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In this Update:

• State of the Commonwealth Address
• Annual Ed Dumm Memorial Tractor Parade
• Cambria County Senior Expo
• Addressing AI Deception
• Robocalls, Scam Texts and Caller ID Spoofing Reform
• “MyChart” Phishing Scam
• State Assistance for Fire and EMS Companies
• Booking a Tour of Your State Capitol
• Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application
• News for Veterans Sign Up
• Share Your Local Events

State of the Commonwealth Address

I joined Representatives Rigby and Kephart to deliver a State of the Commonwealth Address hosted by the Cambria Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Annual Ed Dumm Memorial Tractor Parade

On Labor Day, I joined Representative Kephart and participated in the Annual Ed Dumm Memorial Tractor Parade in Nicktown, Cambria County. Thank you to Giles Dumm for the invite!

Cambria County Senior Expo

Mark your calendar for my annual Senior Expo in Johnstown on September 17!

Thanks to the number of exhibitors and attendees we’ve had in the past, we’ve outgrown our previous location and have moved to The Galleria Mall in Johnstown! Admission is free and the expo will include door prizes, health screenings, and exhibitors from government agencies and senior citizens organizations. If you have any questions, please contact my office at 814-266-2277. I look forward to seeing you there!

Addressing AI Deception

It’s critical for state laws to keep up with fast-evolving Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, especially as it relates to protecting our children online. I’m proud of our work to address the alarming rise in AI-generated sexual images of children, as well as non-consenting adults, through  Act 125 of 2024 which gives prosecutors the ability to go after criminals who create “deepfake” AI images of minors and child sexual abuse materials.

Previously, Pennsylvania law made it illegal to share intimate images without consent, and Act 125 took it a step further to combat the use of AI technology for this purpose and prohibits AI from being utilized to generate child sexual abuse material. As technology continues to advance, we must be vigilant in making sure proper safeguards are put in place.

Robocalls, Scam Texts and Caller ID Spoofing Reform

Legislation we unanimously passed enacting stronger protections from deceptive telemarketing practices will take effect next month.

Under Act 47 of 2026, Pennsylvania’s telemarketing law will now cover modern forms of solicitation, including text messages, voicemails, ringless voicemails and robocalls. It also establishes stronger rules for when and how telemarketers can contact Pennsylvanians, including:

• Prohibiting telemarketing calls before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m. and on Sundays.
• Requiring prior express written consent for most robocalls and telemarketing text messages.
• Prohibiting telemarketers from falsely identifying themselves or using deceptive caller ID information, including spoofed numbers.
• Requiring telemarketers to stop a solicitation when a consumer asks them to do so.

The legislation also prohibits the use of AI-generated messages to deceive consumers. The new law takes effect Oct. 19.

“MyChart” Phishing Scam 

If you use MyChart — a popular online patient portal used by many hospitals and healthcare providers — please be aware of a phishing scam targeting patients.

State Attorney General Dave Sunday reports scammers are impersonating MyChart by sending emails or text messages that offer patients a chance to claim a reward in the form of a “MyChart Medicare Kit.” No such program or reward exists.

These emails and text messages are attempts to trick recipients into clicking on malicious links, and obtain passwords and personal information from patients, which allows hackers to gain access to the patients’ MyChart portals. Read about how to avoid this and other phishing scams here.

State Assistance for Fire and EMS Companies

Attention local fire companies, emergency medical services and volunteer rescue squads: Applications are being accepted for the latest round of the state Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant program.

The funds can be used to help pay for facility construction/renovation, equipment, training, debt reduction and more. The application period closes Oct. 22. Find more information and applications here. 

Booking a Tour of Your State Capitol

Fall is a great time to tour your state Capitol, a National Historic Landmark featuring Renaissance designs, paintings, stained glass and furnishings by some of the best artisans in the world.

Scheduling in advance is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome according to availability. Tours take approximately 30-45 minutes and are limited to 40 guests total per tour. Self-guided tours do not take place on weekends and holidays.

More than the seat of Pennsylvania’s government, the Capitol is a magnificent symbol of the hopes and vision of the commonwealth that gave birth to a nation. Find details and book a tour 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:

• Cambria County: 814-266-2277
• Centre County: 814-806-1197
• Clearfield County: 814-765-0555

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.