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In this Update:
Senate Votes to Help Fire and EMS Departments
The Senate passed legislation to address Pennsylvania’s volunteer firefighter shortage and fix recent issues with emergency services grant funding. Senate Bill 466 would allow job training credits to count toward Firefighter I Certification, giving volunteer recruits a more flexible pathway to credentialing. It would also correct a recent administrative error that led to a number of Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services grants being rescinded. Many departments had already budgeted for those funds, and the bill would ensure they receive the support they were promised. To prevent similar issues, the bill would also establish a one-time, 15-day grace period – available once every three years – for fire and EMS companies to submit required reports without needing to demonstrate undue hardship. It moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. A reminder to fire companies, EMS, and rescue squads:
In addition, I’ll be joining Representative Michael Stender and volunteer firefighter Eric Frantz for a public forum on Monday, May 19, from 6:00 to 7:30 PM at Route 61 Events (1437 PA-61, Sunbury). The event is free and open to the public and will focus on practical solutions for firefighter recruitment and youth engagement. We’ll spotlight successful programs like the Danville Area High School firefighting club and explore ways to strengthen our local fire service.
Committee Examines School Truancy and Absenteeism
The Senate Education Committee recently held a public hearing to examine the rising issue of chronic absenteeism and truancy in Pennsylvania schools. Testimony from educators, district judges, school counselors, and human services officials focused on the complex reasons students disengage and the steps schools can take to intervene earlier. Key topics included:
Addressing absenteeism is not just about attendance—it’s about supporting the whole student. I appreciate everyone who shared their experience and expertise. The insight gained from this hearing will guide future legislative efforts to ensure every student stays connected to their education. Bill Ensuring Sportsmen’s Rights are Protected Receives Senate Support
Legislation to protect sportsmen’s rights by aligning state law with the federal and state constitution passed the Senate and is headed to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Pennsylvania Game Code contains sections indicating it is unlawful to refuse to answer questions from representatives of the Game Commission. However, that violates the United States and Pennsylvania constitutions, which ensure no person may be “compelled in any criminal case to be a witness against himself” and “he cannot be compelled to give evidence against himself.” Senate Bill 518 would remove the offending sections, ensuring the protection of sportsmen’s constitutional rights. Protect Yourself from Ticks This Season
With warmer weather comes increased risk for tick bites—and in Pennsylvania, that means a rise in tickborne diseases like Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and others. The Department of Health reports a sustained increase in tick-related emergency room visits statewide. In 2023 alone, more than 16,000 Lyme disease cases were reported across all 67 counties. Here are a few ways to protect yourself and your family this spring and summer:
If you are bitten, remove the tick promptly with fine-tipped tweezers and monitor for symptoms. Not all ticks carry disease, but early detection matters. Pennsylvania residents can also have ticks tested for common pathogens through TickLab, operated by East Stroudsburg University. Testing can help identify whether the tick was carrying Lyme or other illnesses, giving you more information to share with your healthcare provider. To learn more or submit a tick for testing, visit: For general prevention, identification, or treatment resources, visit: Win Money for Your Child’s Education
In honor of PA 529 Day on May 29, Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity invites families to contribute $10 or more to their child’s PA 529 account in May to be automatically eligible for one of six regional awards of $5,529. PA 529 plans allow families to use their savings to pay for a wide variety of education expenses, including at any qualified educational institution, from K-12 to college and career training programs. If the child doesn’t pursue education, the beneficiary can be updated to certain family members or used to repay the principal and interest on a qualified education loan for a PA 529 beneficiary or sibling. Anyone – parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and family friends – can contribute to a PA 529 plan. Saving with PA 529 does not impact a student’s eligibility for Pennsylvania state financial aid. Learn more. Election Day is Tuesday, May 20
Election Day is Tuesday, May 20, and polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. If you are in line by 8 p.m., you will be able to vote. If you applied for a mail-in or absentee ballot, your county election office must receive it by Tuesday, May 20, at 8 p.m. Track your ballot to confirm it was received. Any voter who requested to vote using a mail-in or absentee ballot but would prefer to vote in person may do so. Bring the ballot and the envelope to surrender at the polls. If you don’t have those materials, you may vote using a provisional ballot. Call 1-877-VOTESPA (1-877-868-3772) if you experience any issues.
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