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In this Update:

• Keystone of National Defense
• Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Accepting Applications for 2027
• Shapiro’s Overreach on New State Health Regulations
• Historic Settlement with Meta Includes Social Media Protections
• Help Available Finding a New Job
• Medicare Questions Answered by PA MEDI
• Happy Labor Day

Keystone of National Defense

I recently had the opportunity to join Senator Doug Mastriano, chair of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, for a tour of Letterkenny Army Depot and see firsthand the important work being done to support our nation’s military readiness.

Pennsylvania plays such an integral role in our national defense, with multiple defense installations, a strong community of active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members and veterans, and a proud manufacturing base that helps equip and sustain our Armed Forces.

Letterkenny is an important part of that tradition and of our Commonwealth’s continued contribution to America’s security.

Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy Accepting Applications for 2027

Teenagers in jeopardy of not graduating on time or dropping out of school have a chance at obtaining their basic education through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs’ Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy.

Applications are being accepted for its first class of 2027, which begins in January at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. There is no tuition cost to attend, and meals, housing, uniforms and school supplies are provided at no charge.

The program lasts for five-and-a-half months as a residential phase and 24 months of mentorship by academy staff back in home communities. Learn more about the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy and apply here.

Shapiro’s Overreach on New State Health Regulations

Gov. Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Health recently proposed broad new health regulations, which it appears would – among other things – give the state far more power to enter our homes, businesses, schools and doctor’s offices without a warrant. These latest proposed regulations are being pursued unilaterally by the governor outside of the legislative process – without input being sought from me or my colleagues.

While we’re currently reviewing all the details, there are tremendous concerns – and we are not about to let 502 pages of regulations run people’s lives. You can read the immense regulatory proposal here. We cannot allow any actions like we saw taken by the executive branch during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to be put in place. The draconian shutdowns and overly restrictive mandates that impeded the lives of every Pennsylvanian during COVID have no place in our state.

The public comment period is open through Sept. 21, and I encourage you to join me and submit your comments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission. Our health and safety can be protected without sacrificing our privacy and freedoms.

Historic Settlement with Meta Includes Social Media Protections

Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Pennsylvania and a multistate coalition have reached a settlement with Meta, owner of Instagram and Facebook, assuring the social media giant will implement sweeping changes to age verification, limit children’s time on their platforms and cut kids’ access to harmful content.

The settlement, which involves up to $17.1 billion in national remediation payments, is contingent on other major social media companies agreeing to the same changes. Pennsylvania is expected to receive more than $500 million. The attorney general also filed a lawsuit against the owners of Snapchat regarding its failures to warn users of platform addictiveness and protect children from compulsive use. Read more about the settlement with Meta here.

In recent years, I’ve worked with my colleagues to strengthen Pennsylvania laws against malicious deepfakes and AI child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and created the Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age. The Senate passed bills to enhance mandatory reporting requirements for AI CSAM and protect children from dangerous AI chatbot interaction. Technology opens doors for children, and we must ensure it’s used safely.

Help Available Finding a New Job

Pennsylvanians looking for work and employers can access the comprehensive career website PA CareerLink® for assistance.

PA CareerLink® offers job search assistance, resume and interview workshops, access to more than 7,000 online training courses, classroom and on-the-job training, and many other programs and resources. All services are provided at no cost to participants. No appointment is necessary.

It provides a wide range of resources for individual job seekers tailored for specific situations, such as mature workers, those re-entering the workforce, veterans, individuals with disabilities, young workers and more. Employers can use it to search for job candidates, learn about apprenticeships and other needs. Visit PA CareerLink® here.

Medicare Questions Answered by PA MEDI

If you’re eligible for Medicare and have questions, PA MEDI has local, certified counselors to provide free and confidential assistance to help you navigate the system.

PA MEDI (Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight) is part of a nationwide network of state health insurance assistance programs. It provides unbiased help and information for those on Medicare, their families and caregivers. PA MEDI does not sell or recommend Medicare insurance products, insurance agents or brokers.

The assistance covers the various Medicare plans, enrollment, rules, billing, appeals and more. Call 1-800-783-7067 or visit the PA MEDI webpage.

Happy Labor Day

More than a day off, Labor Day is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of workers who provide for their families and allow communities to thrive. I’m committed to helping these workers keep more of what they earn.

I hope you have a great holiday weekend.