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In this Update:

• Senate Republicans Elect Leaders for Upcoming Session
• Giving First Responders More Support
• Seasonal PennDOT Jobs Open Now
• Being Prepared for Fall Driving Hazards
• Recognizing National Diabetes Awareness Month

Senate Republicans Elect Leaders for Upcoming Session

Senate Republicans re-elected our leadership team for the upcoming 2025-26 legislative session this week. I am honored that my colleagues put their trust in me to continue serving as Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, which plays a key role in creating the state budget and examining all bills to determine their fiscal impact on taxpayers.

Voters returned a 28-22 Republican majority to the state Senate last week. All Republican incumbents were re-elected and two new Republican senators are on the way to Harrisburg.

We have a lot of work to do in the years ahead to make our state budget sustainable and structurally balanced in the future. I look forward to working with all my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to advance pro-growth policies that put working families first.

Giving First Responders More Support

Beginning in December, a law passed by Senate Republicans will give first responders greater access to workers’ compensation benefits for a post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI).

Firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics will be entitled to benefits for psychological traumas resulting from their employment – even in the absence of physical injuries. To receive benefits, they need to be diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist.

Previously, Pennsylvania law required a first responder to prove there were “objective abnormal working conditions” to establish a PTSI claim. This standard was often difficult to meet.

Seasonal PennDOT Jobs Open Now

PennDOT is hiring individuals for its winter maintenance program that runs until April 2025. The jobs pay from $17.00 to $27.75 an hour and could become a career.

Roles include equipment operators, dispatchers, mechanics, tradesman helpers, semi-skilled laborers and tunnel maintainers. Job requirements vary based on position. Learn more regarding required experience, training and eligibility.

Submit an online application. Call 855-524-5627 if you have trouble accessing your account.

Being Prepared for Fall Driving Hazards

Fall brings different driving hazards, including wet leaves, fog, sun glare and frost. Drivers can use fall driving tips from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to make their commutes safer.

Extra caution is needed on roads covered with wet leaves, which can be as slippery as ice. When driving in fog, it’s best to use low-beam headlights to avoid the glare created by high beams. Morning frost and icy spots can cause issues as overnight temperatures drop toward freezing. Ice is more likely to form on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas.

Pennsylvania drivers face the third-highest chance of being involved in an animal-related crash in the nation. To report a dead animal for removal from a state road, call the PennDOT at 1-800-FIX-ROAD. Call the Game Commission at 1-833-742-9453 for local roads.

Recognizing National Diabetes Awareness Month

The men, women and children who live with prediabetes and diabetes face challenges not only with their health but also with the financial impact of the disease. I was proud to sponsor a resolution designating November 14 as World Diabetes Day in Pennsylvania to raise awareness of this growing health concern and the impact it creates on families.

However, there is support available, including health tips and food ideas. Healthy eating for prediabetes and diabetes can be delicious and satisfying using recipes like these.

Tools and resources are available regarding health care affordability and driving with diabetes. There is also helpful information for caregivers.

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