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In this Update

• Nearly $8 Million in Grants for 46th Senatorial District
• Focus on the 46th
• Washington County Senior Expo This Thursday
• Public Comments Due Monday on Gov. Shapiro’s Overreaching Regulations
• Key Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Still Awaits House Action
• Let Students Know It’s Safe2Say Something
• “See Tracks? Think Train” Week Promotes Rail Safety
• Homeland Security Grant Webinar Oct. 15

Nearly $8 Million in Grants for 46th Senatorial District

Nearly $8 million in state grants have been awarded to communities across the 46th Senatorial District through the Commonwealth Financing Authority’s Local Share Account (LSA) Program.

The funding will support 26 projects across Beaver, Greene and Washington counties, including improvements to public safety, infrastructure, recreation, municipal services, stormwater management, transportation, broadband access and community facilities.

I have met directly with local officials and visited many of these projects firsthand that reach every corner of the 46th District. I’ve also worked closely with my colleagues in the House who represent these communities to build the support these projects need in Harrisburg to secure this funding. This investment reflects that work, and I’m proud to help deliver it for the families in Beaver, Greene and Washington counties.

The LSA Program uses gaming revenue to support projects that advance community improvement, public interest, and economic development. You can review details of all 26 projects here.

Focus on the 46th

Although this year’s annual 9/11 ceremony was moved to the Tanger Outlets parking lot, the South Strabane Township Fire and Police Departments once again held a beautiful and meaningful memorial to honor those we lost on Sept. 11, 2001, as well as the first responders who have since lost their lives to illnesses connected to their service at Ground Zero. I am grateful to everyone who continues to make sure their sacrifice is never forgotten.

As we mark the 25th anniversary of that fateful day, I still remember exactly where I was when friends called and told me to turn on the television. I watched the first reports of a plane striking the first tower and then witnessed the attack on the second tower in real time. I fell to my knees. I picked my children up from elementary school that day, and they are now 32 and 35 years old. It is difficult to believe that such a horrific moment in our nation’s history happened 25 years ago.

Please join me in honoring our first responders for the work they do every day to keep us safe. Let us continue to pray for our country, remember those we lost and never forget that, as Americans, we stand together against terrorism.

I appreciate Commissioner Electra Janis for coordinating a follow-up meeting to continue our discussion about how Pennsylvania’s Mental Health Procedures Act is implemented, particularly when it comes to Involuntary Emergency Examination and Treatment under Section 302. Building on the conversation we had with Penn Highlands Mon Valley in June, this meeting broadened the discussion to include communication and coordination among the county, hospitals, municipalities and law enforcement.

Having everyone involved in these situations at the same table helps create a shared understanding of the process and the responsibilities of each organization. When someone is experiencing a mental health crisis, these situations can be incredibly difficult for families, law enforcement, health care providers and communities.

This week, I had the opportunity to participate in two separate legislative forums focused on the issues facing Pennsylvania’s business community. In Greene County, I joined the Greene County Chamber of Commerce for its Business Affairs Roundtable, a new event that continues the tradition of its previous Legislative Breakfast. I appreciated the opportunity to hear directly from local business leaders and discuss the issues that matter most to our communities.

I also joined several of my Senate and House colleagues for the Western PA Legislative Reception Business Issues Forum. As we prepare to return to Harrisburg for the fall session, conversations like these give us an opportunity to hear questions and concerns directly from the region’s employers and job creators.

I recently joined Rep. Natalie Mihalek in recognizing the Peters Township Police Department for receiving the 2026 NASRO Model Agency Award from the National Association of School Resource Officers. Peters Township is one of just 11 law enforcement agencies across the United States and Canada to receive this recognition, out of approximately 12,000 law enforcement agencies that provide school resource officers.

This award recognizes agencies that demonstrate excellence in their school resource officer programs, and recipients must meet strict, measurable and documented criteria to qualify. It is a meaningful recognition of the work these officers do to help keep our schools safe while building positive relationships with students, families and school communities.

Thank you to Peters Township Manager Paul Lauer for inviting us to be part of the celebration, and congratulations to the entire Peters Township Police Department on this well-deserved recognition.

It was an honor to join the members of the Lone Pine Volunteer Fire Department as they celebrated 60 years of service to their community. I was pleased to present a Senate citation recognizing this incredible milestone and the many years of dedication behind it.

We were reminded again during the recent torrential rain and flooding just how important our volunteer first responders are. When their neighbors need help, they answer the call, often putting themselves in harm’s way to protect others.

A special thank you to Dustyn Montgomery for the kind invitation, and congratulations to the entire Lone Pine Volunteer Fire Department on 60 years of service to the community. I am grateful for all that you do.

I was thrilled to take part in the opening ceremonies for the 120th edition of the West Alexander Fair. It is always special to celebrate an event that has played such an important role in showcasing our region’s agricultural heritage and bringing families and communities together.

This year, I was especially pleased to recognize John Hunter as the 2026 Friend of the Fair. John has been part of the fair community for nearly 90 years – yes, 90 years! – and has dedicated countless hours to showcasing the very best of Washington County agriculture. Through his leadership at the fair and throughout our agricultural community, he has made a lasting difference in the lives of many. You can watch my presentation by tapping or clicking the image above.

I also want to thank the entire Fair Board along with the countless volunteers whose hard work makes this annual tradition possible. Congratulations on 120 years of the West Alexander Fair!

It was special to see the Greene County Commissioners and a few members of the #CameraCrew come together to clean up litter along Route 88 on Greene County Hill in Jefferson Township. In just one day, our team filled 51 garbage bags, removed two old tires and even hauled away a toaster oven. It was a great reminder that a little time and teamwork can make a real difference in our communities.

Washington County Senior Expo This Thursday

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.

Public Comments Due Monday on Gov. Shapiro’s Overreaching Regulations

Gov. Shapiro and the Department of Health recently proposed sweeping new regulations that would vastly expand state government’s power over the lives of Pennsylvanians. This includes expanding the government’s authority to enter private residences and schools without a warrant, access private citizens’ health information, speak with children without parental consent, enforce mask mandates and much more.

Many of these regulations mirror the failed policies of the Wolf Administration during COVID. Like the Executive Branch’s heavy-handed response during the pandemic, this Administration is now attempting to push through these Department of Health changes through the regulatory process – completely bypassing the General Assembly.

More details about what these regulations could mean for Pennsylvanians are available here.

I encourage all citizens to submit public comments on the regulations to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission before the public comment period ends this coming Monday, Sept. 21. Full instructions for submitting comments are available at the commission’s online comment page.

Key Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Still Awaits House Action 

Property owners scored a key victory this legislative session when the Senate approved a measure to protect and financially compensate them if targeted by eminent domain abuse. However, the bill has languished in the House of Representatives for more than a year.  

Senate Bill 225 would ensure business owners and farmers whose properties are seized through eminent domain are compensated for loss of “goodwill,” which goes beyond the assessed value. For farms, the land may possess characteristics that make it particularly special, such as fertile soil. In the case of another business, goodwill may be the location, access to utilities and other factors. 

This bill received unanimous support in the Senate and there’s no reason for the House not to act. Read more about this bill and federal efforts to end eminent domain abuse here.

Let Students Know It’s Safe2Say Something

As students settle in for the new school year, they should know about a resource available if they’re concerned about the wellbeing of themselves or others.

Authorized by the General Assembly, Safe2Say Something is a youth violence prevention program run by the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General. The program teaches youth and adults how to recognize warning signs and signals, especially within social media, from individuals who may be a threat to themselves or others and to “say something” before it is too late.

Students can report concerns by phone at 844-723-2729, by emailing info@safe2saypa.org or on the Safe2Say website, where they can also download the Safe2Say Something app.

Homeland Security Grant Webinar Oct. 15

When a crisis strikes, faith-based communities are often among the first places people turn for help, hope and support.

Houses of worship, nonprofits, schools and community organizations can learn how to play a vital role before, during and after a crisis via a free Pennsylvania Department of Homeland Security webinar Oct. 15.

Participants will gain practical tools and resources to help their organization respond with compassion, coordination and confidence. Learn more at the webinar registration page.

“See Tracks? Think Train” Week Promotes Rail Safety

Pennsylvania recorded 56 collisions at rail grade crossings last year, resulting in three fatalities and 24 injuries. There were also 34 deaths and 15 injuries involving people trespassing on rail property. Nationwide, a person or vehicle is struck by a train roughly every three hours.

Railroad tracks are private property and should never be used as a walking path, shortcut or setting for photographs. Drivers and pedestrians should always expect a train, cross only at designated crossings and obey warning lights and crossing gates.

“See Tracks? Think Train” Week Sept. 21-27 aims to raise awareness of the danger, reduce collisions, fatalities and injuries at highway-rail crossings and discourage trespassing on or near railroad tracks. You can find more rail safety information here.