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In this Update:
Townhall Meeting on Proposed PPL Transmission Line
I will be joining Representatives Dane Watro and Jamie Walsh to host a public townhall meeting on the proposed Sugarloaf PPL 500kV Transmission Line Project. The meeting will take place on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, at 5:30 PM at Hazleton Area High School Auditorium, 1601 West 23rd Street, Hazle Township. This event will give residents and property owners the chance to learn more about the project, understand their rights and available resources, and share their concerns directly with us. The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate will also be present to provide important information and answer questions. This meeting is about making sure residents have a voice and access to clear information. Our goal is to provide answers and ensure local property owners are fully supported as this process moves forward. If you would like more information, please contact my Bloomsburg Office at 570-784-3464 or my Luzerne County Office at 570-387-4267. Celebrating Central Columbia Girls’ 1600-Meter Relay Team
On Monday, I had the privilege of welcoming some of the members – past and present – of the Central Columbia High School Girls’ 1600-Meter Relay Team, as well as their coaches, family members, and Principal Adam Comstock to the Capitol for recognition of an amazing accomplishment. These outstanding student athletes won four consecutive PIAA State Championships in the Class AA Girls’ 1600-Meter Relay event from 2022 through 2025. In total, seven young women contributed to this remarkable legacy:
Additionally, the coaches that lead these young athletes to victory over the years are:
This incredible achievement is the result of years of hard work, discipline, and teamwork. I commend these athletes, the coaches, and everyone who supported them along the way. Their success is an inspiration not only to their school community in Bloomsburg but to the entire Commonwealth. Click here to watch my introduction of the team during Senate session. As consecutive state champions, they earned the privilege of being seated on the Senate floor for this recognition. Honoring Revolutionary War Patriot Jacob Gearhart
This past weekend, I was honored to join members of the Riverside Borough Council, the Daughters of the American Revolution, and community residents at the dedication of a new marker and park in honor of Captain Jacob Gearhart. Captain Gearhart served in the New Jersey Militia during the American Revolution and played a key role in securing boats for General Washington’s troops to cross the Delaware River in December 1776. After the war, he settled in the area, operating the earliest ferry between Danville and Riverside, which contributed to commerce and development in the region. The new Jacob Gearhart Park and historical marker stand as a lasting reminder of his service and his contributions to the community. It was a privilege to be part of this America250 celebration and to honor his enduring legacy. Reverend Lisa Amspacher Work Serves as Guest Chaplain
On Tuesday, I welcomed The Reverend Lisa Amspacher Work, Rector of Christ Memorial Episcopal Church in Danville, as the Senate’s guest chaplain . Rev. Work offered a beautiful prayer to open our session, and it was a pleasure to meet her and her husband, Mark. I am grateful for her service to our community and for sharing her time with us in Harrisburg. You can watch the prayer and my introduction of Rev. Work here. Resolution Designates September as Histiocytosis Awareness Month
This week, I was proud to speak on a resolution I sponsored, Senate Resolution 146, designating September 2025 as Histiocytosis Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. Histiocytosis is a rare group of disorders that occurs when the body overproduces white blood cells known as histiocytes. This can lead to organ damage and, in some cases, tumor formation. While medical research in recent decades has greatly advanced our understanding of these conditions, they remain little known and are often misdiagnosed. The World Health Organization now classifies several of these disorders as rare cancers. For the children, families, and adults living with histiocytic disorders, awareness can make a critical difference in early detection, treatment, and support. By designating this awareness month, we shine a light on these rare conditions, support continued research, and stand alongside Pennsylvanians affected by them. You can watch my remarks about the resolution here. Promoting Rail Safety Across Pennsylvania
I was also pleased to sponsor Senate Resolution 148 designating September 15–21, 2025, as Rail Safety Week in Pennsylvania. This designation is part of a nationwide awareness campaign, “See Tracks? Think Train”, which is dedicated to reducing collisions, injuries, and fatalities at highway-rail crossings, as well as preventing trespassing on or near railroad tracks. Although significant progress has been made, a train still strikes a person or vehicle about every three hours in the United States. These are tragedies that can be prevented through awareness, education, and personal responsibility. I want to thank Loni Martz Briner, Public Relations and Media Manager for North Shore Railroad Company & Affiliates, for making the trip to Harrisburg to raise awareness about this issue. I look forward to working with her to continue spreading this lifesaving message. You can watch my remarks on the resolution here. Protecting Animals from Painful Experiments
The Senate unanimously approved legislation aimed at protecting dogs and cats from painful, taxpayer-funded experiments. Senate Bill 381, also known as the Beagle Bill, would:
Senate Bill 381 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. School Bus Bill Improves Safety for Pennsylvania Children
Legislation to improve school bus safety and better protect children traveling to and from school was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 65 increases the required stopping distance from 10 feet to 15 feet for drivers approaching from the opposite direction when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing. It also raises penalties for violations, including higher fines and license suspensions for repeat offenders, and mandates additional driver education or examinations. It also establishes penalties for drivers who fail to prepare to stop when a school bus activates its flashing amber lights, adding an important layer of accountability. During Operation Safe Stop in October 2024, law enforcement and bus drivers across 22 school districts reported 131 violations in a single day, underscoring the urgency of these reforms. Senate Approves Bill to Expunge COVID-Era Citations
The Senate approved legislation to expunge punitive COVID-related citations issued by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) against small businesses with liquor licenses. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Every other commonwealth agency has dropped enforcement actions for COVID-era rule violations, recognizing the difficult situation restaurants faced. However, the PLCB has been using its license renewal process to punish license holders for not complying with COVID-related executive orders. This includes issuing conditional licenses, which come with higher insurance premiums, and requiring the sale of a liquor license, effectively putting someone out of business. Senate Bill 241 would help local businesses by expunging COVID-related citations from the record of restaurants and bars that are under the purview of the PLCB. Helping Disabled Veterans Enjoy Outdoor Activities
The Senate passed legislation supporting opportunities for Pennsylvania’s disabled veterans to participate in outdoor traditions. Senate Bill 533 would streamline requirements for hunting and furtaking licenses and refine special permits for regulated hunting grounds to specifically benefit disabled veterans who take part in hunting events. The legislation makes it easier for organizations to host hunts for disabled veterans by clarifying the permitting process and reducing unnecessary barriers, ensuring more veterans can be included in these events. Senate Bill 533 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Importance of Community Pharmacies Highlighted at Briefing
Community pharmacies and the important role they play for Pennsylvania residents was the focus of an informational briefing with pharmacists, the state Department of Human Services, the Insurance Department and others. Roughly 600 pharmacies have closed across the commonwealth within the last two years, reducing access to professionals serving on the frontlines of health care. The Senate Community Pharmacy Caucus discussed the impacts of Act 77 of 2024, the Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) reform measure. The law banned harmful practices, strengthened network adequacy requirements, increased PBM transparency and accountability and implemented additional oversight. Further action needed to protect community pharmacies was among the topics explored at the briefing, which can be viewed here. Remembering September 11, 2001
Once again, we pause on Sept. 11 to remember the tragic events on that date in 2001 – attacks that changed our nation forever. We honor the nearly 3,000 people killed in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania, and hold in our hearts the families left behind. The first responders who courageously gave their lives to save others remain a source of inspiration for a nation brought together in grief and determined to keep America’s enemies at bay.
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