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In This Update:
Senate Approves Legislation to Help Relieve PA Nurse Shortage
The Senate approved legislation to help alleviate Pennsylvania’s nurse shortage by increasing the number of qualified nursing students. Senate Bill 998 would establish the Nurse Education Capacity Expansion Grant Program, aimed at increasing the number of qualified nursing students by providing targeted support to accredited nursing schools across Pennsylvania. Nursing education programs would have to meet key performance benchmarks, including strong graduation rates, high licensure exam pass rates and successful job placement outcomes. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 998 here. National Donate Life Month
I was honored to join health care professionals from Independence Health System for a flag-raising ceremony at Clarion Hospital recognizing April as National Donate Life Month. This annual observance is a powerful reminder of the impact one decision can make. With more than 100,000 Americans waiting for life-saving transplants, choosing to become an organ donor offers the chance to leave a legacy and give others a second chance at life. Becoming an organ donor is simple, free, and takes less than a minute. You can register online at DonateLifePA.org or sign up in person at any PennDOT Photo License Center when renewing or applying for a driver’s license, learner’s permit, or photo ID. Donors are recognized with a red heart emblem on their license or state ID, a small symbol of a truly meaningful legacy. Measures Reinforcing Commercial Vehicle Safety Approved by Committee
A package of bills that I’ve cosponsored to improve safety standards for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders in Pennsylvania was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. The measures are the result of a committee fact-finding hearing in December, which revealed deficiencies and loopholes involving criminal illegal migrants. The hearing was prompted by a fatal crash in the state of Indiana involving a Pennsylvania-issued, non-domiciled CDL held by a citizen of Kyrgyzstan. The package includes the following bills:
The bills now go to the full Senate for consideration. DiVittorio Center for Autism
I recently had the opportunity to join Kathryn DiVittorio for a visit and tour of the DiVittorio Center for Autism in Corry, the non-profit organization she founded to provide comprehensive, life-long support for individuals on the autism spectrum. Walking through the center, it was clear how much care and intention has gone into creating a space that not only meets essential needs, but also fosters growth, independence, and community. From specialized programs to individualized support services, the center reflects Kathryn and her team’s deep commitment to empowering individuals and supporting families at every stage of life. It was an inspiring to see firsthand the impact this organization is making in the community and the difference it continues to create for so many. Hearing on Resource Adequacy, Energy Market, Barriers to New PA Power Generation
Continuing efforts to ensure Pennsylvania families and employers have access to reliable, affordable electricity, the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee – of which I’m a member – held a public hearing to examine the latest energy market conditions and barriers to new power generation in the commonwealth. We heard from testifiers representing the regional power grid, PJM, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and others. ReliabilityFirst, which is responsible for ensuring the dependability and security of the regional bulk power system, projected risk to grid reliability could come in 2029 instead of in the early 2030s as previously projected. We also discussed the need for more skilled infrastructure workers. You can view written testimony and the hearing video here. May 5 is the Deadline to Register to Vote in the Primary Election
This Tuesday, May 5 is the deadline to register to vote in the May 19 primary election. You can register to vote online, by mail or at several government agencies. To register to vote in Pennsylvania, you must:
Learn more about registering to vote here. Check if you’re registered to vote here. Mammo May: Early Detection Saves Lives
Continuing to build awareness on the importance of early breast cancer detection, the Pennsylvania Senate announced a Senate Resolution recognizing May 2026 as Mammography Month in Pennsylvania. The American Cancer Society estimates that nearly 322,000 women will be diagnosed with invasive breast cancer nationwide this year. In Pennsylvania alone, an average of 38 women are diagnosed with breast cancer every single day. Alarmingly, nearly one in four women aged 50 to 74 have not received a mammogram in the past two years, despite strong evidence that early detection drastically improves outcomes. Behind every mammogram is a life, a family and a future, which is why we continue to work with the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition to spread the word that early detection of breast cancer through mammograms saves lives. Mammograms are available at no cost in Pennsylvania. If you haven’t yet, use Mammo May as a reminder to schedule your mammogram – and please spread the word to the women in your life. This PA Breast Cancer Coalition resource page walks you through the steps of the mammogram process. |
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