|
||||
|
In this Update:
50 Arrested in Operation Summer Street Sweeper
A week ago, I hosted Attorney General Sunday at a roundtable about combatting crime in our community. Today is but one example of the collaboration and hard work of so many men and women of law enforcement. The work will continue, and the message is quite clear: if you choose to engage in criminal activity, you will be brought to justice. Operation Summer Street Sweeper has arrested 50 individuals in Cambria and Blair counties, with more to come. $650K Awarded to Miracle League of Cambria County
I joined Miracle League of Cambria County President and CEO Jeffry Cramer, as well as other Miracle League of Cambria County board members and volunteers, to announce $650,000 in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant funding awarded for the construction of the Miracle League field, a baseball field for individuals with special needs, at Roxbury Park in Johnstown. Seaman First Class John M. McGinty Memorial Bridge
Last week, a bridge dedication ceremony honored Seaman First Class John M. McGinty. John McGinty was born on March 25, 1915, in Saint Michael, attended Adams Summerhill High School, and was married to Ellen Rita Seese, also of Saint Michael. He was drafted during World War II and served in the United States Navy. During the war, Seaman First Class McGinty was assigned to the USS Indianapolis. On July 30, 1945, while off the coast of the Caroline Islands in the Philippine Sea, the USS Indianapolis was hit by Japanese submarine torpedoes and sank after 12 minutes. Following the attack, Seaman First Class McGinty was declared lost at sea. He is memorialized on the Walls of the Missing at the Manila American Cemetery in the Philippines. The Seaman First Class John M. McGinty Memorial Bridge honors the courage, service, and sacrifice of Seaman First Class McGinty. Senate Stands with Law Enforcement, Victims’ Families
Second-degree murder is a horrific crime – these are homicides committed while the defendant was also committing another violent felony such as rape, arson, robbery, burglary or kidnapping. Those who commit such an act deserve a punishment that matches. In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that our current sentencing structure for second-degree murder (life without parole in every case) is unconstitutional. The justices gave the General Assembly 120 days to enact legislation correcting the situation. The Senate successfully passed strong bipartisan legislation to address this issue – twice. The Senate’s legislation, which I co-authored, is supported by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, Pennsylvania District Attorneys, the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association and the Pennsylvania State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police. Unfortunately, the leadership in the House of Representatives refused to allow a vote on this bipartisan legislation, instead passing a weak bill on a near party-line vote. That bill has several serious problems, including the fact that it could allow more than half of all inmates, including those on death row, to qualify for release from prison under an overbroad, ill-defined “medical release” program that is riddled with loopholes. It makes no sense. I will continue fighting for a strong, common-sense response to the Supreme Court’s decision because the safety of our communities is at stake. Measure Cracking Down on “CDL Mills” Becomes Law
Legislation drafted after it was learned unauthorized commercial driver’s license (CDL) schools were operating in Pennsylvania is now law, significantly boosting penalties for these “CDL mills.” Act 50 of 2026, which I co-sponsored, increases the maximum civil penalty for operating an unauthorized CDL school from $2,500 to $25,000, giving the state Department of Education a stronger enforcement tool to stop illegal operations and discourage violations. The new law does not impact private employers that provide CDL training to their own employees at no cost. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1295 and Senate Bill 1296, which I also co-sponsored, to reinforce tractor trailer safety in the commonwealth. The legislative package reflects new federal regulations and federal legislation to strengthen commercial vehicle operations following allegations of unqualified truck drivers in the country illegally. Read more about improving commercial vehicle safety here. Emergency Medical Services Careers
You could have a future in Emergency Medical Services, a critical component of healthy communities. Find out what it takes to be an EMS provider and get your start with the state Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. The site includes EMS education, information and resources, regional EMS council contact information and more. Below is contact information for regional EMS councils in the 35th Senatorial District:
Nominations Open for RISE Awards
Non-teaching school employees – including paraprofessional, clerical, transportation, food service, custodial, security and health workers – play key roles in keeping our local schools running. If you know an incredible non-teaching employee, you can nominate them for a Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. Find details and a nomination form at the state Department of Education website. Nominations for 2026 close Aug. 30. Organ and Tissue Donation Saves Lives
Saturday is PA Donor Day across the commonwealth, a statewide effort to rally support for the more than 6,000 Pennsylvanians waiting for a life-saving transplant. It’s held on 8/1 because eight lives can be saved by just one registered donor. PA Donor Day 2026 is especially important because the number of Pennsylvanians registering as organ donors has slowed and transplant waiting lists are long. You can register to donate at any time – you don’t need to get a driver’s license or permit. Learn more about organ and tissue donation and register to be a donor here. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application
The property tax/rent rebate application has been extended to December 31, 2026. If you need assistance filing your application or you are not sure if you are eligible for the program, please reach out to one of my district offices:
News for Veterans Sign Up
I am now offering a monthly e-newsletter with updates on news and information for veterans! If you are interested in receiving my veterans e-newsletter, please visit my website to sign up here. Share Your Local Events
If you’re hosting a local event, I want to hear about it. Please send your event details to wlangerholc@pasen.gov. If the event is free and open to the public, it could be highlighted in my e-newsletter or featured on my Facebook page to help share it with the community. |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2026 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorlangerholc.com | Privacy Policy |
