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Dear Friend,

This week, I voted for and the Senate passed legislation to update Pennsylvania’s Older Adult Protective Services Act to better protect seniors from financial abuse and scams.

Older Pennsylvanians are among our most vulnerable citizens, and we have seen an alarming rise in financial exploitation targeting them. The legislation aims to improve and streamline reporting and empower financial institutions to help prevent scams committed against seniors before they happen.

The FBI ranked Pennsylvania ninth in total losses to fraud experienced by older adults in 2025. More than 7,000 seniors were defrauded of more than $200 million, representing a 43% jump from 2024.

The state Department of Aging will also begin issuing findings on the total number of reports, values of the fraudulent transactions and results of the investigations. This tracking will help ensure this program is working as it was intended. If you need help, please don’t hesitate to reach out to my office for assistance.

Sincerely,

In this Update:

• Upcoming Social Media Safety and Awareness Event at Boyertown High School
• My Bill Prohibiting Data Centers from Shielding Information from the Public Approved by Committee
• My Bipartisan Legislation to Ban “Nudification” Apps Passes Senate Unanimously
• Highlighting Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month
• Trappe Fire Company Tech Upgrade to Assist Fire Rescues
• Grants for Community Organizations in 24th Senate District
• Honoring Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving
• Fall and Winter Trout Stocking Begins October 1
• Department of Health Withdraws Overbearing Health Regulations After Public Outcry
• Senate Passes Measures to Boost Protection of Senior Citizens
• Strategies to Combat Antisemitism and Hate Highlighted at Senate Hearing
• Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grants Available
• Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Don’t Miss Your Mammogram!

Upcoming Social Media Safety and Awareness Event at Boyertown High School

Join me on October 13^th at 6 p.m. for an informational session for parents and students to discuss social media safety. The session will be held at the Boyertown Area High School. All are welcome to attend. We will hear from experts in the healthcare community and law enforcement about tips for safe use of social media, gaming platforms and other online communication, information on cyberbullying, sextortion and deepfakes (and what to do if it happens), addressing student mental health concerns in a digital world, and emerging trends for parents to be aware of. To register, call (215) 541-2388 or visit here to fill out the online form.

My Bill Prohibiting Data Centers from Shielding Information from the Public Approved by Committee

I am pleased to share that my Senate Bill 1408 unanimously passed the Senate Communications and Technology Committee on Tuesday. This legislation preserves transparency and accountability by prohibiting the use of non-disclosure agreements between state and local governments and data center developers.

You can click here to view my video announcement of the bill’s passage.

These agreements let data center developers advance projects in the shadows, keeping the very people who must live with the consequences unaware that those projects are even being proposed. This measure is just one part of my broader package that will hold data center developers accountable and prevent them from passing along their costs to our communities.

My package will:

• Require large data centers to bring their own power supply;
• Require data centers to provide a closed loop water supply of reclaimed or recycled water systems of 100,000 gallons or more. Facilities unable to do so would be required to pay a large data center water-use mitigation charge to ensure water, wastewater, infrastructure, and conservation costs are not shifted onto existing ratepayers;
• Ban foreign-owned companies of concern from operating data centers in Pennsylvania;
• Preserve local control by requiring at least two publicly advertised public meetings for residents before a zoning decision may be made on a proposed hyperscale data center;
• Empower the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to develop and implement a Large Load Data Center Tariff to ensure data centers pay their fair share and are not shifting electric and grid infrastructure costs onto consumers and local businesses;
• Create a Pennsylvania Data Center Advisory Committee for the next 10 years to monitor development and recommend legislative or regulatory changes to protect residents, energy resources, water resources and the environment.

I will keep fighting to get this crucial package to the governor’s desk, so that we can protect our communities and residents’ quality of life from rising costs.

My Bipartisan Legislation to Ban “Nudification” Apps Passes Senate Unanimously

My legislation to ban “nudification” applications from being developed, operated, or made available in Pennsylvania, including through online application marketplaces, passed the Senate on Monday 49-0. Senate Bill 1368 also passed the Senate Communications and Technology with unanimous support in June.

Through AI, individuals can take an image of another person and manipulate it to generate a fake nude or sexually explicit photo of that person.

I have heard from families in my district and throughout Pennsylvania who have experienced the real-world consequences of this technology. These applications serve no legitimate purpose and should not be available in Pennsylvania. For children and young people, the consequences can be devastating. In a matter of seconds, an image can be manipulated, distributed to countless people, and inflict emotional and reputational harm that can last a lifetime.

Through my bipartisan work in the Senate and House that secured passage of Act 125 of 2024 and Act 35 of 2025, Pennsylvania has already taken important steps to confront the malicious use of artificial intelligence, and continues to make progress through measures such as Senate Bill 1050 (Protecting Our Children in the Digital Age), Senate Bill 1090 (Protecting Children from Harmful AI Chat Interactions) and Senate Resolution 244 (Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age). Each of these efforts reflects a simple principle: technology should not be used as a weapon against children, victims or vulnerable individuals.

Video of Sen. Pennycuick urging colleagues to support SB 1368.

Highlighting Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month

This week, I held a press conference with Sens. Devlin Robinson (R-37); Chris Dush (R-25) and Gene Yaw (R-23) to highlight Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.

As a 26-year U.S. Army combat veteran, I’ve seen the struggles our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines face from the effects of military service. While suicide is a public health issue throughout the United States, sadly, veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than those who never served in the military, and the risk factor for female veterans is even higher at 2.2 times. In Pennsylvania alone, we lose about 250 veterans per year by suicide. These men and women have selflessly served our country but have succumbed to the insurmountable grief often associated with high exposure to trauma, stress, burnout, addiction, isolation, unemployment, homelessness, and difficulties reintegrating into civilian life. Our service members, veterans and their families are valued and cared about, and they’re not alone. That’s why I introduced Senate Resolution 359 to promote Veteran Suicide Prevention and Awareness Month.

Here is the video of the press conference held earlier this week. 

If you are a veteran in crisis, or are concerned about one, free and confidential support is available 24/7. Please call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988, then press 1.

Trappe Fire Company Tech Upgrade to Assist Fire Rescues

It’s great to see state investments being put to good use at Trappe Fire Company! Check out these photos the Fire Company shared from last week’s training, where they tested two brand new Thermal Imaging Cameras, purchased with grant funding I recently helped secure through DCED. I’m proud to support our first responders in ways that make their life-saving efforts safer and easier.

More Grants for Community Projects in 24th Senate District

I am pleased to report that I have secured several grants to support a wide range of community projects throughout the 24th Senate District. These investments, which total nearly $500,000, were recently awarded through the PA Department of Community and Economic Development.

This funding will help deliver meaningful state investments for community projects that make a real difference in people’s lives. These grants will empower local initiatives that strengthen our neighborhoods, enhance vital public resources, and improve the overall quality of life for residents throughout the district.

The following organizations received a grant from DCED:

• Trappe Fire Company received $27,000 for equipment purchases and facility security upgrades.
• Upper Perkiomen Valley Ambulance Association received $100,000 to purchase a new vehicle and equipment.
• Historic Trappe received $100,000 to assist with restoration of the Speaker’s House (home of first U.S. Speaker of the House of Representatives, Frederick Muhlenberg).
• Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5954 received $75,000 to assist with renovations for its Veterans’ Outreach Center located at 407 Main Street, Red Hill.
• Harleysville Baseball received $75,000 for upgrades to Harleysville Community Center’s sports complex and baseball fields.
• Sebastian Riding Associates received $35,000 to purchase a new utility tractor.
• The Salvation Army of Boyertown received $25,000 to replace aging kitchen appliances.
• Washington Township received $35,000 to restore its aging World War II Memorial.

The PA Department of Community & Economic Development (DCED) works to ensure the Commonwealth remains competitive and economically resilient. DCED advances sustainable development, supports strategic business and community initiatives, and provides technical assistance and financial resources to foster growth across Pennsylvania.

Read the full release here.

Honoring Chuseok, the Korean Thanksgiving

On Wednesday, I was honored to speak in the Senate to recognize an important cultural holiday

celebrated by many families throughout our Commonwealth, Chuseok, often referred to as Korean Thanksgiving. It marks the end of the growing season and serves as a moment for families to gather, reflect on the year’s harvest, and share gratitude for the abundance it has brought. This year, Chuseok was observed from September 24^th to September 26^th.

To honor Chuseok and highlight its significance, I have partnered with my colleagues to introduce SR 228, which will designate September 25, 2026, as Chuseok in Pennsylvania.

I believe it is important for Pennsylvanians to recognize and celebrate the many cultures that shape our Commonwealth.

Fall and Winter Trout Stocking Begins October 1

On behalf of the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC), I am excited to share that fall trout stocking began October 1^st!

The full news release can be found here with more details. 

To find a stocking near you click here.

Department of Health Withdraws Overbearing Health Regulations After Public Outcry

Pennsylvania’s Department of Health (DOH) withdrew proposed health regulations that would have vastly expanded state government’s power over the lives of Pennsylvanians, a tremendous victory for the grassroots efforts of Commonwealth citizens. 

Shortly before the regulations were withdrawn, more than 10,000 citizens, school officials and others submitted comments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission expressing their serious concerns. 

The proposed regulations would have given the state more power to enter homes and businesses without a warrant, speak to students without parents present, access private health records, unilaterally impose mask mandates and more. The DOH introduced the massive, 502-page regulatory overhaul without input from the public or the General Assembly. 

Although these regulations were withdrawn, we must remain vigilant – the DOH could resubmit them at any time.

Senate Passes Measures to Boost Protection of Senior Citizens

The state Department of Aging has been under review by the Pennsylvania auditor general and inspector general over concerns for the well-being of seniors being taken care of by Pennsylvania’s 52 county-based Area Agencies on Aging (AAA).

The Senate approved legislation that would build on the release of Auditor General Tim DeFoor’s recent audit and implement proper safeguards for older Pennsylvanians.

Senate Bill 1376 would:

• Create training requirements for AAA staff currently being inadequately trained as identified in DeFoor’s audit.
• Establish department standards for how to handle each category of case before the AAA.
• Adopt performance metrics designed to adequately ensure older adults are receiving the services they are supposed to from their AAA.
• Outline a corrective action plan to put poor performing AAAs into compliance with the law and department standards and regulations. Learn more about Senate Bill 1376 here.

The Senate also passed legislation to update Pennsylvania’s Older Adult Protective Services Act to better protect seniors from financial abuse and scams.

The FBI ranked Pennsylvania ninth in total losses to fraud experienced by older adults in 2025. More than 7,000 seniors were defrauded of more than $200 million, representing a 43% jump from 2024.

Senate Bill 738 would require financial institutions to report suspected cases of elder financial abuse and empower the institutions to hold suspicious financial transactions. The institution would have to report this transaction to the appropriate AAA. Similar legislation has been passed in more than 20 states and has been used as an effective tool to prevent fraud. Read more about Senate Bill 738 here.

Strategies to Combat Antisemitism and Hate Highlighted at Senate Hearing

Educators, parents and advocacy organizations shared their experiences with antisemitism and explored strategies to combat hate during a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee.

According to the Anti-Defamation League’s (ADL) 2025 Audit of Antisemitic Incidents, Pennsylvania recorded 281 antisemitic incidents, the fifth highest number in the nation. Harassment accounted for 70% of these cases — 194 incidents — alongside 80 acts of vandalism and seven physical assaults. It’s believed these incidents are grossly underreported because victims fear for their safety.

Testifiers discussed how antisemitism can take root in schools, noting the state Department of Education doesn’t track or require administrators to note when an incident is antisemitic, leaving students and parents without a way to seek justice. Video of the full hearing and written testimony are available on the Senate Majority Policy Committee’s website.

Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grants Available

Pennsylvania students who are blind, deaf or have a visual or hearing impairment may qualify for up to $500 in scholarships through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

Applicants must supply written documentation to PHEAA showing they have been evaluated and are eligible to receive benefits and supply a completed Medical Professional Certification form regarding a visual or hearing impairment.

Interested students must also complete the Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant Application. The completed 2026-27 application and additional documentation must be submitted by March 31, 2027.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month: Don’t Miss Your Mammogram!

The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk begin annual screening mammograms at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, talk with your healthcare provider about whether earlier or additional screening may be appropriate.

To help, we passed Act 1 of 2023 to ensure supplemental breast cancer screening MRIs and ultrasound for individuals at higher risk are covered with no out-of-pocket costs. We also passed Act 52 of 2025 to eliminate all out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic breast imaging, including mammograms, MRIs and ultrasounds needed to evaluate an abnormal finding. Act 52 is currently beginning the implementation process, with full implementation by January 2028.

Pennsylvania residents without insurance or limited insurance, like a high-deductible plan, may qualify for no-cost mammograms and follow-up imaging through programs such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To learn more, contact the PA Breast Cancer Coalition’s Director of Patient Advocacy Dolores Magro at 800-377-8828.

When breast cancer is detected at its earliest stages, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. Don’t miss your mammogram. Early detection saves lives!