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In this update:
Live from the PA Farm Show: A Conversation About Agriculture & Our Future
There is no better place to talk about the future of Pennsylvania agriculture than the Pennsylvania Farm Show! Surrounded by farmers, families, and the industries that keep our state fed and thriving, it was the perfect setting to record a new podcast episode with Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding. The Farm Show is a celebration, but it also serves as a reminder of our shared responsibility. Agriculture is our economy, our food supply, and a part of our heritage that deserves protection. That’s exactly what our conversation focused on: how we preserve what makes Pennsylvania agriculture strong while planning responsibly for the future. Secretary Redding and I discussed why farmland preservation matters, not only for today’s farmers, but for future generations. When land is preserved, it’s a promise. A promise to farmers who commit their land, to taxpayers who invest in its protection, and to communities that rely on agriculture to stay vibrant and sustainable. We also talked about the importance of balancing progress with responsibility. Whether it’s development, infrastructure, or energy projects, Pennsylvania must make thoughtful decisions that respect the land that feeds us. You can listen to this conversation on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube. Farmers Appreciation Breakfast Returns with Special Guest U.S. Senator Dave McCormick
If you’re subscribed to our Farmers e-newsletter, you already know how excited we are about this year’s Farmers Breakfast. Registrations are already starting to fill up. I’m thrilled to share our guest speaker this year is U.S. Senator Dave McCormick, who will be joining us for a morning of conversation, connection, and a great breakfast with the farmers who are the backbone of our community. This event is always one of my favorites because it brings the people who live and work our land together with leaders who value agriculture and understand its importance to Pennsylvania’s future. It’s a chance to talk about the challenges farmers face, share ideas, and strengthen the relationships that keep our agricultural community strong. Please remember, this event is open exclusively to citizens of the 28th Senatorial District. To make sure we are serving the constituents we represent, only individuals who live in the district are eligible to register and attend. Event Details: The deadline to register is Feb. 9. We hope to see you there! Hearing Explores AI’s Impact on Pennsylvania’s Biotech Sector
How Pennsylvania can become a leader in harnessing AI to improve lives, fuel the economy and build a sustainable future was the topic of a recent hearing by the Senate Communications and Technology Committee and the Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee. In biotechnology, AI is accelerating research timelines, improving drug development, optimizing supply chains and expanding the frontiers of what’s possible in medical and agricultural science. Pennsylvania has roughly 3,000 life science companies with a $61 billion direct economic impact. The hearing, held at Merck & Co. in Montgomery County, heard from representatives of Merck, Johnson & Johnson, the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University, a biotech nonprofit, a health care technology firm and a neuroscience start-up, among others. You can view the hearing and read testimony here. Survey Says: Protect Taxpayers with the Safeguard Act
When I asked for your thoughts on taxpayer-funded security upgrades to a governor’s private residence, your response was clear and consistent: safety matters, but so does accountability. Pennsylvanians want common sense, transparency, and protections for taxpayers. Of the 542 survey responses, 6.3% (34) agree with taxpayer-funded upgrades, 91.9% (503) disagree with taxpayer-funded upgrades, and 1.8% (5) are undecided. Let me be very clear: I want the Governor and his family to be safe. Every family deserves to feel secure in their home, regardless of political party. That’s exactly why Pennsylvania maintains a Governor’s Residence for official use. But ensuring safety should not mean writing a blank check with taxpayer dollars. The Safeguard Act creates a simple, fair solution. If state funds are used to upgrade a private residence, a lien would be placed on the property. When that home is sold or transferred, taxpayers are paid back. It protects the Governor and his family and the people who fund state government. You can read more here and watch my interview with ABC27 here. State Law Requires Removing Ice and Snow from Vehicles
It’s a chore, but removing ice or snow from your vehicle not only improves safety, it is the law. Under state law, drivers must remove ice or snow from vehicles, including the hood, trunk and roof, within 24 hours after a snow or ice event. It is also illegal to drive with snow and ice obstructing your vision through the front, side or rear windows. It’s a $50 fine for failing to reasonably clear your vehicle and up to $1,500 if dislodged snow/ice causes serious injury or death. The fines were set under “Christine’s Law,” named for Christine Lambert, who died on Christmas Day 2005 when ice from a tractor trailer crashed through her windshield. Morning Mingle & Munchies at the New Freedom Diner
It was great to join Rep. Kate Klunk’s Morning Mingle & Munchies at the New Freedom Diner and connect with so many community members over breakfast. While Rep. Klunk was unfortunately under the weather and unable to attend, her district office staff did a wonderful job representing her and making sure the event ran smoothly. We had a fantastic turnout, and I truly enjoyed spending time with members of our community, hearing their thoughts, and sharing meaningful conversations. Thank you to everyone who came out, and to the New Freedom Diner for hosting such a welcoming and enjoyable morning. Touring a York County Success Story: Lenka Bar
Have you spotted Lenka Bar on store shelves lately? There’s an incredible local story behind them. What started in a home kitchen has grown into a successful York County business built on hard work, family, and wholesome ingredients. From Lenka Rasovsky’s immigrant journey to today’s small-batch, local production, Lenka Bar is a true example of entrepreneurship done right. It was a pleasure to tour their facility and see firsthand how quality, community, and care go into everything they create. I am proud to support small businesses like Lenka Bar that keep York County strong and continue to show what’s possible with passion and perseverance. You can learn more about Lenka Bars here. Celebrating National School Choice Week
The week of Jan. 25-31 is designated as National School Choice Week to recognize the importance of empowering parents and families to choose educational options that meet each student’s unique learning needs. School choice programs like the state’s popular Educational Improvement Tax Credit program – which was expanded this year to help more families in disadvantaged schools – are a key component of Pennsylvania’s efforts to ensure every student reaches their full potential. Education is not a one-size-fits-all experience. National School Choice Week highlights how a broader range of educational options can boost student achievement and encourage competition and innovation in education. Recognizing Catholic Schools Week in PA
Throughout Pennsylvania, Catholic schools deliver an outstanding education grounded in strong values and character, helping students develop confidence and strong leadership skills that strengthen our communities. Nearly 140,000 students are enrolled in Catholic schools throughout our commonwealth, and data show that 99% of Catholic school students graduate from high school and 96% go on to college after graduation. Senate Republicans led efforts to designate Catholic Schools Week in Pennsylvania from Jan. 25 through 31 to recognize the key role these schools play in educating the next generation of leaders. DEP Recommends Testing Your Home for Radon
Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking in the U.S. To help mark Radon Action Month, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging Pennsylvanians to test their homes for radon. DEP recommends all homes, schools, public and private buildings get tested. Radon test kits are also available at many home improvement and hardware stores, as well as from state-certified radon laboratories. Call DEP’s Radon Division at 717-783-3594, or the Radon Hotline at 800-237-2366, for help with interpreting their test results and what follow-up action may be necessary. Mobile Office Hours with York County Area Agency on Aging
We are happy to announce that in February, our Mobile Office Hours will feature representatives from the York County Area Agency on Aging! Their team will be available to assist with Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications and to talk with residents about the many programs and services the York County Area Agency on Aging offers to support older adults and their families. This is a great opportunity to get one-on-one help, ask questions, and make sure you’re taking advantage of benefits you may be eligible for! Mobile Office Hours Schedule: Thursday, Feb. 5 Thursday, Feb. 19 We look forward to bringing these resources directly to the community and helping residents access the support they deserve. Learn more about special events that will prioritize certain state-related services throughout the year at our mobile offices. 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, Feb. 2, at 2 p.m. Additionally, Gov. Josh Shapiro will present his budget for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Follow me on X for all of the latest updates on session convening times, as well as my input on how we protect your tax dollars during budget negotiations. You can watch all of the Senate votes and view our agenda here.
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