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In this Update:
Langerholc Issues Statement on Dept. of Aging Audit
As Chair of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee, I issued the following statement on Auditor General Tim DeFoor’s audit of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging: The release of the Auditor General’s audit should have a chilling effect on all Pennsylvanians. The Department of Aging has systemic issues that the secretary continues to refuse to address. Since becoming chair of the Senate Aging and Youth Committee in 2025, I have heard numerous concerns from the media, advocates, whistleblowers, and now the Auditor General regarding the department’s failure to fulfill its oversight responsibilities to protect older adults, yet the department insists there is no issue. Following the Department’s continued inaction on necessary reforms, I joined Sen. Jarrett Coleman in sponsoring Senate Bill 1376 to provide essential oversight and implement critical improvements within the Department of Aging and the Area Agency on Aging network. This bill directly addresses many of the deficiencies identified by Auditor General DeFoor and is focused on keeping older adults safe and alive. It is unfortunate that the legislation received a party‑line vote in committee. Furthermore, I am deeply disturbed that the Department of Aging, through its inaction, delayed the release of this report for six months. This report must spur immediate action by the department for the safety of older adults across the commonwealth. The Auditor General’s audit can be found here. Dept. of Health Proposed RegulationsI am happy to report that earlier today, after thousands of Pennsylvanians made their voices heard in opposition, the Department of Health announced it is withdrawing these regulations. I want to thank everyone who submitted public comments, as well as Senator Michele Brooks, whose leadership on this issue helped prevent the administration from moving forward with this action. Below are the comments I submitted to IRRC in opposition to the Department of Health’s regulations.
Centre County Chamber’s State of the County
I joined Centre County Commissioners Mark Higgins (Chair), Amber Concepcion, and Steve Dershem for the Chamber of Business & Industry of Centre County’s annual State of the County. Cambria County Farm Bureau Fall Meeting
I attended the Cambria County Farm Bureau’s annual fall dinner meeting at the Saint Benedict Community Center. Touring Centre Care
Thank you to Centre Care for providing me with a tour to see firsthand the medical and rehabilitation services that are provided at this facility to the Centre Region. East Hills Recreation
I met with officials from the East Hills Recreation Commission in Cambria County to discuss the $100,000 in state funding I was able to secure for the organization. The funds will be used to enhance the quality of recreation and services available to the residents they serve. I am proud to invest in our local communities and look forward to seeing the positive impact this funding will have. Suicide Prevention Month
Suicide Prevention Month is a time to raise awareness, spread hope and encourage discussion of a difficult topic. Warning signs of suicide include:
The National Alliance on Mental Illness has more information about risk factors. The 988 Lifeline provides free and confidential support over call, text or chat for people in distress 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Empathetic, trained professionals provide prevention and crisis resources for you or someone you know. $1,000 Bonus for Families’ Education Savings
Pennsylvania families with qualified PA 529 College and Career Saving Program Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) accounts will receive a $1,000 bonus contribution, enhancing education savings for about 107,000 Pennsylvania families. The bonus is being paid for through surplus dollars in the GSP Fund. PA 529 GSP savers with at least a $1,000 account balance, or those with at least a $100 balance with contributions made since 2022, as of July 31, 2026, are eligible for this bonus deposit. Account owners will see this deposit reflected in their third quarter statement. The PA 529 GSP allows families to save at today’s tuition rates to cover tomorrow’s tuition costs with account growth dependent on tuition inflation. For more information, visit the PA 529 website. Veteran-Owned Business Certification
Pennsylvania veteran-owned small businesses that get certified can be listed on a state database, opening doors to state contracting opportunities. To qualify for certification, businesses must be at least 51% veteran-owned, meet “small business” revenue and size standards, and hold a valid third-party certification. The state does not certify a business as veteran owned; it only verifies it. Find out how to obtain certification and third-party verification at the Department of General Services. Veterans Appreciation Breakfasts
I’m honored to invite all veterans in the 35th Senatorial District to my annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfasts in Cambria and Clearfield counties. Breakfast will be served for veterans in Clearfield and Centre counties on October 28 and for Cambria County veterans on November 4. All veterans are welcome and registration is required. You may RSVP on my webpage or by calling my office at 814-266-2277. Please feel free to call my office with any questions. I look forward to seeing you there! 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:
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. |
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