Growing pharmaceutical business in Pa.

I’m also proud to report that legislation I co-sponsored to encourage pharmaceutical and biomedical manufacturers to establish their home base in Pennsylvania was unanimously approved by the House!

House Bill 2162 would allow makers of a drug or medical device to apply for a temporary product license from the commonwealth at the same time they begin its FDA approval process.

Pennsylvania is one of only nine states that require manufacturers to complete the lengthy FDA approval process before applying for a PA license, meaning they can’t launch new, FDA-ready projects as swiftly as they can in most other states.

This bill is an opportunity to put out the welcome mat for pharmaceutical start-ups. When we invest in these companies and create a more efficient environment for them to put down roots, then they invest in Pennsylvania by providing good paying jobs and tax revenue that benefits our communities.

With state Reps. Lisa Borowski, D-Delaware, and Thomas Kutz, R-Cumberland on the House floor.

Bill to modernize lending for Pa. farmers passes House

In another unanimous vote, the House passed my and Rep. John Lawrence’s bill for expanding state loans for Pennsylvania farmers. We hope the bipartisan plan is picked up quickly in the Senate.

Pennsylvania farmers face rising costs for land, equipment, buildings and other investments necessary to sustain and expand their operations. While the Pennsylvania Industrial Development Authority's Small Business First Fund provides valuable financing opportunities, agricultural businesses are limited to loans of $400,000, far below the $2 million cap available to non-agricultural enterprises.

Our farmers are small-business owners, job creators and essential contributors to Pennsylvania's economy. As costs continue to rise, access to affordable capital is more important than ever. This legislation would ensure that farmers have the same opportunities as other businesses to invest in their operations, create jobs, and strengthen our agricultural economy.

My bill protecting good Samaritans in overdoses passes House

Finally, I am humbled to report that another of my bills, one to protect individuals who help another person in the event of a drug or alcohol overdose, passed the House with broad bipartisan support.

I believe that this bill, which I co-sponsor with state Rep. Emily Kinkead, D-Allegheny, would protect people, especially college students, from endangerment charges if they are administering aid to a person suffering an emergency overdose.

Creating a culture of safety on campus means removing the threat of disciplinary action so students can step up and help one another without hesitation. When we eliminate the fear of punishment, we break down the biggest barrier to calling for emergency help, which ultimately saves lives.

This legislation also stems from a March public hearing showing how the legislation could have helped Rowan Price, a Bloomsburg University freshman last year. After returning to campus from a student conference for aspiring educators, Price found a student in his dormitory bathroom suffering from alcohol poisoning. Price testified that he and several other classmates helped the incapacitated student by cleaning him up, rolling him on his side, and calling for help. After officers arrived, Price testified that one officer became agitated and told the students that “everything they did was wrong,” and weeks later, Price was charged with recklessly endangering another person, a crime punishable by up to two years in prison.

Apply to the Pa. House Fellowship Program

The Pennsylvania House Fellowship Program is now accepting applications for the fall 2026 semester! Fellows work in committees or leadership offices at the state Capitol. The program provides compensation and may also offer college credit. Eligible applicants include Pennsylvania college juniors, seniors, graduate students, or law students with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Applications are due by July 1.

Visit this page to learn more.

Reminder – Pa. deadline extended for property tax, rent relief

As a reminder, the Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application deadline has been extended to December 31! The previous deadline was June 30.

This program provides a rebate ranging from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities who meet certain household income requirements. These rebates have made it easier for older and disabled folks to stay in their homes while affording groceries, medicine, and so much more. Don’t miss out!

Contact my office to find out if you qualify and let us help you apply!