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In this update:
Thank You for Joining our Farmers Breakfast
Thank you to everyone who joined us for our 2026 Farmers Breakfast last week. It was a great morning of conversation and connection with the farmers and agricultural leaders who play such a vital role in southern York County. We were honored to hear updates from U.S. Senator Dave McCormick, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, and Pennsylvania FFA Secretary Leah Flinchbaugh, who all shared valuable insight on the issues impacting agriculture today. If you missed it, you can find the recap video here. It was especially great to see so many local FFA members in attendance. Their interest and involvement reflect a strong future for agriculture here in York County. You can find photos of our local FFA members who attended on my Instagram. I also appreciate Congressman Lloyd Smucker, Reps. Joe D’Orsie, Wendy Fink, Mike Jones, and Kate Klunk, and York County Commissioner Doug Hoke, for attending and taking the time to connect with our local agricultural community. Agriculture remains a cornerstone of our local economy, and opportunities like this allow us to hear directly from those working the land, understand their challenges, and continue advocating for policies that support our farmers. Thank you again to everyone who attended and helped make this event such a success. Hearings on Proposed State Budget Set to Begin
Senate hearings begin next week on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026-27 state budget, a plan that spends too much and steers the state ever closer to a massive tax increase. The Senate Appropriations Committee will question department heads as we seek to reduce the size of the $53.3 billion spending plan that would increase spending by $2.7 billion – a 5.4% increase. It would take $4.6 billion out of the state’s Rainy Day Fund, which is made up of emergency reserves that protect against future tax hikes. The committee begins two weeks of hearings on Monday. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I will be carefully reviewing this proposal. Subscribe to my YouTube Channel to catch all of the hearings and follow me on X to get the latest updates on YOUR state budget. Weigh In: Do You Agree with the Governor’s Budget?
Before that work begins, I want to hear from you! Do you agree with the governor’s budget proposal for Pennsylvania? Let me know. Please take a moment to complete my brief survey for residents of the 28th Senatorial District. Your input will help guide my work as we pursue a fiscally responsible final budget. Preventing Food Allergies and Cutting Costs for Taxpayers
Making preventative supplements available to families could prevent more than 80% of peanut and egg allergies and save taxpayers millions, according to testimony given at a Senate Majority Policy Committee public hearing. Approximately 1.3 million Pennsylvanians are afflicted with a food allergy. One expert testified the rate of children with a food allergy has grown by 50% over the past 20 years, with rates of peanut and tree nut allergies rising by 300%. The average cost of a child with a peanut allergy is more than $7,200 per year. Among the topics discussed was legislation that would require no-cost health insurance coverage for early peanut and egg introduction dietary supplements for infants. Video of the hearing and written testimony can be viewed here. Strengthening Pennsylvania’s Competitiveness
I recently joined the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, the Allentown Economic Development Corporation, co-chair Rep. Paul Friel, and legislative colleagues for a Competitiveness Caucus roundtable hosted by Sen. Nick Miller. The discussion brought together employers and job creators to share their experiences, the challenges they are facing, and what they are seeing on the ground in today’s economy. Opportunities like this are critical to gaining a better understanding of what businesses need to grow, invest, and create jobs here in Pennsylvania. Hearing directly from those driving our economy provides valuable insight that helps inform policy decisions and ensures we remain focused on creating an environment where businesses can succeed. I appreciate the opportunity to listen, learn, and continue working toward policies that strengthen Pennsylvania’s economic future. Free Webinars Help Families Plan for Higher Education
For students and parents needing help with college financial aid, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency offers free webinars on applying for aid and reviewing offers, options for non-traditional students, and other important topics. Upcoming webinars include:
Check the full list here for dates and times. The page includes past webinar recordings for topics you might have missed. Touring Amazon’s Jackson Township Facility
Recently, I had the opportunity to tour Amazon’s facility in Jackson Township and meet with Site Leader Steve Washenko and Dave Vitali to learn more about the operation and its impact on our region. Opened in 2023, the facility spans the equivalent of 17 football fields and employs more than 1,000 local residents, providing opportunities for career growth and advancement. Over the past three years, Amazon has also increased wages by 35%, reflecting continued investment in its workforce. The highlight of the visit was meeting the team members who keep the operation running every day. When a package arrives at your doorstep within hours, it is because of their hard work and dedication behind the scenes. Thank you to the Amazon team for the tour and for the important role they play in supporting our local economy. Avoiding the Emotional and Financial Toll of Romance Scams
Valentine’s Day is behind us, but romance scammers never go away. You can help yourself or a loved one avoid heartbreak and serious financial loss by knowing the warning signs. These scammers research a target’s social media to gather personal details, allowing them to mirror interests and build trust. According to state Attorney General Dave Sunday, common romance scammer behavior includes:
Consumers who feel they may have been victimized by this or any other scam may submit a complaint to the Bureau of Consumer Protection, email scams@attorneygeneral.gov or call 1-800-441-2555. Snowmobiling Opportunities in State Parks and Forests
For wintertime fun, our state parks and forests offer thousands of miles and hundreds of acres of designated snowmobile areas. Snowmobile trails are open until April 1 or earlier as determined by the district forester or park manager. It depends on having enough snow on the ground, so check the trail conditions page before you head out to see if trails are open and ready for riding. Riders must stay on roads and trails marked open for snowmobiles. Some trails used for snowmobiling may be open to vehicular traffic. Snowmobilers may also ride on state game lands on designated snowmobile areas, roads and trails. 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.
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