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In this Update:

• Protecting Pennsylvanians from Mass Surveillance
• Closing Loopholes for Intoxicating Hemp
• Discussing Erie’s Changing Bayfront
• Improving Safety and Access in Wesleyville
• How I Can Help
• Bill Protecting Fairness in Women’s Sports Awaits House Action
• Treasury Launches New Financial Education Hub
• Avoiding Student Loan Forgiveness Scams
• Job Opportunities for Nurses at PA Veterans Homes
• Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Accepting Applications for 2027

Protecting Pennsylvanians from Mass Surveillance

I plan to introduce legislation prohibiting Flock Safety cameras and similar networked license plate reader systems in Pennsylvania. These systems can create a searchable record of where people travel, even when they are not suspected of a crime. My proposal would protect ordinary security cameras and allow law enforcement officers to continue using vehicle-mounted plate readers as part of their duties. Public safety matters, but it should not require tracking the daily movements of innocent Pennsylvanians.

Closing Loopholes for Intoxicating Hemp

I joined Erie County District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz on The Insider with Lisa Adams to discuss the spread of intoxicating hemp products across Pennsylvania.

These products are exploiting legal loopholes and leaving law enforcement with few options to protect our communities. Senate Bill 49 would create a Cannabis Control Board and establish testing, packaging and age requirements for these products.

It is time to close these loopholes and put commonsense safeguards in place. Watch the full episode Sunday at 7 a.m. on WSEE or at 10 a.m. on WICU following Meet the Press.

Discussing Erie’s Changing Bayfront

Last week, my staff joined Pennsylvania Department of Transportation Secretary Mike Carroll and other local leaders for a roundtable on the projects transforming Erie’s Bayfront.

Continued investment is improving transportation, strengthening connections to our waterfront and creating new opportunities for residents, visitors and local businesses. I appreciate PennDOT bringing everyone together to discuss the work underway and what comes next for Erie’s Bayfront.

Improving Safety and Access in Wesleyville

My staff joined PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll in Wesleyville Borough to highlight a Multimodal Transportation Fund investment to reconstruct Edison Avenue.

The project will improve pedestrian safety and provide residents with a safer, more reliable connection to Emory Red Hinkler Park. Investments like this strengthen our neighborhoods and improve access to the places that bring our communities together.

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.

Bill Protecting Fairness in Women’s Sports Awaits House Action

As students across Pennsylvania return to school, it is past time for the commonwealth to ensure fairness for women and girls taking part in collegiate and high school sports.

Earlier this year, at the urging of students and parents, the Senate approved bipartisan legislation – twice – to preserve opportunities for female athletes at public schools and colleges by requiring scholastic sports teams to be designated based on biological sex. Senate Bill 1293 would also allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule.

Month after month, the House of Representatives has avoided voting on this reasonable legislation grounded in fairness. The bill has been moved to multiple House committees in a series of parliamentary maneuvers to avoid a vote.

The longer the House delays, the more female athletes are at risk of being unfairly forced off the field or the winner’s podium. We must enact the Save Women’s Sports Act to restore common sense to scholastic sports.

Treasury Launches New Financial Education Hub

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced the launch of the department’s online Financial Education Hub, a one-stop-shop of resources designed to help Pennsylvanians improve their financial literacy and make informed financial decisions.

The new hub brings together state and federal resources covering topics such as budgeting, saving, retirement planning, digital assets and cryptocurrencies. It also includes information on Treasury programs, like the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program, Keystone Scholars and PA ABLE.

Resources are organized for specific audiences including students, teachers, active military members, veterans and older adults. Visit the Financial Education Hub here.

Avoiding Student Loan Forgiveness Scams

Students and families take out significant loans to pay for higher education, which attracts scammers looking to exploit the situation.

“Act immediately to qualify for student loan forgiveness” is just one of the high-pressure loan forgiveness pitches used to trick borrowers into sharing personal information. Scammers will frequently request an up-front or monthly fee while promising immediate and total student loan cancellation. Most government forgiveness programs require years of qualifying payments or employment in certain fields before forgiving loans.

Be wary of aggressive language and check the source before clicking. Learn more about avoiding these scams here.

Job Opportunities for Nurses at PA Veterans Homes

Pennsylvania’s six veterans homes care for our neighbors who answered the call to serve. The homes offer levels of care tailored to the specific health needs of residents and are supplemented with an array of clinical services.

Pennsylvania veterans homes are looking to hire registered nurses and license practical nurses to provide the kind of care that will allow veterans to live an active and healthy life with as much independence as possible.

Learn more about these opportunities and apply here.

Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Accepting Applications for 2027

Teenagers in jeopardy of not graduating on time or dropping out of school have a chance at obtaining their basic education through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy.

Applications are being accepted for its first class of 2027, which begins in January at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. There is no tuition cost to attend, and meals, housing, uniforms and school supplies are provided at no charge.

The program lasts for five-and-a-half months as a residential phase and 24 months of mentorship by academy staff back in home communities. Learn more about the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy and apply here.