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In this Update:
Financial Literacy Now a Requirement for 2026-27 School Year
A new school year is beginning — and with it comes an important new requirement for Pennsylvania students. For the first time, students will be required to complete a financial literacy course to graduate, the result of legislation I sponsored. Young people are making major financial decisions earlier than ever, from taking out student loans to using credit cards and financing their first vehicle. Giving students a stronger understanding of personal finance can help them avoid costly mistakes and make informed decisions throughout their lives. I’m proud to see this become a reality and wish all students a successful school year! School Bus Safety Legislation Awaits House Action
Over the past five years, 25,136 Pennsylvania drivers have been cited for school zone violations, including 8,302 for overtaking or illegally passing a school bus. The Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania breaks down the numbers here. In September 2025, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 65, Enhancing the Safe Transportation of School Children, which would extend the stopping distance requirement from 10 feet to 15 feet before reaching the bus when the red signal lights are flashing and the side stop arm is activated. It also develops a tiered penalty system for a second or subsequent offense. Current law does not penalize repeat offenders. With the start of a new school year nearly a year later, it still awaits a vote by the full House of Representatives. Read more about this effort to boost school bus safety here. Schools Can Apply Now for Safety, AED Training Grants
School districts can apply now for the latest round of funding to improve safety, including an initiative passed by the General Assembly to increase the presence of automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at school events. Under the School Safety and Mental Health Grant Program, school districts, career and technical centers, intermediate units, charter schools and cyber charter schools are eligible for funding to use for safety and security assessments, staff training and more. It can also be used to improve CPR training and AED preparedness. In addition, nonpublic schools can apply for CPR/AED Training for Nonpublic Schools Grant Program that can be used for CPR and AED training. The AED funding is made available through Greg Moyer’s Law, named in honor of Pennsylvania student-athlete Greg Moyer, who died after suffering sudden cardiac arrest during a high school basketball game. You’re Invited! Sportsman Expo
I’ve joined with Reps. Jamie Barton and Eric Weaknecht to host a Sportsman Expo this Saturday, August 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kempton Community Center. We’re bringing together a wide range of vendors and organizations focused on hunting, fishing, conservation and outdoor recreation to create a one-stop shop for hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. There will be no admission fee, and no RSVPs are required. DCNR Rangers & Civilian Honored for Life Saving Actions
I was pleased to join the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) in honoring Rangers Ellen Secor and Emily McCoy, along with civilian Sean Nam, for their life-saving response to a cardiac emergency at Swatara State Park on May 30. Their quick actions and use of an AED helped stabilize park visitor William Blandford until emergency medical crews arrived. I commend Ellen, Emily and Sean for remaining calm under pressure and taking immediate action when every second mattered. Strategies to Prevent Electric Bill Spikes Highlighted at Senate Hearing
Strategies to increase energy production and lower utility bills for Pennsylvanians were the focus of a public hearing by the Senate Majority Policy Committee. The committee heard from energy generators, utilities, business groups, taxpayer advocates and more. Pennsylvania is the top electricity exporter and supplier of natural gas, but the retirement of generation sources is driving up prices and risking electric grid reliability. Testifiers noted the commonwealth needs to build more reliable baseload generation to keep prices stable and ensure access to energy. Read more and access hearing video here. What to Know About Teen Gambling
Just because teens aren’t allowed to gamble doesn’t mean they don’t. Gambling among teenagers is a growing problem. Information is available to learn what teen problem gambling is, how to recognize the warning signs and where to go for help. Topics include: Why do people gamble? The “gambler’s fallacy,” and Who’s at risk? Learn more here from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Elk Cam Shows Largest Free-Roaming Elk population in Eastern U.S.
Elk were once native to Pennsylvania but disappeared in the 1800s due to overhunting and habitat loss. Today, Pennsylvania is home to 1,300 to 1,400 elk, making it the largest free-roaming elk population in the eastern U.S. Live from Elk State Forest in northern PA, the Elk Cam is a window into the world of these impressive animals, as well as turkey, deer and other wildlife. Best viewing times are mornings and evenings. The livestream is provided by HDOnTap and made possible with the help of the North Central Pennsylvania Regional Planning and Development Commission. Local Events
Friday, August 21, 5-7pm: RiverFest Tuesday, August 25, 12-7pm & August 26, 10am-5pm: Wreaths Across America’s Mobile Education Exhibit Saturday, August 29: Pickleball Tournament at Coleman Memorial Park Saturday, August 29, 6-9pm: Quentin Volunteer Fire Company Summer Music Festival Monday, September 7, 9am-1pm: Cars & Coffee Friday, September 11-12, Reamstown Days Saturday, September 12, 9am-3pm: Lebanon Valley Fall Fair/ Craft Show Tuesday, September 15-19: The Denver Fair
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