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In this Update:

• Touring GapVax in Johnstown
• Groundbreaking at Center for Metal Arts in Johnstown
• Improving Health Care
• New Law Streamlines Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans
• 2026-27 PA Student Aid Guide Available
• Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law
• Happy Labor Day

Touring GapVax in Johnstown

It was a pleasure to tour GapVax in Johnstown this week. After the flood in 1977, Rose and Gary Poborsky took out a loan to purchase a used septic truck to assist in the cleanup. 48 years later, GapVax has grown into a worldwide leader in making industrial vacuum equipment and employs over 170 dedicated employees. A classic American dream!

Groundbreaking at Center for Metal Arts in Johnstown

It was an honor to speak at the groundbreaking ceremony for the Center for Metal Arts in Johnstown. I was happy to secure funding that helped make this a reality.

Improving Health Care

The Senate approved several measures this year to improve the delivery of health care in our communities.

Among the new laws we passed was a measure establishing a statewide stroke registry to deliver vital information to EMS providers and hospitals, ensuring the best treatment possible. Other laws aim to reduce overdose deaths by incorporating reporting by EMS providers into the statewide overdose mapping system, and giving EMS personnel the ability to provide a dose of naloxone to a caregiver or loved one to assist a patient at an overdose scene.

Critical measures passed by the Senate and awaiting action in the House of Representatives include a bill to strengthen Pennsylvania’s no-cost breast cancer screening law by ensuring diagnostic imaging is fully covered,

You can review other measures we passed to improve health care and address other subjects here.

New Law Streamlines Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans

A new law we passed earlier this year is now in effect providing a free lifetime fishing license for veterans with a 100% service-connected disability. Further, the law allows for any disabled veteran with a service-connected disability rating between 60-99% to be able to purchase a fishing license for $1.

Previously, the process was burdensome, requiring annual applications and associated fees from disabled veterans.

2026-27 PA Student Aid Guide Available

For parents and students planning for college, the new Student Aid Guide from the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) provides a complete overview of the financial aid process.

The guide can help you:

• Estimate costs
• Access state and federal aid
• Fill out applications
• Set up a timeline to make the process manageable

For more help planning for college, check out PHEAA webinars and EducationPlanner.org.

Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law

Students are heading back to class, so we all need to be on the lookout for children around school buses and bus stops.

Some reminders about Pennsylvania’s School Bus Stopping Law:

• Motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arm activated.
• Motorists must stop when they are behind a bus, meeting the bus or approaching an intersection where a bus is stopped.
• Motorists following or traveling alongside a school bus must also stop until the red lights have stopped flashing, the stop arm is withdrawn and all children have reached safety.

School districts are permitted to install automated camera systems on buses to enforce the law. You can find more information about the law and penalties, and safety tips for children, here.  

Happy Labor Day

As we celebrate the workers who power our communities and provide for their families, I wish you and your family a happy Labor Day.

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