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In this Update:
Setting the Record Straight on Transit
The Senate recently passed legislation to provide additional funding for transit operations and infrastructure projects throughout the Commonwealth through unused funds in the Public Transportation Trust Fund. Although House Democrats and Governor Shapiro initially dismissed the plan based on misinformation, they both acknowledged this week that the funding can be part of a final compromise on mass transit. I called on them this week to stop the political games, and I again urged the House to come back and vote on our plan. Read more here. 2026-27 PA Student Aid Guide Available
For parents and students planning for college, the new Student Aid Guide from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) provides a complete overview of the financial aid process. The guide can help you:
For more help planning for college, check out PHEAA webinars and EducationPlanner.org. Senior Expo is a Success
My heartfelt thanks go out to all the volunteers, exhibitors and participants who made my Senior Expo in Lancaster an overwhelming success! More than 50 exhibitors provided information and resources to help connect older community residents with programs and services that are available to them. We also hosted another successful blood drive and honored local veterans and military heroes at the special Hall of Heroes exhibit. I appreciated seeing so many community residents, delivering door prizes, and having great conversations about what’s happening in our community. I look forward to hosting this event every year! Improving Health Care
The Senate approved several measures this year to improve the delivery of health care in our communities. Among the new laws we passed was a measure establishing a statewide stroke registry to deliver vital information to EMS providers and hospitals, ensuring the best treatment possible. Other laws aim to reduce overdose deaths by incorporating real-time reporting by EMS providers into the statewide overdose mapping system, and giving EMS personnel permanent authority to leave behind a dose of naloxone at overdose scenes, placing this lifesaving medication in the hands of a caregiver or loved one. Critical measures passed by the Senate and awaiting action in the House of Representatives include bills to strengthen Pennsylvania’s no-cost breast cancer screening law by ensuring diagnostic imaging is fully covered, and preserving prescription drug coverage for more than 10,000 seniors. You can review other measures we passed to improve health care and address other subjects here. New Law Streamlines Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
A new law we passed earlier this year is now in effect removing the annual fishing license fee and application for veterans with 100% disability. Previously, only those disabled veterans with a 100% permanent disability determination from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs could receive free lifetime fishing licenses. Disabled veterans with a 100% disability determination also receive free licenses but must apply for them on an annual basis. Act 21 of 2025 takes away the annual fee and application part of the process and allows all disabled veterans with a 100% disability determination, whether or not it is a permanent determination, to purchase free lifetime fishing licenses. Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law
Students are heading back to class, so we all need to be on the lookout for children around school buses and bus stops. Some reminders about Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law:
School districts are permitted to install automated camera systems on buses to enforce the law. You can find more information about the law and penalties, and safety tips for children, here. Happy Labor Day
Labor Day is a time to celebrate the workers who make our communities thrive while providing for their families. No matter what your vocation or whether you’re an active employee or a retiree, I hope you enter this last stretch of summer with a wonderful holiday weekend.
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