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In this Update:
Will Pennsylvania Seize the Economic Opportunities Presented by AI?
At the invitation of Senator Tracy Pennycuick, I chaired a joint public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee and the House Republican Policy Committee about how artificial intelligence is reshaping Pennsylvania’s economy. We heard from industry-leading experts about how AI is significantly changing operations in healthcare, aerospace, and banking in Pittsburgh. We discussed the biggest challenge to fully seizing this opportunity to grow our economy – unfriendly energy policies. Ken Zapinski, the director of research and public policy for Pittsburgh Works Together, advised that Pennsylvania must build more power plants, take advantage of old industrial sites that have access to existing gas and electric infrastructure, and minimize permitting and development hurdles to move at the speed of business to truly take advantage of the rapidly expanding AI industry. Should Pennsylvania Pay for Gender Transitioning Operations?
At the invitation of Senator Judy Ward, the Senate Majority Policy Committee visited Altoona for a public hearing on the Do No Harm Act. This legislation would prohibit minors from receiving irreversible gender transitioning procedures and prevent taxpayer dollars from funding these services. We heard from medical professionals, parents, advocates, and individuals who have detransitioned. From 2015 to 2023, more than $21.8 million in taxpayer dollars was used for these services – without this issue ever being voted on by the Senate or the House. On January 28, 2025, President Trump issued an executive order which states “it is the policy of the United States that it will not fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support the so-called “transition” of a child from one sex to another, and it will rigorously enforce all laws that prohibit or limit these destructive and life-altering procedures.” Thank you to all who joined us – the stories we heard were very powerful. Senate Votes to Strengthen Crime Prevention, Keep Communities Safe
The Senate took decisive action to hold dangerous criminals accountable by approving three key bills to protect Pennsylvania communities. Senate Bill 92 would impose a mandatory minimum 25-year sentence on drug dealers who sell fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose. Known as Tyler’s Law, after Tyler Shanafelter, who tragically died at the age of 18 after purchasing pills he didn’t realize were laced with fentanyl, this bill sends a strong message that those fueling the opioid crisis will face severe consequences. Senate Bill 471 would require prosecutors to notify U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a criminal defendant is identified as unlawfully present in the United States. The bill would ensure that individuals who commit serious crimes are transferred to federal custody for removal proceedings. It also would prohibit sanctuary policies that obstruct communication between local law enforcement and federal agencies. Senate Bill 490 would prohibit non-monetary bail for the most threatening individuals, including those who possess 10 grams or more of fentanyl, have a history of violent crime or assault a law enforcement officer. These bills reflect our commitment to fighting crime, protecting Pennsylvania families, and ensuring that our law enforcement officials have the tools they need to uphold justice. Each measure builds upon broader efforts to make Pennsylvania a safer place to live, work and raise a family. Reining in Unconfirmed Leaders of State Agencies
To restore balance and transparency in state government, the Senate passed a bill reining in the use of unconfirmed state agency leaders. Senate Bill 472 advanced to the House of Representatives for consideration. Former Gov. Tom Wolf appointed 11 individuals to lead various state agencies in the “acting” capacity and never nominated them to the Senate as part of the official confirmation process. Additionally, 21 cabinet officials served in “acting” capacity longer than 90 days. This allowed key decisions to be made without public scrutiny. With the passage of the bill, an individual serving in a leadership role without official confirmation by the Senate would be designated as “Deputy Head of Department.” The designation could be used once during a governor’s term. These individuals would have to appear before the General Assembly during the annual budget process. They would not receive elevated compensation or additional benefits beyond their peers. Most importantly, they would not be allowed to remain indefinitely without Senate review and would not be permitted to serve longer than 90 days. Protecting the Rights of Corrections Officers, Supporting Long-Term Care Workers
Our corrections officers put their safety on the line to protect us all from Pennsylvania’s most dangerous criminals. Despite this, some of them have been unfairly suspended without pay, benefits, or the chance to defend themselves in the past. My bill to ensure these brave law enforcement officials retain their rights when they are accused of wrongdoing was approved with unanimous, bipartisan support by the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. My bill to encourage more employees to join the long-term care workforce was also approved with unanimous, bipartisan support by the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Too many of our families, including mine, have faced the difficult decision of moving a parent or grandparent into a long-term care center. The professionals who make sure they are cared for have an extremely important job yet are facing increasing challenges because of workforce shortages. This bill will support their important work. Both bills now advance to the full Senate for consideration. |
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