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In this Update:
Focus on the 46th
This week I had the opportunity to take another walking tour of Lighthouse Electric Company’s 9-acre Washington campus, the future home of their new headquarters and fabrication facility. This site, once the renowned Hazel-Atlas Glass Company on Main Street, is being reborn through an ambitious multi-phase redevelopment project that will truly be a heart transplant for the City of Washington. Congressman Guy Reschenthaler was able to join to see firsthand the scope of this project. I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues at every level to ensure the success of Lighthouse’s vision for Washington. When the front offices open in 2026, 300+ new workers will arrive on Day 1, with the full project expected to be completed in 2031. Lighthouse Electric is a national leader in electrical and tech design, and their investment will put Washington at the frontline of the AI revolution.
The annual Greene County Farm Bureau summer legislative meeting was also this week. I was pleased to hear from farmers and agricultural business leaders about the issues they are facing every day, including regulatory challenges. We also covered many opportunities for the future, and the future is bright. I want to especially thank George Scull for organizing the event and to the Greene County Commissioners for allowing us to meet at the fairgrounds. This team of advocates are passionate, and I am proud to carry that message to Harrisburg and fight for more economic prospects and less erroneous regulations. And as I always say – if you ate a meal today, thank a Farmer!
It was also a great day at the Washington County Farm Bureau legislative tour and district meeting. Dave and Renee Dickson graciously welcomed us to their beautiful Foster Family Acres farm in Claysville – now five generations strong. We discussed many challenges facing our farmers, from broadband access to deer management. The Pennsylvania Game Commission shared updates on the new Certified Hunter Program, which is being piloted right here in Washington County to help farmers reduce crop damage. A big thank you to Don Carter for leading the discussion and to the Washington County Conservation District for co-hosting and providing a wonderful lunch. The work of the Farm Bureau and its members is vital to the future of agriculture in our region.
I am always thrilled to visit Arc Human Services in Canonsburg, a vitally important nonprofit that continues to make a real difference for individuals with intellectual disabilities and autism. Yesterday’s visit was especially meaningful as we celebrated the state’s investment in this community, most notably raising wages for our dedicated direct support professionals (DSPs). Governor Shapiro was on hand to recognize this important progress and the impact it will have on families across Pennsylvania. Pictured with me L-R is Diane Atland, President – Rosewood Tower Consulting; James Protin, Board of Directors – Arc Human Services; Eric Chandler, Canonsburg Borough Council
Recently, we had a very productive meeting and tour of the emergency river rescue team’s boat launch in Donora, Washington County, earlier this week. Ken Kulak, Principal Architect of Kulak-George Architects, and his partner joined me, Donora Mayor Don Pavelko, and Fire Chief Patsy Vince to discuss grant and funding opportunities to help restore and modernize the boat launch, ensuring continued rescue service for the five communities they serve.
I was glad to work with PA State Rep. Tim O’Neal’s office to help delay the scheduled shutdown of a portion of South Main Street that would have created major challenges on the first day of school for Trinity Area School District High School. Thank you to Pennsylvania American Water for cooperating with the School District to adjust their timeline while continuing this important infrastructure project. The closure, originally set to begin Tuesday, September 2, will now start Monday, September 8. South Main Street will be closed between Park Avenue and East Prospect Avenue for approximately two weeks. After that, single-lane restrictions will remain in place through the end of September as work continues. Motorists should follow the posted detour using Route 18, Route 40, Route 19, Sanitarium Road, and Route 2001.
Congratulations to the Montour Trail on the grand opening of the Muse Branch in Cecil Township. After 10 years of planning, negotiation, and construction, this 1.6 mile branch officially opened near the McConnell Trails neighborhood. The Muse Branch follows the former railway used to service a coal mine and marks the first phase of extending the trail through Muse. Thank you to the Washington County Tourism Promotion Agency, NVR/Ryan Homes, Montour Trail Council members, donors, volunteers, and the dedicated maintenance crew who made this project possible. The ribbon cutting photo is courtesy of Gene P. Schaeffer $2.8 Million Awarded to Expand High-Speed Broadband Access in 46th District
The Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority (PBDA) has provisionally awarded $2.8 million to Amazon Kuiper, Advanced Telephone System, Inc., and SpaceX to expand broadband access in the 46th Senatorial District. The funding is part of Pennsylvania’s nearly $800 million allocation through the federally funded Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program, which represents a historic effort to bring high-speed internet to every corner of the commonwealth. The funds will be matched by the applicants, bringing the total investment to $5.5 million. The provisional award will help connect unserved and underserved households, schools and businesses. It will also support programs that make service more accessible for families, expand access to digital tools and resources, and create new opportunities for workforce development and job growth. Improving Health Care
The Senate approved several measures this year to improve the delivery of health care in our communities. Among the new laws we passed was a measure establishing a statewide stroke registry to deliver vital information to EMS providers and hospitals, ensuring the best treatment possible. Other laws aim to reduce overdose deaths by incorporating real-time reporting by EMS providers into the statewide overdose mapping system, and giving EMS personnel permanent authority to leave behind a dose of naloxone at overdose scenes, placing this lifesaving medication in the hands of a caregiver or loved one. Critical measures passed by the Senate and awaiting action in the House of Representatives include bills to strengthen Pennsylvania’s no-cost breast cancer screening law by ensuring diagnostic imaging is fully covered, and preserving prescription drug coverage for more than 10,000 seniors. You can review other measures we passed to improve health care and address other subjects here. New Law Streamlines Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
A new law we passed earlier this year is now in effect removing the annual fishing license fee and application for veterans with 100% disability. Previously, only those disabled veterans with a 100% permanent disability determination from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs could receive free lifetime fishing licenses. Disabled veterans with a 100% disability determination also receive free licenses but must apply for them on an annual basis. Act 21 of 2025 takes away the annual fee and application part of the process and allows all disabled veterans with a 100% disability determination, whether or not it is a permanent determination, to purchase free lifetime fishing licenses. 2026-27 PA Student Aid Guide Available
For parents and students planning for college, the new Student Aid Guide from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) provides a complete overview of the financial aid process. The guide can help you:
For more help planning for college, check out PHEAA webinars and EducationPlanner.org. Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law
Students are heading back to class, so we all need to be on the lookout for children around school buses and bus stops. Some reminders about Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law:
School districts are permitted to install automated camera systems on buses to enforce the law. You can find more information about the law and penalties, and safety tips for children, here. Happy Labor Day
Labor Day is a time to celebrate the workers who make our communities thrive while providing for their families. No matter what your vocation or whether you’re an active employee or a retiree, I hope you enter this last stretch of summer with a wonderful holiday weekend.
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