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In this Update:
Helping Our Next Generation of Hunters
I was out with the Pennsylvania Game Commission helping to stock pheasants for the 2025 Pennsylvania Junior Pheasant Hunt! This special season, running Oct. 11–18, gives young hunters ages 12–16 a chance to experience the outdoors and the excitement of pheasant hunting, with mentoring available for hunters of any age. With more than 215,000 pheasants being stocked across the Commonwealth, there’s plenty of opportunity to get involved. A free Junior Pheasant Permit from the Game Commission is required to participate. The regular ring-necked pheasant season opens Oct. 25–Nov. 28, Dec. 15–24, and Dec. 26–Feb. 28, 2026 (2 daily, 6 possession). Let’s get the next generation outdoors and keep Pennsylvania’s hunting tradition strong! Supporting Family Businesses
I joined Rep. Jake Banta at Penn State Behrend’s Center for Family Business Conference for an insightful discussion on the challenges and opportunities facing family-owned businesses in Pennsylvania. These businesses are the backbone of our communities, and it’s always valuable to hear directly from the people who keep them thriving. $10 Million PENNVEST Investment for Erie Water Lines
I am pleased to announce a $10 million PENNVEST investment to support Erie Water Works in replacing outdated galvanized and lead service lines. The funding includes a low-interest loan and non-repayable funds, covering roughly 1,000 households. This project will protect public health, improve water quality, and ensure the reliability of Erie’s water system for years to come. 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 Targeting Catalytic Converter Thefts Passed by Senate
Pennsylvania is one of the top states in the country for catalytic converter thefts, with thieves targeting the car part for its precious metals – leaving families and businesses to deal with the costly aftermath. We passed legislation to strengthen regulations and equip law enforcement with better tools to track and prosecute offenders. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 914 repeals the Scrap Metal Theft Prevention Act and moves the requirements to Title 18, the Crimes Code. Title 18 requires scrap processors and recycling facilities to collect buyer information, set commercial-account rules, restrict purchases of certain materials and create penalties. Senate Votes to Expand College Aid for Foster Children
The Senate approved legislation to expand tuition aid for foster children and adopted youth to cover those from other states, attracting talented students to help fill in-demand jobs and boost the commonwealth’s weak population growth. Senate Bill 432 would expand the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program, which waives higher education tuition and fees for children in the foster care system and those who were adopted. The program is currently available only to state residents and the legislation would expand it to eligible nonresident students for undergraduate courses at Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education schools. The measure builds on the GROW PA plan I supported last year to improve Pennsylvania’s competitiveness by, among other steps, attracting and retaining students to pursue college degrees. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Open Government: Tracking How Your Tax Dollars are Spent
Government is funded by money paid by taxpayers, and these resources are available to shed light on how those dollars are being spent by the commonwealth. The PennWATCH website allows citizens to keep tabs on the state budget, spending and revenue. Pennsylvania also makes it easy for people to review state purchases, lobbyist registrations and reports and campaign finance reports. Announced earlier this year by state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, OpenBookPA is a vast resource of data and information related to state finances. It includes the Fiscal Health Scorecard, the daily balance of every state fund and the Contracts e-Library, which allows people to search all state contracts valued at $5,000 or more. Give Your Feedback on PennDOT Construction, Maintenance Services
Through Oct. 21, motorists can take an online survey to give their feedback on Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) construction and maintenance services. The 22-question survey asks participants how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations in construction and maintenance activities. Respondents are also asked about experiences with reporting concerns to the department, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. PennDOT is directly responsible for nearly 40,000 miles of highway and 25,400 bridges. A summary of recent projects and funds spent can be found in the 2024 Annual Report. Expanding Coverage of Breast Cancer Screenings
Earlier this year, the Senate passed a bill to expand insurance coverage for breast cancer screenings, including MRIs and ultrasounds, with no out-of-pocket costs. It was another major step forward in early detection and access to care. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’m hopeful the House of Representatives will pass this legislation, so more Pennsylvanians have access to these lifesaving screenings. Read more about breast cancer risk and new resources available for early detection here.
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