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In this Update:
Legislative Luncheon
I attended a legislative luncheon featuring Congressman Mike Kelly as the keynote speaker, bringing together policymakers and local leaders to discuss major issues shaping our economy and national security. The conversation focused on emerging global threats from Iran, the rapid growth of artificial intelligence, and the expansion of data centers and related infrastructure. Congressman Kelly also highlighted concerns around rising energy costs and affordability pressures impacting families and small businesses, as well as the need to ensure the United States remains competitive in developing and deploying new technologies. Downtown Erie Revitalization
I am pleased to announce $850,000 in Main Street Matters grant funding through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development to support ongoing revitalization efforts in downtown Erie. The funding will be used to help restore part of Flagship City Commons on North Park Row, a key downtown development site that continues to grow as a hub for restaurants, retail, office space, and arts and entertainment. The project will create approximately 40,000 square feet of affordable retail and office space, helping provide new opportunities for small businesses to establish, expand, and thrive in the heart of the city. Erie County America250PA
My staff recently attended Erie County’s announcement highlighting local plans for America250PA as we prepare to celebrate our nation’s 250th anniversary. The celebration will feature concerts, community events, fireworks, festivals, local history programming, and more as communities across Erie County come together to honor America’s past and celebrate our future. For a full list of events and updates, visit ErieCounty250.org. Diverse Erie Mini-Grants
My staff attended the Diverse Erie Small Business Mini-Grant awards ceremony recognizing local businesses selected to receive funding through the program. The event highlighted ongoing efforts to support entrepreneurship and small business development across Erie County and strengthen opportunities for local business growth. 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. New Law Requires AEDs at School Sports Events
Legislation approved by the Senate to help prevent the leading cause of death among young athletes – sudden cardiac arrest – is now law. Senate Bill 375, now Act 17 of 2026, will require automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be present at all PIAA-sanctioned athletic events and practices. The law also requires schools to develop and rehearse emergency action plans for cardiac incidents. AEDs are portable, life-saving devices used to restore normal heartbeats with electrical shock. The legislation was introduced after the tragic death of Greg Moyer, who passed away from sudden cardiac arrest during a high school basketball game in East Stroudsburg, Monroe County. Read more about passage of this new law here. Midwifery Modernization Law Supports Mothers and Babies
A new law we passed will help ensure women and families have access to safe, high-quality care throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery by modernizing Pennsylvania’s laws governing midwives. Senate Bill 507, now Act 14 of 2026, updates licensure requirements for certified midwives, improves collaboration with physicians and expands prescription authority in certain circumstances. The law also addresses healthcare shortages in rural and underserved communities by expanding the number of trained professionals available to provide maternal care services. Read more about our work to expand this care for mothers and babies here. Improving Stream Maintenance, Reducing Flood Hazards
Legislation to give counties and municipalities more flexibility in handling flood-related hazards and obstructions was passed by the Senate in March and now awaits action in the House of Representatives. Currently, entering streams to remove obstructions requires a permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection, a process that is lengthy, tedious and inefficient. Senate Bill 403 would allow local government organizations to apply for an extended permit, allowing maintenance to continue for 10 years or more. Senate Bill 404 would allow counties to obtain emergency maintenance permits in consultation with their county conservation district. Read more about how these bills will help protect against flooding here. Hearing Examines Bill Ensuring Lead-Free Drinking Water in Schools
A recent Senate hearing examined legislation to ensure Pennsylvania students have access to safe, lead-free drinking water in schools. The Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee discussed Senate Bill 759, which would require school districts to replace outdated drinking fountains with lead-filtering hydration stations by 2028 while providing funding mechanisms to help schools cover implementation costs. Committee members heard testimony from experts in environmental advocacy, public health, plumbing and pediatric medicine on the dangers of lead exposure and the need for preventative action in schools across Pennsylvania. Watch the hearing and read testimony here. Read more about the hearing and Senate Bill 759 here. Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Kicks Off in June
Beginning in June, the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program offers vouchers to eligible seniors (60+) to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets. Call your county aging office to apply and find out when and where they are distributing the vouchers. You can find aging offices and voucher information here. Available on first come, first served basis. Click here for details and where to find participating markets. Recapping Mammo May 2026
As we wrap up Mammo May, Mammography Month, I hope you or the women you know are better informed on the importance of early breast cancer detection. If you’re one of the average 38 Pennsylvania women diagnosed with breast cancer each day, catching it early greatly increases your odds of successful treatment. Some resources to keep handy: No-Cost Screenings Information Most mammograms take about 20 minutes. Please spread the word and share this important information from the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. |
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