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In this Update:
Roundtable Focuses on Pennsylvania’s Physician Shortage
I recently joined fellow legislators for a roundtable hosted by The LIBRE Initiative to discuss Pennsylvania’s physician shortage and House Bill 2121. The discussion focused on potential ways to address workforce challenges, including reviewing the process for qualified foreign-trained physicians seeking to practice in Pennsylvania. I appreciate The LIBRE Initiative for bringing legislators together to discuss the challenges facing Pennsylvania’s health care workforce and potential solutions. 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. Town Halls: A Conversation on School Property Tax Relief
Thank you to everyone who joined Rep. David Zimmerman, Rep. Wendy Fink, former Rep. Frank Ryan and me in Adamstown for a productive conversation about school property taxes and my School Property Tax Elimination Act. These conversations are important as we work toward meaningful reforms that provide property tax relief. No one should be one life event away from losing their home. Please join me for one of our upcoming town halls in September to continue the conversation about school property tax reform:
Fourth Annual Veterans Stand Down
Crispus Attucks York will host the fourth annual Veterans Stand Down on Wednesday, Sept. 23, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the new location, Horticultural Hall at the York Expo Center, 334 Carlisle Ave., York. The one-stop event is designed to support veterans who are homeless, at risk of homelessness or transitioning to civilian life. Veterans can connect with VA services, medical and dental care, housing and employment assistance, food, clothing, hygiene kits and a free hot lunch. Veterans and military families who need transportation or additional information can contact Barry Freeland at 717-781-0014 or Jomo Beatty at 717-542-0091. Please help spread the word and connect local veterans with the resources they deserve. Taking Action to Prevent School Truancy and Support Families
September is Truancy Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about chronic absenteeism and the challenges it creates for students, families and schools. Under Pennsylvania law, a student is considered truant after three unexcused absences and habitually truant after six unexcused absences in a school year. However, how truancy is identified and addressed can vary among school districts, creating inconsistencies for families. My Senate Bill 1387 would provide greater clarity and consistency while protecting parents’ ability to choose the educational setting that best meets their child’s needs. Act 47 of 2025 prevents students classified as habitually truant from enrolling in a public cyber charter school without judicial approval, creating an unnecessary barrier to an educational option that may better serve some students and prevent truancy. My legislation would remove that judicial requirement, establish consistent attendance policies between traditional brick-and-mortar schools and cyber charter schools, ensure parents receive timely notice of attendance concerns, and provide families with resources to address chronic absenteeism. Parents, not bureaucrats, should have a meaningful voice in determining the educational environment that works best for their children. Strategies to Prevent Electric Bill Spikes Highlighted at Senate Hearing
Strategies to increase energy production and lower utility bills for Pennsylvanians were the focus of a public hearing by the Senate Majority Policy Committee. The committee heard from energy generators, utilities, business groups, taxpayer advocates and more. Pennsylvania is the top electricity exporter and supplier of natural gas, but the retirement of generation sources is driving up prices and risking electric grid reliability. Testifiers noted the commonwealth needs to build more reliable baseload generation to keep prices stable and ensure access to energy. Read more and access hearing video here. Elk Cam Shows Largest Free-Roaming Elk Population in Eastern U.S.
Elk were once native to Pennsylvania but disappeared in the 1800s due to overhunting and habitat loss. Today, Pennsylvania is home to 1,300 to 1,400 elk, making it the largest free-roaming elk population in the eastern U.S. Live from Elk State Forest in northern PA, the Elk Cam is a window into the world of these impressive animals, as well as turkey, deer and other wildlife. Best viewing times are mornings and evenings. The livestream is provided by HDOnTap and made possible with the help of the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission. 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. |
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