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In this Update:
A Special Thanks to All Veterans
We set aside Veterans Day to acknowledge and celebrate our fellow citizens who answered the call to serve in the military, securing and defending freedom we enjoy year-round. We owe a debt of gratitude to veterans locally and across this great nation. One way we show our appreciation is through the Veterans Trust Fund, which supports organizations that assist Pennsylvania veterans and their families in need of housing, financial help, food, training, recovery and more. Find out how you can donate to this fund here. Focus on the 46th
What an absolute joy it was to present Mr. George Herwig with a Senate Certificate of Recognition as he celebrates his 103rd birthday tomorrow, during Veterans Day weekend. Mr. Herwig proudly served our nation in the U.S. Coast Guard, enlisting in 1941 and serving four years in the Pacific during World War II. After returning home, he dedicated an incredible 60 years to his community driving buses for various companies, and even enjoyed a modeling career in the 1980s. Congratulations to you, George, and to your entire family on this truly remarkable milestone. Thank you for your lifelong service, both in uniform and in your community. A special thank-you to the Washington County Commissioners for inviting me to join in this wonderful celebration honoring such a distinguished gentleman.
It was an honor to start Veterans Day weekend at the Charleroi School District’s Veterans Breakfast. This wonderful event gave students a chance to sit down with our local heroes, listen to their stories, and learn firsthand what service and sacrifice truly mean. A big thank-you to the Charleroi School District for bringing generations together in such a meaningful way to honor those who have worn our nation’s uniform.
Last week I participated in the legislative panel discussion at the Mon Valley Alliance’s 3rd Annual Mid-Mon Valley Economic Symposium, held at the Cfsbank Event Center in Belle Vernon. I joined Senator Pat Stefano on the panel, moderated by John Timney, Senior Director of Economic Development at the Allegheny Conference. Together, we discussed key issues driving the Mon Valley’s growth through regional collaboration, small business and workforce development, and infrastructure investments. MVA CEO Jamie Colecchi highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen community and business development across our region. We also celebrated the exciting announcement of a new partnership between cfsbank and the Mon Valley Alliance Foundation – a 10-year investment that will support facility upgrades and expanded programming at the newly named cfsbank Business Resource Center in Monongahela. Rich Fitzgerald, Executive Director of the Southwestern Pennsylvania Commission, delivered the keynote and shared his optimism about the region’s economic future. Thank you to Jamie, and the entire MVA team for hosting such a meaningful event and for your continued leadership in promoting opportunity and revitalization throughout our region.
There was reason to celebrate in Greene County this week as we cut a ceremonial ribbon on the new UPMC Greene emergency department canopy, a project that started with a simple problem: modern ambulances couldn’t fit under the old one! When UPMC Greene leadership brought this concern to my attention, I jumped at securing state funding to realign and rebuild the entrance. Now, ambulances can access the ER safely and efficiently. UPMC Greene and UPMC Washington are vital lifelines for our region, providing top-notch care and serving as outstanding community partners. Thank you to Brook Ward, Sara Schumacher, and UPMC Greene President Terry Wiltrout for your leadership and kind words. I am grateful to have supported this important project for Greene County families.
We also celebrated the unveiling of Greene County’s three-foot-tall fiberglass replica of the Liberty Bell at the Greene County Historical Society Museum last weekend. This was part of the America250PA “Bells Across PA” initiative commemorating our nation’s 250th anniversary in 2026. This wonderful piece, created by talented local artist Danielle Nyland, beautifully captures Greene County’s story, from our proud coal mining heritage to the natural beauty that defines our community. The Nemacolin Coal Mine, once considered the largest in the United States, is featured prominently in the design. A heartfelt thank you to FirstEnergy for sponsoring this project and to the Greene County CTC for applying the protective finish that will help preserve the bell while it’s outside.
It was a true joy to present Matt Cumberledge, Executive Director of the Greene County Historical Society Museum, with an official Pennsylvania Senate Citation celebrating the Society’s 100th anniversary. From one small room in 1925 to a 52-room museum preserving thousands of artifacts, the Society has done incredible work keeping Greene County’s rich history alive. Congratulations to Matt and all who have carried this legacy forward!
It was so wonderful running into 2025 Miss Rain Day, Camryn Hawfield, at last weekend’s unveiling of Greene County’s fiberglass replica of the Liberty Bell. You’re doing an amazing job! Senate Acts to Expand Access to Midwife Maternal Care
The Senate approved legislation to strengthen maternal health care in Pennsylvania by expanding access to midwife services. Senate Bill 507 would modernize licensure requirements for certified midwives, improve collaboration between midwives and physicians and update prescription authority – particularly for the treatment of substance use disorders. Midwives provide care for women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, as well as newborn care during the first 28 days of life. Many also offer routine reproductive health services, including prenatal care, clinical exams, screenings and patient education. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Measure to Alleviate Corrections Officer Shortage Passed by Senate
The Senate approved legislation targeting the staffing crisis facing the state’s correctional institutions. Senate Bill 111, supported by the Pennsylvania State Corrections Officers Association, would expand the pool of qualified candidates to help fill critical vacancies in Pennsylvania’s correctional facilities. Corrections officers across the commonwealth have faced unprecedented challenges in recent years – including mandatory overtime, increased stress and a rise in violent incidents – that have strained morale and operations. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Bill Protecting Privacy of Lottery Winners Passes Senate
Legislation that would protect the privacy of Pennsylvania Lottery winners who receive prizes of $100,000 or more was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 73 would keep the names, addresses and other personal identifying information of these winners confidential, unless they choose to make it public. The measure allows the Pennsylvania Lottery to continue operating transparently by releasing the winner’s county and municipality of residence and the prize amount. Half of all states already provide either full or partial anonymity for major lottery winners to shield them from harassment, scams and unwanted attention after winning large sums of money. Watch Out for Increased Deer Activity on Roads
The number of deer-related crashes in Pennsylvania has been on the rise since 2020, with last year’s total of 6,426 setting a five-year high, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Autumn means increased deer activity on roads. Deer become more active at dawn and dusk, and if you see one, there are usually more. PennDOT advises motorists involved in a deer-related crash to assess the situation to determine whether they need to contact local authorities. Pennsylvanians can report a dead deer for removal from state-maintained roads by calling 1-800-FIX-ROAD or submitting feedback through the PennDOT Customer Care Center.
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