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In this Update:
Harrisburg Happenings
My bipartisan bill, Senate Bill 1273, was unanimously approved by the Senate Transportation Committee this week. This legislation makes it clear that the PA Turnpike Commission can share tolling data with law enforcement in urgent situations like Amber Alerts and Missing Endangered Person cases because when someone is missing, every second matters. I was also pleased to support Committee Chair Senator Judy Ward‘s package of bills (Senate Bills 1294, 1295, and 1296) to strengthen safety standards for commercial drivers. These measures take important steps to ensure CDL holders are properly trained, qualified, and able to safely operate on our roadways. Focusing on ensuring English proficiency requirements are enforced and improving oversight of CDL training and testing processes. Tap or click on the image above to watch my remarks on my legislation, Senate Bill 1273.
This week also featured Career and Technical Education Day at the State Capitol, and I was thrilled to welcome students from the Trinity Area School District’s CTE programs. Career and Technical Education gives young people the hands-on, career-ready skills they need to step into good-paying jobs and in-demand fields. These programs are opening doors and building the workforce of tomorrow. Pictured with me (L-R): Lucy O’Neal (Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Therapy), Sam Johnson (Power Motorsports), Lucas Dzikowski (Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Therapy), Jeannette Hartley (Vocational Agriculture Instructor), Ian Killen (Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation Therapy Instructor), Noah Fritz (Power Motorsports), Brandon Hoy (Power Motorsports), Taaliyah Wright (Vocational Agriculture)
The Senate again approved legislation to protect the safety and opportunities of female athletes by requiring scholastic sports teams to be designated based on biological sex. Senate Bill 1293 would require public schools and colleges to label sports teams as male, female or coed. The legislation states only biological females can join teams designated for women. The bill would also allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule. Since 2020 in Pennsylvania, men have stolen first place from female athletes 87 times and unjustly took second or third place 64 times. Recently, the International Olympic Committee enacted new policy guidelines ensuring all sporting events under their jurisdiction for any female category are limited to biological females only. The legislation is similar to Senate Bill 9, which was passed by the Senate in May 2025 with bipartisan support. Since then, it has been delayed by procedural maneuvers by Democrat leaders in the House of Representatives, leaving young female athletes at risk. I urge the House to act on this legislation and restore fairness to athletic competition in our commonwealth. Read more about this issue here. You can also watch my video remarks by tapping or clicking the image above.
Recently in Harrisburg, senate staff celebrated Bring Your Child to Work Day, and I was so glad to see two of my team members, Katrina and Megan, bring their daughters, Sloane and Emma, to spend a day at the beautiful Pennsylvania State Capitol Complex. This year’s celebration was part of PA250, which highlights Pennsylvania’s role in America’s upcoming 250th anniversary. Activities took place throughout the Capitol, the State Museum of Pennsylvania, and Commonwealth Avenue at Soldiers Grove. Free Career Kick-Start Event for Women
I am partnering with Pennsylvania Women Work to host Career Kick-Start on Friday, May 8, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Frank Sarris Public Library, 35 N. Jefferson Ave., Canonsburg. Participants will learn how to identify professional skills and strengths and communicate them on a resume and in interviews, as well as how to find and apply for job openings. They will be able to learn about employment opportunities, take a free professional headshot and meet individually with a career coach to refine their resume. Tina Kreuzer, a 2024 Career Kick-Start participant, said, “After attending the program, I saw a two-fold increase in responses to my resume, leading to more interviews and ultimately multiple job offers. The result – I transitioned to a new career in an incredibly competitive job market. I wholeheartedly endorse this program because it is comprehensive, practical and incredibly encouraging.” Space is limited. Women who are interested are asked to register online at this website. Please call 412-742-4362 with any questions. DEP Offers Affordable Mine Subsidence InsuranceIs your home at risk? Over 1 million homes in Pennsylvania are above abandoned coal or clay mines and are at risk of mine subsidence damage. Most homeowners’ insurance policies exclude mine subsidence damage, and repair costs often exceed $100,000. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection offers affordable Mine Subsidence Insurance to protect your home. Policy coverage is available from $5,000 to $1,000,000. For example, a $500,000 policy costs $128.75 per year. A 10% senior citizen discount is available. Commercial structure coverage is also available at the same coverage and rates. Find out if your home is at risk and learn more about Mine Subsidence Insurance by visiting this website or calling 1-800-922-1678 to speak with a representative. Strengthening Electricity Affordability and Reliability
Pennsylvanians need electricity that’s affordable and reliable. That’s why I joined legislative colleagues in February urging action to preserve critical baseload power generation by preventing the premature shutdown of two commonwealth power plants. I’m pleased to report the Trump administration has reached agreement with the state Department of Environmental Protection and the operator of the Keystone and Conemaugh Generating Stations in Indiana and Armstrong counties to allow continued operation of both plants. The agreement ensures continued, environmentally compliant generation of 3,400 megawatts of electricity for the regional grid and preserves the livelihood of more than 1,000 workers. I applaud the parties for working to find common ground, and will continue working to expand Pennsylvania energy production to provide our residents with a true “all of the above” energy strategy to ensure affordable, reliable electricity. Take the PA Family Health Needs Assessment Survey
You can provide feedback to help improve maternal, child and family health in Pennsylvania by completing the Family Health Needs Assessment Survey by April 30. You can find the survey here. It’s part of the federal Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant, managed in Pennsylvania by the Department of Health. It requires a comprehensive needs assessment every five years to identify key health priorities. The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete. If you have any questions, please email RA-DHPATITLEV@pa.gov. Booklet Helps You Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten
If your child is entering kindergarten this fall, you can help prepare them for the experience with the Kindergarten Here I Come booklet filled with resources and activities that follow Pennsylvania’s Early Learning Standards. Topics in the booklet include:
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