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In this update:
2024: A Year in Review for the 28th Senate District
As we kick off the start of 2025, I want to reflect on the progress we’ve made together in 2024. This year, landmark permitting reform was signed into law, streamlining the process for opening or expanding businesses across Pennsylvania which is a crucial step for economic growth. I’ve also upheld my commitment to fiscal responsibility by rejecting the automatic cost-of-living adjustment, state-provided health care, pension benefits, and mileage reimbursements, ensuring taxpayer dollars are used wisely. My team and I have assisted constituents in navigating more than 5,000 issues with state agencies and departments. Through a partnership with Treasurer Stacy Garrity, more than $260,000 in unclaimed property was returned to citizens of southern York County. Collaborating with local and state police, we also worked to replace more than 200 illegible license plates, enhancing road safety in our community. This year’s student government seminar was our most successful yet, bringing together 170 exceptional York County students to foster civic engagement and leadership – the event even set the record for the most attended “Senator for a Day” event at the state Capitol. As I look forward to the next legislative session beginning on Jan. 7, I remain dedicated to advancing initiatives that make York County an even better place to live, work, and raise a family. Thank you for trusting me to represent you in Harrisburg. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to me. You can reply to this email or visit my website to stay connected in 2025! Wishing you a happy and prosperous New Year! Capitol Tour with the American Heritage Girls
Last week, I had the privilege of welcoming the bright young women of American Heritage Girls Troop PA7222 to the state Capitol. It was a special moment to join them for a tour, show them the Senate Chamber, and share the rich history of the building. One of the highlights was explaining the story of Violet Oakley, a trailblazing young female, who was commissioned more than a century ago to paint the stunning murals in the Senate Chamber, Supreme Court Chamber, and Governor’s Reception Room. Her legacy continues to inspire new generations to break barriers and achieve greatness. I look forward to seeing what these dedicated individuals accomplish in the years to come! You can find more photos from the visit here. Family-Sustaining Jobs Give Pennsylvanians Great Opportunity
Access to family-sustaining jobs is essential for Pennsylvanians to thrive. That’s why my colleagues and I focused on policies that attract and keep great employers, ensuring opportunities for everyone. In addition to the above-mentioned permitting reform, we worked to reduce the Corporate Net Income Tax, giving businesses more room to grow and hire, while also eliminating the start-up penalty that often discourages entrepreneurship. For young Pennsylvanians, we funded scholarships to help them gain the skills needed to step into high-demand jobs right here in our communities. As a mother of three and former small business owner, my goal has been to build an economy that provides opportunity for our children right here in Pennsylvania through commonsense policies that encourage job creation, growth and innovation. I do not find it acceptable that our next generation finds their greatest success in other states – we must change that trajectory and Senate Republicans have led the effort to do just that. High energy costs can strain household budgets and limit job growth, so we pushed back against the RGGI electricity tax and streamlined the permitting process to help businesses create jobs faster. The budget also invests in preparing sites for new businesses and established Keystone Opportunity Zones to turn unused spaces into hubs for new opportunities. These efforts aren’t just about numbers, they’re about making sure you and our neighbors have better job options, lower utility costs, and a brighter future. Learn more about how we’re protecting Pennsylvania jobs and creating opportunities for working families. Senate Republicans Vote for Healthy Communities
Supporting families means building healthier, stronger communities, and that’s exactly what we’ve worked to achieve in the 2023-24 legislative session. We passed landmark legislation to eliminate out-of-pocket costs for breast cancer screening and testing for women at high risk, a first-of-its-kind measure in the nation. Families also now have greater access to licensed addiction treatment programs, ensuring more Pennsylvanians can receive the care they need to overcome challenges. From newborns to seniors, our efforts focus on making medical care more accessible for everyone. Struggling babies can now benefit from lifesaving, medically prescribed pasteurized human donor milk, giving them the critical care they need to thrive. For seniors, we’ve protected their prescription drug program benefits, ensuring that a Social Security cost-of-living increase doesn’t jeopardize their access to life-saving medications. These changes make health care more affordable and accessible for everyday Pennsylvanians while also addressing issues like staffing shortages and administrative burdens in the health care system. Learn more about how we’re improving health care options and outcomes for everyone across the state. Home Heating Assistance Takes the Chill Out
Residents struggling with their home heating bills may apply for assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) through April 4. LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. It also provides crisis grants to help in the event of an emergency or if a resident is in danger of losing his or her heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel or termination of utility service. The income eligibility guidelines for LIHEAP are $22,590 for an individual, $30,660 for a couple and $46,800 for a family of four. Find limits for other family sizes here. Residents may apply for LIHEAP online or by contacting their local county assistance office. Free Drug Overdose Prevention Supplies Available
Naloxone and drug-checking strips designed to detect xylazine and fentanyl are available at no cost through the Pennsylvania Overdose Prevention Program. The program’s goal is to improve community-based distribution and harm reduction efforts while focusing on individuals who face the greatest risk of experiencing overdose. Organizations can use an interactive map, which can be filtered by product, distribution methods and trainings offered. It will display contact information for getting supplies. If organizations aren’t able to get supplies using the map, they’re encouraged to use this form. PA Farm Show Runs Jan. 4-11
As a state where agriculture is one of the top industries, Pennsylvania is proud to host the largest indoor agricultural exposition under one roof in the nation. The Pennsylvania Farm Show runs from Jan. 4-11 in Harrisburg. The Farm Show features nearly 6,000 animals, competitive events and 250 commercial exhibits. There are also educational and entertaining events – and of course the famed Food Court. Admission is free, and parking is $15 per car. I look forward to participating in the annual Sen. Mike Waugh Celebrity Feed Scurry event on Wednesday, Jan. 8, from 3-6 p.m. This annual event, named after my late predecessor, raises scholarship funds for the Friends of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Foundation. If you are at the Farm Show on Wednesday, feel free to watch this friendly competition, which will take place in the New Holland Arena. You can watch some highlights from last year’s event here. I’m excited to celebrate our farmers next week. Agriculture in Pennsylvania employs nearly half a million people and contributes $132.5 billion to the state’s economy annually. York County ranks second in the state when it comes to farmland. ICYMI: 2025 Mobile Office Hours
In case you missed it, our mobile office hours are back for 2025! These sessions provide a convenient way for you to access state services right in your backyard. Whether you need assistance with PennDOT forms, Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications, notary services, or other state-related concerns, my team is here to help. We’ve already announced our full schedule for the year, so be sure to check it out here. I encourage you to stop by one of our locations. We’re looking forward to continuing to bring state government directly to you in 2025! Stay tuned for more events in your community, like our coffee and conversations, license plate replacement events, and more throughout the year! Upcoming PennDOT Maintenance Projects
Most weeks, PennDOT provides me with its upcoming maintenance schedule. While my team and I aim to keep this information up to date, please note that the page may not always reflect the latest changes. For the most accurate details, I recommend checking back on Friday afternoons or over the weekend, as we usually receive updates from PennDOT on Fridays. You can view the full list here to see if any roadwork might impact you and your family. On Deck
The Senate of Pennsylvania reconvenes on Tuesday, Jan. 7, at noon for swearing-in ceremonies of new members of the General Assembly, including half of the Senate of Pennsylvania. Why is only half of the Senate being sworn in next week? It’s because the term of a state senator is four years – with odd-numbered districts up for election during presidential election years and even-numbered districts up for election during gubernatorial election years.
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