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In this Update

• Public Comments Due Monday on Health Department’s Overreaching Regulations
• Key Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Still Awaits House Action
• South Middleton Breaks Ground on Community Center Project  
• Cumberland County Voters Inducted to PA Voter Hall of Fame
• Duncannon Sportsmen Showcase Shooting Range Improvements
• Veterans Appreciation Breakfast: Register Today
• High School Students Host Forum Encouraging Civic Engagement
• Around the District: Salute to Service & Constitution Day
• Let Students Know It’s Safe2Say Something
• Homeland Security Grant Webinar Oct. 15

Public Comments Due Monday on Health Department’s Overreaching Regulations

The Department of Health recently proposed sweeping new regulations that would vastly expand state government’s power over the lives of Pennsylvanians. This includes expanding the government’s authority to enter private residences and schools without a warrant, access private citizens’ health information, speak with children without parental consent, enforce mask mandates and much more. These proposed regulations are being pursued unilaterally by the governor, outside of the legislative process, completely bypassing the General Assembly.

We continue to closely review all the details and are deeply concerned. I firmly believe that our health and safety can be protected without sacrificing our privacy and freedoms. You can read the immense regulatory proposal here. 

I encourage all citizens to submit public comments on the regulations to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission before the public comment period ends this coming Monday, Sept. 21. Full instructions for submitting comments are available at the commission’s online comment page.

Key Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Still Awaits House Action 

Property owners scored a key victory this legislative session when the Senate approved a measure to protect and financially compensate them if targeted by eminent domain abuse. However, the bill has languished in the House of Representatives for more than a year.  

Senate Bill 225 would ensure business owners and farmers whose properties are seized through eminent domain are compensated for loss of “goodwill,” which goes beyond the assessed value. For farms, the land may possess characteristics that make it particularly special, such as fertile soil. In the case of another business, goodwill may be the location, access to utilities and other factors. 

This bill received unanimous support in the Senate and there’s no reason for the House not to act. Read more about this bill and federal efforts to end eminent domain abuse here.

South Middleton Breaks Ground on Community Center Project

Construction is underway on phase one of South Middleton Township’s Community Center Project! I was glad to join Rep. Kutz, Rep. Gleim, Commissioner Neiderer, and municipal leaders to celebrate this milestone and look ahead to the future renovation and expansion of the former Fair Oaks school facility.

Ultimately, the school facility will be transformed into a hub for community and recreation programming, providing office space for the Parks and Recreation department, a multi-purpose room and gymnasium, classrooms, conference space, restrooms, and a catering kitchen, while also connecting the 27-acre site to the township’s existing pedestrian trail network.

Cumberland County Voters Inducted to PA Voter Hall of Fame

This week, I was pleased to help recognize four Cumberland County residents who were inducted into the Pennsylvania Voter Hall of Fame for casting a ballot in 50 consecutive general elections!

• Elizabeth Schlusser, Newville
• Ruth Glotfelty, Carlisle
• Kenneth Glotfelty, Carlisle
• Robert Strasbaugh, Mechanicsburg

What a remarkable achievement and outstanding example of civic engagement!

I appreciated the opportunity to speak with the honorees in attendance, visit with longtime friends, and welcome Secretary of State Al Schmidt to Carlisle!

Duncannon Sportsmen Showcase Shooting Range Improvements

The Duncannon Sportsman’s Association was one of the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Shooting Range Improvement Program (SRIP) grant recipients during the 2025 cycle. I was glad to join PGC Executive Director Steve Smith, Rep. Stambaugh, the association’s officers and members to see the completed improvements firsthand. The range is exceptional and will serve generations of area sportsmen and women well.

Veterans Appreciation Breakfast: Register Today

Veterans in the 34th Senate District and their spouses (or guests) are invited to attend a free breakfast Saturday, October 24 in Carlisle.

The event will feature remarks from 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 them.

Please complete the form on my website if you’re planning to attend as reservations are required. We look forward to seeing you and honoring all who have served!

High School Students Host Forum Encouraging Civic Engagement

I was grateful for the opportunity to discuss the importance of civic engagement with high school students from the Harrisburg School District’s Sci-Tech Campus, along with my PA Senate colleague, Sen. Patty Kim.

It was a pleasure to take questions on a wide range of topics, share my perspective, and encourage the students to share theirs—both today and throughout life! I hope everyone enjoyed the discussion as much as I did.

Around the District: Salute to Service & Constitution Day

The Salute to Service ceremony at Cumberland Valley’s Chapman Field last Friday night was absolutely incredible!

Thank you, CV, for giving us the opportunity to celebrate with you and honor those who have bravely and selflessly served our nation. We will never forget!

I was pleased to join Rep. Stambaugh and representatives from the Perry County Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution and the Washingtonburg Chapter, Pennsylvania Society, Sons of the American Revolution for a ceremonial signing of a Constitution Day proclamation. The proclamation reaffirms the importance of the U.S. Constitution, commemorates its signing on September 17, 1787, and highlights the responsibilities of citizenship.

Let Students Know It’s Safe2Say Something

As students settle in for the new school year, they should know about a resource available if they’re concerned about the wellbeing of themselves or others.

Authorized by the General Assembly, Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” before it is too late.

Students can report concerns by phone at 844-723-2729, by emailing info@safe2saypa.org or on the Safe2Say website, where they can also download the Safe2Say Something app.

Homeland Security Grant Webinar Oct. 15

In times of crisis, faith-based communities are often among the first places people turn for help, hope and support.

Houses of worship, nonprofits, schools and community organizations can learn how to play a vital role before, during and after a crisis via a free Pennsylvania Department of Homeland Security webinar Oct. 15.

Participants will gain practical tools and resources to help their organization respond with compassion, coordination and confidence. Learn more at the webinar registration page.