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In this update:
Protecting Women’s Sports Bill Advances in Senate
The Senate Education Committee advanced the Save Women’s Sports Act, which is legislation I am cosponsoring to ensure that athletic teams designated for women remain exclusively for biological females in Pennsylvania schools and colleges. You can watch my remarks on my YouTube channel here. Senate Bill 9 reinforces the original promise of Title IX: equal opportunities and fair competition for female athletes. This bill responds to growing concerns about the integrity and safety of women’s sports being compromised. I recently asked our neighbors for their position on this issue and more than 90% of those who took the time to share feedback on the matter support this effort and believe it should be a priority of the General Assembly. We owe it to our daughters and granddaughters to preserve the protections generations of women fought hard to earn. Learn more here. Committee Deadlocks on Release of Report of $500 Million in Spending
The Legislative Budget & Finance Committee deadlocked this week in a 6-6 vote, halting the public release of a report on a special taxing district that has received more than $500 million in taxpayer funding over the last decade. I strongly believe the public has a right to know how their tax dollars are being spent. Half a billion dollars has been poured into this program, and the public deserves transparency, especially when the resolution that kickstarted this report passed unanimously in the Senate 15 months ago. The senator who asked for this review and sponsored the resolution represents the district where this special taxing zone is located. Unfortunately, the tie vote leaves taxpayers in the dark. When public dollars are in play, transparency must never be optional. You can watch the meeting here on my YouTube Channel I will continue to push for accountability and transparency of state government, especially when it comes to taxpayer dollars. The citizens of this commonwealth deserve nothing less. Meeting the Future of Our Workforce: York County School of Technology
This week, I had the opportunity to meet with several impressive students from the York County School of Technology during their visit to Harrisburg. We talked about their future plans after graduation and the paths they are pursuing through Career and Technical Education (CTE). These young leaders are preparing to fill high-priority, in-demand jobs that are critical to the strength of our workforce here in Pennsylvania. I’m proud to support CTE programs that give students the tools they need to succeed in today’s economy and tomorrow’s careers. The future looks bright with students like these leading the way. Bill to Curb Use of “Acting Secretaries” Clears Senate Committee
The Senate State Government Committee advanced my bill this week to stop governors from bypassing the constitutional confirmation process by using “acting secretaries” to lead state agencies indefinitely. Senate Bill 472 ensures accountability by limiting how long someone can serve without Senate approval, requiring public hearings. It’s time to restore the checks and balances outlined in our state constitution. The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration. You can read more about this legislative effort here. 36th Annual Pennsylvania FFA Legislative Breakfast
I had the pleasure of starting Tuesday morning bright and early at the Pennsylvania FFA Legislative Breakfast. This annual tradition brings together state leaders and FFA students from across the Commonwealth to celebrate the importance of agricultural education and leadership. It was especially meaningful to connect with students from Red Lion, Kennard-Dale, and Eastern York. Their enthusiasm, knowledge, and dedication to building a strong future for agriculture is truly inspiring. Whether they’re raising livestock, learning about agri-business, or participating in community service, these students are making a real difference in our local communities, and I look forward to seeing them succeed in their futures. Supporting Small Businesses: Tax Relief Bill Approved by Finance Committee
Small businesses should not be penalized for doing the state’s job. That is why I introduced Senate Bill 473, which was approved by the Senate Finance Committee earlier this week. The bill restores the full sales tax vendor discount for businesses that collect and remit sales tax on time by removing the $300 cap that has been in place since 2016. This will help reduce compliance costs for our local shops, restaurants, and job creators who continue to face rising costs across the board. You can find out more on this effort here. Welcoming York County’s Newest Citizens
Last week, I had the incredible honor of speaking at York County’s naturalization ceremony where individuals from all over the world officially became citizens of the United States. I shared the story of Frank Capra, the legendary filmmaker behind It’s a Wonderful Life, who immigrated to America as a young boy. When he arrived, his father pointed to the Statue of Liberty and said, “Remember that. That is the light of freedom.” That same light of freedom continues to shine on each of us. To our newest fellow Americans, may you have a wonderful life in this great nation. You can find more photos on my Facebook here. Bill to Improve School Bus Safety Receives Senate Committee Support
The Senate Transportation Committee this week voted to advance legislation to better protect children by strengthening school bus safety laws. It now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Senate Bill 65 would increase the required stopping distance for opposing drivers from 10 feet to 15 feet, creating a greater buffer for children entering and exiting the bus. It also strengthens penalties for all offenders via a tiered penalty system. Penalties may include increased fines and mandatory driver education. Drivers who fail to prepare to stop when a school bus activates its flashing amber lights would also be subject to penalties. Each year, the Department of Transportation conducts a school bus education and enforcement program. The most recent program, conducted in October 2024, found police officers and bus drivers in 22 school districts reporting 131 violations in a single day. Youth Invited to Go Fishing on Saturday
Pennsylvania’s Mentored Youth Trout Day gives young people early access to the state’s stocked trout waters. This year, it will be held on Saturday, March 29, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Youth anglers need a free Mentored Youth Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License, which can be purchased for $2.97, from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Both are available online or at licensing agents across the state. To participate, youth anglers must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler, which are anglers 16 years of age and older. Adult anglers need a valid Pennsylvania Fishing License and a current Trout Permit. Youth with a license or permit can take a total of two trout (combined species) with a minimum length of seven inches. Adult anglers may not possess trout. Honoring Vietnam Veterans and an American Hero
Nine million Americans served during the Vietnam War era, and 58,000 gave their lives in service to our nation. Tragically, because many did not view the war favorably, too many Vietnam War veterans returned home to a cold reception, and some were even deeply mistreated. March 29 marks the day in 1973 when the last United States troops left Vietnam. That same day, 591 American prisoners of war were released and returned to U.S. soil. As we approach Vietnam Veterans Day, let us take time to reflect on and recognize those who fought valiantly for our freedoms. We are forever grateful for their courage and sacrifice. In honor of this important day, we recognized First Lieutenant Clebe McClary during Senate session this week. A decorated Marine Corps veteran, Clebe’s story is nothing short of extraordinary. He was a college coach with a promising future when he made the selfless decision to serve his country in Vietnam. On his 19th recon mission, he suffered life-altering injuries but continued to lead his men with unwavering bravery and resolve. For his heroism, Clebe was awarded the Silver Star, Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts. Since his return, he has inspired countless Americans with his message of strength, faith, and perseverance, captured in his personal motto: F.I.D.O. – Forget It and Drive On. A special thank you to Sen. Doug Mastriano for inviting Clebe to the Capitol. His presence served as a powerful reminder of the resilience of our veterans and the enduring impact of their service. To all of our Vietnam Veterans, thank you and welcome home! Mobile Office in Springettsbury Township
Next Thursday, my team will be back at the York Area United Fire & Rescue Station, 50 Commons Drive, York, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. During these hours, my team will be available to assist with PennDOT forms, Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications, notary services, and other state-related needs. My team looks forward to seeing you there! You can find more information on the mobile offices here. 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, March 31, 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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