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In this Update:
Shapiro’s Overreach on New State Health Regulations
I am deeply troubled by Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed regulations to expand the authority of the Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH). Protecting public health and responding to infectious diseases are important responsibilities, but they cannot come at the expense of individual rights, personal privacy and constitutional freedoms. This proposal goes far beyond a routine update to disease-reporting requirements. It would significantly broaden where and how DOH can exercise its authority, including allowing DOH or a local health authority to impose “any other disease control measure” it considers appropriate for the surveillance, prevention, containment or mitigation of disease. DOH itself has acknowledged that these changes were shaped by a 2021 Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling that struck down its authority to impose a statewide school masking mandate during COVID-19. I am equally concerned about the proposed expansion of investigative powers. Under these regulations, health officials would have broader authority to enter homes, apartments, health care facilities, schools, colleges and universities whenever they determine an investigation is necessary. Schools could be required to provide officials with “reasonable and timely access” to students, even during class or school functions, and officials could meet privately with students without a parent present. DOH has a legitimate role in protecting public health, but executive power must have limits. COVID taught us that government must not be allowed to lock us down, trample our constitutional rights and exercise unchecked authority. In 2021, Pennsylvanians spoke loud and clear by becoming the first state in the nation to approve constitutional amendments designed to rein in the governor’s emergency powers. We must never again allow the kind of government overreach we experienced during COVID. Now, Pennsylvanians have an opportunity to make their voices heard. The public comment period on these proposed regulations runs through Sept. 21. I encourage you to review the proposal and submit your comments to the Department of Health. Read the proposed regulations and make your voice heard. $45,000 Grant to Support Multi-Municipal Planning in Greene County
The Jefferson Morgan Regional Council of Governments has received $45,000 through the state’s Municipal Assistance Program to update the multi-municipal comprehensive plan for Jefferson Township, Morgan Township, Jefferson Borough and Clarksville Borough. The original 2005 plan established Greene County’s first multi-municipal planning partnership and helped lead to the adoption of the county’s first multi-municipal zoning ordinance. The partnership has provided a framework for coordinated growth, shared services, cost savings and the protection of the region’s rural character and natural resources. The Department of Community and Economic Development’s Municipal Assistance Program provides grants to municipalities and counties to assist with community planning and shared services initiatives. Funding can support comprehensive plans, land use ordinances, regional public safety services, shared personnel agreements, boundary studies and other efforts designed to improve local government efficiency and strengthen communities. Focus on the 46th
The last week of August traditionally brings the Washington County Farm Bureau (PA) and Greene County Farm Bureau’s Legislative Tour. These are wonderful opportunities for the leadership of each county to highlight important issues facing agriculture, not only in the 46th Senatorial District, but throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the U.S. What I am most thankful for is that this open dialogue is not always just about identifying a problem, but often includes options for solutions. This year’s conversation revolved around the ever-changing landscape of small, family-owned farms and what it means for them to diversify their businesses, especially if they are looking to bring future generations into the family farm. In Washington County, Farm Bureau President Lisa Wherry and Legislative Chair Don Carter worked in cooperation with the Washington County Conservation District (WCCD) to host the tour at R&L Farms, located in the rolling hills of East Finley Township. Bobby and Kathy Logue-Ross have a beautiful 250-cow, 330-acre cow-calf operation and have worked very closely with the WCCD to create a wonderful family farm, with Kathy serving as the fourth generation. In Greene County, Farm Bureau President Harley Gapen and Legislative Chair George Scull gave a great presentation at Crouse Farms, located in Morris Township. Lew and Debbie Crouse manage a beautiful 168-head, 227-acre sheep farm, where they raise lambs for show, meat and wool high up in the hills. This diversified operation speaks to the long and glorious history that sheep farming has in Greene County.
My team had a wonderful time at last weekend’s 71st Annual King Coal Parade in Carmichaels walking the route with Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity and the Greene County Commissioners!
Last month, I had the honor of attending a graveside memorial ceremony at Saint Michael’s Cemetery in Canonsburg to remember First Lieutenant Joseph E. Dubinsky, U.S. Army Air Force, pilot of Taloa, a B-24 Liberator assigned to the 866th Bombardment Squadron. Lieutenant Dubinsky and his crew were shot down on July 28, 1945. For decades, it was believed he died in the crash. Years later, Japanese historian Shigeaki Mori uncovered eyewitness accounts showing that Lieutenant Dubinsky had survived, been captured and taken to a POW camp in Hiroshima. On Aug. 6, 1945, he lost his life as a result of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. It was especially meaningful to see a piece of Lieutenant Dubinsky’s downed aircraft returned to his family so it could be interred at his gravesite. His nephews were present for the ceremony and shared moving words about their uncle and his service. Thank you to the VFW Post 191 Honor Guard for the beautiful salute and for helping us properly honor a brave American who made the ultimate sacrifice. May First Lieutenant Joseph E. Dubinsky’s service, sacrifice and memory never be forgotten. Washington County Senior Expo Set for Sept. 24
The 2026 Washington County Senior Expo will be held Thursday, Sept. 24, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Washington County Fairgrounds. I am pleased to co-host this free event with state Rep. Tim O’Neal and Washington County Commissioners Nick Sherman, Electra Janis and Larry Maggi, in partnership with the Southwestern PA Area Agency on Aging. More than 100 vendors and representatives from local, state and federal agencies are expected to participate. Attendees will have the opportunity to get information and have their questions answered on a wide range of issues, including Social Security, transportation, Medicare, legal services, in-home services, legislation, consumer protection, long-term care and utility services. I encourage seniors and their families to join us for this valuable opportunity to connect with organizations and agencies that provide important services throughout our community. The event is free and open to the public. Historic Settlement with Meta Includes Social Media Protections
Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Pennsylvania and a multistate coalition have reached a settlement with Meta, owner of Instagram and Facebook, assuring the social media giant will implement sweeping changes to age verification, limit children’s time on their platforms and cut kids’ access to harmful content. The settlement, which involves up to $17.1 billion in national remediation payments, is contingent on other major social media companies agreeing to the same changes. Pennsylvania is expected to receive more than $500 million. The attorney general also filed a lawsuit against the owners of Snapchat regarding its failures to warn users of platform addictiveness and protect children from compulsive use. Read more about the settlement with Meta here. In recent years, I’ve worked with my colleagues to strengthen Pennsylvania laws against malicious deepfakes and AI child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and created the Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age. The Senate passed bills to enhance mandatory reporting requirements for AI CSAM and protect children from dangerous AI chatbot interaction. Technology opens doors for children, and we must ensure it’s used safely. Help Available Finding a New Job
Pennsylvanians looking for work and employers can access the comprehensive career website PA CareerLink® for assistance. PA CareerLink® offers job search assistance, resume and interview workshops, access to more than 7,000 online training courses, classroom and on-the-job training, and many other programs and resources. All services are provided at no cost to participants. No appointment is necessary. It provides a wide range of resources for individual job seekers tailored for specific situations, such as mature workers, those re-entering the workforce, veterans, individuals with disabilities, young workers and more. Employers can use it to search for job candidates, learn about apprenticeships and other needs. Visit PA CareerLink® here. Medicare Questions Answered by PA MEDI
If you’re eligible for Medicare and have questions, PA MEDI has local, certified counselors to provide free and confidential assistance to help you navigate the system. PA MEDI (Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight) is part of a nationwide network of state health insurance assistance programs. It provides unbiased help and information for those on Medicare, their families and caregivers. PA MEDI does not sell or recommend Medicare insurance products, insurance agents or brokers. The assistance covers the various Medicare plans, enrollment, rules, billing, appeals and more. Call 1-800-783-7067 or visit the PA MEDI webpage. Happy Labor Day
More than a day off, Labor Day is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of workers who provide for their families and allow communities to thrive. I’m committed to helping these workers keep more of what they earn. I hope you have a great holiday weekend. |
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