Senator Mastriano E-Newsletter

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Harrisburg Office, 170 Main Capitol, Harrisburg PA 17120. Chambersburg, 37 S. Main St., Suite 200, Chambersburg Pa 17201. Gettysburg Office, 33 York Street, Gettysburg, PA 17325.

In this Update:

  • Visit To a Hand-Painted American Flag Spanning Across Two Acres
  • Roots of Revival Sean Feucht America250 Event
  • Chambersburg Fire Department Visit
  • Mercersburg Roundtable Discussion on Tourism
  • Miss Pennsylvania & Rebecca Van der Groef Honored
  • Franklin County Fair
  • Monthly Photo Submission
  • Throwback!
  • Senate Passes Bill to Bring Life-saving Treatments to Market More Quickly
  • Strengthening Medical Imaging Standards
  • Empowering Patients to Make Care Decisions
  • PA Trooper’s Death Highlights Urgent Need to Improve CDL Oversight
  • Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline Extended to Dec. 31
  • State Police Cadet Selection Open Through July 31

Visit To a Hand-Painted American Flag Spanning Across Two Acres

American flag, red, white and blue hand-painted on a field.

I had the privilege of visiting the breathtaking hand-painted American flag at the Culbertson Family Farm in Newburg, Pennsylvania—a stunning tribute in celebration of America250.

Spanning two acres, this remarkable work of art is a powerful reminder of the ideals that have united our nation for nearly 250 years: faith, freedom, sacrifice, and the enduring spirit of the American people. Seeing Old Glory displayed on such a grand scale was both humbling and inspiring.

My heartfelt thanks to the Culbertson family for sharing their creativity, patriotism, and love of country with the community. Their extraordinary tribute reminds us of the generations of Americans who have defended our liberty and the responsibility we all share to preserve it for those who follow.

As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday, may we never take our freedoms for granted and always strive to preserve this great nation for future generations.

Roots of Revival Sean Feucht America250 Event

4 people standing together inside a warehouse building, on the far left is Senator Mastriano wearing a hat, light blue buttoned down shirt, belt and black jeans, next a man wearing a white cowboy hat, long blonde curly hiar, black shirt and jeans, next a woman with long blonde hair, white top and jeans, and Senator Mastriano’s wife Rebbie with auburn shoulder length hair, white tank top, cross body purse and blue jeans.

What an incredible honor it was for Rebbie and me to be part of Roots of Revival’s worship gathering in Gettysburg in honor of America250.

It was a privilege to join so many patriotic Americans in celebrating our nation’s enduring heritage of faith, freedom, and hope. The evening was a powerful reminder that throughout our history, prayer has sustained our people through both triumph and trial.

One of the highlights of the evening was presenting the Pennsylvania Freedom Medal to Sean and Kate Feucht in recognition of their steadfast commitment to faith, worship, and encouraging people across our nation to stand boldly for their convictions.

Congratulations, Sean and Kate. Thank you for your dedication, your courage, and your love for God and country.

Rebbie and I were truly honored to share this special evening with you and everyone who gathered in historic Gettysburg.

May God continue to bless Pennsylvania, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Chambersburg Fire Department Visit

Senator Mastriano standing second to last on the right. He stands among Fire Fighters dressed in black.

It was an honor to meet with the dedicated first responders and emergency personnel who put these life-saving tools to work every day.

I was grateful for the opportunity to see firsthand the new LIFEPAK AED monitors purchased through a Local Share Account Grant. These advanced monitors will help emergency responders provide faster, more effective care when every second counts.

Thank you for the warm welcome, the demonstration of this remarkable equipment, and the opportunity to join you for a celebratory photo. Most importantly, thank you for your unwavering commitment to protecting and serving our communities.

Supporting our first responders is an investment in the safety and well-being of every Pennsylvanian, and I am proud to have helped secure funding for equipment that will save lives.

Mercersburg Roundtable Discussion on Tourism

a lady on the far left wearing a black blazer with a dark brown top, senator Mastriano in the middle wearing a brown sports jacket, red tie and white dress shirt, man on the right wearing a navy sports jacket and white dress shirt sitting in a room with wooden accents and the PA state flag and American flag behind them.

It was a pleasure to participate in a Tourism Roundtable Discussion at the beautiful James Buchanan Hotel in Mercersburg.

I appreciated the opportunity to meet with local business owners, community partners, public officials, and tourism and economic development leaders to discuss ways we can strengthen tourism throughout our region. By attracting more visitors to Franklin County, we can drive more traffic to our local businesses, support existing jobs, create new opportunities, and help our communities thrive.

Mercersburg and the surrounding area offer a unique blend of history, outdoor recreation, hospitality, and small-town charm. Working together, we can better showcase these assets and encourage more people to visit, stay, shop, dine, and explore all our region has to offer.

Thank you to everyone who participated and shared valuable ideas. I look forward to continuing our partnership as we work to grow tourism and strengthen our local economy.

Miss Pennsylvania & Rebecca Van der Groef Honored

2 ladies, one in a red dress and the other in a navy dress with a burgundy design, standing next to Senator Mastriano who is wearing a brown plaid sports jacket, black jeans and a hat.

It was a pleasure to welcome Miss Pennsylvania to the 33rd Senatorial District and to recognize two outstanding women whose leadership and service are making a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

I was honored to present the Pennsylvania Freedom Award to Rebecca Van der Groef, President and CEO of Hoffman Homes in Adams County, and to Miss Pennsylvania in recognition of their dedication to serving others, strengthening our communities, and inspiring the next generation.

As President and CEO of Hoffman Homes, Rebecca Van der Groef has devoted herself to providing hope, healing, and opportunities for children and families in need. Likewise, Miss Pennsylvania continues to use her platform to promote leadership, scholarship, service, and positive change throughout our Commonwealth.

Congratulations to both recipients on this well-deserved recognition. Thank you for your compassion, your leadership, and your unwavering commitment to making Pennsylvania a better place. It was a privilege to celebrate your accomplishments and welcome you to the 33rd Senatorial District.

Franklin County Fair

green and yellow john deere tractors during a tractor pull

There’s something special about the Franklin County Fair.

For generations, families have gathered here to celebrate our agricultural heritage, support our hardworking farmers and 4-H and FFA youth, and make memories that last a lifetime. From the barns to the midway, the sights, sounds, and traditions remind us of the values that have always made our community strong.

In a world that changes so quickly, the Franklin County Fair remains a place where neighbors come together, traditions live on, and the American spirit shines bright.

Here’s to another year of making memories, honoring our roots, and celebrating all that makes Franklin County such a special place.

God bless Franklin County, and God bless America!

Monthly Photo Submission

Graphic with a cartoon like camera and polaroid photo included

Monthly Photo Submission! Show Us What Makes Adams & Franklin Counties Special!

Our communities are filled with incredible people, beautiful landscapes, historic places, and unforgettable moments. I want to help showcase the very best of Adams and Franklin Counties through a new Photo of the Month Contest!

Whether it’s a breathtaking sunrise, a family farm, a community event, a veteran being honored, a historic landmark, wildlife, or a special moment that captures the spirit of our region, I encourage you to submit your favorite photos.

At the end of each month, I will personally review the submissions and select a Photo of the Month. The chosen photo will be featured on my social media platforms, and the photographer will be recognized for their outstanding work.

This is a great opportunity to celebrate the people, places, and moments that make Adams and Franklin Counties such wonderful places to live, work, and raise a family.

Submit your best photos by clicking on the link provided and help tell the story of our communities!

I look forward to seeing our counties through your lens.

Submit your photo here.

Throwback!

Senator Mastriano in green and beige Army gear wearing a helmet standing next to a destroyed Iraqi tank

The night before the ground war began, I paused beside a destroyed Iraqi tank. My unit, the 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment, had crossed into Iraq a full day before the official start of the ground offensive, helping lead the coalition’s advance into enemy territory.

Senate Passes Bill to Bring Life-saving Treatments to Market More Quickly

Test tubes in a laboratory with a drop of liquid added to a test tube

The Senate approved legislation to help get new life-saving treatments and devices to market more quickly while preserving safety standards. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Under current law, a pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturer must first complete a lengthy federal process before it can even begin the state licensure process in Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 1206 allows companies to gain temporary approval under Pennsylvania’s virtual manufacturers’ law, so that once federal approval is granted, these companies can quickly move forward without having to clear additional administrative roadblocks. Read more about Senate Bill 1206 here.

Strengthening Medical Imaging Standards

Patient on stretcher being put into an MRI machine by medical technician

Medical imaging – such as MRIs or x-rays – are essential to diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions and rely on radiation to do so. Performed incorrectly, these tests can cause serious harm to patients.

Yet, Pennsylvania is one of only four states that do not have a licensure or certification framework for these professionals. The Senate approved Senate Bill 1334 to create a statewide licensing structure for professionals who perform medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures.

The bill doesn’t require additional schooling or place unnecessary burdens on qualified professionals. It was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 1334 here.

Empowering Patients to Make Care Decisions

Older female patient in chair speaking to a female doctor holding a chart.

Pennsylvania Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) spell out treatments a seriously ill patient does and does not want in an emergency or at the end of life. To empower patients, the Senate passed legislation creating the legal framework for their use across all healthcare settings.

These differ from an advance directive, which generally identifies a surrogate decision-maker or provide broad guidance about future care preferences. POLST is a medical order that must be followed immediately, ensuring care aligns with the patient’s wishes in real time.

POLST forms are not consistently recognized or applied across all care settings in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 730 provides statutory authority so that these forms are honored statewide by healthcare providers and emergency medical services. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Read more about Senate Bill 730 here.

PA Trooper’s Death Highlights Urgent Need to Improve CDL Oversight

Police badge with a black line

Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael E. Pahira Jr. was recently killed in the line of duty during a Schuylkill County traffic stop when he was struck by a tractor trailer driven by a person who was in the country illegally.  

I mourn this heartbreaking tragedy and join the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association in asking why this person had been granted a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Massachusetts.

I also urge the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to pass two bills approved by the Senate to help prevent similar tragedies in the future: Senate Bill 1294, which improves the training curriculum and strengthens penalties to shutdown unqualified “CDL Mills,” and Senate Bill 1295, which requires English proficiency in all testing applications to operate an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle on public highways. 

We must strengthen our laws and oversight governing non-domiciled CDLs to improve commercial vehicle safety and help protect lives across our commonwealth.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline Extended to Dec. 31

Exterior of white house with green tree and landscaping in front.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides rebates on property taxes or rent paid for the previous year by income-eligible seniors and people with disabilities. The deadline to apply has been extended to Dec. 31, 2026.

Funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, it benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Rebates range from $380 to $1,000. The income limit is currently $48,110 a year for homeowners and renters, however, half of Social Security income is excluded.

Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced that $224.4 million in rebates have already been sent to 372,291 Pennsylvanians. You can find more information and apply here. Contact my office for assistance in applying.

State Police Cadet Selection Open Through July 31

Vehicle parked on mud and grass with wording on door reading “Pennsylvania State Police Trooper.”

Do you know someone who is considering a law enforcement career? The Pennsylvania State Police Cadet selection cycle is open through July 31.

In addition to patrol services and policing residential areas, state troopers provide a variety of support services through specialized positions. The selection process consists of a written exam, background check and polygraph exam, physical readiness test, medical checkup and psychological evaluation.

College internships are also available at participating schools. Learn more about the cadet selection process here.

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