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In this Update:
Department of Health Withdraws Overbearing Health Regulations After Public Outcry
The Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) withdrew proposed health regulations that would have vastly expanded state government’s power over the lives of Pennsylvanians, a tremendous victory for the grassroots efforts of commonwealth citizens. Shortly before the regulations were withdrawn, more than 10,000 citizens, school officials and others submitted comments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission expressing their serious concerns. I submitted my own feedback to the commission and joined my colleagues in a another letter, warning the changes would infringe on our constitutional rights. The proposed regulations would have given the state more power to enter homes and businesses without a warrant, speak to students without parents present, access private health records, unilaterally impose mask mandates and more. The DOH introduced the massive, 502-page regulatory overhaul without input from the public or the General Assembly. Although these regulations were withdrawn, we must remain vigilant – the governor’s DOH could resubmit them at any time. Protecting the Right to Hunt, Fish & Trap in Pennsylvania
Currently, 24 state constitutions protect the right to hunt and 26 protect the right to fish. I’ve introduced legislation to ensure the rights of hunting, fishing and trapping are never undermined here in the commonwealth, by including them in the Pennsylvania Constitution. Hunting, fishing and trapping are an important part of our heritage and way of life. They contribute to wildlife management and habitat conservation. We must ensure these rights are protected in perpetuity. Senate Passes Measures to Boost Protection of Senior Citizens
The state Department of Aging has been under review by the Pennsylvania auditor general and inspector general over concerns for the well-being of seniors being taken care of by Pennsylvania’s 52 county-based Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). The Senate approved legislation that would build on the release of Auditor General Tim DeFoor’s recent audit and implement proper safeguards for older Pennsylvanians. Senate Bill 1376 would:
The Senate also passed legislation to update Pennsylvania’s Older Adult Protective Services Act to better protect seniors from financial abuse and scams. The FBI ranked Pennsylvania ninth in total losses to fraud experienced by older adults in 2025. More than 7,000 seniors were defrauded of more than $200 million, representing a 43% jump from 2024. Senate Bill 738 would require financial institutions to report suspected cases of elder financial abuse and empower the institutions to hold suspicious financial transactions. The institution would have to report this transaction to the appropriate AAA. Similar legislation has been passed in more than 20 states and has been used as an effective tool to prevent fraud. Read more about Senate Bill 738 here. Legislation to Ban “Nudification” Apps Passed by Senate
Continuing our work to implement stronger safeguards on artificial intelligence, legislation to ban “nudification” apps – which allow individuals to take an image of someone and generate a fake nude or sexually explicit photo of that person – was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 1368 prohibits such apps from being developed, operated or made available in Pennsylvania, including through online application marketplaces. These apps serve no legitimate purpose and pose a special risk to children and school students, whose lives can be upended and reputations damaged through the malicious use of this technology. The measure will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Learn more about Senate Bill 1368 here. 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! Strategies to Combat Antisemitism and Hate Highlighted at Senate Hearing
Educators, parents and advocacy organizations shared their experiences with antisemitism and explored strategies to combat hate during a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee. According to the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) 2025 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, Pennsylvania recorded 281 antisemitic incidents, the fifth highest number in the nation. Harassment accounted for 70% of these cases — 194 incidents — alongside 80 acts of vandalism and seven physical assaults. It’s believed these incidents are grossly underreported because victims fear for their safety. Testifiers discussed how antisemitism can take root in schools, noting the state Department of Education doesn’t track or require administrators to note when an incident is antisemitic, leaving students and parents without a way to seek justice. Video of the full hearing and written testimony are available on the Senate Majority Policy Committee’s website. Thanks to Dickinson Law Professor and PA Human Relations Commission member Andrea Martin for sharing her expertise with the committee. Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grants Available
Pennsylvania students who are blind, deaf or have a visual or hearing impairment may qualify for up to $500 in scholarships through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Applicants must supply written documentation to PHEAA showing they have been evaluated and are eligible to receive benefits and supply a completed Medical Professional Certification form regarding a visual or hearing impairment. Interested students must also complete the Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant Application. The completed 2026-27 application and additional documentation must be submitted by March 31, 2027. Around the Capitol: National Royalty, Fair Royalty, Boy Scouts & Entrepreneurs
I had the pleasure of hosting Cumberland County’s own Ms. Wheelchair America 2027, Jamie Clendening and her family at the Capitol this week. I was incredibly proud to share her many accomplishments with my Senate colleagues and explain the impact she’s making across the commonwealth and beyond. After being crowned Ms. Wheelchair Pennsylvania, Jamie earned the national title based on her advocacy, leadership and achievements. In her new role, she serves as a national spokeswoman and is focused on improving healthcare access. Jamie is nothing short of an inspiration. She’s always working to educate the public and empower those with disabilities. She’s a regional champion advocate and peer mentor for the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation and founded “I Can and I Wheel,” an online resource and support community.
I was pleased to welcome Jovi Ramsey, the 2026 Gratz Fair Queen, to the PA Senate this week. Jovi is an impressive young woman with a bright future ahead of her.
It was wonderful to catch up with scouts and leaders from the New Birth of Freedom Troop 91, Liverpool, Perry County!
I continue to be inspired by the innovation and entrepreneurship in our community. My meeting with Backpack Yogurt this week was no exception. Backpack Yogurt is a local family business, born out of passion and risk, like so many new businesses. What they’ve built, driven by their vision for better nutrition access, is impressive. Revolutionizing convenience in the snack space, they produce America’s only shelf stable yogurt made with natural ingredients. I appreciate the Baysal’s taking the time to share their story and their product with me. I look forward to sharing it with others. Celebrating Cumberland County’s Newest Eagle Scout
Congratulations to Cumberland County’s newest Eagle Scout, Matthew Ness of Troop 168, in Carlisle. I was glad to present a PA Senate Citation during his Court of Honor this week, in recognition of this remarkable achievement. Matthew has served as den chief and has been instrumental in helping younger scouts grow in the scouting program. He managed a team of 30 scouts to clear the narthex basement at St. Patrick Church, a significant and time-sensitive project that allowed the church’s renovation to stay on schedule. It was an honor to help celebrate Matthew’s many accomplishments with his family and friends. Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Don’t Miss Your Mammogram!
The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk begin annual screening mammograms at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, talk with your healthcare provider about whether earlier or additional screening may be appropriate. To help, we passed Act 1 of 2023 to ensure supplemental breast cancer screening MRIs and ultrasound for individuals at higher risk are covered with no out-of-pocket costs. We also passed Act 52 of 2025 to eliminate all out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic breast imaging, including mammograms, MRIs and ultrasounds needed to evaluate an abnormal finding. Act 52 is currently beginning the implementation process, with full implementation by January 2028. Pennsylvania residents without insurance or limited insurance, like a high-deductible plan, may qualify for no-cost mammograms and follow-up imaging through programs such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To learn more, contact the PA Breast Cancer Coalition’s Director of Patient Advocacy Dolores Magro at 800-377-8828. When breast cancer is detected at its earliest stages, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. Don’t miss your mammogram. Early detection saves lives! |
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