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In this Update:
Nonprofit Grant Seminar Held in DanvilleOn Thursday, I hosted a Nonprofit Organization Grant Seminar at The Barn at Frosty Valley in Danville on Thursday to help local organizations learn more about funding opportunities and available resources. Nonprofit organizations play an important role in our communities by supporting families, helping neighbors in need, providing educational and cultural opportunities, strengthening local services and improving quality of life across our region. Many of these organizations are doing important work with limited resources, and grant funding can be one way to help them continue serving residents. The seminar gave attendees the opportunity to learn more about the grant process, available programs and ways to identify funding opportunities that may fit their organization’s needs. It was also a chance to bring information directly to local leaders and organizations that are already working hard to serve our communities. I want to thank everyone who attended, as well as those who helped make the event possible, including Joe Marsicano, the Senate’s Funding and Resource Specialist; Bri Apfelbaum Kula with the 1994 Charles B. Degenstein Foundation; and Kara Seesholtz with the Community Giving Foundation. I especially appreciate Brie and Kara for sharing their perspectives as funders and offering insight into what they look for when reviewing grant applications. Thank you also the hardworking staff The Barn at Frosty Valley for their hospitality. My office will continue working to connect local governments, nonprofits, first responders and community organizations with information about resources that may help support their work. Resident and organizations interested in learning more about available grant opportunities can sign up for me Grant Funding Newsletter and use the Request a letter of support page on my website for eligible grant applications. Recognizing Our Lady of Lourdes Girls Basketball
I had the opportunity on Monday to recognize the Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School girls basketball team for an outstanding season and present a Senate citation honoring their accomplishments. The team received the citation for winning the 2025-26 PIAA District IV Class A Girls Basketball Championship. This marked their second consecutive district title, which they earned with a 59-45 victory over Benton High School. The team also advanced to the semifinal round of the state tournament, won its first Schuylkill League championship and finished the season with an impressive 28-3 record. Under the leadership of Head Coach Michael Klemhara and Assistant Coaches Damian Schroyer, Matt Reiprish and Lyndsey Thompson McClain, these student-athletes demonstrated commitment, teamwork and perseverance throughout the season. Congratulations to the players, coaches, families and everyone at Our Lady of Lourdes Regional School who helped support this successful season. Their hard work brought great credit to themselves, their school and their community. Cutting Costs for PA Drivers by Ending Outdated Emissions Testing
The Senate approved legislation to end Pennsylvania’s annual vehicle emissions testing requirement in the 25 counties, including Luzerne, where it currently applies. Supporters estimate the change would save Pennsylvania drivers about $160 million each year. Senate Bill 1298 would remove all 25 counties currently subjected to annual emissions testing. It also clarifies that no additional counties can be added into the program, protecting Pennsylvania vehicle owners. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 1298 here. Ending State Funding for Gender Transition of Children
Legislation to end state funding for the gender transition of children was approved by the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. The measure follows recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services stating gender-related medical interventions for minors do not meet professionally recognized standards of care. Senate Bill 1321 would require the state to withhold Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program funding for any procedure conflicting with federal standards. At least half of U.S. states have passed similar laws. The U.K. banned the use of puberty blockers and sex-reassignment surgeries for minors in 2024. The measure now heads to the full Senate for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 1321. Committee Acts to Bolster Support of Constitutional Right to Bear Arms
The Senate continued its work to reinforce Second Amendment protections with committee approval of legislation to allow law‑abiding adults who are legally permitted to own a firearm to carry concealed without the need for a government‑issued permit. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 357, which also preserves an optional License to Carry Firearms for reciprocity with other states and modernizes the permitting process by reducing investigation time from 45 to 14 days, updating terminology and removing outdated disqualifiers while keeping all prohibitions for individuals who may not legally possess a firearm. The full Senate recently passed Senate Bill 822 to prevent local governments from undermining constitutional rights by enacting firearms ordinances that are more restrictive than those established by the General Assembly. Read more about our efforts to protect your Second Amendment rights here. Capitol Tour Guide Position Available
The Senate of Pennsylvania is accepting applications for a full-time Tour Guide position at the State Capitol in Harrisburg. This salaried position begins at $40,100 and includes benefits. Tour guides conduct tours of the Capitol Building, provide guest services to visitors and assist with operations in the Capitol Gift Shop. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys meeting people, sharing Pennsylvania history and helping visitors experience one of the most beautiful and historic Capitol buildings in the country. Qualified candidates should have excellent verbal communication and interpersonal skills, the ability to interact with visitors from diverse backgrounds, and a friendly, professional and courteous approach to public service. Applicants should also be able to navigate the physical layout of the Capitol tour route, work well with co-workers, legislators and staff, maintain confidentiality and meet professional office standards, including wearing the Tour Guide vest and badge. Interested candidates a should send a resume to Capitol Visitor Services Director Penny Wolfe by close of business on Wednesday, May 27, 2026. Operation Yellow Jacket Returns to Work Zones
The Pennsylvania State Police and PennDOT are again partnering this construction season through Operation Yellow Jacket, an effort to improve safety in active highway work zones. As part of the initiative, state police troopers may be stationed inside PennDOT vehicles in work zones to monitor for unsafe driving, including speeding, tailgating, distracted driving and other violations. If a violation is observed, the trooper can notify another trooper in a marked patrol vehicle to initiate a traffic stop. This effort is about protecting both highway workers and the traveling public. In 2025, PennDOT recorded 1,393 work zone crashes in Pennsylvania, resulting in 12 fatalities and 49 serious injuries. Since 1970, PennDOT has lost 93 workers in the line of duty. Drivers are reminded to slow down, turn on their headlights, obey posted speed limits and follow signs and flaggers in work zones. Fines for certain violations are doubled in active work zones, and drivers traveling 11 mph or more above the posted work zone speed limit can face an automatic 15-day license suspension. Please stay alert, avoid distractions and be patient when traveling through work zones. A few extra minutes of caution can help save lives. Remove Invasive Plants, Get a Free Native Replacement
Registration is open for the opportunity to receive free native trees and shrubs by removing invasive plants from your property. You can participate in the Pennsylvania Invasive Replace-ive Program by removing an invasive tree or shrub from your property or with permission from a property owner (such as a park, library or school), taking a photo of the removed plants and attending an event to receive a replacement plant. It’s available on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last. Learn more and register here. Save for Education and the Opportunity to Win $5,529
As chair of the Senate Education Committee, I believe strongly in helping students and families plan for the education and training pathways that best fit their goals. That includes college, career and technical education, apprenticeships, credential programs and other opportunities that prepare students for success. The State Treasurer recently announced the fifth annual PA 529 Day Promotion, which is running throughout May. Pennsylvania families who contribute at least $10 to their PA 529 account this month could be eligible to win one of six regional awards of $5,529 to help boost their education savings. The PA 529 College and Career Savings Program is a tax-advantaged way for families to save for a wide variety of education expenses, including technical training, college, apprenticeships, credential programs and K-12 expenses. Saving with a PA 529 account does not impact eligibility for Pennsylvania state financial aid. Families can choose between the PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan, which helps families save at today’s tuition rates to cover tomorrow’s tuition expenses, or the PA 529 Investment Plan, which offers a variety of investment options. Find official rules and learn more about how to make an eligible contribution here. Mammo May: No-Cost Breast Cancer Screenings and Diagnostic Imaging
In Pennsylvania, we’ve enacted laws to cover breast cancer screenings and diagnostic breast imaging at no cost for individuals with state-regulated insurance. I urge women to take advantage of these potentially lifesaving laws. Under Act 1 of 2023, supplemental screenings including breast MRI, ultrasounds and BRCA-related genetic testing and counseling are covered at no cost for those with an increased risk who are insured under PA law. Under Act 52 of 2025, which is currently in the implementation stage, diagnostic breast imaging including diagnostic mammograms, breast MRI and ultrasounds are covered at no cost for individuals insured under state law who are of average risk or higher. During Mammography May, I am also inviting residents whose lives have been impacted by breast cancer to share their stories with my office through the contact page on my website. Whether you are a survivor, currently facing a diagnosis, caring for a loved one or honoring someone’s memory, your story can help encourage others to make their health a priority. Learn more about no-cost screenings here. Learn more about no-cost diagnostic imaging here. Information on no-cost mammograms for those without insurance can be found here. |
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