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In this Update:

• Shapiro’s New Government Health Regulations Raise Concerns
• Historic Settlement with Meta Includes Social Media Protections
• 2026 Senior Expo Supports Local Seniors
• Help Available Finding a New Job
• Happy Labor Day

Shapiro’s New Government Health Regulations Raise Concerns

Gov. Shapiro and the Department of Health recently proposed sweeping new regulations that would vastly expand state government’s power over 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.

The full 500+ page proposal submitted by the Department of Health is available here.

Many of these regulations mirror the failed policies of the Wolf Administration during COVID. Like state government’s heavy-handed response during the pandemic, this Governor is attempting to ram through these changes and unprecedented powers being proposed for the Department of Health through the regulatory process – completely bypassing the General Assembly.

This approach is unacceptable and flies in the face of the voters in May 2021 that overwhelmingly approved the constitutional amendments that I authored to rein in emergency powers by requiring transparency and accountability to the process.

I encourage all citizens to submit public comments on the regulations to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission. Full instructions for submitting comments are available here. The public comment period is open through Monday, September 21.

Historic Settlement with Meta Includes Social Media Protections

Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Pennsylvania and a multistate coalition have reached a settlement with Meta, owner of Instagram and Facebook, assuring the social media giant will implement sweeping changes to age verification, limit children’s time on their platforms and cut kids’ access to harmful content.

The settlement, which involves up to $17.1 billion in national remediation payments, is contingent on other major social media companies agreeing to the same changes. Pennsylvania is expected to receive more than $500 million. The attorney general also filed a lawsuit against the owners of Snapchat regarding its failures to warn users of platform addictiveness and protect children from compulsive use. Read more about the settlement with Meta here.

In recent years, I’ve worked with my colleagues to strengthen Pennsylvania laws against malicious deepfakes and AI child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and created the Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age. The Senate passed bills to enhance mandatory reporting requirements for AI CSAM and protect children from dangerous AI chatbot interaction. Technology opens doors for children, and we must ensure it’s used safely.

2026 Senior Expo Supports Local Seniors

My sincere thanks go out to all the exhibitors, visitors and volunteers who helped make my Senior Expo in Lancaster an overwhelming success!

Approximately 60 exhibitors helped provide information and services to benefit older Pennsylvanians, including free health screenings, chair massages and mini-manicures, help with technology, a prescription drug take-back box, and much more.

A special thanks to the Vets Salute 21 Honor Guard for participating in a meaningful flag-raising ceremony to kick off the event. The expo also included a special exhibit detailing the evolution of the American Flag, as well as a display of the Braille Flag we hope to install at the Pennsylvania Capitol Building soon to honor veterans with visual impairments.

This is one of my favorite events of the year, and I hope even more seniors can join next year’s event!

Help Available Finding a New Job

Pennsylvania job-seekers and employers can access the comprehensive career website PA CareerLink® for assistance.

PA CareerLink® offers job search assistance, resume and interview workshops, access to more than 7,000 online training courses, classroom and on-the-job training, and many other programs and resources. All services are provided at no cost to participants. No appointment is necessary.

It provides a wide range of resources for individual job seekers tailored for specific situations, such as mature workers, those re-entering the workforce, veterans, individuals with disabilities, young workers and more. Employers can use it to search for job candidates, learn about apprenticeships and other needs. Visit PA CareerLink® here.

Happy Labor Day

More than a day off, Labor Day is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of workers who provide for their families and allow communities to thrive. I’m committed to helping these workers keep more of what they earn.

I hope you have a great holiday weekend.