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In this Update:
- State Budget Update
- Focus on the 46th
- Expanding Access to Lifesaving Naloxone, Making Prescription Drug Costs More Transparent
- New Law Will Improve Stroke Care Across PA
- Legislation to Address Pennsylvania’s Shortage of CPAs Signed into Law
- Watch Out for Scammers Posing as State Employees
State Budget Update
The Senate convened for session in Harrisburg this week as work on the 2025-26 state budget progresses. Our discussions with the House of Representatives and the governor continue to advance.
Senate Republicans remain committed to a final agreement which will help to address the structural deficit facing our commonwealth and put Pennsylvania on a solid path for future years.
Focus on the 46th
Thank you to Jeff Kotula, President of Washington County Chamber of Commerce for inviting me to join an important roundtable discussion on how energy and artificial intelligence will create economic growth opportunities for our region.
This week I also announced plans to introduce companion legislation aimed at ensuring timely permitting for data center projects. This effort comes on the heels of President Donald Trump’s and U.S. Sen. Dave McCormick’s (R-PA) announcement of a $90 billion investment to build AI infrastructure such as data centers and power generation in Pennsylvania.
This legislation would direct the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to generate approved earthwork, stormwater and air permits to developers who commit to improved environmental outcomes by meeting or exceeding design standards.
There was reason to celebrate yesterday in South Strabane Township as the county officially kicked off the demolition of the old Washington Mall. Congratulations to the Washington County Board of Commissioners, Commissioner Nick Sherman who has taken leadership of the project, and the Redevelopment Authority for reaching the finish line—or the starting block, depending on how you look at it. Razing the dilapidated mall is just the beginning, as there’s an aggressive timeline to open what we strongly believe to be a new Costco by December 2026. Additional stores and businesses are expected to develop around the potential warehouse club.
Last week I attended the Greene County Association of Township Officials summer picnic at the beautiful Center Township Park. I had a chance to visit with Supervisors, Tax Collectors, Office Managers, and Development Administrators to talk about issues they are facing in municipal government. We also celebrated successes over the last year and talked about opportunities moving forward.
The role that our local government leaders play in our day to day lives is very important and I am very grateful that we have the best in the 46th Senatorial District. A special thank you to Dawn Horr for the kind invitation and for organizing the picnic.
Huzzah! I always have so much fun delivering a Senate proclamation (with a little crowd participation) during the Whiskey Rebellion Festival opening ceremonies. The festival was another huge success, wrapping up last Saturday with a performance by The Commonheart!
I would like to extend a well-deserved congratulations to Mayor Bernard Kubitza and the Ellsworth 125th Celebration Committee for pulling off a wonderful event last weekend. The Fireman’s Parade was a ton of fun, and I’m honored to have been a part of it. Ellsworth Community Park had so many fun activities and food.
Congratulations to Ellsworth and its residents — here’s to another 125 years! Incorporated on August 20, 1900 – Ellsworth was originally a coal mining town. Throughout its rich history, Ellsworth has been blessed with dedicated civic leaders who have helped it grow and flourish, as well as diligent and productive citizens who have helped it to become an inspiring presence in this Commonwealth.
This week was the opening of the 160th Jacktown Fair! I am always thrilled to participate in the annual parade, opening ceremony, and queen contest. I would like to say thank you to the outgoing Jacktown Fair Queen, Ms. Emmaline Beazell. She has done a fantastic job of representing the fair over the last year, and we are all grateful for her dedication to the promotion of agriculture and tourism.
Finally, I would like to thank the entire leadership team at the Jacktown Fair for their unwavering commitment to making this annual event happen with great success!
Surprise! I was thrilled to catch Stacy Berdine along the Jacktown Fair parade route and present her with a well-deserved retirement citation from the Pennsylvania Senate. Stacy spent her entire career at the West Greene School District retiring at the end of the 2024-25 school year. Her dedication to the Pioneers and the entire West Greene community is immeasurable and deserves celebrating! Joining me in this special recognition is Greene County Commissioner Jared Edgreen who also presented Stacy with a citation from the Greene County Commissioners. Congratulations, Stacy!
Do you need a fresh start? I am co-hosting a free criminal record legal clinic this Friday, July 25 in Waynesburg.
Expanding Access to Lifesaving Naloxone, Making Prescription Drug Costs More Transparent
Legislation has been signed into law to give EMS personnel permanent authority to leave behind naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, at the scene of an overdose. This will offer families a critical tool to prevent future emergencies.
Act 34 of 2025 ensures that families and caregivers are equipped to respond immediately to another overdose if needed. It also improves transparency and access within Pennsylvania’s health care system by:
- Increasing clarity around prescription drug costs.
- Enhancing communication between pharmacists and patients.
- Allowing out-of-state pharmacists to receive temporary licenses to practice in Pennsylvania for the next six months, which is aimed at addressing pharmacy deserts created by the widespread closure of Rite Aid locations.
New Law Will Improve Stroke Care Across PA
Strokes are the fifth-leading cause of death in the U.S. Legislation passed by the Senate and signed into law aims to save lives by providing critical information to health care providers.
Senate Bill 411, now Act 24 of 2025, will establish a statewide stroke registry, administered by the state Department of Health, to deliver resources to emergency medical service providers, hospital stroke teams and other health care providers to ensure high quality stroke care for patients.
It includes a confidentiality clause ensuring any submitted registry data will not include an individual’s confidential or personally identifiable information.
Legislation to Address Pennsylvania’s Shortage of CPAs Signed into Law
A Senate measure aimed at alleviating the growing shortage of certified public accountants (CPAs) in Pennsylvania has been signed into law, to ensure the commonwealth has enough of these professionals so critical to the everyday economy.
Senate Bill 719, now Act 27 of 2025, provides an alternative pathway to CPA licensure by allowing candidates to qualify with 120 credit hours of education and two years of professional experience, rather than the current 150-credit-hour requirement and one year of experience.
Candidates must still pass the CPA exam to be licensed. The new pathway is designed to reduce financial and time burdens on aspiring accountants without compromising professional standards. The law also streamlines the process for qualified out-of-state accountants to practice in Pennsylvania without obtaining a separate state certificate or permit.
Watch Out for Scammers Posing as State Employees
Older Pennsylvanians are being targeted by emails from scammers posing as state employees requesting payments necessary to access a non-existent inheritance.
In an incident reported to commonwealth officials, an older Pennsylvanian received an email from a generic account resembling an official state email address and claiming to be a representative of a credit union.
Don’t respond or click on any links! Report any incidents like this by phone at 1-866-PAComplaint or online.
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