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In this Update:
Senior Technology Workshop at Bloomsburg Library – August 27th
Whether you’re learning to use a new smartphone, have questions about your tablet, or want to better protect yourself from online scams, I invite you to join me for my Senior Technology Workshop on Thursday, Aug. 27, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Bloomsburg Public Library. This free workshop will provide hands-on assistance with smartphones and tablets, along with practical tips to help you stay safe online and recognize common cyber scams. Staff and volunteers will be available to answer questions and provide one-on-one guidance. Registration is encouraged by calling 570-784-0883. Please remember to bring your smartphone or tablet to the workshop. I hope you’ll join us for this informative event and take advantage of the opportunity to build confidence using today’s technology. Senate Stands with Attorney General, District Attorneys, State Troopers and Police
Second-degree murder is a horrific crime – these are homicides committed while the defendant was also committing another violent felony such as rape, arson, robbery, burglary or kidnapping. Those who commit such an act deserve a punishment that matches. In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that our current sentencing structure for second-degree murder (life without parole in every case) is unconstitutional. The justices gave the General Assembly 120 days to enact legislation correcting the situation. The Senate passed strong bipartisan legislation to address this issue – twice. The Senate’s legislation is supported by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, Pennsylvania District Attorneys, the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association and the Pennsylvania State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police. Unfortunately, House leadership chose not to bring this bipartisan legislation up for a vote. Instead, the House passed a different proposal that raises serious public safety concerns. Among other issues, it could allow a broad range of inmates, including those convicted of the most serious crimes, to seek release under a medical release program that lacks clear safeguards. Pennsylvanians deserve a solution that protects our communities while addressing the Supreme Court’s ruling. I will continue fighting for a strong, common-sense response to the Supreme Court’s decision because the safety of our communities is at stake. Protecting Our Communities from Child Predators and Human Trafficking
Progress is being made in the fight against child predators and human trafficking in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 45, which I supported and which was recently signed into law as Act 41 of 2026, will help Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday and law enforcement officials across the state target and prosecute human trafficking more effectively. This is a huge step forward. And in the new state budget, funding was increased for two key programs overseen by AG Sunday – the Child Predator Interception Unit and the Human Trafficking Enforcement and Prevention program. If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Measure Cracking Down on “CDL Mills” Becomes Law
Legislation drafted after it was learned unauthorized commercial driver’s license (CDL) schools were operating in Pennsylvania is now law, significantly boosting penalties for these “CDL mills.” Act 50 of 2026 increases the maximum civil penalty for operating an unauthorized CDL school from $2,500 to $25,000, giving the state Department of Education a stronger enforcement tool to stop illegal operations and discourage violations. The new law does not impact private employers that provide CDL training to their own employees at no cost. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1295 and Senate Bill 1296 to reinforce tractor trailer safety in the commonwealth. The legislative package reflects new federal regulations and federal legislation to strengthen commercial vehicle operations following allegations of unqualified truck drivers in the country illegally. Read more about improving commercial vehicle safety here. Celebrate National Night Out Across the 27th District on Tuesday
Communities across the 27th Senatorial District will celebrate National Night Out on Tuesday, Aug. 4, bringing neighbors together with local police, firefighters, emergency responders and community organizations for an evening of family-friendly fun. National Night Out is an annual event that strengthens relationships between first responders and the communities they serve while promoting safer, stronger neighborhoods. I encourage everyone to attend their local event and take the opportunity to meet the men and women who help keep our communities safe. National Night Out events across the district include:
Geisinger Internship Program Recognized
Congratulations to Geisinger on being recognized by the Pennsylvania Chamber as one of the Greatest Places to Intern in PA! On Thursday, a recognition ceremony was held at the Capitol, where Ava Yancoskie (Left), James Richtscheit (Center) and Jacinda Rose (Right) joined represented Geisinger’s outstanding internship program. Strong internship opportunities help prepare Pennsylvania’s future workforce by giving students valuable, hands-on experience while strengthening the connection between education and careers. Congratulations to Geisinger and thank you for providing such valuable learning opportunities. Hazleton YMCA Welcomes Families Back
After nearly six years, the doors are once again open at the Hazleton YMCA Mericle Family Center. Community members gathered on Wednesday to celebrate the reopening of the YMCA, which has been closed since the summer of 2019. The facility has been renamed in honor of the Mericle family in recognition of their generous support in bringing this valued community resource back to Hazleton. The reopening marks an exciting new chapter for the YMCA and the many individuals and families who rely on its programs, fitness opportunities and community services. The restored facility will once again serve as a place where residents can stay active, build connections and participate in programs that strengthen the community. Reminder: Public School Facility Grant Applications Due Aug. 7
There is still time for eligible Pennsylvania public school districts and area career and technical schools to apply for funding through the Public School Facility Improvement Grant (PSFIG) Program, but the application window closes Friday, Aug. 7. The program provides funding for significant facility improvement projects, including roof repairs, HVAC upgrades, boilers, plumbing systems, energy-saving projects, health and safety improvements, accessibility upgrades, internet connectivity, demolition, window replacement and more. Grant requests may not exceed $5 million per eligible improvement project. Generally, projects must have a total cost of at least $500,000, although that requirement may be waived for the purchase of automated external defibrillators (AEDs). Projects submitted during the January-March application period are still under consideration and do not need to be resubmitted. Schools that applied previously may submit new project proposals during this current application period. Program guidelines and application information are available through the DCED website. Nominate a Non-Teaching School Employee for a RISE Award
Non-teaching school employees – including paraprofessional, clerical, transportation, food service, custodial, security and health workers – play key roles in keeping our local schools running. If you know an incredible non-teaching employee, you can nominate them for a Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. Find details and a nomination form at the state Department of Education website. Nominations for 2026 close Aug. 30. Organ and Tissue Donation Saves Lives
Saturday is PA Donor Day, a statewide effort to encourage more Pennsylvanians to register as organ donors and support the more than 6,000 people across our commonwealth waiting for a life-saving transplant. The observance is held on August 1 because a single organ donor can save up to eight lives. As someone whose own life has been changed by the gift of organ donation, this cause is deeply personal to me. I have also introduced Senate Bill 124, which would provide a state tax deduction for eligible living organ donors to help offset expenses associated with the donation process and remove barriers for those willing to give the gift of life. PA Donor Day is an important reminder that one decision can have a lasting impact on countless families. You can register to become an organ donor at any time, even if you’re not renewing your driver’s license or ID. Learn more about organ and tissue donation and register to be a donor here. |
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