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In this Update:
Introducing Job Shadow Jordyn Powell
I had the honor of introducing Jordyn Powell on the Senate floor. Jordyn is a rising junior from Greater Johnstown School District who was my job shadow in Harrisburg for a day this week. Bills to Fight Human Trafficking
Better Identifying Delinquent Children as Victims of Human Trafficking I sponsored a bill with Sen. Chris Gebhard (R-48) to better identify delinquent children as victims of human trafficking. The legislation has been approved by the Senate Aging and Youth Committee. Senate Bill 1369 would require the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services, in consultation with the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, the Pennsylvania State Police, and county children and youth agencies, to develop a screening process to determine if a delinquent child is a victim of human trafficking or may be at risk of becoming a victim of human trafficking. The screening process would be administered by county children and youth agencies when they have contact with a child who is lacking parental control, as well as by juvenile probation officers during intake conferences if a written allegation is made. Establishing a standardized screening process will help authorities across the commonwealth identify children in need. This collaborative approach is a crucial effort to protect every child from human trafficking and ensure victims receive support and care. The legislation would also require children identified through the screening process to be connected with services available to victims of human trafficking. The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration. Increasing Penalties for Several Human Trafficking-Related Crimes Additionally, the Senate passed legislation to give investigators and prosecutors new tools to fight human trafficking in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 45 will help local law enforcement agencies and the state attorney general investigate and prosecute human trafficking by increasing penalties for several related crimes, including promoting prostitution, promoting prostitution of a minor, exploiting prostitutes and patronizing prostitutes. The bill also consolidates crimes related to human trafficking within the Crimes Code, giving the attorney general concurrent jurisdiction so these crimes, which are frequently the basis for large-scale human trafficking organizations, can be prosecuted more effectively. It now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Read more about our latest action to combat human trafficking here. Elder Abuse Awareness Press Conference
This week in Harrisburg, we held a press conference ahead of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15. Meeting With Grange Young Adult Ambassador
Also this week, I met with Bella Boone, who serves as the 2025-26 PA State Grange Young Adult Ambassador! Bella is a member of Baileyville Grange #1991 in Centre County and came to visit the State Capitol as part of the PA State Grange Royalty Day to discuss issues important to the Grange. New Ambulance at Ebensburg Area EMS
I had the pleasure of visiting and touring Ebensburg Area EMS Station 48. Their new ambulance arrived just a few days ago, and I’m proud to have helped advocate for and secure the $200,000 that made it possible. The service they provide to the residents in and around Ebensburg is second to none. Thank you to the men and women of Ebensburg Area EMS for your dedication to the community. Zoo Day at the Capitol
It was Zoo Day at the Capitol this week! I had the opportunity to meet representatives from the Philadelphia Zoo, Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium, Erie Zoo, Elmwood Park Zoo, Lehigh Valley Zoo, and the National Aviary, who shared information about some of the animals who came to visit. Community Forum on Violence in Johnstown
I attended a community forum held by local leaders to discuss the recent violence in Johnstown. Bill Targeting Dangerous Fentanyl Additive Passes Senate
The Senate passed legislation to combat the increasing illicit use of the veterinary anesthesia medetomidine by regulating it as a Schedule III controlled substance. Senate Bill 866 provides law enforcement and public health officials with another tool to combat dangerous drug adulterants while including clear exemptions to ensure veterinarians can continue using the medication in the care and treatment of animals. Medetomidine has rapidly overtaken xylazine as a common adulterant in Pennsylvania’s illicit drug supply. While medetomidine was not detected in samples collected in early 2024, it was found in approximately 80% of adulterants sold as fentanyl in Pennsylvania by April 2026. The drug is estimated to be significantly more potent than xylazine and can cause severe cardiovascular complications, even after naloxone has been administered. The General Assembly passed legislation to make xylazine a Schedule III drug in 2024. The bill now advances to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about the measure here. PA Guard Military Family Education Program
As students begin preparing for the fall semester, Pennsylvania National Guard members are reminded their families could be eligible for assistance to offset the cost of higher education. The Military Family Education Program is for Guard members who completed an initial service obligation on or after July 1, 2019, and is eligible to reenlist in the PA National Guard for a period of six years. The grants can be used for a degree-granting or certificate-granting curriculum, course of study, or training program required for entrance into a specific career at an approved Pennsylvania institution of higher learning. Read more details and find applications here. Entries Accepted for PA Agriculture Photo Contest
Pennsylvania residents have until June 30 to submit entries in the 2026 Pennsylvania Agriculture Photo Contest. Submit up to four original photos highlighting the people, places, traditions and beauty of agriculture across our region or the commonwealth. Winning photos will be displayed in the Pennsylvania Capitol Complex during the first weeks of September. The categories are On the Farm, PA Fair Season, Agritourism, and Conservation. Click here for rules and how to submit your photos. National Cancer Survivors Month
There are more than 18.6 million people living with a history of cancer in the U.S. Each person diagnosed with cancer faces a unique set of challenges, but one in four survivors reports a poor physical quality of life, and many experience psychosocial challenges. If you are a cancer survivor or caregiver, you can find resources from the National Cancer Institute here that may help you enhance your health and well-being after a cancer diagnosis. They address emotional concerns, nutrition and physical activity, support services, follow-up medical care and testing for cancer. 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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