E-news Updates - June 14, 2025

In this Update:

Realizing the Promise of Pennsylvania
Leechburg Borough Celebrates 175^th Anniversary
ALS Association Day on the Hill
Let’s Talk Transit Facts
Maximum Wage – Family Sustaining Jobs
Senate Approves Bill to Secure and Modernize PA’s IT Infrastructure
Bill to Expand Naloxone Access, Support EMS Providers Passes Senate
Senate Committee Votes to Expand No-Cost Breast Cancer Screenings
Measure to Preserve Public Information Receives Senate Support
Happy Father’s Day!

Realizing the Promise of Pennsylvania

I was elated to join host Bill Flanagan alongside Homer City Redevelopment’s CEO, Corey Hessen and Allegheny Conference’s Matt Smith on WPXI-TV Pittsburgh‘s “Our Region’s Business” program. You can watch Part One of the segment here and Part Two here.

The Homer City Redevelopment project is taking an economic engine that was in our community and region for decades and repurposing it for the future. Thanks to the investment Corey and his team are leading, we are now seeing the development of property that will be brought to a higher and better use. It is my belief that this project will be a model of what we can replicate throughout this region.

We are very fortunate to have the grid infrastructure and the God-given natural resources right here in Indiana County, and the ability to make responsible use of them to meet the growing demands for AI technology and energy advancement.

Leechburg Borough Celebrates 175^th Anniversary

I was honored to be invited to take part in an ecumenical prayer service to kickoff Leechburg Borough’s weeklong 175th Anniversary celebration.

Leechburg was founded in 1850 by David Leech. Mr. Leech built one of two canals which connected the Harrisburg area with Pittsburgh and transformed the local area into a small industrial center. Throughout its rich history, the Borough has been blessed with dedicated civic leaders who have helped it to grow and flourish.

My thanks to Mayor Doreen Smeal and a team of volunteers who worked hard to put together numerous events & activities for all ages throughout the week. Best wishes for another 175 years!

ALS Association Day on the Hill

I was pleased to welcome Indiana County residents and constituents, Peter and Linda Yacovone to the Pennsylvania Senate recently. Peter was in Harrisburg to meet with legislators to share his experiences with ALS and the importance of state funding which assists folks with various challenges on their journey. My thanks to the Yacovones for travelling to the Capitol to advocate for the ALS community!

Let’s Talk Transit Facts

With work on the state budget underway, the topic of transit funding has received a good amount of attention. It’s important to recognize transit already receives billions in state tax dollars annually. Yet on top of that, they are asking for a quarter billion more this year. Click here to watch my latest video reel with Senator Scott Martin.

We know the value of transit – but the infrastructure of roads & bridges across Pennsylvania is also vital. Rural areas of our commonwealth must be given equal consideration at the state level.

Maximum Wage – Family Sustaining Jobs

Making sure working families have access to good, family sustaining jobs is key to helping our commonwealth grow and thrive. Maximum wage jobs continue to be our focus and is why we value permitting reform and other efforts, such as stopping the RGGI Electricity Tax. Implementing policies which help to create more maximum wage jobs will help to grow our economy.

Senate Approves Bill to Secure and Modernize PA’s IT Infrastructure

The Senate unanimously approved two cybersecurity bills to strengthen the commonwealth’s digital defenses.

Senate Bill 376 would ban TikTok from all state-owned devices and networks, citing national security risks. It would bring Pennsylvania in line with federal guidelines and action taken by more than 39 other states and State Treasurer Stacy Garrity.

Senate Bill 377 would require all state IT contracts to meet cybersecurity standards established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, a move aimed at protecting taxpayer-funded systems and reducing the risk of data breaches across state government.

Both measures now head to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Bill to Expand Naloxone Access, Support EMS Providers Passes Senate

Legislation to strengthen emergency response efforts and help address Pennsylvania’s opioid crisis passed the Senate with unanimous support.

Senate Bill 95 would make permanent the temporary declaration allowing EMS personnel to give a dose of naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, to a caregiver or loved one of someone who has overdosed.

Although this life-saving medication has been approved for over-the-counter use, not all versions are readily available. This legislation would allow EMS providers to distribute any formulation at the scene of an overdose, including those still awaiting final approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Committee Votes to Expand No-Cost Breast Cancer Screenings

Building on Pennsylvania’s landmark law that provides no-cost breast cancer screenings for high-risk individuals, the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee this week unanimously advanced legislation to expand diagnostic screening coverage.

Senate Bill 88 would make diagnostic screenings free for anyone who finds an abnormality on a supplemental screening. The bill expands the number of supplemental screenings available and ensures no-cost diagnostic imaging for patients.

It would ensure coverage for those at average risk of developing breast cancer and expand access to lifesaving early detection tools for many Pennsylvanians. The measure advances to the full Senate for consideration.

Measure to Preserve Public Information Receives Senate Support

Legislation to ensure transparency and empower Pennsylvanians by preserving their access to information about government actions was approved by the Senate.

Senate Bill 686 would make tampering with Right-to-Know (RTK) records a third-degree felony, which can result in up to seven years of prison and a $15,000 fine. The RTK law holds public officials accountable for their actions regarding matters of public concern. However, it doesn’t currently mention a criminal offense for destroying or altering records subject to a request.

The bill now advances to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Happy Father’s Day!

On Sunday, we recognize the love, hard work and dedication of the dads and father figures in our lives. We appreciate their leadership that guides our families and shapes our lives. Warm wishes for a peaceful Father’s Day filled with cherished moments.

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