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In this Update:
Recognizing Dr. Sweetland’s Heroic Actions During Trump Assassination Attempt
This past Tuesday was quite the day, honoring Dr. James Sweetland at the state Capitol for his heroic actions during an assassination attempt on President Donald Trump in Butler, PA. Nearly every time, I have the honor of presenting a Senate citation for heroism, I begin by sharing my favorite quote from John Wayne: “Courage is being scared to death, but saddling up anyway.”
On July 13, 2024, Dr. Sweetland, a retired emergency room physician from Treasure Lake, PA was attending a presidential campaign rally at the Butler County Fairgrounds when shots were fired into the crowd. After hearing a woman cry for help, Dr. Sweetland leaped into action, running to an injured man, and performing CPR and chest compressions until being relieved by two Pennsylvania State Police troopers. As Dr. Sweetland was accurately quoted in bold face type by our local newspaper the Courier Express: “As an emergency department physician, my muscle memory kicked in. I just thought, go, go…Someone needs your help. Go! That was it.” The injured man turned out to be Corey Comperatore, a volunteer firefighter from Sarver, PA, who tragically suffered a fatal head wound while heroically shielding his family from the assassin’s bullets. Dr. Jim Sweetland possesses all the qualities and attributes of the best kind of hero, a hero with a humble servant’s heart willing to apply his God-given skills as a physician to live out John 15:13 which says: Greater love has no one than a person willing to lay down his life for his friends. Tuesday’s full press conference honoring Dr. Sweetland can be viewed here. Teaming Up with Riley Gaines to Keep Women’s Sports Exclusively Female
Also on Tuesday, it was an honor to introduce Riley Gaines (America First Policy Institute) to many of my Pennsylvania Senate and House colleagues. Riley came to the state Capitol to help push the latest version of the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act (House Bill 216) across the finish line in both chambers of the Pennsylvania General Assembly. A 12-time NCAA All-American swimmer, Riley was robbed of her 2022 national women’s swimming championship due to being forced to compete with a biological male. More than five decades ago, Congress passed Title IX to stop discrimination in educational programs and create equal athletic opportunities for women. As Riley can personally attest, when biological males are allowed to participate in women’s sports, they seize athletic scholarships, competitive opportunities and performance records. Passage of the Fairness in Women’s Sports Act in Pennsylvania would require public schools and public institutions of higher learning to classify athletic teams based on biological sex at birth and therefore prohibiting transgender males from playing on teams that instead align with their so-called “gender identity.” Currently languishing in the Democrat-controlled Pennsylvania House of Representatives Education Committee, House Bill 216 would clearly define “sex” as the biological distinction between male and female, based on reproductive biology and genetic makeup. Now more than ever, we must fight to protect women’s sports from becoming another interscholastic casualty of political correctness and identity politics. County Fair Queens Preside in PA Senate
It was great to welcome local fair royalty to the Senate floor on Monday, which included Clinton County Fair Queen Elizabeth Walker; McKean County Fair Queen Mallory Craig; and Centre County Grange Fair Queen Kryslynn Ronk. Congratulations and thank you ladies, for all your outstanding advocacy on behalf of our communities! October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month
As we kick off Breast Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania, we honor the brave survivors, fighters and advocates who inspire us all in the battle against breast cancer. Each year, we turn the Capitol fountain pink as a powerful reminder of our commitment to raising awareness, advancing research and supporting early detection efforts. This month serves as an important time to reflect on the progress we’ve made and the work that still lies ahead. One in eight women will get breast cancer in her lifetime, so early detection and access to life-saving treatments remain critical. We stand united in spreading awareness and fostering hope, reminding everyone that we can make a lasting impact in the fight against breast cancer. Stay up to date here. $10 Million Available to Farmers for Agricultural Innovation
To support farmers who supply our communities with healthy foods and beverages, Senate Republicans dedicated $10 million for the new Agricultural Innovation Grant Program in this year’s budget. Funding can be used to improve efficiency on the farm or in processing, generate energy while reducing nutrient waste leaving the farm and support crops that effectively store carbon or replace non-renewable resources. It can also be used to address practical challenges including data collection, biosecurity and odor remediation. Learn more about eligibility and apply online by Nov. 15. Senate Approves Bill Exempting Milk Haulers from Travel Bans
The Senate approved legislation to exempt milk haulers from travel bans imposed during a declaration of disaster emergency. It heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 153 would allow a licensed milk hauler to transport milk on highways even during weather-related commercial travel bans. These vehicles would be required to display a decal that would be developed and issued by the Pennsylvania Milk Marketing Board. Dairy producers and processers had to dispose of milk due to weather-related commercial vehicle travel bans, rather than have it transported to market. This adversely affects their already tight profit margins, threatening farmers financially and making them more likely to be forced out of the industry – compromising Pennsylvanians’ access to healthy beverages and foods. State Pumpkin Contest Open Until Oct. 20
The Department of Agriculture has announced its PA Preferred® Pumpkin Palooza Contest. Participants are encouraged to express their creativity by painting or carving a pumpkin. Pumpkins must be purchased from a Pennsylvania farm, and contestants must be a Pennsylvania resident. Three age divisions include child (11 and younger), youth (12-17) and adult (18 and older). Contestants should email a photo of their submission, with the subject “PA Pumpkin Palooza Entry,” to agcontests@pa.gov by Oct. 20. Winners, who will be emailed on Oct. 24, will receive a PA Preferred swag bag. Learn more.
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