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The Beat Will Go On: Senate Approves Brown’s AED Safety Bill
This week, the Senate passed legislation I’ve championed to help schools across Pennsylvania prevent tragic deaths from sudden cardiac arrest among student athletes. Senate Bill 375 would require schools to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) available at all PIAA-sanctioned athletic events and practices. It also calls for schools to develop and rehearse emergency response plans for cardiac incidents. Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death in young athletes, and we know that access to an AED can increase survival rates by up to 70%. This vote brings us one step closer to making AEDs and emergency planning standard, not optional, in our schools. This bill was initiated to honor the life of Greg Moyer, who tragically passed away from sudden cardiac arrest during a high school basketball game. His story is a heartbreaking reminder of why preparedness matters. Greg’s mother, Rachel Moyer, has long advocated for AED access in schools and offered heartfelt thanks for the bill’s passage: “This bill honors my son Greg, and all the children lost to sudden cardiac arrest. For every parent who has faced this unimaginable loss, this is for you. The beat will go on.” Senate Bill 375 now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Community Economic & Recreational Development Committee Tours Gettysburg
On Tuesday, I had the pleasure of joining fellow members of the Senate Community, Economic & Recreational Development Committee for a powerful evening tour of the historic Gettysburg Battlefield. We were fortunate to be guided by Andy Masich, President and CEO of the Heinz History Center, whose knowledge brought this pivotal chapter of our history to life. The tour reminded us of Pennsylvania’s critical role in The Civil War and offered lasting lessons in strategic leadership, sacrifice, and resilience. Recognizing Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month
June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, and I’m proud to reflect on my proposal, Senate Bill 840, which strengthens Pennsylvania’s response to Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD). This was signed into law by Governor Josh Shapiro in October of 2024. This law creates a permanent ADRD Division and Advisory Committee within the Department of Aging. It’s designed to improve coordination across agencies, unlock greater access to federal resources, and support stronger, more consistent policies for Alzheimer’s care in our state. With more than 280,000 Pennsylvanians currently living with Alzheimer’s, they can’t afford to wait. Senate Bill 840 takes on bureaucratic barriers that have often slowed progress and ensures a more unified, forward-looking approach. Mark Your Calendar: Senior Expo Returns in One Month
I’m excited to share that we’re just one month away from my annual Senior Expo, and I hope you’ll join us for this great community event. This year’s expo will be held at Swiftwater Elementary School, and as always, it’s free and open to the public. The Senior Expo brings together local organizations, government agencies, and health providers to connect older Pennsylvanians with important information, services, and resources. Attendees can expect free health screenings, helpful materials, raffle prizes, and refreshments, along with the chance to speak one-on-one with representatives from a wide range of programs. Whether you’re looking for information on state services, health and wellness support, or ways to stay active and engaged in our community, this event has something for everyone. Lifesaving Bill to Eliminate Cost Barriers to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Approved by Senate
Patients who receive abnormal results from supplemental breast cancer screenings will be able to access the necessary follow-up diagnostic imaging at no cost under bipartisan legislation passed by the Senate. This ensures critical continuum of care. Senate Bill 88 builds on the success of Act 1 of 2023, which provided no-cost preventive screenings for individuals at high risk. Senate Bill 88 takes the next step with no-cost follow-up diagnostic imaging and expands eligibility to include individuals at average risk. While 26 other states have followed Pennsylvania’s lead in offering no-cost supplemental breast screening since the passage of Act 1, Pennsylvania remains the only state without guaranteed coverage for diagnostic imaging. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives. Celebrating Great Outdoors Month
The arrival of summer means plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and enjoy what nature has to offer locally and across our commonwealth. Pennsylvania is home to cool, green forests, thousands of pristine lakes and streams, hiking trails and state parks. Find plenty of ways to explore the great outdoors of our region and the state here. Celebrating 20 Years of Burke Home Services
Last week, I had the pleasure of joining Burke Home Services as they celebrated 20 years in business serving the Poconos and surrounding communities. Over the past two decades, Burke Construction has helped thousands of families improve the comfort, efficiency, and quality of their homes through custom remodeling and home performance solutions. I was proud to present owners Jeremy and Matt with an official Senate citation recognizing their commitment to our region, their customers, and their craft. Congratulations to the entire Burke team on this well-earned celebration!
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