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Is this Update:
Gebhard Bill to Ensure Disabled Veterans Receive Free Hunting Licenses Passes Senate
The Senate passed my legislation that would close an unintended gap in Pennsylvania’s existing free hunting license program for disabled veterans. Under current law, only veterans who suffered injuries during combat and were deemed 100% disabled by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs are eligible for free hunting licenses. Partially disabled veterans may purchase discounted licenses. Those who suffered service-connected injuries outside of combat — in training, non-combat operations, peacetime duties or other hazardous activities — are not currently eligible for a discount. Senate Bill 1020 would expand eligibility so that all 100% disabled veterans qualify for a free hunting license, regardless of how or where their service-connected injuries occurred. It would also maintain discounted licenses for partially disabled veterans. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Aging and Youth Committee Hearing on Protecting Older Pennsylvanians
This week, I had the opportunity to question the Secretary of the Department of Aging during a hearing on protecting older Pennsylvanians. For the past two years, I have been working on a comprehensive update to the Older Adult Protective Services Act (OAPSA). I asked the Secretary directly about whether the Governor supports my legislation, especially as negotiations have reached an impasse. Protecting Pennsylvania’s most vulnerable older adults from financial fraud and abuse is critically important. Unfortunately, we continue to see troubling reports of the current system failing our seniors. I sincerely hope the Governor will come to the negotiating table so we can finally fix this system and ensure every older Pennsylvanian is protected. Watch my full comments here: https://vimeo.com/pasenategop/111825-gebhard-agingandyouth?share=copy Stopping RGGI Will Boost PA Economy
Trade unions, employers and energy producers joined lawmakers at the Capitol to celebrate new reforms cutting red tape and blocking the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) electricity tax – moves that will unleash Pennsylvania’s economic potential and help create jobs. Both reforms were enacted with the 2025-26 state budget. Pennsylvania’s permitting process has been a deterrent to businesses moving to or expanding in Pennsylvania, costing our state countless jobs. The new law cuts red tape, establishes clear timelines for permit reviews and creates a real-time online tracking system. In addition, key permits will be deemed approved if a state agency moves too slowly. Participating in RGGI, a multi-state electricity tax Gov. Tom Wolf attempted to implement via an illegal regulation and which Gov. Josh Shapiro pursued through the courts, would have increased electricity rates for families and businesses, eliminated energy and manufacturing jobs, forced Pennsylvania power plants to close and created serious threats to grid reliability. “After six long years the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative will no longer be a part of Pennsylvania politics and our energy future in Pennsylvania. This is great news for hardworking Pennsylvanians all across the state,” said Shawn Steffee, business agent, Boilermakers Local 154 Pittsburgh and president, South Central Building Trades Council. Read more reaction to these reforms here. Berks Veterans Luncheon with U.S. Senator Dave McCormick
It was an honor to attend the Annual Berks Veterans Luncheon this past weekend. Since its inception in 2014, this event has raised more than $800,000 to support veteran programs in Berks County. It was great to see so many colleagues and friends come out in support. We were joined by our great U.S. Senator from Pennsylvania, Dave McCormick, as the featured speaker. Senator McCormick is a West Point graduate who served as a paratrooper in the 82nd Airborne Division, deployed to the Middle East during the First Gulf War, and retired with the rank of Captain. Thank you to everyone who makes this luncheon possible each year, to raise funds to benefit our local veterans. Veteran Appreciation Breakfast at Campbelltown Fire Company
This past weekend, I joined State Rep. Russ Diamond, John Schlegel, and Tom Jones in hosting a Veteran’s Appreciation Breakfast at the Campbelltown Fire Company. It’s always such a pleasure seeing veterans, their spouses, and family members at these events every November as we celebrate Veterans Day. In Harrisburg, we can seem quite divided over how our state should look, but one thing we all agree on is the people who made our state and country great – our veterans. Thank you to all the extraordinary men and women who have served our country. AI and Children: Legislation to Keep Kids Safe
The Senate approved legislation to better protect young people against the increased threats posed by child sexual abuse materials (CSAM) generated using artificial intelligence (AI). Senate Bill 1050 would require all individuals classified as mandated reporters to notify authorities of all instances of CSAM they become aware of, including those produced by a minor. A mandated reporter includes teachers, childcare workers, health care providers and others responsible for caring for children. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Senate previously passed key legislation to combat the issue of sexually explicit materials created through AI by passing Act 125 of 2024 and Act 35 of 2025, which addressed deepfakes and sexual deepfakes. In addition, Senate Bill 1090, the Safeguarding Adolescents from Exploitative Chatbots and Harmful AI Technology (SAFECHAT) Act, was approved by the Senate Communications and Technology Committee. Read about that measure here. New Law Will Preserve Prescription Access for Seniors
Legislation to prevent thousands of Pennsylvania seniors from losing access to life-sustaining prescription medications is set to become law following final passage by the Senate. House Bill 923 would extend the practice of excluding Social Security cost-of-living adjustments when calculating income eligibility for the PACE and PACENET programs. The exclusion, currently set to expire at the end of 2025, will be extended through Dec. 31, 2027 when the bill is signed by the governor. Without the extension, 10,039 PACENET enrollees would lose their coverage. Additionally, 12,594 PACE enrollees would move to PACENET, losing their lower copayment and their PACE-paid Part D premium. National Diabetes Awareness Month
Diabetes affects about 38 million Americans, including adults and youth. A disease that occurs when your blood sugar is too high, diabetes can damage the eyes, kidneys, nerves and heart, and it is linked to some types of cancer. The good news is that taking charge of your health may help you prevent diabetes health problems. Find out more here. Local Events
Saturday, November 22, 10am: 49th Annual Lebanon Holiday Parade Saturday, November 22, 9am-2pm: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Holiday Bazaar Saturday, November 22, 9am-1pm: UCC of Robesonia Christmas Bazaar Saturday, November 22, 9am-2pm: Holiday Craft Show Friday, November 28-30: Christmas at the Expo/ A Holiday Gift Show 2025 Saturday, November 29, 2pm: Myerstown Christmas Parade Saturday, December 6, 10am-1pm: Hamburg Christmas in the Square Saturday, December 6, 9am-1pm: Stoneridge Breakfast with Santa
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