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In this Update:
A Haven for Women and Children
I recently toured the former Our Lady of Mount Carmel School, where the Erie City Mission is working to create The Haven. The proposed facility would provide housing and support for up to 70 women and children in need. It was encouraging to see plans that would give this building a new purpose while helping some of the most vulnerable people in our community. Shale Insight Conference Comes to Erie
I attended the Shale Insight Conference at Erie’s Bayfront Convention Center, where I had the opportunity to speak with people working across Pennsylvania’s natural gas industry. Natural gas supports jobs, helps power our homes and businesses, and provides an important resource for Pennsylvania manufacturers. I appreciated hearing directly from industry leaders about the opportunities and challenges they face. We need policies that support responsible energy development, keep our economy competitive and ensure Pennsylvania families have access to reliable, affordable energy. Students Explore Civic Engagement
My staff attended the 11th Annual Youth Civic Engagement Symposium at Gannon University, joining roughly 170 students and chaperones from 10 schools. The event gave students a chance to hear from leaders in federal, state, county and local government and learn more about civic service. Gannon SBDC Marks 45 Years
My staff joined Gannon University in celebrating 45 years of its Small Business Development Center. The center has helped entrepreneurs across western Pennsylvania start and grow businesses, creating opportunities and strengthening our communities. Congratulations to the Gannon SBDC team on this milestone, and to Janel Bonsell on receiving the President’s Award! 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. Shapiro’s Troubling Health Regulations: Thousands of Pennsylvanians Weigh In
Thousands of Pennsylvanians – ordinary citizens, school officials and many others – have voiced their opposition to Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed health regulations which would vastly expand state government’s power over their lives. Thank you to each and every person who took the time to let your voice be heard! I have added my voice to this matter, which spells out the reasons these regulations must be stopped. Comments were submitted asking the commission to reject the proposal, which would give the state more power to enter homes and businesses without a warrant, speak to students without parents present, access private health records, unilaterally impose mask mandates – and more. Gov. Shapiro and the state Department of Health should listen to the people and withdraw this 502-page executive branch overreach. Pennsylvanians endured the previous governor’s mandates during COVID lockdowns, and we cannot afford to go back. Learn more about what’s at stake at this State Health Regulations information webpage. Senate Bill Protecting Children from Harmful AI Chats Needs House Action
It’s critical that our commonwealth establish commonsense safeguards for children increasingly interacting with AI chatbots. The Senate overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation to do just that back in March, but the House of Representatives has yet to consider it. Senate Bill 1090 would require robust, age-appropriate safeguards to prevent content generation that encourages self-harm, suicide or violence against others, and directs users to appropriate crisis resources whenever high-risk language is detected. In recent years, vulnerable individuals, including minors, have used AI chatbots to cope with trauma, depression and anxiety, only to have chatbot responses allegedly contribute to deaths by suicide. I urge the House to pass this bill so it can be enacted before the year is out. Read more about this important measure. March for Life Brings Record Crowd to Capitol
The recent March for Life outside the state Capitol was the largest ever, with more than 6,000 people traveling from across the state to pledge their support for protecting the unborn. With the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court ruling overturning the unconstitutional Roe v. Wade, the battle to promote life over abortion is playing out in the states. It was especially heartening that so many of the enthusiastic participants in the march were young citizens who clearly understood the stakes. I will always be a voice for the voiceless and an advocate for the sanctity of life. Suicide Prevention Month Raises Awareness and Spreads Hope
Suicide Prevention Month is a time to raise awareness, spread hope and encourage discussion of a difficult topic. Warning signs of suicide include:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness has more information about risk factors. The 988 Lifeline provides free and confidential support over call, text or chat for people in distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Empathetic, trained professionals provide prevention and crisis resources for you or someone you know. Garrity Announces $1,000 Bonus for Families’ Education Savings
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity is giving families with qualified PA 529 College and Career Saving Program Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) accounts a $1,000 bonus contribution, enhancing education savings for about 107,000 Pennsylvania families. The bonus is being paid for through surplus dollars in the GSP Fund. PA 529 GSP savers with at least a $1,000 account balance, or those with at least a $100 balance with contributions made since 2022, as of July 31, 2026, are eligible for this bonus deposit. Account owners will see this deposit reflected in their third quarter statement. The PA 529 GSP allows families to save at today’s tuition rates to cover tomorrow’s tuition costs with account growth dependent on tuition inflation. For more information, visit the PA 529 website. Certified Veteran-Owned Businesses Gain New Opportunities
Pennsylvania veteran-owned small businesses that get certified can be listed on a state database, opening doors to state contracting opportunities. To qualify for certification, businesses must be at least 51% veteran-owned, meet “small business” revenue and size standards, and hold a valid third-party certification. The state does not certify a business as veteran owned; it only verifies it. Find out how to obtain certification and third-party verification at the Department of General Services. |
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