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In This Update:
Honoring Our Veterans
It was an honor to host 250 incredible veterans at our annual Veterans Breakfast. This is truly one of my favorite events of the year, an opportunity to say thank you, share stories, and recognize the service and sacrifice of those who have given so much for our country. We’re already looking forward to next year. Thank you to our partners, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, AHN Saint Vincent Hospital, UPMC Health Plan, Lamar Advertising Company, Erie Philharmonic, and Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania for helping make this event possible. Aimee’s Law Gets Bill Number
We now have a bill number for Aimee’s Law—Senate Bill 1311. This legislation will create a public animal abuse registry and strengthen accountability for those who harm animals. Now it’s time to get it across the finish line. Call your State Senator and State Representative and ask them to support SB 1311. Let’s get Aimee’s Law to the Governor’s desk. Standing Up for Animal Protection
I was honored to speak at the Erie Humane Society’s Mutt Gala, an inspiring evening dedicated to protecting animals in our community. During the event, I highlighted Aimee’s Law, my legislation to create a public animal abuse registry that holds offenders accountable and helps prevent future cruelty. We can and must do better for those who cannot speak for themselves. How I Can Help
If you or someone you know is having trouble accessing state programs or services, or if you have questions about a law or government program and aren’t sure where to turn, my team and I are here to help. We can guide you through the process, connect you with the right resources, and provide support on a wide range of issues to make things easier for you. 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. 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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