View this email in a browser

In this Update:

• Celebrating PA’s Hardworking Men & Women this Labor Day
• Public Comment Open on Shapiro’s Overreaching Proposed Health Regulations
• Touring IDV USA and Supporting York County’s Defense Manufacturing Industry
• Honoring the Legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
• Exploring the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library
• Discover Resources for Older Adults at My Senior Expo
• Eliminating School Property Taxes in Pennsylvania
• September Satellite Office Hours
• Putting Student Safety First
• Bill Protecting Fairness in Women’s Sports Awaits House Action
• Job Opportunities for Nurses at PA Veterans Homes
• Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Accepting Applications for 2027
• PennDOT Roadwork Schedules for Cumberland and York Counties

​Important Notice – My offices will be closed for in-person services on Monday, Sept. 7. Virtual services will continue to be accessible via my website.

Celebrating PA’s Hardworking Men & Women this Labor Day

This Labor Day, I want to recognize the hardworking men and women who make York and Cumberland counties strong. From manufacturing and health care to retail, transportation, education and public service, our communities depend on people who show up, work hard and contribute every day. Supporting these workers also means creating an environment where they can find opportunity, build careers and succeed right here in Pennsylvania.

As a state senator, I am committed to policies that strengthen Pennsylvania’s workforce and expand access to good, family-sustaining careers. I support expanding pathways into skilled trades and in-demand careers, attracting businesses and jobs to Pennsylvania, and cutting unnecessary government red tape. When people have access to good jobs, families are stronger, businesses grow and communities thrive. Happy Labor Day, and thank you to the hardworking people who make our communities better!

Public Comment Open on Shapiro’s Overreaching Proposed Health Regulations

Gov. Shapiro is using fear to push an over-the-top expansion of the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s disease regulations that could significantly broaden government authority over health care providers, schools, families, medical information, private property and agriculture. I recently joined Newsmax to discuss these proposed changes and why Pennsylvanians should be concerned about their potential impact on individual freedoms.

The proposal is extensive, spanning hundreds of pages and making significant changes to how the department could exercise its authority. Below are some of my biggest concerns, along with the page numbers where these provisions can be found:

• Mandatory immunization system participation (p. 24): Health care providers and facilities that currently participate voluntarily would be required to use the department’s immunization information system unless a patient opts out in writing. The department acknowledges this would create new costs at a time when health care affordability is already a challenge. It also would expand the government’s collection of personal vaccination information.
• Expanded reportable conditions (p. 31): The proposal adds 73 diseases, infections and conditions to reporting requirements for providers and facilities, along with 53 additional conditions for laboratories. These new requirements could increase administrative burdens, staffing needs and operational costs throughout the health care system, potentially driving up costs for patients and taxpayers.
• Expanded school mitigation authority after Corman (pp. 206-207): The Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision in Corman v. Acting Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Health limited the department’s disease-control measures in schools primarily to “surveillance.” The court noted the department could amend the regulation to remove that limitation. This proposal does just that by adding “prevention, containment or mitigation” as justifications for action. If adopted, the change could restore and expand the type of broad schoolwide mandates, such as masking requirements, that have previously faced legal challenges and weaken legislative and judicial checks on department authority.
• Expanded entry and contact-tracing powers (p. 210): The proposal would broaden existing authority by allowing the department or a local health authority to “enter an apartment, building, health care facility, school, college or university, or other location as necessary to carry out contact tracing or partner services.” It also requires individuals not to “obstruct or interfere” with those efforts. This raises concerns about privacy, property rights and the potential legal consequences for people who question or resist these actions.
• School-specific contact tracing and private student access (pp. 210-211): The proposal creates new requirements for schools to provide “reasonable and timely access” to individuals for contact tracing or partner services, including while classes are in session or when someone is otherwise on school property or attending a school function. It also requires schools to allow department or local health officials to meet and speak privately with students. The proposal states that, under its interpretation of existing law, “the consent of no other person shall be necessary.” This raises serious questions about parental involvement and whether government officials could privately interact with minors regarding medical matters without a parent’s knowledge or consent.
• Broader school exclusion standards (p. 236 and related provisions): The proposal would broaden who may be considered “susceptible” to measles and other diseases based on vaccination status, documented disease history and other criteria. Individuals could be excluded from school until they are vaccinated, provide proof of immunity or 21 days pass without additional cases. These changes could make it easier to remove students from educational settings based on standards established by the department, creating additional pressure on families and potentially disrupting students’ education.
• Removal of religious treatment accommodation (p. 274): Current regulations recognize treatment by an accredited practitioner of a well-recognized church or religious denomination that relies on prayer or spiritual means alone for healing, provided sanitation, isolation or quarantine requirements are met. The proposal would remove this provision, stating that the department relies on evidence-based treatments. Eliminating this longstanding accommodation raises concerns about religious liberty and the right of individuals to exercise their faith in making personal health decisions.
• Mandatory third-trimester syphilis testing (p. 275): The proposal would establish universal syphilis testing during the third trimester of pregnancy. The department states that rising cases have led it to determine testing is necessary for all pregnant individuals. This represents a new mandatory medical procedure and raises questions about government involvement in personal medical decisions and the potential for additional health care costs.
• Expanded animal and food-product authority (pp. 288-289): The proposal would expand the department’s authority beyond declared public health emergencies to include actions intended to prevent an emergency. It could restrict animals and animal products or materials, including animal bedding, carcasses, feed, waste, animal-care equipment and food products, when they are “suspected or known to be contaminated.” This could affect agricultural products such as eggs, unpasteurized cheeses and raw milk, potentially placing additional burdens on farmers and small producers and limiting consumer choice without an actual public health emergency.

These concerns become even more significant when viewed alongside the department’s push for greater public reporting of school-level vaccination rates. Combined with expanded school exclusion, contact-tracing and mitigation authority, the proposal could create new opportunities for government intervention at individual schools.

Public health is important, but protecting it should never require abandoning individual rights. Parents deserve a meaningful voice in decisions affecting their children. Pennsylvanians deserve privacy when it comes to their medical information and personal health decisions. Health care providers, businesses and farmers should not be subjected to unnecessary mandates and red tape. Government authority must have limits.

That is why this proposal deserves serious public scrutiny before it moves forward. Pennsylvanians have an opportunity to make their voices heard by submitting public comments on Proposed Regulation No. 10-242 through Sept. 21.

To submit a comment, email RA-DHCHAPTER27PROPREG@pa.gov with the subject line:

Rulemaking No. 10-242: Communicable and Noncommunicable Diseases; IRRC No. 3490

I encourage Pennsylvanians to read the proposal, ask questions and make their voices heard. We cannot allow fear to become a justification for unlimited government power.

Touring IDV USA and Supporting York County’s Defense Manufacturing Industry

I recently toured IDV USA’s facility in York with Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, representatives from the York County Economic Alliance (YCEA), BAE Systems and others to learn more about the company’s operations and impact on our community. As the American arm of Italian defense manufacturer IDV, the company operates a corporate office and repair center in York, where it services and repairs unmanned vehicles used by police, EMS, emergency responders and the military.

IDV USA employs 35 people and provides $2 million in local wages while supporting 114 Pennsylvania vendors, including 57 in York County. Seeing this operation first-hand highlighted the important role local businesses play in strengthening our economy while contributing to the safety and security of our nation.

Honoring the Legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

I was pleased to join the York community Friday, Aug. 28, for a historic dedication honoring the life and lasting legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Two dedication marches began at separate locations and came together at Penn Park for a ceremony marking the 63rd anniversary of Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech.

A portion of College Avenue, from Edgar Street to Belvidere Avenue, was honorarily named Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. While the designation is honorary, it serves as a lasting reminder of Dr. King’s message of justice, equality and unity and the continued importance of bringing our communities together.

Exploring the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library

I had a wonderful time touring the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library and learning about the many programs and resources available to the community. From storytimes, LEGO Club and STEM Club to book clubs, seasonal workshops, teen nights and community events, the library offers opportunities for people of all ages to learn, connect and have fun.

I also received my very own library card during my visit! I encourage you to stop by, check out a book, take part in a program or see what’s new. There’s always something happening at the Joseph T. Simpson Public Library.

Discover Resources for Older Adults at My Senior Expo

Please join me Thursday, Sept. 10, for my Senior Expo from 10 a.m. to noon at the West Shore YMCA, 410 Fallowfield Road, Camp Hill. Admission is free, and more than 50 exhibitors will be on hand to answer questions and share information about programs, services and resources available to older adults and their families.

In addition to valuable resources, attendees can take advantage of free health screenings and immunizations, enjoy light refreshments and enter for a chance to win door prizes. I hope you will join me for this informative and engaging event and learn more about the resources available in our community.

Thank you to our Prime Sponsors Giant Food Stores, Select Medical and West Shore YMCA for their generous support in making this event possible.

Eliminating School Property Taxes in Pennsylvania

For many Pennsylvanians, school property taxes are a significant financial burden, making it harder to afford their homes and remain in the communities they call home. We need to find a better way to fund public education without placing an ever-growing burden on homeowners and renters.

If you want to see meaningful change, I invite you to join me for a School Property Tax Elimination Town Hall on Monday, Sept. 14, from 6-8 p.m. at the West Shore Theatre, 317 Bridge St., New Cumberland. We’ll discuss how public schools are funded, the details of my School Property Tax Elimination Act and how the legislation would eliminate school property taxes. This is an opportunity to ask questions, learn more and share your thoughts. Please RSVP to my office at 717-432-1730 or register online.

The next School Property Tax Elimination Town Hall will be hosted by Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 6-8 p.m. at Wesley Hall at Jumonville Retreat, 887 Jumonville Road, Hopwood. You can RSVP at 724-438-6100 or register online.

September Satellite Office Hours

Need assistance with a state government service or have a question about an issue affecting you or your community? Stop by one of my satellite offices in September. These locations give residents convenient access to my staff without having to travel to my Harrisburg or district offices.

York City Satellite Office
1st and 3rd Wednesdays
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
York County Administrative Center, Suite 216
28 E. Market St., York

Cumberland County Satellite Office
2nd Thursday
9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lower Allen Township Municipal Services Center
2233 Gettysburg Road, Camp Hill

Manchester Satellite Office
3rd Thursday
9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Manchester Township Municipal Building
3200 Farmtrail Road, York

My team and I look forward to serving you in your community.

Putting Student Safety First

I recently spoke with Spotlight PA about the growing trend of school districts not providing school bus transportation to K-8 charter school students. Instead, these children are being told to rely on public transportation to get to and from school.

We don’t let young children go to recess alone, so why would we expect them to navigate public transportation by themselves? When it comes to our children, safety should never depend on which public school they attend.

My legislation, Senate Bill 1325, would ensure K-8 charter school students have access to school bus transportation. Every child deserves a safe and reliable way to get to and from school, and we need to put their safety first.

Bill Protecting Fairness in Women’s Sports Awaits House Action

As students across Pennsylvania return to school, it is past time for the commonwealth to ensure fairness for women and girls taking part in collegiate and high school sports.

Earlier this year, at the urging of students and parents, the Senate approved bipartisan legislation – twice – to preserve opportunities for female athletes at public schools and colleges by requiring scholastic sports teams to be designated based on biological sex. Senate Bill 1293 would also allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule.

Month after month, the House of Representatives has avoided voting on this reasonable legislation grounded in fairness. The bill has been moved to multiple House committees in a series of parliamentary maneuvers to avoid a vote.

The longer the House delays, the more female athletes are at risk of being unfairly forced off the field or the winner’s podium. We must enact the Save Women’s Sports Act to restore common sense to scholastic sports.

Job Opportunities for Nurses at PA Veterans Homes

Pennsylvania’s six veterans homes care for our neighbors who answered the call to serve. The homes offer levels of care tailored to the specific health needs of residents and are supplemented with an array of clinical services.

Pennsylvania veterans homes are looking to hire registered nurses and license practical nurses to provide the kind of care that will allow veterans to live an active and healthy life with as much independence as possible.

Learn more about these opportunities and apply here.

Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Accepting Applications for 2027

Teenagers in jeopardy of not graduating on time or dropping out of school have a chance at obtaining their basic education through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy.

Applications are being accepted for its first class of 2027, which begins in January at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. There is no tuition cost to attend, and meals, housing, uniforms and school supplies are provided at no charge.

The program lasts for five-and-a-half months as a residential phase and 24 months of mentorship by academy staff back in home communities. Learn more about the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy and apply here.

PennDOT Roadwork Schedules for Cumberland and York Counties

Please see the latest PennDOT road work schedules provided to my office. These updates are issued periodically and may not include all projects or reflect the most current conditions. Additional updates are shared as they become available and posted on my Facebook page.

If you have a road concern such as potholes, bridge issues or other roadway problems, you can report that information directly to PennDOT through the Customer Care Center form.

I hope this information helps you plan your travel and avoid delays.