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In this Update:

• Runaway Government Land Grabs
• Providing Loan Interest Forgiveness to Counties and Head Start
• Rock the Ribbon During Breast Cancer Awareness Month
• Open Government: How to Access Public Records
• Applications Accepted for Keystone ChalleNGe Academy January Class 
• Resources for Choosing an Insurance Provider
• Find the Best Fall Foliage Nearby and Statewide

Runaway Government Land Grabs

Last week I attended a public hearing of the Senate Game and Fisheries Committee that explored the impact of government land acquisitions on Pennsylvanians, especially those in rural communities like ours. It was enlightening to hear from Warren County Commissioner Ken Klakamp (joined by Commissioner Dan Glotz), Oil Creek Township Supervisor Keith Klingler, and the Spring Creek Township Board of Supervisors. These are my takeaways from that discussion:

• When government agencies acquire more land, it hurts rural property owners by shrinking the local tax base that funds our schools, roads, and essential services. It means that you and I, and our neighbors must pay more in taxes to make up the difference. 

• Every acre taken out of private hands reduces opportunities for future housing and development, drives up costs and worsens the housing affordability crisis, and leaves families with fewer options to live and work in the communities they love.

• Outdoor enthusiasts, from hunters to hikers, have access to more public lands for their pursuits today than ever before. I can’t help but ask…when is enough government ownership enough?

You can watch the full hearing here.

Providing Loan Interest Forgiveness to Counties and Head Start

As work continues on finalizing a state budget for 2025-26, my priority remains enacting a budget that respects taxpayers and does not spend beyond our means. Spending too much this year would set Pennsylvania on a course of fiscal uncertainty and tax increases, and we cannot allow that to happen. It’s important to get a budget finished as soon as possible – but it’s more important to get it done right.

Recognizing the impact of the incomplete budget, the Senate is expected to advance legislation providing loan interest forgiveness to counties and Head Start early childhood education programs that receive state Treasury loans to keep their services available while budget discussions continue.

I’ll update you on the status of this legislation as it moves forward.

Rock the Ribbon During Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. I hope you’ll join me in supporting those affected by breast cancer by raising awareness and encouraging early detection. You can find plenty of useful information to share at this resource page.

I was proud to support Senate passage of legislation to strengthen Pennsylvania’s no-cost breast cancer screening law by ensuring diagnostic imaging is fully covered. The measure awaits action in the House of Representatives. Let’s come together and Rock the Ribbon with purpose and compassion.

Open Government: How to Access Public Records

Under Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law (RTKL), all state and local government agency records are presumed to be public. If an agency wants to withhold a record, it must prove that it is entitled to do so under the state law or court order.

The Office of Open Records maintains information about the RTKL and Sunshine Act, which governs public meetings. This includes information about filing a request for records, a database of Agency Open Records Officers and a Citizens’ Guide to the RTKL.

The office also provides information about filing an appeal when a RTK request is denied and provides a variety of training resources including PowerPoint presentations and videos.

Applications Accepted for Keystone ChalleNGe Academy January Class

Teens between the ages of 16 and 18 can apply now for the Jan. 2026 class of the Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County.

A National Guard program, the academy uses a military academy training model to provide structure and discipline for youth. Classes begin in mid-January and mid-July each year. The residential portion of the program runs for 22 weeks.

All meals, housing, uniforms and school supplies are provided at no cost. You can learn more and apply here.

Resources for Choosing an Insurance Provider

Cost matters when choosing insurance, but it’s not the only factor. Comparing quotes, checking coverage and reviewing customer feedback can help you decide.

A good rule of thumb is to compare at least three companies, according to the Pennsylvania Insurance Department. The department has resources to help you:

• Find and research insurance companies and agents
• View consumer complaints
• Search regulatory and enforcement action
• Search specialized insurance professionals

Access information to help you make these important decisions here.

Find the Best Fall Foliage Nearby and Statewide

Pennsylvania offers one of the longest and most varied fall foliage seasons in the world. You can find the best spots to view these vibrant displays with the fall foliage map from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.

In addition, the department’s weekly Fall Foliage Reports offer regional updates, photos and expert tips to help you experience these seasonal landscapes.

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