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In this Update:
New Law Requires AEDs at School Sports Events
Legislation I co-sponsored to help prevent the leading cause of death among young athletes, sudden cardiac arrest, is now law. Senate Bill 375, now Act 17 of 2026, will require automated external defibrillators, or AEDs, to be present at all PIAA-sanctioned athletic events and practices. The law also requires schools to develop and rehearse emergency action plans for cardiac incidents. AEDs are portable, life-saving devices used to restore normal heartbeats with electrical shock. The legislation was introduced after the tragic death of Greg Moyer, who passed away from sudden cardiac arrest during a high school basketball game in East Stroudsburg, Monroe County. Read more about passage of this new law here. Midwifery Modernization Law Supports Mothers and Babies
A new law will help ensure women and families have access to safe, high-quality care throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery by modernizing Pennsylvania’s laws governing midwives. Senate Bill 507, now Act 14 of 2026, updates licensure requirements for certified midwives, improves collaboration with physicians and expands prescription authority in certain circumstances. The law also addresses healthcare shortages in rural and underserved communities by expanding the number of trained professionals available to provide maternal care services. Read more about our work to expand this care for mothers and babies here. Recognizing Central Susquehanna Opportunities During Community Action Month
Central Susquehanna Opportunities brought community partners together Wednesday evening for its Gratitude Gathering in Danville, where I presented a certificate recognizing the organization during Community Action Month. CSO serves as the Community Action Agency for Columbia, Montour and Northumberland counties, helping individuals and families through advocacy, direct service and outreach programs. Their work supports self-sufficiency, economic opportunity and access to important resources related to poverty, housing, nutrition and other community needs. Thank you to CSO for having me as part of this special gathering and for the work you do every day to strengthen our communities. I also want to recognize CSO’s staff, volunteers, board members, partners and program participants for their continued commitment to helping individuals and families across Columbia, Montour and Northumberland counties. Discussing Senior Services at Benton Senior Center
Tuesday morning at the Benton Senior Center, I had the opportunity to meet with local seniors and talk about the issues and services that matter most to them. The discussion focused on funding for senior programs, services available to older adults and the challenges many residents are facing at both the state and federal levels. I also had the opportunity to hear directly from those in attendance about their concerns, experiences and ideas for how we can better support seniors in our communities. Senior centers play an important role in helping older adults stay connected, informed and active. Thank you to Catherine Deans and everyone at the Benton Senior Center for hosting this conversation and for the work they do to serve local residents. Celebrating 80 Years of American Paper & Supply
American Paper & Supply in Berwick is celebrating a remarkable milestone this year, and on Tuesday, I visited the company to recognize them for 80 years of serving businesses, organizations and community events throughout our region. During my visit, I presented a Senate citation in honor of their anniversary and was able to tour the warehouse and learn more about the work of this long-standing local business. Founded in 1946, American Paper & Supply has grown from a small local company into a trusted supplier for restaurants, businesses and organizations across the area. Congratulations to American Paper & Supply on 80 years in business. Local employers like this are an important part of our communities, and I wish the company continued success in the years ahead. Happy 529 Day: Last Chance to Enter PA 529 Giveaway
Happy 529 Day! May 29, or 5/29, is a fitting reminder for families to think about how they can save for future education and career training costs through PA 529 accounts. This year, I introduced a Senate resolution designating May 29, 2026, as “College and Career Savings Day” in Pennsylvania to help raise awareness about the tools available to families planning for a child’s future. Families have until Sunday, May 31, to take part in this year’s PA 529 Day promotion. PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan and PA 529 Investment Plan accounts that receive a qualifying contribution of at least $10 between May 1 and May 31, 2026, will automatically be eligible for a chance to win one of six regional awards of $5,529. Accounts must be open on or before May 31, and the account owner must be a Pennsylvania resident. PA 529 accounts can be used for many post-high school education and training options, including vocational and career schools, community colleges and four-year universities. Benefits may include a Pennsylvania state income tax deduction for contributions, no minimum contribution to get started and no impact on Pennsylvania state financial aid. Families who are interested in learning more, opening an account or viewing the official rules can visit the PA 529 website. Local Carnival Season is Underway
Summer carnival season is beginning across our region, with several community events scheduled in the coming weeks. These events are a great opportunity to support local fire companies, community organizations and volunteers while enjoying food, entertainment and family-friendly activities close to home. Upcoming local events include: East Berwick Carnival Turbotville Area Community Carnival Warrior Run Fireman’s Carnival Benton Fireman’s Carnival Hillbilly Fever Days Carnival – Hosted by Beavertown Hose and Rescue Co. I encourage residents to check with event organizers for the latest updates before attending, especially in the event of weather-related changes. These local traditions bring our communities together and help support the volunteers and organizations that serve our region throughout the year. Improving Stream Maintenance, Reducing Flood Hazards
Legislation to give counties and municipalities more flexibility in handling flood-related hazards and obstructions was passed by the Senate in March and now awaits action in the House of Representatives. Currently, entering streams to remove obstructions requires a permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection, a process that is lengthy, tedious and inefficient. Senate Bill 403 would allow local government organizations to apply for an extended permit, allowing maintenance to continue for 10 years or more. Senate Bill 404 would allow counties to obtain emergency maintenance permits in consultation with their county conservation district. Read more about how these bills will help protect against flooding here. Hearing Examines Bill Ensuring Lead-Free Drinking Water in Schools
A recent Senate hearing examined legislation I co-sponsored to help ensure Pennsylvania students have access to safe, lead-free drinking water in schools. The Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee discussed Senate Bill 759, which would require school districts to replace outdated drinking fountains with lead-filtering hydration stations by 2028 while providing funding mechanisms to help schools cover implementation costs. Committee members heard testimony from experts in environmental advocacy, public health, plumbing and pediatric medicine on the dangers of lead exposure and the need for preventative action in schools across Pennsylvania. Watch the hearing and read testimony here. Read more about the hearing and Senate Bill 759 here. Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Kicks Off in June
Beginning in June, the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program offers vouchers to eligible seniors age 60 and older to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets. Vouchers are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Seniors should contact their county Aging office to apply and find out when and where vouchers are being distributed. For those in the 27th District, local Aging office information is below, including specific email contacts for this program and how each office is handling distribution. Columbia and Montour Counties Luzerne County Northumberland County Snyder County Residents can find more information about the program, participating markets and voucher details through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Click here for details and where to find participating markets. You can find additional aging offices and voucher information here. Recapping Mammo May 2026
As we wrap up Mammo May, Mammography Month, I hope you or the women you know are better informed on the importance of early breast cancer detection. Some resources to keep handy: No-Cost Screenings Information Most mammograms take about 20 minutes. Please spread the word and share this important information from the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. Residents can also visit the PA Breast Cancer Coalition’s 67 Women, 67 Counties: Facing Breast Cancer in Pennsylvania traveling photo exhibit at the Degenstein Community Library in Sunbury through Monday, June 1. The exhibit shares the stories of breast cancer survivors from across Pennsylvania and serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection, treatment, support and hope. |
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