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In this Update:

• Shapiro’s Overreach on New State Health Regulations
• Historic Settlement with Meta Includes Social Media Protections
• Pike County Career Center’s Heat of Summer Job Fair
• Miners Memorial Heritage Park Honors Mining Heritage
• Medicare Questions Answered by PA MEDI
• Realtors and Local Leaders Strengthen Community Partnerships
• Happy Labor Day

Shapiro’s Overreach on New State Health Regulations

Gov. Josh Shapiro and the Pennsylvania Department of Health recently proposed broad new health regulations, which it appears would – among other things – give the state far more power to enter our homes, businesses, schools and doctor’s offices without a warrant. These latest proposed regulations are being pursued unilaterally by the governor outside of the legislative process – without input being sought from me or my colleagues.

While we’re currently reviewing all the details, there are tremendous concerns – and we are not about to let 502 pages of regulations run people’s lives. You can read the immense regulatory proposal here. We cannot allow any actions like we saw taken by the executive branch during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to be put in place. The draconian shutdowns and overly restrictive mandates that impeded the lives of every Pennsylvanian during COVID have no place in our state.

The public comment period is open through Sept. 21, and I encourage you to join me and submit your comments to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission. Our health and safety can be protected without sacrificing our privacy and freedoms.

Historic Settlement with Meta Includes Social Media Protections

Attorney General Dave Sunday announced Pennsylvania and a multistate coalition have reached a settlement with Meta, owner of Instagram and Facebook, assuring the social media giant will implement sweeping changes to age verification, limit children’s time on their platforms and cut kids’ access to harmful content.

The settlement, which involves up to $17.1 billion in national remediation payments, is contingent on other major social media companies agreeing to the same changes. Pennsylvania is expected to receive more than $500 million. The attorney general also filed a lawsuit against the owners of Snapchat regarding its failures to warn users of platform addictiveness and protect children from compulsive use. Read more about the settlement with Meta here.

In recent years, I’ve worked with my colleagues to strengthen Pennsylvania laws against malicious deepfakes and AI child sexual abuse material (CSAM) and created the Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age. The Senate passed bills to enhance mandatory reporting requirements for AI CSAM and protect children from dangerous AI chatbot interaction. Technology opens doors for children, and we must ensure it’s used safely.

Pike County Career Center’s Heat of Summer Job Fair

The Pike County Career Center’s Heat of Summer Job Fair showcased over 30 employers from across Pike, Wayne and Monroe counties. The event had a wide range of employment opportunities across education, healthcare, hospitality, law enforcement, sales and more. It offered job seekers a valuable chance to build face to face connections that can lead to interviews and potential employment.

Miners Memorial Heritage Park Honors Mining Heritage

Visiting the Huber Breaker Preservation Society’s Miners Memorial Heritage Park was inspiring. A tribute to anthracite miners, the park is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Huber Breaker and the workers who powered our region’s coal industry. The passion behind the restoration is evident, and the progress made so far is truly remarkable.

Medicare Questions Answered by PA MEDI

If you’re eligible for Medicare and have questions, PA MEDI has local, certified counselors to provide free and confidential assistance to help you navigate the system.

PA MEDI (Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight) is part of a nationwide network of state health insurance assistance programs. It provides unbiased help and information for those on Medicare, their families and caregivers. PA MEDI does not sell or recommend Medicare insurance products, insurance agents or brokers.

The assistance covers the various Medicare plans, enrollment, rules, billing, appeals and more. Call 1-800-783-7067 or visit the PA MEDI webpage.

Realtors and Local Leaders Strengthen Community Partnerships

The Greater Scranton Board of Realtors, together with the Pike/Wayne Association of Realtors, hosted a sit-down discussion with local leaders. It was a valuable opportunity to talk about the issues impacting our communities. Both associations provided an overview of local housing market trends, and realtor members shared firsthand perspectives on the challenges they’re seeing across the region.

Happy Labor Day

More than a day off, Labor Day is an opportunity to celebrate the contributions of workers who provide for their families and allow communities to thrive. I’m committed to helping these workers keep more of what they earn.

I hope you have a great holiday weekend.