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In this update:
Department of Health Withdraws Overbearing Regulations
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s 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 Shortly before the regulations were withdrawn, more than 10,000 citizens, school officials and others submitted comments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission expressing their serious concerns.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 also joined my constituents and submitted a letter to the commission warning that 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 Although these regulations were withdrawn, we must remain vigilant – the governor’s DOH could resubmit them at any time. Over $23 million in Road Repairs Coming to Southern York County
Thanks to the effective leadership of Senate Republicans in the 2026-27 budget, we identified unutilized tax dollars within PennDOT and forced them to put it to use where it matters most – back into our rural roads and bridges. Over the next 18 months, PennDOT will be disbursing an additional $775 million to shovel-ready Rapid Deployment Projects across the Commonwealth, including more than $23 million for southern York County. PASSED! 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. PASSED! “Nudification” Apps Ban
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. In the District & Harrisburg
After 46 years of incredible service, Windsor Township Manager, Jenny Gunnet, has officially retired. Jenny’s inspiring career began as a part-time employee during high school, several years with the police department, eventually leading to her highly successful 23-year tenure as Township Manager. It was an honor to present her a Senate Citation recognizing her extraordinary impact on the community. Thank you, Jenny, for your decades of leadership and devotion. You will be missed greatly and are wished the absolute best in your well-deserved retirement!
I had a wonderful time seeing my good friends at the Stewartstown Senior Center! Thank you very much for having me and sharing your concerns.
Congratulations to all the Spirit of Youth Award winners and thank you to Central York Communities that Care for such a great event. It was an honor to meet and congratulate the recipients and thank them for their significant contributions that made a difference in the Central York School District community!
It’s always a good time with the Old Fire Farts of York County – yes, that is their official name! I would like to congratulate them on another successful fire muster and the First Responder Scholarship awardees for their achievement!
I had the wonderful opportunity to meet with constituents from the Women’s Friendship Circle today as they toured our beautiful Capitol! Schedule your tour of the state Capitol on my website. 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. 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. On Deck
The Senate of Pennsylvania reconvenes on Monday, October 5, at 1 p.m. Follow me on X for the latest updates on session convening times. You can watch Senate votes and view our agenda here. October Mobile Office Hours
Thursday, Oct. 15 We look forward to bringing these resources directly to the community and helping residents access the support they deserve. Learn more about special events that will prioritize certain state-related services throughout the year at our mobile offices. 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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