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Bill Targeting Rise of Deepfake Scams Approved by Senate
The Senate unanimously voted to stem the rise of “deepfakes” and other forms of digital impersonation by treating them as forgeries punishable by law. Technology enables individuals to create convincing images, audio and video of others – often without consent – that are nearly indistinguishable from reality. These digital forgeries have been used to commit financial scams and injure personal reputations. Senate Bill 649 would enact penalties for anyone who creates a digital representation of a real person without their consent and distributes it as genuine to defraud or injure. The measure would protect First Amendment rights and preserve valid expressions of parody, satire and other forms of free speech. Senate Bill 649 is now before the House of Representatives for consideration. I-80 Expansion Project
No one enjoys surgery. It is painful and disruptive, but necessary to improve health. Infrastructure projects, like the I-80 expansion, are no different. They’re inconvenient, but essential for long-term safety, efficiency, and sustainability. Many of you have heard about this project over the years. As it moves forward, I want to provide a clear, factual overview. I also sat down with PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll on my latest legislative report to discuss the importance and scope of the I-80 expansion. Originally built to carry 10,000 vehicles daily, this section of I-80 now handles more than 80,000, including heavy truck traffic. It no longer meets modern design standards, and crash rates, especially near Exit 304 in Stroudsburg, are well above average. This federally funded project will expand I-80 to three lanes in each direction between Exits 303 and 308. It also includes upgraded interchanges, extended ramps, safety improvements, and better traffic flow. Construction will begin in phases, starting with Exit 303, with bidding anticipated in June 2025. Yes, the project may cause some disruption, but it should be minimized, as two lanes will remain open at all times – just as they are now. This once-in-a-generation investment addresses urgent safety needs and prepares us for future growth. You can watch my conversation with Secretary Carroll to learn more about what’s ahead. PA Now Has Concealed Carry Reciprocity with Virginia
A new reciprocity agreement allows holders of Pennsylvania Licenses to Carry Firearms to do so in Virginia, making it the 30th state that has a concealed carry reciprocity agreement with Pennsylvania. The agreement resulted from efforts of Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday to maximize reciprocity agreements while protecting standing law and constitutional rights. The agreement is only applicable to handguns and requires permit holders to:
Celebrating National Dairy Month in June
Pennsylvania’s dairy farmers work hard to provide families with common dairy staples, including milk, cheese and yogurt, that are part of healthy diets. Consuming dairy products contributes to strong bones, muscle function, and immune support. The Senate has highlighted the role dairy plays in making agriculture the state’s top industry. It generates more than $11 billion in revenue and supports 47,000 jobs. Checking out PA’s Ice Cream Trail is a fun way to celebrate and support dairy farmers. At more than 50 spots across the state, you can enjoy homemade ice cream and other delicious treats. Celebrating Mayfield Borough’s Renovated Building
This week, I had the pleasure of joining community members and local leaders for the ribbon cutting and blessing of the newly renovated Mayfield Borough Building. Thanks to these upgrades, it’s ready to serve residents for years to come. I’m proud to have supported this important project alongside Representative Kyle Mullins, helping to secure funding through a Local Share Account (LSA) grant. These improvements not only preserve the building’s history but also modernize it for future needs. Congratulations to Mayfield Borough on this exciting milestone! Honoring Eagle Scout Dawson Reed
I had the honor of attending a special mass and recognition ceremony for Dawson Reed of Troop 21 in Lackawanna County, who recently earned the prestigious rank of Eagle Scout. Achieving Eagle Scout is no small feat—it reflects years of hard work, leadership, and community service. Dawson’s accomplishments don’t stop there; he will be pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering in college next year. I was proud to present Dawson with an official Senate of Pennsylvania certificate in recognition of his achievement. Congratulations to Dawson and his family on this well-deserved honor and bright future ahead! Supporting Mental Health Awareness in Our Community
This past Saturday, I had the pleasure of co-hosting the Mental Health Expo with NorthBound & Co. Thank you for your collaboration in creating such a meaningful and impactful event. The expo provided a valuable opportunity to connect individuals and families with real, accessible resources. Events like this are critical in raising awareness, reducing stigma, and helping us build a stronger, more compassionate community.
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