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In this Update:
Locust Avenue Landslide Repairs Rescheduled
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) District 12 is announcing that landslide repairs on Route 1009 (Locust Avenue) between Hudack Hill and the Interstate 79 Interchange in South Strabane Township, Washington County, have been rescheduled to begin on Monday, July 27. They were previously scheduled to begin Monday, July 13. On March 27, Route 1009 (Locust Avenue) closed to traffic between Hudack Hill and the Interstate 79 Interchange due to a landslide. The existing detour will remain in place until mid-October utilizing Country Club Road and Locust Avenue. Designating Rye Whiskey as Pennsylvania’s Official State Spirit
My bill to designate rye whiskey as the official spirit of the commonwealth was approved last week by the State Government Committee. Senate Bill 1248 recognizes Pennsylvania’s historic role in shaping America’s whiskey tradition while celebrating the commonwealth’s thriving craft distilling industry and agricultural heritage. Long before Kentucky became synonymous with bourbon, Pennsylvania rye whiskey set the standard for American distilling. This bill honors that remarkable legacy while recognizing the farmers, distillers and small businesses that continue to carry it forward today. From the late 18th century through the 1840s, Pennsylvania led the nation in whiskey production. Federal records and the 1810 Census of Manufactures confirm that Pennsylvania produced more whiskey than any other state. Rye was the primary grain, making it the style most closely linked to American whiskey in the nation’s early years. The committee’s approval came as the City of Washington is currently celebrating its annual Whiskey Rebellion Festival. The 1794 Whiskey Rebellion, the nation’s first major tax protest after the adoption of the U.S. Constitution, took place in this region. The festival honors this history with reenactments, educational exhibits, live entertainment, local food vendors, and Pennsylvania-crafted spirits. I am grateful for my friends at Liberty Pole Spirits in Washington County along with a coalition of Pennsylvania rye whiskey distillers who brought this initiative to my attention. Senate Bill 1248 now advances to the full Senate for consideration. Focus on the 46th
I had a great time at the 63rd annual Canonsburg 4th of July Celebration Parade last weekend while we celebrated America’s 250th birthday. It truly was an amazing day.
Leading up to July 4th, I attended a wonderful ceremony at Canonsburg Town Park honoring the sacrifices of our local military heroes who have passed while also commemorating our nation’s 250th birthday. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this meaningful occasion so memorable.
I had the opportunity to stop by Peters Township Community Day a few weeks ago. There’s nothing better than spending the day with neighbors, local organizations, small businesses, and community leaders celebrating what makes Peters Township and all of Washington County such an incredible place to call home. A heartfelt thank you to the Peters Township Police Department, Fire Department, EMS, and all of our first responders. Your dedication and sacrifice keep our families and communities safe every day, and we are deeply grateful. It was also great catching up with my friend Owen Pucel, Executive Director of Washington County Authority, whose food truck serves some of the best pizza around!
I also had a ton of fun during Charleroi’s Magic City Saturday celebrating 250 years of American independence. The town was decked out, the music was great and the folks were excited to show off the town.
Congratulations to the Denbo Vesta Six Volunteer Fire Company in Washington County for receiving two low-interest loans via the State Fire & EMS Loan Assistance Program administered by the Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner. These loans will be used towards purchasing a 2022 Chevrolet Midi Pumper and a 2025 Fouts Bros Super Tanker. This program provides fire and EMS companies loans for the purpose of purchasing and modernizing apparatus, facilities, and equipment. Senate Passes Bill to Bring Life-saving Treatments to Market More Quickly
The Senate approved legislation to help get new life-saving treatments and devices to market more quickly while preserving safety standards. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Under current law, a pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturer must first complete a lengthy federal process before it can even begin the state licensure process in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1206 allows companies to gain temporary approval under Pennsylvania’s virtual manufacturers’ law, so that once federal approval is granted, these companies can quickly move forward without having to clear additional administrative roadblocks. Read more about Senate Bill 1206 here. Strengthening Medical Imaging Standards
Medical imaging – such as MRIs or x-rays – are essential to diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions and rely on radiation to do so. Performed incorrectly, these tests can cause serious harm to patients. Yet, Pennsylvania is one of only four states that do not have a licensure or certification framework for these professionals. The Senate approved Senate Bill 1334 to create a statewide licensing structure for professionals who perform medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures. The bill doesn’t require additional schooling or place unnecessary burdens on qualified professionals. It was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 1334 here. Empowering Patients to Make Care Decisions
Pennsylvania Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) spell out treatments a seriously ill patient does and does not want in an emergency or at the end of life. To empower patients, the Senate passed legislation creating the legal framework for their use across all healthcare settings. These differ from an advance directive, which generally identifies a surrogate decision-maker or provide broad guidance about future care preferences. POLST is a medical order that must be followed immediately, ensuring care aligns with the patient’s wishes in real time. POLST forms are not consistently recognized or applied across all care settings in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 730 provides statutory authority so that these forms are honored statewide by healthcare providers and emergency medical services. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Read more about Senate Bill 730 here. PA Trooper’s Death Highlights Urgent Need to Improve CDL Oversight
Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael E. Pahira Jr. was recently killed in the line of duty during a Schuylkill County traffic stop when he was struck by a tractor trailer driven by a person who was in the country illegally. I mourn this heartbreaking tragedy and join the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association in asking why this person had been granted a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Massachusetts. I also urge the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to pass two bills approved by the Senate to help prevent similar tragedies in the future: Senate Bill 1294, which improves the training curriculum and strengthens penalties to shutdown unqualified “CDL Mills,” and Senate Bill 1295, which requires English proficiency in all testing applications to operate an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle on public highways. We must strengthen our laws and oversight governing non-domiciled CDLs to improve commercial vehicle safety and help protect lives across our commonwealth. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline Extended to Dec. 31
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides rebates on property taxes or rent paid for the previous year by income-eligible seniors and people with disabilities. The deadline to apply has been extended to Dec. 31, 2026. Funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, it benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Rebates range from $380 to $1,000. The income limit is currently $48,110 a year for homeowners and renters, however, half of Social Security income is excluded. Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced that $224.4 million in rebates have already been sent to 372,291 Pennsylvanians. You can find more information and apply here. Contact my office for assistance in applying. State Police Cadet Selection Open Through July 31
Do you know someone who is considering a law enforcement career? The Pennsylvania State Police Cadet selection cycle is open through July 31. In addition to patrol services and policing residential areas, state troopers provide a variety of support services through specialized positions. The selection process consists of a written exam, background check and polygraph exam, physical readiness test, medical checkup and psychological evaluation. College internships are also available at participating schools. Learn more about the cadet selection process here. |
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