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In this Update:
Sunday Hunting Dates Announced
I’m excited to share that hunters in Pennsylvania will have access to 13 consecutive Sundays of hunting this fall, thanks to the bipartisan Sunday hunting law we passed earlier this year. The Game Commission just announced the new dates, starting September 14 and running through December 7. This is a big win for working families, rural communities, and conservation. I’m proud to have led the charge. See you out there. Do You Have Money Waiting For You?
I’m hosting an Unclaimed Property Event on Thursday, August 21, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Erie County Public Library (160 E Front St, Erie). Staff from the Pennsylvania Treasury will be there to help you search for unclaimed money or assets — and you might be surprised by what you find. No appointment is necessary, and the service is completely free. With 1 in 10 Pennsylvanians having unclaimed property, there’s a good chance the Treasury owes you something. I hope you’ll stop by! Listening and Learning at Erie Heights
Recently, I visited Erie Heights with the Housing Authority of the City of Erie to talk with residents about the challenges they’re facing, not only in that neighborhood, but across Erie. This is the place where I grew up, so I know how much it means to the families who live there. From aging infrastructure to limited housing options, the issues are real and so is the need for action. I’m committed to being part of the solution. Rolling Up My Sleeves
This week, I rolled up my sleeve and donated blood at the Humes Chrysler Jeep Dodge Ram blood drive in Waterford. Events like this are a great reminder that small acts of kindness—like giving blood—can make a life-saving difference. I’m grateful to the dedicated staff, volunteers, and everyone who showed up to give. Your generosity helps support local hospitals, strengthens our community, and shows what we can accomplish when we come together. I was proud to do my part and encourage others to consider donating if they can. It truly matters. UPMC Opens Neighborhood Center
I was proud to help cut the ribbon on UPMC Health Plan’s new Neighborhood Center in Erie this week. Located in a part of the city that needs it most, this space will serve as a community hub—connecting people to jobs, fresh food, mental health care, housing, childcare, and more. This is what real community-based care looks like: meeting people where they are and addressing the whole person. I’m grateful to all the local partners who helped make it happen. Senate Acts to Provide Funding for Local Bridge Projects
The Senate recently approved legislation to provide state funding for local bridge projects, giving counties the flexibility needed to make essential repairs to municipal bridges. Currently, state Motor License Fund dollars can be used to build and repair county bridges. However, spending guidance fails to address if funding can be used for municipal bridges located within a county. As a result, municipal bridges often go without repair while bridge funding goes unused due to ambiguous guidance. Senate Bill 205 would give counties the flexibility they need to fund local bridge projects. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Legislation to Make PA Leader in Drone Research Approved by Senate
Legislation to position Pennsylvania as a national leader in the emerging drone industry was approved by the Senate and sent to the House of Representatives. Senate Bill 468 permits the state Department of Transportation, with the governor’s approval, to engage in agreements with other states to facilitate the research and use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or drones. An interstate compact would make Pennsylvania a key player in UAS testing, training and education, helping to ensure public safety, expand aviation jobs and inspire business development across the commonwealth. Children in Hot Cars: Look Before You Lock
In 2024, 39 children died of heatstroke in vehicles – up 35% from 2023. Most of these deaths are a result of a parent or caregiver forgetting a child in a car.
More information from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration is available here. Protecting Yourself on Facebook Marketplace
Transactions through social media platforms have limited consumer protections compared to traditional business dealings, and scams happen. In a recent case, a Fayette County family was scammed with fake cash when selling a floor buffer on Facebook Marketplace. Pennsylvania State Police are investigating. There are steps you can take to protect yourself with Facebook Marketplace, such as checking the seller’s Marketplace profile to learn more about them, using online payment methods and verifying the item before paying. Check out more tips here. Tuesday is National Night Out
National Night Out takes place Tuesday, Aug. 5. It’s an annual community-building campaign promoting police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie. Neighborhoods host block parties, festivals, cookouts and various other community events with safety demonstrations and more. Look for an event near you for a great way to get to know your local police officers.
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