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In this Update:
Nine Local Projects Receive State Grants
Nine affordable housing and community development projects in the 46th Senatorial District will receive funding through the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) fund. Local organizations will receive nearly $1.8 million in the current round of funding. The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency and funded by the Marcellus Shale Impact Fee, the Realty Transfer Tax and the National Housing Trust Fund. Drilling to take advantage of Pennsylvania’s abundant natural resources serves us by helping to diversify our energy sources and controlling costs. It also benefits us through the Impact Fee by providing significant revenue to municipalities and counties that helps manage the demands placed on resources. You can review the projects by visiting my website. Free Barbecue Picnic for Veterans and Service Members on July 10
I invite veterans, active duty service members, and their families of the 46th District to attend a veterans appreciation barbecue picnic on Friday, July 10, from 5-7 p.m. at the Stone Pavilion in Washington Park. This picnic is an opportunity to thank the men and women who have sacrificed their time and put their lives on hold to defend our great country. Of course, it is also about their families, who lived without their loved ones, often in fear for their safety when they were gone. I encourage all veterans and active duty members of the 46th District and their spouses to attend. Space is limited for the picnic, so veterans and their families are asked to RSVP by Wednesday, July 2, online by clicking this link. Call my district office for more information at 724-225-4380. PA American Water Offers Dilliner System Customer Sessions
Pennsylvania American Water recently announced several outreach sessions for customers in its Dilliner District in Greene County. During appointments, customers will have the opportunity to ask questions about their water service and learn more about H2O Help to Others™, the company’s customer assistance program. In-person sessions are scheduled on Thursdays between 3-6 p.m. from June 26-July 10, 2025, at the Shannopin Civic Club, 777 Larimer Ave., Bobtown. Virtual sessions are also available on Wednesdays and Fridays between 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. from June 25-July 11, 2025. Customers can schedule their appointments here. Focus on the 46th
Blueprints was recently awarded a $50,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Aging to make much needed upgrades to the Waynesburg Senior Center. I was thrilled to share in the good news for this wonderful organization. Congratulations! Pictured above from left to right is Greene County Commissioners, Blair Zimmerman and Jared Edgreen, Blueprints’ Stacy Stroman, Trenna Passalacqua, Jessie Rush, and Greene County Commissioner Betsy McClure.
Congratulations to the Community Foundation of Greene County on celebrating 25 years of success! It was my distinct honor to present them with an official Citation from the Senate of Pennsylvania commemorating this important milestone. The work that the foundation does to help so many in our area is phenomenal. A big Thank You to my friend and Executive Director Dave Calvario as well as the wonderful and talented Lisa Allison, and the entire Board of Directors on a fantastic evening.
Recently I had the opportunity to attend the annual Meals on Wheels Volunteer Luncheon in Greene County. This past year 253 volunteers logged 13,679 hours, providing 50,590 home delivered meals to 1,166 Greene County residents. That is some impressive work! Volunteers are the quite literally the life-line for of our vulnerable residents and I want to say Thank You to everyone who gives of their time and energy. I would also like to thank Stacy Stroman with Blueprints and Rachal Estel with Southwestern PA Area Agency on Aging, Inc. for making today’s celebration so special. I was excited to present Certificates of Appreciation to all of the Senior Centers and Food Pantry sites in Greene County. Well done!
Thank you to everyone who stopped by my Identity Theft Prevention Shredding Event last Saturday at Fort Cherry High School. Thank you to Steel City Shredding for your help shredding everyone’s sensitive documents!
I am very grateful to majority leader, Senator Joe Pittman, for taking the time to come and meet with some phenomenal folks in the heart of my district, Lighthouse Electric, who are poised to make a huge investment in the City of Washington. Senate Votes to Combat Overregulation
To address overregulation that stifles business growth and drives jobs to other states, the Senate passed two regulatory reform bills. The Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act, Senate Bill 333, would establish an enhanced legislative review process for costly new regulations. It is designed to address concerns about unchecked regulatory burdens on businesses, communities and taxpayers. Senate Bill 444 would establish a one-time automatic review process for regulations that impose a fiscal impact exceeding $1 million annually on taxpayers or employers. The review would ensure regulations remain effective, efficient and in the public interest. Both bills now move to the House of Representatives for consideration. Bill Targeting Rise of Deepfake Scams Approved by Senate
The Senate unanimously voted to stem the rise of “deepfakes” and other forms of digital impersonation by treating them as forgeries punishable by law. Technology enables individuals to create convincing images, audio and video of others – often without consent – that are nearly indistinguishable from reality. These digital forgeries have been used to commit financial scams and injure personal reputations. Senate Bill 649 would enact penalties for anyone who creates a digital representation of a real person without their consent and distributes it as genuine to defraud or injure. The measure would protect First Amendment rights and preserve valid expressions of parody, satire and other forms of free speech. Senate Bill 649 is now before the House of Representatives for consideration. PA Now Has Concealed Carry Reciprocity with Virginia
A new reciprocity agreement allows holders of Pennsylvania Licenses to Carry Firearms to do so in Virginia, making it the 30th state that has a concealed carry reciprocity agreement with Pennsylvania. The agreement resulted from efforts of Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday to maximize reciprocity agreements while protecting standing law and constitutional rights. The agreement is only applicable to handguns and requires permit holders to:
Funding Available for Community Groups Providing Veteran Suicide Prevention Services
Community-based organizations that provide suicide prevention or emergency clinical services to veterans can apply now for grants to support their vital mission. Organizations can apply for grants worth up to $750,000 and may apply to renew awards from year to year. Grant applications must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs by July 18 at 5 p.m. Learn more about eligibility and apply here. Veterans in crisis are encouraged to call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing one to speak with responders trained in crisis intervention and military culture. All calls are free and confidential. Additionally, Pennsylvania provides many programs and services to support veterans. Celebrating National Dairy Month in June
Pennsylvania’s dairy farmers work hard to provide families with common dairy staples, including cheese and yogurt, that are part of healthy diets. Consuming dairy products contributes to strong bones, muscle function and immune support. Senate Republicans highlighted the role dairy plays in making agriculture the state’s top industry. It generates more than $11 billion in revenue and supports 47,000 jobs. Checking out PA’s Ice Cream Trail is a fun way to celebrate and support dairy farmers. At more than 50 spots across the state, you can enjoy homemade ice cream and other delicious treats.
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