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In this Update:
- Supporting Conservation and Career Development
- Bridging the Digital Divide in Erie County
- State Approves Nearly $30 Million for Erie County Water Projects
- State Budget Update
- Expanding Access to Lifesaving Naloxone, Making Prescription Drug Costs More Transparent
- New Law Will Improve Stroke Care Across PA
- Legislation to Address Pennsylvania’s Shortage of CPAs Signed into Law
- Watch Out for Scammers Posing as State Employees
- July is Independent Retailer Month
Supporting Conservation and Career Development
Staff from my office recently visited a PA Outdoor Corps project site in Girard, where young adults are partnering with the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission to improve steelhead fishing access along Elk Creek.
The crews are hard at work clearing trails, installing signage, constructing steps and bridges, and marking property boundaries. Each week, they also participate in educational sessions and career talks focused on conservation and natural resource management.
It’s encouraging to see these young Pennsylvanians gaining hands-on experience while contributing to a project that benefits our region’s outdoor recreation and environment.
📍 8401–8727 Beckman Road, Girard
Bridging the Digital Divide in Erie County
I’m pleased to announce that the Greater Erie Community Action Committee (GECAC) has been awarded 90 laptops through the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority’s Digital Connectivity Technology Program. This initiative helps ensure that organizations like GECAC can better serve our community by expanding access to technology for those who need it most. These devices will support education, job training, and other vital services for Erie County residents.
State Approves Nearly $30 Million for Erie County Water Projects
Several major water and sewer infrastructure projects in Erie County were recently approved to receive nearly $30 million in state support through PENNVEST. The funding includes a combination of low-interest loans and grants to help local communities replace aging water lines, upgrade pump stations, and improve wastewater treatment systems.
Projects in Erie, Edinboro, and Wattsburg will benefit from this investment, which will help ensure access to clean drinking water, reduce the risk of system failures, and meet updated environmental standards. I’m proud to support these improvements that will strengthen our infrastructure and protect public health for years to come.
State Budget Update
The Senate convened for session in Harrisburg this week as work on the 2025-26 state budget progresses. Our discussions with the House of Representatives and the governor continue to advance.
Senate Republicans remain committed to a final agreement which will help to address the structural deficit facing our commonwealth and put Pennsylvania on a solid path for future years.
Expanding Access to Lifesaving Naloxone, Making Prescription Drug Costs More Transparent
Legislation has been signed into law to give EMS personnel permanent authority to leave behind naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, at the scene of an overdose. This will offer families a critical tool to prevent future emergencies.
Act 34 of 2025 ensures that families and caregivers are equipped to respond immediately to another overdose if needed. It also improves transparency and access within Pennsylvania’s health care system by:
- Increasing clarity around prescription drug costs.
- Enhancing communication between pharmacists and patients.
- Allowing out-of-state pharmacists to receive temporary licenses to practice in Pennsylvania for the next six months, which is aimed at addressing pharmacy deserts created by the widespread closure of Rite Aid locations.
New Law Will Improve Stroke Care Across PA
Strokes are the fifth-leading cause of death in the U.S. Legislation passed by the Senate and signed into law aims to save lives by providing critical information to health care providers.
Senate Bill 411, now Act 24 of 2025, will establish a statewide stroke registry, administered by the state Department of Health, to deliver resources to emergency medical service providers, hospital stroke teams and other health care providers to ensure high quality stroke care for patients.
It includes a confidentiality clause ensuring any submitted registry data will not include an individual’s confidential or personally identifiable information.
Legislation to Address Pennsylvania’s Shortage of CPAs Signed into Law
A Senate measure aimed at alleviating the growing shortage of certified public accountants (CPAs) in Pennsylvania has been signed into law, to ensure the commonwealth has enough of these professionals so critical to the everyday economy.
Senate Bill 719, now Act 27 of 2025, provides an alternative pathway to CPA licensure by allowing candidates to qualify with 120 credit hours of education and two years of professional experience, rather than the current 150-credit-hour requirement and one year of experience.
Candidates must still pass the CPA exam to be licensed. The new pathway is designed to reduce financial and time burdens on aspiring accountants without compromising professional standards. The law also streamlines the process for qualified out-of-state accountants to practice in Pennsylvania without obtaining a separate state certificate or permit.
Watch Out for Scammers Posing as State Employees
Older Pennsylvanians are being targeted by emails from scammers posing as state employees requesting payments necessary to access a non-existent inheritance.
In an incident reported to commonwealth officials, an older Pennsylvanian received an email from a generic account resembling an official state email address and claiming to be a representative of a credit union.
Don’t respond or click on any links! Report any incidents like this by phone at 1-866-PAComplaint or online.
July is Independent Retailer Month
Independent Retailer Month reminds us to shop at independent business, appreciating their positive social and economic impact in our communities.
Independent retailing can be many types of businesses. For example, a franchise store is often a local independent retail business. Please keep these employers in mind when making your purchases this month and all year.
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