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In this Update

• Public Comments Due Monday on Gov. Shapiro’s Overreaching Regulations
• 13.9 Million in State Grants Awarded for Projects in Armstrong, Indiana & Westmoreland Counties
• Telephone Town Hall with Sen. Pittman on Monday, September 21 at 5 p.m.
• Patriot Remembrance Day
• Ox Hill Fair Youth Livestock Sale
• Key Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Still Awaits House Action
• Let Students Know It’s Safe2Say Something
• “See Tracks? Think Train” Week Promotes Rail Safety
• Homeland Security Grant Webinar Oct. 15

Public Comments Due Monday on Gov. Shapiro’s Overreaching Regulations

Gov. Shapiro and the Department of Health recently proposed sweeping new regulations that would vastly expand state government’s power over the lives of Pennsylvanians. This includes expanding the government’s authority to enter private residences and schools without a warrant, access private citizens’ health information, speak with children without parental consent, enforce mask mandates and much more.

Many of these regulations mirror the failed policies of the Wolf Administration during COVID. Like the Executive Branch’s heavy-handed response during the pandemic, this Administration is now attempting to push through these Department of Health changes through the regulatory process – completely bypassing the General Assembly.

More details about what these regulations could mean for Pennsylvanians are available here.

I encourage all citizens to submit public comments on the regulations to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission before the public comment period ends this coming Monday, Sept. 21. Full instructions for submitting comments are available at the commission’s online comment page.

$13.9 Million in State Grants Awarded for Projects in Armstrong, Indiana and Westmoreland Counties

I’m pleased to join with Reps. Abby Major (R-60), Josh Bashline (R-63), Leslie Rossi (R-59), Jill Cooper (R-55), Jim Struzzi (R-62) & Brian Smith (R-66) to announce the approval of Local Share Account funding to support projects throughout Armstrong, Indiana and Westmoreland counties.

The funds were approved by the Commonwealth Financing Authority on September 15, 2026, in Harrisburg. The grants are funded through the Local Share Account – Statewide, which uses money generated by casinos to support projects to improve quality of life for area residents.

Projects to strengthen communities are critical to the stability and growth of our region. I was pleased to work with my colleagues in Harrisburg to advocate for this substantial support. Thoughtful investments in local infrastructure and economic development initiatives help ensure municipalities can meet the needs of residents now and into the future. This is an exciting day, as the funding will help address local priorities, support economic growth, and improve quality of life across the county.

Here is a county breakdown of the approved state funding:

Armstrong County: 12 projects were awarded more than $5.2 million. Click here to view full list of these county projects.

Indiana County: 14 projects were awarded more than $5.4 million. Click here to view full list of these county projects.

Westmoreland County: 17 projects were awarded more than $3.4 million. Click here to view full list of these county projects.

Telephone Town Hall with Sen. Pittman on Monday, September 21 at 5 p.m.

You’re invited to join my telephone town hall on Monday, September 21 at 5:00 p.m. I always appreciate hearing directly from YOU about the issues impacting our state government.

This is a live, interactive event where I will share updates on what is happening in Harrisburg, highlight things we are working on for our region, and take questions from constituents.

If you’ve participated in the past, you should receive a call from me inviting you to join the discussion on Monday at 5 p.m. Simply stay on the line to be connected to the call. If you’d like to be sure you are on our list to receive a call, sign up by clicking here.

Patriot Remembrance Day

It was my great honor to be invited to speak at a Patriot Day Commemoration Ceremony at Ligonier American Legion Post 267. It was a solemn remembrance of the Americans who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and the countless heroes who sacrificed in the days, months, and years that followed.

We remember that freedom is not free, but rather hard fought for by real people with real courage and real sacrifice. It is our duty & responsibility to share the history behind the freedoms we all enjoy today.

Ox Hill Fair Youth Livestock Fair

I had a great time participating in the Ox Hill Community Agricultural Fair Junior Livestock sale. It was a pleasure meeting the youth to commend them for their commitment and hard work in raising and showing their animals. Kudos to everyone on a job well done! The following youth are pictured:

• Grayston Ackerson – Reserve Grand Champion Market Lamb
• Caleb Smith, Goat
• Isaac Smith, Pig

Last two images – Photo credit Kenzilena Productions

Key Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Still Awaits House Action 

Property owners scored a key victory this legislative session when the Senate approved a measure to protect and financially compensate them if targeted by eminent domain abuse. However, the bill has languished in the House of Representatives for more than a year.  

Senate Bill 225 would ensure business owners and farmers whose properties are seized through eminent domain are compensated for loss of “goodwill,” which goes beyond the assessed value. For farms, the land may possess characteristics that make it particularly special, such as fertile soil. In the case of another business, goodwill may be the location, access to utilities and other factors. 

This bill received unanimous support in the Senate and there’s no reason for the House not to act. Read more about this bill and federal efforts to end eminent domain abuse here.

Let Students Know It’s Safe2Say Something

As students settle in for the new school year, they should know about a resource available if they’re concerned about the wellbeing of themselves or others.

Authorized by the General Assembly, Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” before it is too late.

Students can report concerns by phone at 844-723-2729, by emailing info@safe2saypa.org or on the Safe2Say website, where they can also download the Safe2Say Something app.

Homeland Security Grant Webinar Oct. 15

When a crisis strikes, faith-based communities are often among the first places people turn for help, hope and support.

Houses of worship, nonprofits, schools and community organizations can learn how to play a vital role before, during and after a crisis via a free Pennsylvania Department of Homeland Security webinar Oct. 15.

Participants will gain practical tools and resources to help their organization respond with compassion, coordination and confidence. Learn more at the webinar registration page.

“See Tracks? Think Train” Week Promotes Rail Safety

Pennsylvania recorded 56 collisions at rail grade crossings last year, resulting in three fatalities and 24 injuries. There were also 34 deaths and 15 injuries involving people trespassing on rail property. Nationwide, a person or vehicle is struck by a train roughly every three hours.

Railroad tracks are private property and should never be used as a walking path, shortcut or setting for photographs. Drivers and pedestrians should always expect a train, cross only at designated crossings and obey warning lights and crossing gates.

“See Tracks? Think Train” Week Sept. 21-27 aims to raise awareness of the danger, reduce collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and discourage trespassing on or near railroad tracks. You can find more rail safety information here.