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In this Update:

• Focus on the 46th
• Measure Cracking Down on “CDL Mills” Becomes Law
• Consider a Future as an Emergency Medical Services Provider
• Nominate a Non-Teaching School Employee for a RISE Award
• Organ and Tissue Donation Saves Lives

Focus on the 46th

I was honored to join UPMC Washington for the ribbon cutting celebrating the addition of a second linear accelerator at the UPMC Hillman Cancer Center just off Racetrack Road. This investment means more patients in the 46th District will have access to advanced, highly precise cancer treatments close to home, reducing the need to travel while making care more convenient for patients and their families during an already challenging time.

Since UPMC Washington joined UPMC, we have already seen major investments that are bringing cutting-edge technology and expanded access to care across our region. Congratulations to Brook Ward, President of UPMC Washington and UPMC Greene, and her entire team on reaching another wonderful milestone.

I recently met with the Donegal Township Planning Commission at Dutch Fork Lake on a gorgeous afternoon. We weren’t there long before a great blue heron and a bald eagle graced us with their presence, it was amazing.

Thank you to (pictured left to right in the group photo) Ethan Ward, Michael Curtis and Jerri Zwicker for sharing their vision for the future of this incredible community asset. I was happy to help start a productive conversation between the Planning Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, which manages the Commonwealth-owned 91-acre lake for public fishing and boating. It’s exciting to see local leaders thinking about additional ways to encourage families to enjoy the outdoors while preserving the area’s natural beauty.

It was great to visit with the leadership of the South Side Athletic Organization (SSAO) in Hanover Township at Gene Roberts Memorial Field. SSAO, in cooperation with Hanover Township, is looking to make significant upgrades to its ballfields and grounds, and it was my pleasure to hear about their plans for the future.

Pictured with me from left to right is Jared Kramer, SSAO; Daisy Spearing, Hanover Township Secretary; Frank Swoager, SSAO President

I want to extend my sincere thanks to Andy Walz (pictured center) for his many years of dedicated service as North Strabane Township Manager, as this is his last week in the role. I appreciate Andy’s professionalism and the commitment he has shown to the community throughout his tenure. Wishing you all the best in this next chapter, Andy.

It was also a pleasure to meet Patrick Karnash, who has been transitioning into the Township Manager role. I look forward to continuing the strong, constructive collaboration between our offices as we work together to serve the residents of North Strabane. Congratulations, Patrick.

Quality housing is the foundation of strong communities, so it’s great to see ongoing investment in Washington County. I recently joined the Washington County Chamber of Commerce and Maronda Homes for the ribbon cutting at Silver Creek, their newest community in the Canon-McMillan School District.

We toured the model home and learned more about Silver Creek, which has easy access to Route 50, the Southern Beltway, Southpointe, and Pittsburgh International Airport, making it a great place for families to call home. Congratulations to Maronda Homes on reaching this milestone. I look forward to seeing the community grow and welcoming the families who will soon move to Silver Creek.

I was glad to visit the 7th Annual Alina’s Light 5K Walk/Run and Community Event at Settlers Cabin Park last weekend and support a group that truly helps others. It was wonderful to see so many families, friends, and community members come together to honor the memory of Alina Sheykhet and all victims of domestic violence. Thank you to Elly and Yan Sheykhet, who turned their loss into a mission of hope, education, and advocacy through Alina’s Light, Inc. Thank you to everyone who joined this year’s event and helped keep Alina’s memory alive.

This week’s announcement of GE Vernova’s $166 million investment is a tremendous win for all of Southwestern Pennsylvania. The company’s plan includes the expansion of its operations in Rostraver Township and Findlay Township, which will create more than 700 new jobs while retaining hundreds more.

Although the ceremony focused on those facilities, it was fitting that the event was held in Charleroi, where GE Vernova has a longstanding presence in the 46th Senatorial District. Just last year, the company announced plans to add 250 new jobs over the next two years at its leading grid solutions factory in Charleroi.

I first learned about the $166 million investment during last year’s Pennsylvania Energy and Innovation Summit, where company leaders discussed their vision for continued investment in our region. It’s gratifying to see those conversations becoming reality. The Commonwealth’s $6 million investment is helping leverage a much larger private-sector commitment that will strengthen our local economy, create family-sustaining jobs and reinforce the Mon Valley’s role in powering America’s energy future. Congratulations to everyone whose hard work helped make this investment possible.

You can watch the entire press conference by clicking this link.

Congratulations to Jeff Marshall on an outstanding career serving Greene County. Last month, I joined the Greene County Commissioners at the County Office Building to present Jeff with a Senate Citation for his 33 years of dedicated service to our community.

Jeff started as an Operations and Training Officer in the Department of Emergency Services, then became Director, and later served as Chief Clerk and County Administrator. Throughout, he has been a steady leader focused on the safety and well-being of Greene County residents.

Thank you, Jeff, for your leadership, your commitment, and the lasting impact you’ve made on Greene County. I wish you all the best in your well-deserved retirement!

It was also bittersweet moment this week as we celebrated the retirement of someone who has been such an important part of my team and my life. Deborah “Debby” Baird-McKinney.

Debby has served the people of the 46th District in my Monongahela and, more recently, Charleroi district offices since I was sworn into the Senate in 2015. I’ve been blessed to know her even longer. If you’ve ever called or visited one of my district offices in the Mon Valley, you’ve probably been greeted by Debby’s warm smile, kind heart, and gentle spirit. She has a special way of making everyone feel heard, valued, and comfortable.

A proud Monongahela native, Debby brought with her the compassion and patience of a lifelong educator after retiring from a wonderful career as a public school music teacher. Her love of music has never faded, and over the years, everyone in the #CameraCrew has been treated to her beautiful singing voice.

Debby, thank you for everything you’ve done for me, my staff, and everyone in the 46th District. We are all better because of you. I hope your retirement is full of happiness, music, and plenty of time to enjoy what you love most.

Happy retirement, my dear friend. You’ve certainly earned it. Please don’t be a stranger.

Measure Cracking Down on “CDL Mills” Becomes Law

Legislation drafted after it was learned unauthorized commercial driver’s license (CDL) schools were operating in Pennsylvania is now law, significantly boosting penalties for these “CDL mills.”

Act 50 of 2026 increases the maximum civil penalty for operating an unauthorized CDL school from $2,500 to $25,000, giving the state Department of Education a stronger enforcement tool to stop illegal operations and discourage violations. The new law does not impact private employers that provide CDL training to their own employees at no cost.

The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1295 to reinforce tractor trailer safety in the commonwealth. The legislative package reflects new federal regulations and federal legislation to strengthen commercial vehicle operations following allegations of unqualified truck drivers in the country illegally. Read more about improving commercial vehicle safety here.

Consider a Future as an Emergency Medical Services Provider

You could have a future in Emergency Medical Services, a critical component of healthy communities.

Find out what it takes to be an EMS provider and get your start with the state Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services.

The site includes EMS education, information and resources, regional EMS council contact information and more.

Nominate a Non-Teaching School Employee for a RISE Award

Non-teaching school employees – including paraprofessional, clerical, transportation, food service, custodial, security and health workers – play key roles in keeping our local schools running.   

If you know an incredible non-teaching employee, you can nominate them for a Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. Find details and a nomination form at the state Department of Education website.

Nominations for 2026 close Aug. 30.

Organ and Tissue Donation Saves Lives

Saturday is PA Donor Day across the commonwealth, a statewide effort to rally support for the more than 6,000 Pennsylvanians waiting for a life-saving transplant. It’s held on 8/1 because eight lives can be saved by just one registered donor.

PA Donor Day 2026 is especially important because the number of Pennsylvanians registering as organ donors has slowed and transplant waiting lists are long.

You can register to donate at any time – you don’t need to get a driver’s license or permit. Learn more about organ and tissue donation and register to be a donor here.