|
||||
|
In this Update:
Langerholc Statement on SEPTA Special Prosecutor Decision
On October 1, the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania unanimously affirmed in Krasner v. Sunday what we have known since day one: Act 40 of 2023, created to protect riders and workers of the SEPTA system, is constitutional. This ruling is a win for the rule of law, the safety of the SEPTA transit system, and a reminder that the law must prevail over hysteria. It is long overdue for Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner to put politics aside and work with local leaders to strengthen safety within the SEPTA system. I look forward to the continued work of the special prosecutor and to further efforts supporting the safety of the SEPTA system. Langerholc Bill Would Target Unwanted Commercial Solicitations
I will soon introduce legislation to rein in misleading commercial solicitations hitting Pennsylvanians mailboxes. Across the commonwealth, residents routinely receive large volumes of unsolicited commercial mail. Many of these materials use selective or incomplete information that may cause individuals, particularly older adults, to misunderstand the nature of the products being promoted, such as home warranties or insurance offerings. The legislation will require a clear and conspicuous disclaimer stating the mailing is merely a solicitation and that any product offered is entirely optional. My constituents are inundated with mail that attempts to sell them an optional product under the guise of fear or immediate action. These mail pieces only say it is optional in the fine print requiring careful review. It is time to protect Pennsylvanians from misleading communications. The legislation will be introduced in the near future. Recognizing SCI Houtzdale Boot Camp Graduates
I spoke on the Senate floor to recognize the accomplishments of the inaugural graduating class of the SCI Houtzdale Boot Camp and the dedicated staff that led them through this process. Introducing Mount Aloysius President, VP
I also introduced Mount Aloysius College President John McKeegan and Vice President for Advancement and Engagement Patrick Kellogg on the floor of the Senate. Senate Citation Recognizing Fred Kline of Kline Kimlin CPA
I had the honor of presenting Fred Kline with a Pennsylvania Senate Citation for his 50 years as an accountant and partner with Kline Kimlin Certified Public Accountants. Fred also held many positions with local organizations in Richland Township during these 5 decades. Thank you for your years of loyalty and service to your clients and community! Firefighters Memorial Trail Ribbon Cutting
I attended a ribbon cutting for the Firefighters Memorial Trail. This trail, which connects Carrolltown and Patton in Cambria County, is the first walking and biking trail of its kind, created to honor the courage, service, and sacrifice of our first responders. Senate Passes Measures to Protect Senior Citizens
The state Department of Aging has been under review by the Pennsylvania auditor general and inspector general over concerns for the well-being of seniors being taken care of by Pennsylvania’s 52 county-based Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). The Senate approved legislation that would build on the release of Auditor General Tim DeFoor’s recent audit and implement proper safeguards for older Pennsylvanians. Senate Bill 1376, which I co-authored with Sen. Jarrett Coleman, would:
The Senate also passed legislation to update Pennsylvania’s Older Adult Protective Services Act to better protect seniors from financial abuse and scams. The FBI ranked Pennsylvania ninth in total losses to fraud experienced by older adults in 2025. More than 7,000 seniors were defrauded of more than $200 million, representing a 43% jump from 2024. Senate Bill 738 would require financial institutions to report suspected cases of elder financial abuse and empower the institutions to hold suspicious financial transactions. The institution would have to report this transaction to the appropriate AAA. Similar legislation has been passed in more than 20 states and has been used as an effective tool to prevent fraud. Read more about Senate Bill 738 here. Grants Available for Vision, Hearing Impaired Students
Pennsylvania students who are blind, deaf or have a visual or hearing impairment may qualify for up to $500 in scholarships through the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA). Applicants must supply written documentation to PHEAA showing they have been evaluated and are eligible to receive benefits and supply a completed Medical Professional Certification form regarding a visual or hearing impairment. Interested students must also complete the Blind or Deaf Higher Education Beneficiary Grant Application. The completed 2026-27 application and additional documentation must be submitted by March 31, 2027. Breast Cancer Awareness Month
The American Cancer Society recommends that women at average risk begin annual screening mammograms at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer or other risk factors, talk with your healthcare provider about whether earlier or additional screening may be appropriate. To help, we passed Act 1 of 2023 to ensure supplemental breast cancer screening MRIs and ultrasound for individuals at higher risk are covered with no out-of-pocket costs. We also passed Act 52 of 2025 to eliminate all out-of-pocket costs for diagnostic breast imaging, including mammograms, MRIs and ultrasounds needed to evaluate an abnormal finding. Act 52 is currently beginning the implementation process, with full implementation by January 2028. Pennsylvania residents without insurance or limited insurance, like a high-deductible plan, may qualify for no-cost mammograms and follow-up imaging through programs such as the Pennsylvania Department of Health’s Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program. To learn more, contact the PA Breast Cancer Coalition’s Director of Patient Advocacy Dolores Magro at 800-377-8828. When breast cancer is detected at its earliest stages, the 5-year survival rate is 99%. Don’t miss your mammogram. Early detection saves lives! 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. |
||||
|
||||
Want to change how you receive these emails? 2026 © Senate of Pennsylvania | https://senatorlangerholc.com | Privacy Policy |
