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In This Update:
PCN Capitol Preview Program
On Tuesday morning I was a guest on the Pennsylvania Cable Network Capitol Preview Program and was joined by Senate Minority Leader Jay Costa. We discussed numerous issues impacting our commonwealth, and highlighted work being undertaken by the Pennsylvania Senate. Click here to watch the 45-minute video. Divided government brings differing views. Our Senate Republican Caucus remains focused on respecting taxpayers, energy affordability, keeping our communities safe, and helping to empower families. Town Hall Meeting – Armstrong County
Thank you to all who participated in my Town Hall meeting in Worthington, Armstrong County. I greatly value hearing concerns and thoughts on various issues that are impacting our local communities and state government. The opportunity to have a discussion like this offers an important perspective as we work together to strengthen Pennsylvania. A special thanks to Worthington-West Franklin VFD for the hospitality and use of their facility. Photos from Pittman’s Senator for A Day Event
This year’s 5th Annual Student Government Seminar brought together 200 students from 17 high schools across the 41st Senatorial District. Held at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, this “Senator for a Day” event gave students a hands-on look at how state government works. Through presentations and interactive sessions, they engaged with legislators, staff, advocates, and media, debating bills, advocating positions, and drafting legislation. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped make the day a success. Check out our group and candid photos here! Senate Approves Legislation to Help Relieve PA Nurse Shortage
The Senate approved legislation to help alleviate Pennsylvania’s nurse shortage by increasing the number of qualified nursing students. Senate Bill 998 would establish the Nurse Education Capacity Expansion Grant Program, aimed at increasing the number of qualified nursing students by providing targeted support to accredited nursing schools across Pennsylvania. Nursing education programs would have to meet key performance benchmarks, including strong graduation rates, high licensure exam pass rates and successful job placement outcomes. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 998 here. Alle Kiski Strong Chamber of Commerce LuncheonI was honored to speak at the Alle Kiski Strong Chamber member luncheon in Kittanning. My thanks to Executive Director, Lynda Pozzuto and the Chamber for inviting me. We discussed many legislative topics including the upcoming 2026-2027 state budget, the need for strong & robust transportation infrastructure, ensuring Pennsylvania’s energy independence, securing funding for local projects, and other economic issues impacting the region. It was a wonderful event! Measures Reinforcing Commercial Vehicle Safety Approved by Committee
A package of bills to improve safety standards for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders in Pennsylvania was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. The measures are the result of a committee fact-finding hearing in December, which revealed deficiencies and loopholes involving criminal illegal migrants. The hearing was prompted by a fatal crash in the state of Indiana involving a Pennsylvania-issued, non-domiciled CDL held by a citizen of Kyrgyzstan. The package includes the following bills:
The bills now go to the full Senate for consideration. Hearing on Resource Adequacy, Energy Market, Barriers to New PA Power Generation
Continuing efforts to ensure Pennsylvania families and employers have access to reliable, affordable electricity, the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held a public hearing to examine the latest energy market conditions and barriers to new power generation in the commonwealth. The panel heard from testifiers representing the regional power grid, PJM, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and others. ReliabilityFirst, which is responsible for ensuring the dependability and security of the regional bulk power system, projected risk to grid reliability could come in 2029 instead of in the early 2030s as previously projected. The surge of demand from data centers and the need for more skilled infrastructure workers were also discussed. You can view written testimony and the hearing video here. May 4 is the Deadline to Register to Vote in the Primary Election
This Monday, May 4 is the deadline to register to vote in the May 19 primary election. You can register to vote online, by mail or at several government agencies. To register to vote in Pennsylvania, you must:
Learn more about registering to vote here. Check if you’re registered to vote here. Mammo May: Early Detection Saves Lives
Continuing to build awareness on the importance of early breast cancer detection, the Pennsylvania Senate announced a Senate Resolution recognizing May 2026 as Mammography Month in Pennsylvania. The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 322,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer nationwide this year. In Pennsylvania alone, an average of 38 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every single day. Alarmingly, nearly one in four women aged 50 to 74 have not received a mammogram in the past two years, despite strong evidence that early detection drastically improves outcomes. Behind every mammogram is a life, a family and a future, which is why we continue to work with the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition to spread the word that early detection of breast cancer through mammograms saves lives. Mammograms are available at no cost in Pennsylvania. If you haven’t yet, use Mammo May as a reminder to schedule your mammogram – and please spread the word to the women in your life. This PA Breast Cancer Coalition resource page walks you through the steps of the mammogram process. |
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