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In this Update:
U.S. Supreme Court Hears Cases on Fairness in Female Athletics
The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments in two cases involving state laws designed to safeguard women’s sports. Here in Pennsylvania, I co-prime sponsored the Save Women’s Sports Act, which will ensure athletic teams designated for women are reserved for biological females in Pennsylvania’s K–12 and collegiate sports. Senate Bill 9 reinforces the original intent of Title IX by ensuring female athletes are not denied scholarships, placements or opportunities due to unfair competition from biological males. It acknowledges biological realities and helps guarantee a safe, level playing field for women and girls. The bill passed the Senate in May 2025 and is awaiting action in the state House of Representatives. 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications Now Being Accepted
The application period is now open for this year’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, which provides rebates from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults, age 65 or older, and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is accepting applications for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025. Forms and instructions are available online, and eligible Pennsylvanians are encouraged to file their applications via myPATH to ensure their rebates are processed as quickly as possible. Please reach out to any of my district offices with questions, to request a form, or to schedule an appointment for assistance with filing your application. Free Tax Filing Help Available Locally
If you need help preparing your taxes this year, free assistance is available through the Susquehanna Valley United Way’s VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) program, with tax returns prepared by IRS-certified volunteers. Appointments are available Jan. 26 through April 4, 2026. No walk-ins are accepted. VITA sites are available in Bloomsburg, Danville, and Shamokin (appointments and hours vary by location). To schedule: Bloomsburg and Danville – Book online or call (570) 416-2704 and leave a message for a volunteer to return your call. Shamokin – Call (570) 644-6575 Ext. 0. To be prepared, bring photo ID and Social Security cards for you, your spouse, and dependents, along with your tax documents (W-2s, 1099s, and any benefit statements) and bank account information for direct deposit. New to Medicare? Upcoming Info Session in Sunbury, Jan, 23
If you are turning 65 or thinking about retirement, there is an upcoming “New to Medicare” session through PA MEDI (Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight), which offers free, unbiased, easy-to-understand information so you can make informed choices about your coverage. PA MEDI’s specially trained counselors can help you compare Medicare coverage options, including Medigap policies and Medicare Advantage plans, and can also help you apply for Medicare Savings Programs that may reduce your costs. Upcoming Session Please call to register: Your Input Wanted on Program Helping PA Seniors and People with Disabilities
Older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities and their families can find services and support in their community through Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources (PA Link). Public input is wanted on a plan to redesign and improve PA Link. The plan calls for developing performance metrics, expanding call center functionality, deploying volunteers for community engagement and more. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging will hold a listening session Jan. 27, and the public comment period will be open until Feb. 9. You can review the draft plan, submit comments and sign up for the listening session here. Guidance On Avian Influenza
The Pennsylvania Game Commission continues to monitor and respond to cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) affecting wildlife across the Commonwealth, particularly waterfowl and scavenging birds. Snow geese appear to be among the most susceptible species, especially during peak migration periods. To help keep the public safe and support accurate reporting, residents are reminded not to handle sick, injured, or dead wildlife unless authorized to do so, such as during lawful hunting activities. Anyone who encounters wildlife that appears abnormal or deceased should contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission’s Central Dispatch at 1-833-PGC-WILD so the situation can be properly assessed and addressed. The Game Commission is coordinating closely with the Departments of Health and Agriculture and, when needed, has environmental cleanup crews available to safely dispose of infected carcasses. Updates will continue to be shared through official Game Commission channels. Tips for Preparing for Winter Storms and Power Outages
Winter storms are part of Pennsylvania living, and they’re made worse when the power goes out. The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission offers these tips for what to do before and during winter storms:
Learn more about what to do if you lose power during a storm, how to stay safe while waiting for power to be restored and what utilities do to deal with storms here. Deadline Approaching for PennDOT “Innovations Challenge”
How can artificial intelligence (AI) improve work zone safety? That’s the latest Pennsylvania Department of Transportation “Innovations Challenge” for high school students. Students are asked to develop a concept for the use of AI in work zones to dramatically improve safety for work crews and motorists. The concept should take into consideration cost-benefit information, statewide deployment implications and public outreach. Regional winners will be invited to present their solutions to a panel of judges, who will determine the statewide winners. Teams must submit entries by Jan. 30 for a chance at a prize. Rules and submission information can be found here. Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream
Americans of all colors and backgrounds are bound by a love of liberty, a can-do spirit and other ideals that resonate strongly across the United States. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity to recommit to celebrating what brings us together and to seeing each other as fellow citizens, judged by what we do and not what we look like. In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, my offices will be closed on Monday, January 19. Regular office hours will resume on Tuesday, January 20.
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