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In this Update:
A Busy Week in Harrisburg
It was a busy and productive week at the Capitol meeting with groups from Erie County and across Pennsylvania. I had the opportunity to sit down with representatives from Federal Resources, Erie Zoo, the Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA), the Outdoor Advertising Association of Pennsylvania, and the PA Sportsman’s Caucus to discuss issues impacting our region and the Commonwealth. These conversations provide valuable insight as we continue working on policies that support local businesses, strengthen our communities, and create opportunities for future growth. Politics Over Public Safety
I was disappointed to see Senate Bill 49, my legislation to regulate intoxicating hemp products, fail to advance in the Senate. This bill would have established commonsense safeguards, including product testing, oversight, labeling requirements, and age restrictions, to address a rapidly growing and largely unregulated market. Instead, politics won out over public safety. As a result, intoxicating hemp products will continue to be sold throughout Pennsylvania with limited oversight and inconsistent standards. We had an opportunity to take a meaningful step toward protecting consumers and keeping these products out of the hands of children, and the Senate chose not to act. I remain committed to addressing this issue and will continue fighting for policies that put the health and safety of Pennsylvanians first. Expanding Access to Health Care in Albion
Members of my staff recently attended the ribbon cutting for LECOM Health’s new Colonial Family Pharmacy in Albion. The new pharmacy, located adjacent to the Northwestern Area Health Center, will help restore access to essential pharmacy services after the community lost its only pharmacy in 2024. This investment is an important step toward eliminating Albion’s status as a pharmacy desert and ensuring residents have convenient access to prescriptions and other critical health care services close to home. I commend LECOM Health for its continued commitment to improving healthcare access throughout our region. 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 Passes Bill to Fight Human Trafficking
Legislation to give investigators and prosecutors new tools to fight human trafficking in Pennsylvania was passed by the Senate. Senate Bill 45 will help local law enforcement agencies and the state attorney general investigate and prosecute human trafficking by increasing penalties for several related crimes, including promoting prostitution, promoting prostitution of a minor, exploiting prostitutes and patronizing prostitutes. The bill also consolidates crimes related to human trafficking within the Crimes Code, giving the attorney general concurrent jurisdiction so these crimes, which are frequently the basis for large-scale human trafficking organizations, can be prosecuted more effectively. It now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Read more about our latest action to combat human trafficking here. Bill Targeting Dangerous Fentanyl Additive Passes Senate
The Senate passed legislation to combat the increasing illicit use of the veterinary anesthesia medetomidine by regulating it as a Schedule III controlled substance. Senate Bill 866 provides law enforcement and public health officials with another tool to combat dangerous drug adulterants while including clear exemptions to ensure veterinarians can continue using the medication in the care and treatment of animals. Medetomidine has rapidly overtaken xylazine as a common adulterant in Pennsylvania’s illicit drug supply. While medetomidine was not detected in samples collected in early 2024, it was found in approximately 80% of adulterants sold as fentanyl in Pennsylvania by April 2026. The drug is estimated to be significantly more potent than xylazine and can cause severe cardiovascular complications, even after naloxone has been administered. The General Assembly passed legislation to make xylazine a Schedule III drug in 2024. The bill now advances to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about the measure here. PA Guard Military Family Education Program
As students begin preparing for the fall semester, Pennsylvania National Guard members are reminded their families could be eligible for assistance to offset the cost of higher education. The Military Family Education Program is for Guard members who completed an initial service obligation on or after July 1, 2019, and is eligible to reenlist in the PA National Guard for a period of six years. The grants can be used for a degree-granting or certificate-granting curriculum, course of study, or training program required for entrance into a specific career at an approved Pennsylvania institution of higher learning. Read more details and find applications here. Entries Accepted for PA Agriculture Photo Contest
Pennsylvania residents have until June 30 to submit entries in the 2026 Pennsylvania Agriculture Photo Contest. Submit up to four original photos highlighting the people, places, traditions and beauty of agriculture across our region or the commonwealth. Winning photos will be displayed in the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex during the first weeks of September. The categories are On the Farm, PA Fair Season, Agritourism, and Conservation. Click here for rules and how to submit your photos. National Cancer Survivors Month
There are more than 18.6 million people living with a history of cancer in the U.S. Each person diagnosed with cancer faces a unique set of challenges, but one in four survivors reports a poor physical quality of life, and many experience psychosocial challenges. If you are a cancer survivor or caregiver, you can find resources from the National Cancer Institute here that may help you enhance your health and well-being after a cancer diagnosis. They address emotional concerns, nutrition and physical activity, support services, follow-up medical care and testing for cancer. |
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