Recent News
E-news Updates – April 25, 2026
In this Update: Main Street Matters in Pennsylvania On the Front Lines with EMS in Bedford Celebrating Windber’s Hall of Fame Honorees Somerset County Scout Reaches Eagle Senate Acts to Protect Fairness in Women’s Sports Strengthening Electricity Affordability and Reliability Committee Approves Measure Eliminating Emissions Test Mandate for Newer Vehicles Take the PA Family […] [Read More]
Stefano Supports Senate’s Act to Protect Fairness in Women’s Sports
The Senate has approved legislation to protect the safety and opportunities of female athletes by requiring scholastic sports teams to be designated based on biological sex, Sen. Pat Stefano (R-32) said today. [Read More]
E-news Updates – April 18, 2026
In this Update: Hearing Explores Approaches to Expanding Access to Dental Care Across PA Keeping Our Families and Communities Safe Student Teachers Can Apply for Assistance Through PA Support Program New Specialty Plate Helps Preserve Pennsylvania’s Heritage You Can Help Deliver Senior Services in Our Area National Donate Life Month Hearing Explores Approaches […] [Read More]
Meeting to consider SB 1240; and HB 1251 and HB 2163
Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee | Off the Floor | Rules Room [Read More]
Connect With Us
Honored to attend the Windber Hall of Fame ceremony with PA State Rep. Jim Rigby and Windber Borough Mayor Mike Thomas.
Congratulations to this year’s inductees "The Characters:” Jim Spinelli, Bob Spinelli, Dan Spinelli, Mike Spinelli, Robert "Moon" Flood and John Shaw.
Additional honorees recognized for their contributions were Deacon Ed Danko, Gail Durst, Colonel Robert Portante, William Bahorik, Dan Hiteshew, Barry and Elizabeth Jerley, Patricia Durst-Shaffer, Ron Mash, Millie Molnar, James Turcato, Edward Stopko and Tom Antonishak.
Your contributions have made a lasting impact on the community, and this honor is truly deserved!
📈 Proud to stand with Pennsylvania Downtown Center for their Main Street Matters Advocacy Day in Harrisburg this week.
It’s no secret that Main Street is the heartbeat of our communities and investments like t Downtown Center are what breathes life into our downtowns, our small businesses and the people who call these communities home. Our downtown areas have and remain to be the best foot that we want to put forward, so we must continue to invest in them, because Main Street will always matter.
🏆 The #PASenate has again approved legislation to protect the safety and opportunities of female athletes by requiring scholastic sports teams to be designated based on biological sex. Women and girls now need the House to act. ⛹️♀️
Congratulations to Cohen Clark for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout! ⚜
Cohen’s Eagle Scout project, the renovation of the playground at Camp Living Waters in Schellsburg, will have a lasting impact by creating a safer and more enjoyable space for countless families. Well done!
I had so much fun reading to the incredible young learners at @thelearninglamp in Connellsville this week! 📚🖍🍎
Early learning programs lay the foundation for lifelong success. Thank you to the Learning Lamp staff for both the warm welcome and the important work you do everyday, to ensure that our youngest Pennsylvanians have the strong start they deserve.
Thank you to everyone who has come out to our “Chat with Pat” events!
I truly appreciate the time each of you have taken to stop by, share your thoughts, ask questions and talk about the issues that matter most to you. These informal gatherings are valuable because of your engagement, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect directly and hear what’s on your mind.
Looking forward to continuing these conversations at future events.
🏘 Affordable, attainable housing is essential for the future of our workforce and economy.
I was proud to welcome the Senate Majority Policy Committee to @fayettecopa for an important discussion on Pennsylvania’s housing crisis.
We heard testimony about the challenges that potential residents and communities face when housing isn’t available. When working families can’t relocate for the jobs we`ve created here, businesses struggle to grow and overall, our economy suffers. That’s why we’re exploring practical solutions to cut red tape, support responsible development and create opportunities for families to live where they work.
A big thank you to everyone who shared their insight and expertise with us. 🏘️
This week, the Senate Consumer Protection & Professional Licensure Committee unanimously passed several bills to help Pennsylvania join key interstate licensure compacts, making it easier for professionals to work across state lines.
☑️ SB 331 (Argall) – Cosmetology Licensure Compact
☑️ SB 571 (Boscola) – Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact
☑️ HB 80 (Venkat) – Audiology & Speech-Language Pathology Compact
☑️ HB 482 (Markosek) – Occupational Therapy Licensure Compact
☑️ HB 554 (Abney) – Social Worker Licensure Compact
☑️ HB 668 (O’Mara) – Counseling Compact
☑️ HB 1961 (Merski) – Physician Assistant Licensure Compact
These measures will streamline licensing and expand access to care for all Pennsylvanians.
🎩 Happy to celebrate two @somersetcountychamber ribbon cuttings with Top Hat Cleaners in Somerset County! It’s always exciting to see local businesses thrive thanks to the incredible support of our community. ✂
Hat`s off to the entire Top Hat team! You’re doing great work.
➡ Proud to share that my bill, SB 802, has advanced out of the Senate Transportation Committee this week.
This legislation would let Pennsylvanians voluntarily add a symbol on their driver’s license or ID to indicate an invisible disability—like deafness or autism—so law enforcement can recognize communication barriers and keep interactions safe and respectful.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, every February feels like Groundhog Day. Year after year when it`s time for the budget address, Gov. Shapiro recites some version of the same trite speech full of promises and disregard for reality.
Words only get us so far. Instead of recycled talking points, we should be focused on the Independent Fiscal Office’s projections and the looming structural deficit that threatens Pennsylvania’s future.
Pennsylvanians deserve more than empty rhetoric and grandstanding. They deserve a responsible plan that protects taxpayers, strengthens our economy and ensures long-term stability.
Great time at @downtownbedford`s Chili & Soup Cookoff! 🥄
