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In this Update:
Standing Up for PA Taxpayers
With the state budget now more than 100 days overdue, we remain focused on enacting a responsible spending plan that protects taxpayers and promotes long-term fiscal stability. The Senate has already advanced a responsible budget that would keep government services funded while broader negotiations continue. This plan would allow money to begin flowing to counties, schools, and social service agencies that rely on state support. It is important that both chambers continue working together to reach an agreement that funds essential priorities, avoids overspending, and provides certainty to the people who depend on these services every day. Senate Republican leaders discussed the ongoing budget process at a press conference on Wednesday, which you can watch here. Senate Acts to Waive Interest on Short-Term Budget Impasse Loans
Pennsylvania counties, early education programs, rape prevention and domestic violence prevention centers could pay no interest on loans from the Pennsylvania Treasury under legislation approved by the Senate. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Under current law, the Pennsylvania Treasurer may provide investment loans during a budget impasse but must charge interest on those loans. Treasury’s Budget Bridge Loan program would provide up to $500 million in low-interest loans from the Liquid Asset Pool Investment Fund for county governments, domestic violence and rape crisis centers, Head Start agencies and approved providers under the Pre-K Counts program. Those investment loans would cover up to 25% of a recipient’s state budget appropriation from the previous fiscal year. Senate Bill 1040 would authorize the state treasurer to waive interest charges on loans issued during a budget impasse and help prevent additional costs for taxpayers and communities. Joint Senate Hearing Explores Artificial Intelligence in Education
The Senate Education Committee, which I chair, held a joint hearing with the Senate Communications and Technology Committee, chaired by Senator Tracy Pennycuick, to examine how artificial intelligence is influencing classrooms and workforce preparation. Educators and policy experts shared how AI can support, not replace, critical thinking and traditional learning. The discussion highlighted student safety, responsible and ethical use, and the need to align instruction with in-demand careers. AI is not a passing trend. We are focused on understanding how to embrace it responsibly to keep students safe, help teachers, and position Pennsylvania to compete in a changing economy. Video and testimony are available on the Senate Education Committee website. Supporting STEM Education with Vytal Plant Science Research
I met with representatives from Vytal Plant Science Research (VPSR) to discuss their ongoing outreach in the 27th District and the opportunities they are creating for students and educators. VPSR is a nonprofit biotechnology organization focused on advancing agricultural innovation and workforce development through science and technology. Their team partners with schools to help teachers integrate STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) learning into their classrooms while providing students with hands-on opportunities . VPSR, based in Hazleton, is expanding access to high-quality STEM education by bringing lab experiences and interactive demonstrations directly to schools through their Mobile STEM Bus. This innovative resource will also be part of our October 18 STEM Event in Danville, offering students the chance to engage with real-world science and technology applications – see below for more details. By working together, we can continue building pathways that prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, ensuring a strong and future-ready workforce for our region. Join Us for a Free STEM Event on October 18
As mentioned above, I’m hosting a free STEM event on Saturday, October 18, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Danville Middle School (252 Northumberland Street). This event is designed for students and families to explore science, technology, engineering, and math in fun, hands-on ways. Our community partners have put together a lineup of interactive stations and demonstrations to spark curiosity and help young learners see how STEM connects to careers and innovation. Some of the featured activities include:
This is the kind of event that helps bridge classroom learning with real-world applications. Whether students are already interested in STEM or just curious, this day offers an opportunity to try something new, ask questions, and see where their interests might lead them. Children must be accompanied by an adult to attend, and while not required, you can pre-register here. I look forward to seeing many families and future innovators there. Let’s keep working together to inspire the next generation in the 27th District. Columbia Montour Chamber Legislative Breakfast
I was honored to speak with Representatives Robert Leadbeter and Michael Stender at the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce Legislative Breakfast, held at SEKISUI KYDEX in Bloomsburg. The event brought together employers, educators, local officials, and community leaders for a thoughtful discussion about workforce needs and economic opportunity in our region. During my remarks, I highlighted ongoing discussions in Harrisburg about energy affordability, data center growth, and workforce readiness, as well as the connection between education and economic development. As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I continue to focus on aligning classroom learning with career preparation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s workforce. After the program, I toured SEKISUI KYDEX’s facility. It was impressive to see firsthand the innovation and advanced manufacturing happening right here in our community. I also want to thank SEKISUI KYDEX for partnering with us in our upcoming STEM Event on October 18 in Danville. Attorney General Announces Mental Health Expansion of LETI Program
Attorney General Dave Sunday announced an expansion of the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI) that now includes a mental health component serving Columbia, Montour, Snyder, and Union Counties. The LETI program allows individuals struggling with substance use and now with this expansion, mental health challenges, to seek help through law enforcement and community partners. The program connects participants to treatment and support services instead of facing criminal penalties, offering a compassionate and practical approach to recovery. This expansion marks the first time the mental health component of LETI has been launched in Pennsylvania, and I am pleased that parts of the 27th District are leading the efforts to improve access to care for individuals who need treatment rather than punishment. At the mental health roundtable I hosted with Senator Dave Argall, Chair of the Senate Majority Policy Committee, in Danville in August, we heard related concerns from PA Supreme Court Justice Kevin Dougherty, as well as Prison Wardens, Sam Kranzel from Montour County and George Nye from Columbia County. The justice system is faced with an overwhelming amount of people with mental health needs, so this initiative from the Attorney General is timely and necessary. Read more here. Measure to Support Mental Health Services with Specialty License Plate Approved by Senate
Pennsylvania’s lifesaving 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline would receive new support through the sale of specialty license plates under legislation approved by the Senate. Under Senate Bill 955, $15 from each plate will be deposited into the Mental Health Restricted Account, helping to fund the 988 service. The lifeline offers confidential, one-to-one support from a trained crisis responder. You can read more about this legislation, and the story that inspired it, here. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Ensuring U.S. and Pennsylvania Flags Are Made in America
Reflecting a growing effort to support American manufacturing, the Senate approved legislation ensuring every U.S. and Pennsylvania flag purchased by the commonwealth is made entirely in the U.S. using American materials. Senate Bill 784 requires the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to procure only flags that are both produced and constructed from materials sourced within the U.S. Each flag must also carry a label reading “Made in America.” The measure not only promotes American-made products within state procurement practices, it prevents the use of taxpayer dollars to purchase flags from nations that do not share the values of Pennsylvania citizens. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Early Detection Saves Lives
I joined the PA Breast Cancer Coalition at the State Capitol to kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The East Wing fountain was turned pink as a reminder of the importance of early detection, access to care, and the ongoing fight against breast cancer. Each year, as many as 14,000 women in Pennsylvania are diagnosed with breast cancer. When it is found in its earliest stages, there is a 99 percent chance of survival. That is why awareness, regular screening, and strong policies such as Act 1 of 2023 are so important. I am proud to stand with survivors, advocates, and families as we work together to share the message that early detection saves lives. Learn more about breast cancer and the tools available for early detection here.
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