind naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, at the scene of an overdose. This will offer families a critical tool to prevent future emergencies.
Act 34 of 2025 ensures that families and caregivers are equipped to respond immediately to another overdose if needed. It also improves transparency and access within Pennsylvania’s health care system by:
- Increasing clarity around prescription drug costs.
- Enhancing communication between pharmacists and patients.
- Allowing out-of-state pharmacists to receive temporary licenses to practice in Pennsylvania for the next six months, which is aimed at addressing pharmacy deserts created by the widespread closure of Rite Aid locations.
Legislation to Address Pennsylvania’s Shortage of CPAs Signed into Law
A Senate measure aimed at alleviating the growing shortage of certified public accountants (CPAs) in Pennsylvania has been signed into law, to ensure the commonwealth has enough of these professionals so critical to the everyday economy.
Senate Bill 719, now Act 27 of 2025, provides an alternative pathway to CPA licensure by allowing candidates to qualify with 120 credit hours of education and two years of professional experience, rather than the current 150-credit-hour requirement and one year of experience.
Candidates must still pass the CPA exam to be licensed. The new pathway is designed to reduce financial and time burdens on aspiring accountants without compromising professional standards. The law also streamlines the process for qualified out-of-state accountants to practice in Pennsylvania without obtaining a separate state certificate or permit.
Honoring Fire Chief David Warfel’s Life of Service
Fire Chief David L. Warfel’s impact extended throughout the commonwealth and beyond. We appreciated the opportunity to honor his memory this week by presenting a Senate citation to his mother, Nancy.
Dave spent his life, both professionally and as a volunteer, protecting his community. The entire region mourns his loss, but his life of selfless service and duty will always be remembered.
Watch Out for Scammers Posing as State Employees
Older Pennsylvanians are being targeted by emails from scammers posing as state employees requesting payments necessary to access a non-existent inheritance.
In an incident reported to commonwealth officials, an older Pennsylvanian received an email from a generic account resembling an official state email address and claiming to be a representative of a credit union.
Don’t respond or click on any links! Report any incidents like this by phone at 1-866-PAComplaint or online.
July is Independent Retailer Month
Independent Retailer Month reminds us to shop at independent businesses, appreciating their positive social and economic impact in our communities.
Keep in mind that franchise stores can also be locally owned, independent retail businesses. Please remember those that support our community when making purchases this month and throughout the year.
See You at the Fair!
Fair season is underway! The Shippensburg Fair kicks off Sunday, July 20 and runs through Saturday, July 26. The schedule is full of fun things to see and do: livestock shows, exhibits, competitions, performances, educational demonstrations, and fireworks Saturday night! The food is incredible, too! We will be there throughout the week and hope to connect with you at our booth or around the grounds.
We’re looking forward to The Cumberland Ag Expo, Perry County Fair, and Gratz Fair, which are coming up next month. Check out the Fair Guide for information about fairs across the commonwealth.
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