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In this Update:
* Celebrating Franklin County’s New Treasure
* Implementation of Act 18 of 2026 Press Conference
* Mastriano Applauds President Trump’s Action Against Maduro Regime, Highlights Bill to Protect Families from Fentanyl
* 2025 Review: Reform Measures Targeting Fraud, Waste and Inefficiency
* More Pennsylvanians Now Eligible for PA ABLE Savings Accounts
* Food, Fun and Farming: PA Farm Show Set for Jan. 10-17
* Jan. 31 Deadline for High School Seniors to Apply for America250PA Scholarships
* National Human Trafficking Awareness Month
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** Celebrating Franklin County’s New Treasure
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Monday, I attended the swearing-in of Lisa Helm as Franklin County Treasurer! Lisa brings dedication, integrity, and a strong commitment to public service as she begins this important role serving the people of Franklin County. We wish her great success as she continues her work in the community!
** Implementation of Act 18 of 2026 Press Conference
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On Tuesday, I held a press conference to highlight the implementation of Pennsylvania’s Act 18 of 2026. This law amends the Overdose Mapping Act to require Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers to report known or suspected overdoses into the statewide Overdose Information Network (ODIN).
View the full press conference here ([link removed]) .
** Mastriano Applauds President Trump’s Action Against Maduro Regime, Highlights Bill to Protect Families from Fentanyl
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I strongly support ([link removed]) President Trump’s decisive action targeting the Maduro regime in Venezuela. Confronting foreign narco-regimes is essential to stopping the flow of fentanyl into the United States and reinforces our efforts to protect families through Senate Bill 92 ([link removed]) , known as Tyler’s Law.
Tyler’s Law is named in memory of Tyler Shanafelter, an 18-year-old Pennsylvanian who tragically lost his life after unknowingly purchasing Percocet laced with fentanyl. Senate Bill 92 strengthens penalties for fentanyl trafficking, improves tools for law enforcement and prioritizes the safety of families and children across the commonwealth. The bill passed the Senate and is awaiting action in the House Judiciary Committee.
Fentanyl is not appearing in our communities by accident — it is being trafficked by criminal networks profiting from death and deception. Protecting families requires leadership and enforcement at every level of government — international, federal, state and local. Stopping fentanyl at its source AND enforcing strong laws here in Pennsylvania will save lives.
** 2025 Review: Reform Measures Targeting Fraud, Waste and Inefficiency
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As we begin the second year of the 2025-26 legislative session, here’s a brief look at what we did last year to target fraud and waste, fix Pennsylvania’s broken system for issuing permits and more.
Enacted with the state budget was sweeping permitting reform ([link removed]) that sets clear timelines for state agencies to review permit applications and creates a permit tracking system, benefiting citizens and job creators. The budget also included measures ensuring individuals receiving Medical Assistance and SNAP benefits qualify for these taxpayer dollars ([link removed]) and preventing dead people from receiving benefits.
The Senate also passed legislation to eliminate 13 unnecessary boards, commissions and advisory committees ([link removed]) and require automatic review of costly regulations ([link removed]) after three years to ensure they remain in the public interest.
You can find information on more government reform bills and other notable Senate-passed legislation here ([link removed]) .
** More Pennsylvanians Now Eligible for PA ABLE Savings Accounts
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More Pennsylvanians are eligible to participate ([link removed]) in the PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program ([link removed]) in 2026, Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced recently.
Pennsylvanians with a qualifying disability ([link removed]) occurring prior to age 46 are now eligible to open a PA ABLE account. Previously, eligibility required the disability to occur before age 26.
PA ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities and their families to save up to $19,000 per year tax-free without impacting important benefits. For veterans, savings and investments in PA ABLE accounts do not impact VA benefits.
Funds can be used for expenses such as housing, health care, transportation and assistive technology. Contributions are deductible on state income taxes, and qualified withdrawals are exempt from state and federal income taxes.
** Food, Fun and Farming: PA Farm Show Set for Jan. 10-17
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Hundreds of exhibits and an array of delicious food will be featured at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show ([link removed]) , Jan. 10-17 in Harrisburg. It’s a celebration of our commonwealth’s rich farming tradition and a lot of fun for families.
In line with America’s 250^th birthday, this year’s Farm Show “Growing a Nation” theme recognizes Pennsylvania’s leading role in our nation’s founding and future.
Information is available to plan your visit ([link removed]) , view the daily schedule ([link removed]) and maps ([link removed]) , and more. If you’ve never been to the Farm Show, check out the Frequently Asked Questions ([link removed]) page.
General admission is free.
** Jan. 31 Deadline for High School Seniors to Apply for America250PA Scholarships
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High school seniors have until Jan. 31 to apply for $10,000 scholarships as part of the America250PA celebration.
Twenty-five scholarships will be awarded throughout six regions to commonwealth high school seniors planning to attend a Pennsylvania college or university in the 2026-27 academic year.
More than three dozen schools will match the $10,000 if the student chooses their institution. You can learn more and apply here ([link removed]) .
** National Human Trafficking Awareness Month
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Pennsylvania consistently ranks among the top 10 states for reported human trafficking cases. Over the past five years, 1,235 human-trafficking offenses ([link removed]) were filed in 366 cases.
The General Assembly has enacted several laws in recent years to combat this abuse in which people profit from the exploitation of others. You can find more statistics and ways to identify possible human trafficking in your community here ([link removed]) .
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