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In this update:
Statewide Row Officers Begin Serving PA
This week, I had the privilege of joining my colleagues to celebrate the inaugurations of three incredible leaders who will serve our commonwealth: Attorney General David W. Sunday, Jr., Treasurer Stacy Garrity, and Auditor General Tim DeFoor. As a fellow York Countian, it was a special honor to emcee the swearing-in ceremony for Attorney General Dave Sunday. I first met Dave when he was a young, energetic Assistant District Attorney, eager to make a difference. Even then, it was clear his passion for justice and his commitment to serving others were unmatched. He didn’t just talk about change, he rolled up his sleeves and made it happen. As York County’s District Attorney, he transformed our community into a model for justice, balancing accountability with redemption, protecting victims, and rebuilding lives while keeping neighborhoods safe. Now, Dave is bringing that same collaborative spirit, principled leadership, and steadfast dedication to justice for all Pennsylvanians. I could not be prouder to call him not only my constituent but also my dear friend. You can find more photos on my Facebook. You can watch Attorney General Sunday take the oath of office below, featuring a rendition of the National Anthem by the talented Central York High School choir!
We also celebrated the inauguration of Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who plays a vital role in safeguarding Pennsylvania’s finances. The Treasury Department manages over $160 billion in state funds, oversees deposits and withdrawals from state agencies, and administers programs like the PA 529 college and career savings plan. In her first term, Treasurer Garrity returned record amounts of unclaimed property and reduced fees multiple times for PA 529 and PA ABLE, a program that gives individuals with qualifying disabilities a tax-advantaged way to save without impacting their government benefits. Finally, Auditor General Tim DeFoor begins another term as the state’s fiscal watchdog. Auditor General DeFoor has shown an unwavering dedication to ensuring taxpayer dollars are spent wisely and state programs operate efficiently. Over the past four years, he has conducted nearly 4,000 audits annually and spearheaded high-profile performance audits to improve government accountability. His leadership helps ensure that every dollar collected from hardworking Pennsylvanians is put to good use. I am proud to support these accomplished leaders as they work to move Pennsylvania forward and serve our community and the state of Pennsylvania with integrity and dedication. Coming Soon: Farmers Breakfast Featuring a Special Keynote Speaker
Don’t miss out! Our annual Farmers Breakfast is fast approaching, and this is your last chance to sign up for updates and event details. We’re excited to welcome a special keynote speaker who will share valuable insights on key issues affecting our agricultural community. Sign up here to stay in the loop. An exciting announcement is coming next week! The Debate Over TikTok Intensifies
The national debate over TikTok reached new heights this week as the app went dark for a few hours on Sunday, Jan. 19. Concerns about TikTok’s data collection practices and its ties to its China-based parent company, ByteDance, prompted the federal ban. However, President Trump has granted a temporary extension of the order, stating that his administration will continue to work through the issue before implementing a permanent solution. At the state level, I’ve reintroduced legislation to ban TikTok on all state-owned devices and networks as a proactive measure to strengthen Pennsylvania’s cybersecurity. This legislation specifically targets state-related devices and networks, ensuring critical government systems and sensitive information remain secure. Personal devices, such as private phones and tablets, would not be impacted by this legislation. I want to hear your thoughts on these efforts to safeguard our state’s digital assets and protect sensitive information. Do you support these measures? Let me know by taking my survey here! Free Tax Prep Services Available for York County Residents
The York County AARP Foundation Tax-Aide Program is once again offering free tax preparation services for taxpayers, especially adults 50 and older with low or moderate income. This program helped volunteers file more than 4,500 tax returns across 12 locations in York County last year. There is no fee for this service, and AARP membership is not required. Tax-Aide volunteers can prepare most personal income tax returns, including those with basic self-employment income, but they cannot assist with business, farm, or rental income tax returns. You can make an appointment now by visiting yorkaarptaxaide.com or call one of the participating locations listed below: Aldersgate Church (York): 717-771-9042 Make sure to bring your photo ID, proof of Social Security or ITIN numbers for everyone on the tax return, a voided check for direct deposit, and last year’s tax return, if available. January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Human trafficking is a heinous crime that exploits some of the most vulnerable among us. If you suspect someone is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Technology, the desire for connection, and lack of financial stability all play key roles in the most common ways human trafficking begins. By looking out for those around us, we can help to prevent exploitation before it happens. I am proud to reflect on the progress Pennsylvania has made in combating human trafficking, including my legislation, Act 1 of 2020, the “Buyer Beware Act.” This bipartisan law elevated human trafficking offenses to first-degree felonies, increased penalties for patronizing victims, and strengthened efforts to hold perpetrators accountable. My colleagues and I passed multiple bills last session to build upon the success of Act 1 of 2020. One law ensures that sexually exploited children who are human trafficking victims always have full access to appropriate services and support. Another subjects individuals convicted of certain human trafficking offenses to the same reporting and evaluation requirements as any other sexual offender. I look forward to continuing our efforts to combat trafficking, protect victims, and bring offenders to justice as the new session year begins. Together, we can safeguard the most vulnerable and make Pennsylvania a safer place for all. Plan for College: Free Webinars to Help Families Navigate Higher Education Costs
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) is holding a free virtual webinar to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process. It will be held on Thursday, Jan. 30, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. During the webinar, a PHEAA expert will present information about the financial aid application process, the types of aid available and strategies about affordability to consider before applying for postsecondary school admission. A question-and-answer session will be held following the hour-long presentation. Register to attend the webinar, which is open to all ages. ICYMI: Live from the Farm Show
At the 109th Pennsylvania Farm Show, I sat down with Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding for a special podcast episode to discuss the latest trends in farming, from agritourism opportunities to the challenges of energy projects. Missed the Farm Show? Listen on Apple, Spotify, or YouTube to learn more about the future of farming in Pennsylvania. Winter Emergency Travel Kit Tips
This week, York County has experienced its most snow of the season along with below-freezing temperatures, making winter travel more challenging than ever. Whether you’re heading out for work or errands, it’s essential to be prepared for potential extended traffic stops by packing a winter emergency travel kit. Be sure to include a blanket, ice scraper, flashlight, warm clothing and gloves, sand, jumper cables, cellphone charger, small shovel, first aid kit, water and nonperishable food. A printable winter emergency kit list from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is available here. Don’t forget to include personal items tailored to your family’s needs, such as medications, baby supplies, or pet food. With the unpredictable weather we’ve been experiencing, taking these precautions can make all the difference in ensuring your safety and comfort on the road. Stay warm, stay safe, and plan ahead for whatever winter brings our way! Assistance Available for Local Historic Preservation
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission is now accepting applications from nonprofit organizations and local governments for the Keystone Historic Preservation Grant Program. The grants support projects that identify, preserve, promote and protect historic and archaeological resources in Pennsylvania for the benefit of public and community revitalization. Two categories of grants – construction and planning – are available for historic resources in Pennsylvania that are listed, or eligible for listing, in the National Register of Historic Places. Applicants may apply for only one type of grant. Learn more and apply online by March 3. 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 Monday, Jan. 27, at 1 p.m. Follow me on X for all of the latest updates on session convening times. You can watch all of the Senate votes and view our agenda here.
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