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Mobile Office Hours – Times & Locations! Dear Friends, As Mammogram May comes to a close, I want to encourage everyone to continue prioritizing their health and the importance of early detection. Regular mammograms can save lives, and raising awareness helps ensure more women receive the screenings and care they need. Thank you to the healthcare providers, advocates, and community members who helped spread this important message throughout the month. If you have been putting off a screening, now is a great time to schedule one. Sincerely,
In this Update:
Legislative Package Introduced to Address Growing Data Center Development
This week, I announced a legislative package aimed at protecting local communities as large data center development continues to expand across Pennsylvania. My proposal would strengthen transparency, preserve local control, protect critical water and energy resources, and ensure residents have a voice before major projects move forward. While data centers play an important role in today’s economy and technological growth, it is essential that development occurs responsibly and with the interests of local communities in mind. New Law Requires AEDs at School Sports Events
Legislation approved by the Senate to help prevent the leading cause of death among young athletes – sudden cardiac arrest – is now law. Senate Bill 375, now Act 17 of 2026, will require automated external defibrillators (AEDs) to be present at all PIAA-sanctioned athletic events and practices. The law also requires schools to develop and rehearse emergency action plans for cardiac incidents. AEDs are portable, life-saving devices used to restore normal heartbeats with electrical shock. The legislation was introduced after the tragic death of Greg Moyer, who passed away from sudden cardiac arrest during a high school basketball game in East Stroudsburg, Monroe County. Read more about passage of this new law here. Visiting the Boyertown Community Library
I recently had the opportunity to tour the Boyertown Community Library and meet some of their wonderful bear mascots along the way. Libraries play an important role in our communities by providing educational resources, engaging programs, and welcoming spaces for residents of all ages. The Boyertown Community Library continues to be a valuable resource for local families, students, and lifelong learners. Thank you to the staff and volunteers for the warm welcome and for all you do to serve the Boyertown community. Honoring Our POW/MIA Service Members
The Berks County Pennsylvania Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 131 is making a meaningful impact in our community through the dedicated volunteer efforts of veterans across Berks County. To honor the memory of service members who have not yet returned home, Chapter 131 is providing POW/MIA flags to local school districts. Several schools throughout Berks County are already participating, including the Boyertown Area School District. Earlier this spring, I introduced Senate Bill 835, legislation that would require the POW/MIA flag to be displayed at any public school in Pennsylvania that already flies the American flag, provided the school can reasonably accommodate it. The POW/MIA flag serves as a powerful reminder of the courageous men and women of our Armed Forces who remain prisoners of war or missing in action. Displaying this flag helps ensure their sacrifices are never forgotten while also recognizing the sacrifices made by their families. It also provides an important opportunity to educate students about military service, patriotism, and the lasting impact of those who served our nation. The Berks County Pennsylvania Vietnam Veterans of America Chapter 131 still has flags available for schools interested in participating. Schools interested in flying the POW/MIA flag can learn more here. State Investment Supports Improvements at Heritage Field Airport
Pennsylvania has announced nearly $10 million in state investments to support facility improvements, infrastructure preservation, and development projects at eight airports across Pennsylvania. Here in our region, Heritage Field Airport (PTW) will receive funding to help advance a major hangar expansion project, including the construction of two new hangars and continued development of the airport’s growing hangar area. These improvements will help strengthen aviation services, support emergency response operations, and promote continued economic growth in our community. Applications Open for Troop K Camp Cadet 2026
Applications are now open for Troop K Camp Cadet 2026, a unique six-day program that offers youth ages 11–14 from Montgomery, Philadelphia, and Delaware counties a firsthand look at law enforcement and Pennsylvania State Police training. Cadets will participate in a variety of hands-on activities designed to build leadership, teamwork, confidence, and discipline. The program includes physical training, crime scene investigation, firearm safety, first aid and CPR instruction, classroom learning, guest speakers, and more. Troop K Camp Cadet 2026 will take place August 2–7, 2026. Families interested in applying can learn more and submit an application here: PECO Preparing for Increased Summer Energy Demand
With summer approaching, energy use is expected to rise as more residents begin using air conditioning to stay comfortable during warmer weather. PECO has been preparing for increased seasonal demand by strengthening infrastructure, testing systems, and improving grid resilience ahead of potential summer storms to help ensure safe and reliable service for customers. Beginning June 1, supply charges for electric and natural gas will increase, which may impact customer bills. Supply costs make up approximately half of a typical energy bill and may either be purchased through a competitive supplier or passed through at PECO’s cost for customers who are not enrolled with an alternate supplier. Customers can learn more about their energy usage, billing information, and available assistance programs by visiting: Midwifery Modernization Law Supports Mothers and Babies
A new law we passed will help ensure women and families have access to safe, high-quality care throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery by modernizing Pennsylvania’s laws governing midwives. Senate Bill 507, now Act 14 of 2026, updates licensure requirements for certified midwives, improves collaboration with physicians and expands prescription authority in certain circumstances. The law also addresses healthcare shortages in rural and underserved communities by expanding the number of trained professionals available to provide maternal care services. Read more about our work to expand this care for mothers and babies here. Improving Stream Maintenance, Reducing Flood Hazards
Legislation to give counties and municipalities more flexibility in handling flood-related hazards and obstructions was passed by the Senate in March and now awaits action in the House of Representatives. Currently, entering streams to remove obstructions requires a permit from the state Department of Environmental Protection, a process that is lengthy, tedious and inefficient. Senate Bill 403 would allow local government organizations to apply for an extended permit, allowing maintenance to continue for 10 years or more. Senate Bill 404 would allow counties to obtain emergency maintenance permits in consultation with their county conservation district. Read more about how these bills will help protect against flooding here. Hearing Examines Bill Ensuring Lead-Free Drinking Water in Schools
A recent Senate hearing examined legislation to ensure Pennsylvania students have access to safe, lead-free drinking water in schools. The Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee discussed Senate Bill 759, which would require school districts to replace outdated drinking fountains with lead-filtering hydration stations by 2028 while providing funding mechanisms to help schools cover implementation costs. Committee members heard testimony from experts in environmental advocacy, public health, plumbing and pediatric medicine on the dangers of lead exposure and the need for preventative action in schools across Pennsylvania. Watch the hearing and read testimony here. Read more about the hearing and Senate Bill 759 here. Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program Kicks Off in June
Beginning in June, the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program offers vouchers to eligible seniors (60+) to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets. Call your county aging office to apply and find out when and where they are distributing the vouchers. You can find aging offices and voucher information here. Available on first come, first served basis. Click here for details and where to find participating markets. Recapping Mammo May 2026
As we wrap up Mammo May, Mammography Month, I hope you or the women you know are better informed on the importance of early breast cancer detection. If you’re one of the average 38 Pennsylvania women diagnosed with breast cancer each day, catching it early greatly increases your odds of successful treatment. Some resources to keep handy: No-Cost Screenings Information Most mammograms take about 20 minutes. Please spread the word and share this important information from the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition. |
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