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In this Update:

• Indiana in the Morning Interview
• Marion Center Senior Spotlight
• Senate Stands with Attorney General, District Attorneys, State Troopers and Police
• Measure Cracking Down on “CDL Mills” Becomes Law
• Consider a Future as an Emergency Medical Services Provider
• Nominate a Non-Teaching School Employee for a RISE Award
• Organ and Tissue Donation Saves Lives

Indiana in the Morning Interview

Thank you to Todd Marino for inviting me to join him on ‘Indiana in the Morning’ today to discuss the completion of the 2026-27 state budget and key issues impacting our Commonwealth as we move forward. You can watch this 15-minute video here.

Marion Center Senior Spotlight

I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Bryon Breisch. Byron is a rising senior at Marion Center Jr. Sr. High School and has a strong desire to pursue a nomination to attend the USAF Academy and ultimately to serve our country in the United States Air Force.

For the past two years, Byron has been studying for his private pilot’s license which spurred his interest in the USAF. He is also very active with numerous school club activities, served as a class officer and is an avid athlete on Marion Center’s basketball and track teams. Thank you to Byron for stopping by my Indiana office and best wishes in his future endeavors!

Senate Stands with Attorney General, District Attorneys, State Troopers and Police

Second-degree murder is a horrific crime – these are homicides committed while the defendant was also committing another violent felony such as rape, arson, robbery, burglary or kidnapping. Those who commit such an act deserve a punishment that matches.

In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that our current sentencing structure for second-degree murder (life without parole in every case) is unconstitutional. The justices gave the General Assembly 120 days to enact legislation correcting the situation.

The Senate successfully passed strong bipartisan legislation to address this issue – twice. The Senate’s legislation is supported by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, Pennsylvania District Attorneys, the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, the Pennsylvania State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police, and the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association.          

Unfortunately, the leadership in the House of Representatives refused to allow a vote on this bipartisan legislation, instead passing a weak bill on a near party-line vote. That bill has several serious problems, including the fact that it could allow more than half of all inmates, including those on death row, to qualify for release from prison under an overbroad, ill-defined “medical release” program that is riddled with loopholes. It makes no sense.

I will continue fighting for a strong, common-sense response to the Supreme Court’s decision because the safety of our communities is at stake.

Measure Cracking Down on “CDL Mills” Becomes Law

Legislation drafted after it was learned unauthorized commercial driver’s license (CDL) schools were operating in Pennsylvania is now law, significantly boosting penalties for these “CDL mills.”

Act 50 of 2026 increases the maximum civil penalty for operating an unauthorized CDL school from $2,500 to $25,000, giving the state Department of Education a stronger enforcement tool to stop illegal operations and discourage violations. The new law does not impact private employers that provide CDL training to their own employees at no cost.

The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1295 to reinforce tractor trailer safety in the commonwealth. The legislative package reflects new federal regulations and federal legislation to strengthen commercial vehicle operations following allegations of unqualified truck drivers in the country illegally. Read more about improving commercial vehicle safety here.

Consider a Future as an Emergency Medical Services Provider

You could have a future in Emergency Medical Services, a critical component of healthy communities.

Find out what it takes to be an EMS provider and get your start with the state Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.

The site includes EMS education, information and resources, regional EMS council contact information and more.

Nominate a Non-Teaching School Employee for a RISE Award

Non-teaching school employees – including paraprofessional, clerical, transportation, food service, custodial, security and health workers – play key roles in keeping our local schools running.   

If you know an incredible non-teaching employee, you can nominate them for a Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. Find details and a nomination form at the state Department of Education website.

Nominations for 2026 close Aug. 30.

Organ and Tissue Donation Saves Lives

Saturday is PA Donor Day across the commonwealth, a statewide effort to rally support for the more than 6,000 Pennsylvanians waiting for a life-saving transplant. It’s held on 8/1 because eight lives can be saved by just one registered donor.

PA Donor Day 2026 is especially important because the number of Pennsylvanians registering as organ donors has slowed and transplant waiting lists are long.

You can register to donate at any time – you don’t need to get a driver’s license or permit. Learn more about organ and tissue donation and register to be a donor here.