Recent News
Meeting to consider SB 1240; and HB 1251 and HB 2163
Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee | Off the Floor | Rules RoomΒ [Read More]
E-news Updates – April 11, 2026
In this Update: Reducing Aggressive Driving, Protecting Pedestrians the Focus of Senate Hearing Beware of Investment Scams on Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp Women Veterans Invited to Submit Their Stories of Service Area Creameries Encouraged to Join the PA Ice Cream Trail Child Abuse Prevention Month Reducing Aggressive Driving, Protecting Pedestrians the Focus of Senate Hearing Law […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – April 3, 2026
In this Update: District Office Interns Wanted Great to Hear from You! Senate Approves Bill Aiding Pennsylvanians with Invisible Disabilities During Police Interactions First Batch of 2026 Money Match Unclaimed Property Checks Being Mailed Let PennDOT Know Your Opinion of Winter Road Services PA Bald Eagle Cam Livestreams Americaβs Living Symbols Happy Easter District Office […] [Read More]
E-news Updates – March 28, 2026
In this Update: Community βChat with Patβ Events in Fayette County Students Make the Rules Senate Acts to Protect Workersβ Compensation for First Responders Legislation Giving Farmers More Vehicle Flexibility Approved by Senate Guest Chaplains Invited to Open Senate Session with a Prayer Interested in Law Enforcement? Check Out This State Police Program Promoting Reading […] [Read More]
Connect With Us
I had so much fun reading to the incredible young learners at @thelearninglamp in Connellsville this week! πππ
Early learning programs lay the foundation for lifelong success. Thank you to the Learning Lamp staff for both the warm welcome and the important work you do everyday, to ensure that our youngest Pennsylvanians have the strong start they deserve.
Thank you to everyone who has come out to our βChat with Patβ events!
I truly appreciate the time each of you have taken to stop by, share your thoughts, ask questions and talk about the issues that matter most to you. These informal gatherings are valuable because of your engagement, and Iβm grateful for the opportunity to connect directly and hear whatβs on your mind.
Looking forward to continuing these conversations at future events.
π Affordable, attainable housing is essential for the future of our workforce and economy.
I was proud to welcome the Senate Majority Policy Committee to @fayettecopa for an important discussion on Pennsylvaniaβs housing crisis.
We heard testimony about the challenges that potential residents and communities face when housing isnβt available. When working families canβt relocate for the jobs we`ve created here, businesses struggle to grow and overall, our economy suffers. Thatβs why weβre exploring practical solutions to cut red tape, support responsible development and create opportunities for families to live where they work.
A big thank you to everyone who shared their insight and expertise with us. ποΈ
This week, the Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee unanimously passed several bills to help Pennsylvania join key interstate licensure compacts, making it easier for professionals to work across state lines.
βοΈ SB 331 (Argall) β Cosmetology Licensure Compact
βοΈ SB 571 (Boscola) β Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact
βοΈ HB 80 (Venkat) β Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Compact
βοΈ HB 482 (Markosek) β Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact
βοΈ HB 554 (Abney) β Social Worker Licensure Compact
βοΈ HB 668 (OβMara) β Counseling Compact
βοΈ HB 1961 (Merski) β Physician Assistant Licensure Compact
These measures will streamline licensing and expand access to care for all Pennsylvanians.
π© Happy to celebrate two @somersetcountychamber ribbon cuttings with Top Hat Cleaners in Somerset County! Itβs always exciting to see local businesses thrive thanks to the incredible support of our community. β
Hat`s off to the entire Top Hat team! Youβre doing great work.
β‘ Proud to share that my bill, SB 802, has advanced out of the Senate Transportation Committee this week.
This legislation would let Pennsylvanians voluntarily add a symbol on their driverβs license or ID to indicate an invisible disabilityβlike deafness or autismβso law enforcement can recognize communication barriers and keep interactions safe and respectful.
Iβve said it before and Iβll say it again, every February feels like Groundhog Day. Year after year when it`s time for the budget address, Gov. Shapiro recites some version of the same trite speech full of promises and disregard for reality.
Words only get us so far. Instead of recycled talking points, we should be focused on the Independent Fiscal Officeβs projections and the looming structural deficit that threatens Pennsylvaniaβs future.
Pennsylvanians deserve more than empty rhetoric and grandstanding. They deserve a responsible plan that protects taxpayers, strengthens our economy and ensures long-term stability.
Great time at @downtownbedford`s Chili & Soup Cookoff! π₯
Despite this week`s snow, Fayette County, PA proudly kicked off America250PAβs celebration of our great nationβs 250th anniversary.
Pennsylvania has always been β and continues to be β at the heart of the American story, and that rings true especially for us in Fayette County. From Fort Necessity to Friendship Hill and everything around and in between, history was made here.
Supporting the future of agriculture starts with investing in students. π Every year, the Pennsylvania Farm Show Scholarship Foundation awards funds to college students with a background in agricultural education. This year, three scholarship recipients call Fayette and Somerset Counties home:
π Elizabeth Dice of Smithfield, studying at Penn State Fayette
π Samantha Hayman of Berlin, studying at Mount Aloysius College
π Lydia Sheeler of Somerset, studying at Potomac State College
Congratulations Elizabeth, Samantha and Lydia! Thank you for your hand in moving Pennsylvania agriculture forward. π½π
Layton Bridge has stood for more than a century and now itβs finally being replaced. This week, I was proud to join PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll and local leaders to break ground on the long-awaited replacement project.
π§ Built in 1899, the current bridge will be replaced with a modern three-span structure, along with roadway and nearby bridge improvements. PennDOT will keep the existing bridge open as long as possible during construction, and once complete, this new bridge will safely serve Perryopolis and Perry Township for generations to come.
