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In this Update:
Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
Please join me Saturday, June 13 from 9:30 – 11:30 a.m. at Trinity East Elementary School parking lot for a drive through identity theft prevention event. This is located at 252 Cameron Rd., Washington Identity theft prevention information will be provided, and an industrial shredder truck will be on site. A maximum of two boxes or bags per vehicle will be shredded. Phone books, newspapers and bound books cannot be accepted. Please remove any binder or paper clips. This event is for individuals only – no businesses, please. For additional information, call 724-225-4380. Focus on the 46th
This week we welcomed the preschool class from SmartKids Child Care & Learning Center in Washington to the Crossroads Center and my Washington District Office for a very special parade! The students’ current preschool “buzzword” is parade, and they brought that lesson to life in the most creative and heartwarming way. Each child designed their own unique flag and proudly carried it as they paraded through the building, spreading smiles and excitement everywhere they went. A special thank you to Lisa Kyle, Director of the SmartKids Center, for organizing this memorable visit and for all that she and her team do to support and inspire our youngest learners every day.
I had the opportunity to join local officials and community leaders in celebrating the grand reopening of the historic front entrance of the Washington County Courthouse – a moment that represents far more than the reopening of a set of doors. Known as “The People’s Palace,” the courthouse has stood for more than 125 years as a symbol of justice, service, and community in Washington County. Since 2019, the historic front entrance has remained closed. The restoration of the front entrance reflects our continued commitment to accessibility, transparency, and preserving the history and character of this remarkable building while ensuring it can continue serving the public for generations to come. The project also included important modern security upgrades that will enhance safety and accessibility for all who enter the courthouse. Congratulations to President Judge Valarie Costanzo, the Washington County Commissioners, the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, courthouse staff, contractors, and everyone who played a role in preserving and improving this historic landmark. Their dedication and hard work made this important project possible, and our community will benefit from it for many years ahead. You can watch my remarks by tapping or clicking the image above.
I was thrilled to present Senate Citations of Congratulations to two remarkable young women from the 46th District, Erin Dunn (left) and Haley Clark (right), for earning the prestigious Girl Scout Gold Award, which is the highest honor a Girl Scout can achieve. Both were recognized recently at the Girl Scouts Western Pennsylvania Gold Award Ceremony, and I am extremely proud of their accomplishments, compassion, and leadership. The Girl Scout Gold Award stands for outstanding leadership, service, and a commitment to making a lasting difference in the community. Erin and Haley truly show these qualities in everything they do. Certified Nurse Practitioner Advocacy Day
This Monday, June 1, at 11 a.m. – I am excited to join my legislative colleagues and advocates in support of the PA Coalition of Nurse Practitioners and my legislation, Senate Bill 25. This legislation would remove barriers to health care access by granting Pennsylvania nurse practitioners full practice authority. The rally will be streamed live on my Facebook page. Click or tap here to visit my Facebook page. New Law Requires AEDs at School Sports Events
Legislation approved by the Senate to help prevent the leading cause of death among young athletes – sudden cardiac arrest – is now law. Senate Bill 375, now Act 17 of 2026, will require automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be present at all PIAA-sanctioned athletic events and practices. The law also requires schools to develop and rehearse emergency action plans for cardiac incidents. AEDs are portable, life-saving devices used to restore normal heartbeats with electrical shock. The legislation was introduced after the tragic death of Greg Moyer, who passed away from sudden cardiac arrest during a high school basketball game in East Stroudsburg, Monroe County. Read more about passage of this new law here. Midwifery Modernization Law Supports Mothers and Babies
A new law we passed will help ensure women and families have access to safe, high-quality care throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery by modernizing Pennsylvania’s laws governing midwives. Senate Bill 507, now Act 14 of 2026, updates licensure requirements for certified midwives, improves collaboration with physicians and expands prescription authority in certain circumstances. The law also addresses healthcare shortages in rural and underserved communities by expanding the number of trained professionals available to provide maternal care services. Read more about our work to expand this care for mothers and babies here. Improving Stream Maintenance, Reducing Flood Hazards
Legislation to give counties and municipalities more flexibility in handling flood-related hazards and obstructions was passed by the Senate in March and now awaits action in the House of Representatives. Currently, entering streams to remove obstructions requires a permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection, a process that is lengthy, tedious and inefficient. Senate Bill 403 would allow local government organizations to apply for an extended permit, allowing maintenance to continue for 10 years or more. Senate Bill 404 would allow counties to obtain emergency maintenance permits in consultation with their county conservation district. Read more about how these bills will help protect against flooding here. Hearing Examines Bill Ensuring Lead-Free Drinking Water in Schools
A recent Senate hearing examined legislation to ensure Pennsylvania students have access to safe, lead-free drinking water in schools. The Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee discussed Senate Bill 759, which would require school districts to replace outdated drinking fountains with lead-filtering hydration stations by 2028 while providing funding mechanisms to help schools cover implementation costs. Committee members heard testimony from experts in environmental advocacy, public health, plumbing and pediatric medicine on the dangers of lead exposure and the need for preventative action in schools across Pennsylvania. Watch the hearing and read testimony here. Read more about the hearing and Senate Bill 759 here. Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Kicks Off in June
Beginning in June, the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program offers vouchers to eligible seniors (60+) to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets. Call your county aging office to apply and find out when and where they are distributing the vouchers. You can find aging offices and voucher information here. Available on first come, first served basis. Click here for details and where to find participating markets. Recapping Mammo May 2026
As we wrap up Mammo May, Mammography Month, I hope you or the women you know are better informed on the importance of early breast cancer detection. If you’re one of the average 38 Pennsylvania women diagnosed with breast cancer each day, catching it early greatly increases your odds of successful treatment. Some resources to keep handy: No-Cost Screenings Information Most mammograms take about 20 minutes. Please spread the word and share this important information from the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. |
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