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In this update:
Fast-Tracked Regulations for Shapiro’s Dept. of Health Need to be Stopped
With the public comment period deadline fast approaching (Sept. 21), I encourage you to speak up and submit your comments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission regarding recently proposed broad new health regulations. These new regulations being pursued by Gov. Josh Shapiro and his Department of Health would give state bureaucrats far more power to enter our homes, businesses, schools and doctor’s offices without a warrant. The regulations also propose allowing the Department of Health to speak to students without parental consent, access private health records, and impose mask mandates. These proposed regulations are being pursued unilaterally by the governor outside of the legislative process – without input from me or my colleagues. You can read the immense 502-page regulatory proposal here. We cannot allow any actions like we saw taken unilaterally by the executive branch during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to be put in place. The draconian shutdowns and overly restrictive mandates that impeded the lives and livelihoods of every Pennsylvanian during COVID should never return to the commonwealth. Share the update with your family, friends, and fellow concerned neighbors here. How to Address Second-Degree Murder – DA Barker Weighs In
My latest episode of Kristin’s Corner explores a recent state Supreme Court ruling that deemed second-degree murder unconstitutional in Pennsylvania. The Senate approved two bills with bipartisan support to address the court’s ruling. Unfortunately, the issue has languished in the House of Representatives, where the fate of more than 1,100 convicted murderers is now in limbo. I recently sat down with Stella Getgen, the wife of second-degree murder victim Todd Getgen, and York County District Attorney Tim Barker to discuss the effects of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s ruling and how Harrisburg politics is getting in the way of a bipartisan solution. Be sure to watch on Facebook and YouTube or listen on Apple and Spotify. Remembering 9/11 25 Years Later
On Sept. 11, 2001, terrorists highjacked four airliners on America’s east coast and turned them into deadly missiles, ultimately taking the lives of nearly 3,000 citizens in the name of Islamic fundamentalism. Filled with passengers, two of the planes were flown into the World Trade Center towers in New York City and another into the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. The fourth, perhaps destined to strike the White House or U.S. Capitol, was brought down in Somerset County by brave passengers who fought back. Twenty-five years later, we recall the shock and anger over the attack, the grief over lives taken and the resolve to prevent another act of that scale. I hope we also remember the nation coming together in response, and the power of a unified people facing adversity. As the number of people who experienced this event declines, it becomes more important to dedicate ourselves to never letting that day slip from our nation’s memory. This week, several runners with the Tunnel to Towers Foundation traveled through Glen Rock as part of a 485-mile relay that includes stops at the Flight 93 National Memorial in Shanksville, PA, the Pentagon in Washington, D.C., and Ground Zero in New York City, NY. The program raises funds to support and honor First Responders, Veterans, and their families all across our nation. Thank you to so many from the Glen Rock community, including the Glen Rock Hose & Ladder Co., for supporting these runners and their noble cause! You can view more photos from the event on Facebook. Celebrating Inaugural Graduating Class of Jersey College School of Nursing
It was an honor to serve as the commencement address speaker for the inaugural graduating class of the Jersey College School of Nursing. This partnership between WellSpan Health and Jersey College creates a pipeline of medical professionals who can immediately fill the void in our medical community. As our region continues to grow in population, so do our healthcare needs. I encouraged the graduates, who took a leap of faith in attending a new school, to continue to say “yes” to challenges they may face. Our community is grateful they chose York County for their education, and I look forward to seeing them all succeed in their vocation. Protecting Children and Families from AI Deception
It is 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, and 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
“I am calling about your extended car warranty.” No one likes receiving those calls. Legislation we unanimously passed enacting stronger protections from deceptive telemarketing practices will take effect next month. 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:
The legislation also prohibits the use of AI-generated messages to deceive consumers. The new law takes effect Oct. 19. How PA Continues to Buck Northeast Trends
Earlier this week, I spoke to a large group of industry leaders and job creators about how Pennsylvania continues to buck trends of other states in the Northeast. We are seeing surrounding states raise taxes, punish job creators, enact new burdensome regulations, and drive away innovation and opportunities for the next generation. Pennsylvania has a growing economy, our budgets have not included tax hikes, and several pro-transparency and pro-taxpayer reforms have been enacted over the last few years that streamline the permitting process and allow every taxpayer to track from start to finish any permit or professional license from the state. September is Hunger Action Month – Get Involved!
The York County Food Bank is always looking for volunteers to serve our community. My team and I volunteer with the food bank throughout the year to distribute meals to hundreds of families across southern York County. As part of Hunger Action Month, my team, pictured above alongside Oliver – one of the volunteer leads – volunteered to provide food that will feed more than 800 families in our community. If you or someone you know is interested in volunteering with the York County Food Bank, please sign up here. 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. 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. PennDOT to Attend Mobile Office Hours Next Week in Penn Twp.
Thursday, Sept. 17 I am pleased to host representatives from PennDOT at our mobile office hours next week. If you have a question regarding a road, bridge, or highway construction project, or any issues with licensing or registration, please stop out at our mobile office in Penn Township! Mobile Mammography Unit Coming to East York on Oct. 1
Thursday, Oct. 1 October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I will be partnering with WellSpan Health to offer mammograms! Appointments are required. Visit WellSpan Health’s website or call (717) 466-2666 to schedule yours! Upcoming PennDOT Maintenance Projects
Most weeks, PennDOT provides me with its upcoming maintenance schedule. While my team and I aim to keep this information up to date, please note that the page may not always reflect the latest changes. For the most accurate details, I recommend checking back on Friday afternoons or over the weekend, as we usually receive updates from PennDOT on Fridays. You can view the full list here to see if any roadwork might impact you and your family. |
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