Senator Mastriano E-Newsletter

View this email in a browser

In this Update:

  • Clean Air Preservation Act Roundtable on May 30
  • 250th Army Birthday Event
  • St. Thomas Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony
  • Visit to Sweet Grace Ministry
  • Business Visit to Everlasting Love Florist
  • Chesapeake Bay Commission Visits My District
  • Wednesday’s Telephone Town Hall
  • Why Senate Bill 90 Matters for Pennsylvania’s Fire Services
  • Antisemitic Murders Shows Need for Holocaust Education

Clean Air Preservation Act Roundtable on May 30

I hosted a roundtable discussion, Friday, May 30 at 12:30 PM, to address Senate Bill 508, also known as “The Clean Air Act.”  

Joining me for this important conversation was Jolie Diane, one of the nation’s leading experts on environmental issues. Ms. Diane serves as the Lead Researcher and Director of ZERO Geoengineering and ZERO5G, organizations at the forefront of advocating for clean air and responsible environmental policy. 

SB 508 has been referred to the Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs Committee for review. The bill aims to strengthen Pennsylvania’s environmental safeguards and ensure greater transparency in atmospheric and environmental programs. 

The following link provides details on Senate Bill 508:
Senate Bill 508 Information; 2025-2026 Regular Session – The Official Website of the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

The bill has been referred to the Agriculture Committee:
Senate Agriculture & Rural Affairs | 2025-2026 Session – PA State Senate.

250th Army Birthday Event

Join me on Monday, June 9, at noon in the Main Rotunda of the State Capitol to celebrate the 250th  Birthday of the United States Army. As a retired U.S. Army Colonel with 30 years of service, I will be joined by fellow Army veterans serving in the Pennsylvania House and Senate.

The keynote address will be delivered by Colonel Gerald York (U.S. Army, Ret.), grandson of legendary World War I hero Sergeant Alvin C. York, known for his extraordinary valor in combat.  Sgt. York, then a 29-year-old corporal, distinguished himself during the largest series of battles fought by American forces in World War I. Armed with only a rifle and a handgun, he was credited with killing up to 25 enemy soldiers and capturing 132 others.

All U.S. Army Veterans are invited to attend. Please register online.

A meet and greet with Colonel York will be held beforehand at 11 a.m. in Hearing Room 3 of the North Office Building.

Help us honor the proud legacy of the U.S. Army and those who have served!

St. Thomas Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony

On Monday, I was honored to join in the Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony in St. Thomas. It was a beautiful day to remember those who gave their all for our nation!

Visit to Sweet Grace Ministry   

On Tuesday, I had the honor of presenting Katy Dortenzo, the founder of Sweet Grace Ministries, with a Point of Light Certificate in recognition of the incredible work they do to support families navigating the heart-wrenching loss of their babies. Their dedication and compassion truly make a profound difference in the lives of those they serve.

They are located in Chambersburg. Sweet Grace Ministries offers resources to families enduring ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage, stillbirth, life limiting diagnosis and infant death. They offer help and support in the form of baskets, comfort bags, photography, support groups, remembrance events, mentoring for couples and more. Please check them out online or in person.

Business Visit to Everlasting Love Florist

I had the honor of presenting Rick and Katie Grove at Everlasting Love Florist Pennsylvania Freedom Medals in recognition of their exceptional service to our community and their ability to bring light in times of darkness. They truly embody the noble ideals of our commonwealth: virtue, liberty and independence.

Chesapeake Bay Commission Visits My District

On Tuesday evening, I had the privilege of welcoming Sens. Yaw and Martin to my district in Greencastle. We celebrated the recent success Pennsylvania has had with its clean water programs and the positive impact they are having both locally and downstream. 

Wednesday’s Telephone Town Hall

To connect with residents of the 33rd Senate District, I hosted a Telephone Town Hall on Wednesday that captivated an incredible audience and reached more than 13,000 listeners!

It was wonderful to engage in meaningful conversations with my constituents and listen to your diverse concerns and insights. I appreciate the opportunity to hear directly from you about the issues that matter most in our community. Telephone town halls are an effective way to reach a broader audience due to constituents’ accessibility and convenience.

Why Senate Bill 90 Matters for Pennsylvania’s Fire Services

The Senate recently approved Senate Bill 90, which I introduced with Sen. Michele Brooks.

Senate Bill 90 is a timely and necessary step toward strengthening Pennsylvania’s emergency response system. This bill would modernize firefighter training and certification by offering more flexible testing options—such as modular exams—benefiting especially volunteer firefighters with limited time.

It would ensure all training remains aligned with National Fire Protection Association standards, preserving quality while improving accessibility. My bill would also enhance accountability through improved data reporting on certification and training outcomes, enabling smarter use of state resources. Ultimately, it supports both readiness and safety across the commonwealth’s fire and emergency services.

We can increase the number of volunteer firefighters by reforming the certification process without jeopardizing quality or safety.

Senate Bill 90 now heads to The House of Representatives for further consideration.

Antisemitic Murders Shows Need for Holocaust Education


 
We are devastated and outraged by the tragic murder of an Israeli couple last week in Washington, D.C. This horrific act of violence, targeting Jews in our nation’s capital, is a chilling reminder that antisemitism is not a distant or foreign threat – it is here, it is real and it is deadly.

We are compelled to speak out against the growing tide of hatred that fuels such acts. Understanding the roots and consequences of antisemitism is critical as education is the first defense against hate.

That is why I urge my fellow lawmakers in Harrisburg to take swift action to pass Senate Bill 127. My legislation would ensure that students are taught the history and lessons of the Holocaust – not only to honor the memory of the six million Jews murdered by the Nazis, but to understand the enduring threat of antisemitism in all its forms.

 

 

Bill to Increase Firefighters in PA Receives Senate Support

Pennsylvania relies on volunteer firefighters, but their numbers are dropping – from 300,000 in the 1970s to fewer than 38,000 today. To help ensure there are enough firefighters to respond to a crisis, the Senate passed a bill that would reform the process for people earning their firefighter certification.

Senate Bill 90 would maintain the high standards to become a firefighter while making it less intimidating for men and women who are interested in serving their communities as volunteer firefighters. Currently, firefighter applicants must complete four training modules totaling 188 hours. They then must pass a cumulative test covering all four modules. The bill would allow them to be tested following each of the four modules.

Senate Bill 90 heads to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

Prevent Surprises on the Road with PennDOT’s Construction Plans

As the weather improves, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is spending more time maintaining the state’s approximately 40,000 roadway miles and 25,400 bridges.

You can be aware of and plan for delays you experience driving by checking the status of construction projects in your area. Information about projects underway, beginning and being bid this year is listed here.

Road work projects are chosen through an extended planning process in four-year and 12-year increments. Learn more about the State Transportation Improvement Plan and the Twelve Year Program.

Beware of Counterfeit Weight Loss and Diabetes Drugs

If you purchase GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, which are typically used for weight loss and diabetes, anywhere other than a licensed pharmacy, you could be buying counterfeit products.

As supplies have not kept pace with overwhelming consumer demand, a counterfeit market has emerged for these drugs. Using counterfeit products is dangerous.

Attorney General Dave Sunday is urging consumers to report suspicious products by calling the Drugs Tip Line at 800-442-8006. Read more.

Enjoy a Great American Getaway in PA

Tourism is an important part of Pennsylvania’s economy. In 2022, the most recent year with available data, we welcomed more than 192 million travelers and benefited from $45 billion in visitor spending.

The commonwealth has a lot to offer, even to people who call it home. Find some great ideas for vacations and day trips here.

PA Offers Free Motorcycle Training

May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month, a great time to sign up for a motorcycle safety course whether you’re a novice or experienced rider. Classes are free for Pennsylvanians who have a motorcycle learner’s permit or motorcycle license.

Successful completion of a basic or intermediate course offered by the state waives the requirement to take a skills test at a PennDOT driver license center and automatically earns the permit holder their motorcycle license.

Class schedules are coordinated by third-party training providers at locations across the commonwealth and posted online at least four weeks before the class begins. Learn more about Pennsylvania’s Motorcycle Safety Program.

divider

For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive e-newsletters, you can get on the e-newsletter mailing list here.

Facebook Twitter/X Instagram Website

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe

2025 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatormastriano.com | Privacy Policy