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In this Update:
Motivational Boot Camp Program to Remain in Clearfield County
Alongside state Rep. Dallas Kephart, I issued the following statements regarding the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections’ decision to transition the Motivational Boot Camp Program to SCI Houtzdale and SCI Cambridge Springs: Since the moment the closure was announced, I have continuously advocated for the Quehanna Boot Camp to remain operational. At a minimum, my advocacy will keep the program in Clearfield County. Under this transition, male offenders will report to SCI Houtzdale, and female offenders will report to SCI Cambridge Springs in Crawford County. This outcome would not have been possible without the partnership of Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman, who from day one recognized the importance of the boot camp to our community. However, I remain extremely frustrated and disappointed that, despite bipartisan efforts in the Senate, the governor and secretary chose to override the clear support of legislators and the public and proceed with closing the Quehanna Boot Camp. This decision ignores the vital role Quehanna has played in our region for decades. Through legislation aimed at increasing the number of participants in this proven model, to multiple meetings with stakeholders and pressure on the administration, I fought to keep Quehanna in its birthplace. Despite data, statistics and well-reasoned logic, the administration chose to close the facility and turn their backs on rural Pennsylvania. “I remain deeply dissatisfied with the decision to close Quehanna Boot Camp, which has long demonstrated its effectiveness as a criminal justice center,” Kephart said. “That said, I am glad that the Boot Camp will remain in my district in Clearfield County. I strongly urge the Department of Corrections to provide current Boot Camp staff the option to transfer to SCI–Houtzdale should the staff choose to do so. These men and women have a proven record of success with the Boot Camp program, and their experience should not be lost.” Langerholc Offers Opening Prayer
On Tuesday this week, I had the tremendous honor of offering the opening prayer to begin the Senate’s session day. Senate Transportation Committee Hearing on CDLs
During a public hearing of the Senate Transportation Committee, I raised serious concerns about the lack of adequate safeguards in the licensing process for Nondomiciled Commercial Driver’s License holders. Watch the full hearing here. State Budget Funds New State Police Troopers
Public safety is a critical component of healthy, stable communities, and I am committed to ensuring that law enforcement gets the support it needs to keep criminals at bay. The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) fills a vital public safety role in the commonwealth, and I’m happy to report that the 2025-26 state budget includes funding for four state police cadet classes. After completing approximately 27 weeks of training, the most recent cadet class saw 49 graduates join the ranks as state troopers. I wish these new troopers much success as they keep our communities safe and pray for their wellbeing. The PSP’s latest hiring cycle is open until Jan. 23, 2026. Those interested in becoming a state trooper can find application requirements, job benefits and other details at PATrooper.com. Senate Votes to Make State Funds Available for Local Bridge Projects
Legislation to make state funding available for local bridge projects was approved by the Senate. Counties receive dollars through the Highway Bridge Improvement Restricted Account within the state Motor License Fund to pay for repair and replacement of county-owned bridges. However, current law does not allow for further practical uses of leftover funds. Senate Bill 1070 would give counties the flexibility they need to improve local, municipal-owned bridges before they become at-risk. Senate Bill 1070 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. PA 529 is the Gift of Education
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced a new, easy way to give the gift of education this holiday season – Gift of College gift cards. Friends and families can buy these digital gift cards, available at pa529.com/gift, for recipients to deposit into their PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account. Anyone, including parents, grandparents, other relatives and family friends, can contribute to a PA 529 account. Savings can be used for qualified education expenses for K-12, higher education, credential programs and apprenticeship programs. The person giving the gift also gets something – a PA state tax deduction for the amount of the PA 529 contribution. In November, PA 529 was ranked one of the best college savings plans in the nation. To learn more about PA 529, visit pa529.com or call 800-440-4000. Dec. 19 Deadline to Apply for Veterans Services Grants
Nonprofits, counties and other groups that provide services to veterans have until Dec. 19 to apply for Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) grants to help fulfill their missions. Administered by the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the VTF supports programs that improve services to veterans at the county, regional or state level. For nonprofit and veterans’ organizations, funding priorities include mental and behavioral health, transportation and employment. These applicants may request up to $40,000. County directors and their association may apply for up to $15,000 per county. Their funding priorities must include outreach initiatives, enhancing veteran service officer and advocate capabilities and addressing emerging needs such as transportation, food insecurity, suicide prevention and legal assistance. Annual Holiday Drive
We are collecting donations for the annual holiday drive! Items can be dropped off at my Richland Township District Office or at Makin’ Waves Hair Salon in Johnstown! On Friday, December 19, my staff and I will be handing out the holiday drive donations at the Johnstown Soup Kitchen. Please consider donating gloves, hats, and blankets for those in need this holiday season. Drop off locations: Richland Township District Office:
Makin’ Waves Hair Salon:
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