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In this Update:

• Troubling Health Regulations: Thousands of Pennsylvanians Weigh In
• State Auditor General Meets with Fire Relief Associations in Cumberland County
• Fish and Boat Commission Accepting Applications for “R3” Grant Program
• Senate Bill Protecting Children from Harmful AI Chats Needs House Action
• Garrity Announces $1,000 Bonus for Families’ Education Savings
• Certified Veteran-Owned Businesses Gain New Opportunities
• Around the District: Vigilant Hose & South Newton Volunteer Fire Companies, Friday Night Lights at West Perry
• Saturday is National Hunting and Fishing Day

Troubling Health Regulations: Thousands of Pennsylvanians Weigh In

Thousands of Pennsylvanians – ordinary citizens, school officials and many others – have voiced their opposition to the proposed Department of Health regulations which would vastly expand state government’s power over their lives. Thanks to each and every person who took the time to share their feedback on this intrusive overreach.

I’ve added my voice to the effort by signing on to this letter to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission as well as submitting my own individual letter, both of which spell out the reasons these regulations must be stopped. Both letters implore the commission to reject the proposal, which would give the state more power to enter homes and businesses without a warrant, speak to students without parents present, access private health records, unilaterally impose mask mandates – and more.

This 502-page executive branch overreach should be withdrawn. Pennsylvanians endured the previous governor’s mandates during COVID lockdowns, and we cannot afford to go back.

Learn more about what’s at stake at this State Health Regulations information webpage.

Senate Bill Protecting Children from Harmful AI Chats Needs House Action

It’s critical that our commonwealth establish commonsense safeguards for children increasingly interacting with AI chatbots. The Senate overwhelmingly passed bipartisan legislation to do just that back in March, but the House of Representatives has yet to consider it.

Senate Bill 1090 would require robust, age-appropriate safeguards to prevent content generation that encourages self-harm, suicide or violence against others, and directs users to appropriate crisis resources whenever high-risk language is detected.

In recent years, vulnerable individuals, including minors, have used AI chatbots to cope with trauma, depression and anxiety, only to have chatbot responses allegedly contribute to deaths by suicide. I urge the House to pass this bill so it can be enacted before the year is out. Read more about this important measure.

State Auditor General Meets with Fire Relief Associations in Cumberland County

Thanks to the Pennsylvania Auditor General, Tim DeFoor and his team for providing valuable information to our volunteer fire relief associations! I was glad to welcome them, Pennsylvania Office of the State Fire Commissioner, and representatives from relief associations across the district to Hampden Township Volunteer Fire Department this week. Every presenter shared helpful information and resources that will help enable them to effectively and efficiently manage the state funds they receive, so that they can remain mission focused. Thanks to ALL involved in supporting our incredible volunteer fire companies!

Fish and Boat Commission Accepting Applications for “R3” Grant Program

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is once again offering grants for educational programs that promote new and renewed interest in fishing and boating in the commonwealth. The grant program’s focus is the recruitment of new participants, retention of existing participants, and reactivation of former participants – collectively known as “R3.”

The grant application period is open through December 1, 2026. The application and additional information can be found here.

Garrity Announces $1,000 Bonus for Families’ Education Savings

Families with qualified PA 529 College and Career Saving Program Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) accounts will receive a $1,000 bonus contribution, enhancing education savings for about 107,000 Pennsylvania families.

The bonus, authorized by Treasurer Stacy Garrity, is being paid for through surplus dollars in the GSP Fund. PA 529 GSP savers with at least a $1,000 account balance, or those with at least a $100 balance with contributions made since 2022, as of July 31, 2026, are eligible for this bonus deposit. Account owners will see this deposit reflected in their third quarter statement.

The PA 529 GSP allows families to save at today’s tuition rates to cover tomorrow’s tuition costs with account growth dependent on tuition inflation. For more information, visit the PA 529 website.

Certified Veteran-Owned Businesses Gain New Opportunities

Pennsylvania veteran-owned small businesses that get certified can be listed on a state database, opening doors to state contracting opportunities.

To qualify for certification, businesses must be at least 51% veteran-owned, meet “small business” revenue and size standards, and hold a valid third-party certification.

The state does not certify a business as veteran owned; it only verifies it. Find out how to obtain certification and third-party verification at the Department of General Services.

Around the District: Vigilant Hose & South Newton Volunteer Fire Companies, Friday Night Lights at West Perry

I was honored to be with the dedicated members of Vigilant Hose Company #1 this week. Thanks to EVERY volunteer and those who support the company. It’s incredible history of service dates back to 1843!

I enjoyed catching up, touring the station as well as the museum and discussing the need for a new roof. I was glad to help secure funding for the roof replacement project, knowing it will allow the company to remain focused on providing exceptional fire protection and first responder services.

Special thanks to Fire Chief Bryan Coy, not only for his hospitality during my visit, but for his leadership, knowledge and service to the Shippensburg Area and beyond.

I was pleased to attend the South Newton Township Volunteer Fire Company 49’s 50th Anniversary celebration and present a PA Senate citation recognizing this remarkable milestone.

We owe our volunteers—past, present, and future—a debt of gratitude for their dedication to serving and protecting our community.

We had a great time this past week at West Perry High School as the Mustangs hosted Boiling Springs. The school spirit on both sides was incredible! It was “USA Night” and the student section was full of patriotic energy! I was honored to help with the coin toss.

Saturday is National Hunting and Fishing Day

Observed the fourth Saturday of every September, National Hunting and Fishing Day recognizes generations of sportsmen and women for their contributions to the conservation of our nation’s rich sporting heritage and natural resources. Pennsylvania is proud to have more than 850,000 licensed hunters and 1.1 million anglers who contribute to the commonwealth’s extensive and enduring conservation legacy.

In 1972, Richard Nixon signed the first ever Presidential proclamation of National Hunting and Fishing Day, writing “I urge all citizens to join with outdoor sportsmen in the wise use of our natural resources and in insuring their proper management for the benefit of future generations.“

National Hunting and Fishing Day is this Saturday, September 26. I hope you’re able to get out and enjoy our beautiful woodlands, waterways, and open space!