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In this Update:
Senate Republicans Organize for 2025-26 Session
This week, Senate Republicans re-elected their entire leadership team to continue serving in the 2025-26 legislative session. The slate includes President Pro Tempore Kim Ward, Majority Leader Joe Pittman, Majority Whip Ryan Aument, Appropriations Chairman Scott Martin, Majority Caucus Chair Kristin Phillips-Hill, and Sen. Camera Bartolotta. I was honored to second the nomination of Sen. Kim Ward to serve as interim president pro tempore of the Pennsylvania Senate from Dec. 1, 2024, until Jan. 6, 2025. The Senate will hold an official vote to select the president pro tempore for the next legislative session on Tuesday, January 7, 2025. Ward, who has served as president pro tempore since 2022, previously held the position of majority leader. Kim’s journey in public service is a testament to resilience and dedication. Her life’s work has earned her the respect and trust of colleagues on both sides of the aisle. During the past 25 years, she has served in the Schweiker Administration, held local and county offices, and led in the Senate as a Republican leader and colleague. She was also the first woman to serve as both majority leader and an institutional officer in the General Assembly. Beyond her official roles, she is a devoted daughter, wife, mother, and ‘Kiki.’ In every role, Kim has led with grit, integrity and a deep commitment to her constituents. She inspires collaboration and compassion, always focused on what’s best for Pennsylvania. As the face of the Senate, she represents us with strength and humility, fostering an uncommon spirit of bipartisanship that is evident in our achievements this session. As president pro tempore, Ward holds key responsibilities, including appointing chairpersons and members to the Senate’s 22 standing committees, presiding over the Senate in the lieutenant governor’s absence and assuming the role of lieutenant governor if that office becomes vacant. She is also responsible for assigning bills and resolutions to Senate committees for consideration. Giving First Responders More Support
Beginning in December, a law passed by Senate Republicans will give first responders greater access to workers’ compensation benefits for a post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI). Firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics will be entitled to benefits for psychological traumas resulting from their employment – even in the absence of physical injuries. To receive benefits, they need to be diagnosed by a licensed psychiatrist or psychologist. Previously, Pennsylvania law required a first responder to prove there were “objective abnormal working conditions” to establish a PTSI claim. This standard was often difficult to meet. Seasonal PennDOT Jobs Open Now
PennDOT is hiring individuals for its winter maintenance program that runs until April 2025. The jobs pay from $17.00 to $27.75 an hour and could become a career. Roles include equipment operators, dispatchers, mechanics, tradesman helpers, semi-skilled laborers and tunnel maintainers. Job requirements vary based on position. Learn more regarding required experience, training and eligibility. Submit an online application. Call 855-524-5627 if you have trouble accessing your account. Being Prepared for Fall Driving Hazards
Fall brings different driving hazards, including wet leaves, fog, sun glare and frost. Drivers can use fall driving tips from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to make their commutes safer. Extra caution is needed on roads covered with wet leaves, which can be as slippery as ice. When driving in fog, it’s best to use low-beam headlights to avoid the glare created by high beams. Morning frost and icy spots can cause issues as overnight temperatures drop toward freezing. Ice is more likely to form on bridges, overpasses and shaded areas. Pennsylvania drivers face the third-highest chance of being involved in an animal-related crash in the nation. To report a dead animal for removal from a state road, call the PennDOT at 1-800-FIX-ROAD. Call the Game Commission at 1-833-742-9453 for local roads. Remembering the Veterans in My Family
I thought about the veterans in my family often this week as we observed Veterans Day. From my earliest recollection, I heard stories about their service and sacrifice. My dad, Staff Sgt. Edward White Jones, was a practicing Quaker who served stateside at Ft. Indiantown Gap during WWII. His brother, Phillip McKinley Jones was stationed overseas in the European Theater. He did not carry a firearm but was wounded in battle by shrapnel. Despite their strong religious convictions, both men believed that Hitler had to be defeated at all costs to preserve America and our freedoms. My grandfather, Ervin Calhoun, was in the Spanish American War, where he contracted malaria while encamped at Chickamauga. His regiment returned to Philadelphia aboard an American Red Cross transport train. Today, I proudly display my father’s military insignia in my office at the state capitol, along with a photo of my grandfather, his service medal, and the flag that accompanied him home in 1898. My great-grandfather, Adam Calhoun, was wounded at the Battle of Chaffin Farms in September of 1864 during the Civil War. Due to his extensive injuries, he received a surgeon certificate of discharge, and spent nearly a year recovering in a military hospital. I recently discovered my double, double grandmother’s unmarried son, Lt. Alfred Biles, also served in the Civil War. As part of Pennsylvania’s 59th Regiment of the 2nd Cavalry, he was responsible for guarding Gen. Meade. Three weeks after Gettysburg, on July 26, 1863, he was killed by Col. Mosby’s guerillas. He died at the door of a Virginian farmer while the regiment was in pursuit of Gen. Lee. I am currently researching my family’s link to Lt. Henry Stauffer of Lancaster County, a patriot in the American Revolution. Over the years, I have been impressed by how many military and veteran families we have in the area. For many of these families, commitment to military service also spans generations. The respect and appreciation instilled in us is immeasurable. Service and sacrifice are not just concepts; they and cornerstones of a good life in a free nation. I am thankful this heritage has not died out. God bless all our veterans – past, present and future. Recognizing National Diabetes Awareness Month
The men, women and children who live with prediabetes and diabetes face challenges not only with their health but also with the financial impact of the disease. However, there is support available, including health tips and food ideas. Healthy eating for prediabetes and diabetes can be delicious and satisfying using recipes like these. Tools and resources are available regarding health care affordability and driving with diabetes. There is also helpful information for caregivers.
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