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In this update:
Senate Approves Legislation to Help Relieve PA Nurse Shortage
The Senate approved legislation to help alleviate Pennsylvania’s nurse shortage by increasing the number of qualified nursing students. Senate Bill 998 would establish the Nurse Education Capacity Expansion Grant Program, aimed at increasing the number of qualified nursing students by providing targeted support to accredited nursing schools across Pennsylvania. Nursing education programs would have to meet key performance benchmarks, including strong graduation rates, high licensure exam pass rates and successful job placement outcomes. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 998 here. Innovation and Opportunity on Display in New Freedom
I toured Eden Manufacturing in New Freedom this week and saw firsthand how this local company is advancing high-end medical device production. Using technologies like micro molding, injection molding, and precision machining – Eden delivers critical components through a fully integrated, in-house process that prioritizes quality and reliability. What truly drives their success is their team. With a strong focus on training and advanced automation, Eden supports a skilled workforce operating around the clock to meet demand and exceed expectations. This operation is a great example of how innovation and workforce development are creating real opportunities and strengthening our local economy! Measures Reinforcing Commercial Vehicle Safety Approved by Committee
A package of bills to improve safety standards for commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders in Pennsylvania was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. The measures are the result of a committee fact-finding hearing in December, which revealed deficiencies and loopholes involving criminal illegal migrants. The hearing was prompted by a fatal crash in the state of Indiana involving a Pennsylvania-issued, non-domiciled CDL held by a citizen of Kyrgyzstan. Most recently, the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 13 individuals in Armstrong County, who were in line at a Pennsylvania Driver’s License Center seeking state services. To protect American citizens, the package includes the following bills:
The bills now go to the full Senate for consideration. I look forward to casting an affirmative vote given the strong support of these commonsense measures by our community. Building the Future Workforce Through Hands-On Learning
The future workforce is built with real, hands-on experience and that is exactly what students gained at this week’s Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Student Career Event. Students from Central York, Spring Grove, Red Lion, Dallastown, and South Eastern school districts had the opportunity to step outside the classroom and into the trades. From wiring boards to bending conduit, they explored what a career in the electrical field truly looks like while developing skills that can lead directly to high-demand, family-sustaining jobs. Thank you to IEC Pennsylvania for investing in the next generation and making opportunities like this possible. Don’t Maryland My Pennsylvania
My latest episode of Kristin’s Corner features a conversation with Maryland Delegate Kathy Szeliga to talk about energy demand, grid reliability, and what it means for Pennsylvania as part of the PJM Interconnection. Earlier this week, Governor Josh Shapiro appointed a special counsel to address energy affordability. Ironically enough, the bulk of this individual’s experience is from Maryland. The same Maryland where Delegate Szeliga shared that a locally-owned grocery store was stuck with a monthly electricity bill in excess of $50,000! My discussion with Delegate Szeliga is helpful for context to see how Maryland continues to impact our grid in a negative way for utility consumers. You can listen to the full episode on Spotify, Apple or YouTube. Investing in Agricultural Education and Community in York County
I recently joined the celebration of the grand opening of the newly renovated farmhouse at the Horn Farm Center for Agricultural Education. Once lost to fire, the farmhouse has risen anew, transformed into an education center that will serve as a hub for hands-on learning, community connection, and a shared appreciation for agriculture right here in our community. This investment reflects the growing importance of agricultural education and the role it plays in strengthening our local food system. Spaces like this bring people together, create new opportunities for learning, and help ensure the future of agriculture in our community remains strong. Learn more about Horn Farm on its website. Hearing on Resource Adequacy, Energy Market, Barriers to New PA Power Generation
Continuing efforts to ensure Pennsylvania families and employers have access to reliable, affordable electricity, the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee held a public hearing to examine the latest energy market conditions and barriers to new power generation in the commonwealth. The panel heard from testifiers representing the regional power grid, PJM, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission and others. ReliabilityFirst, which is responsible for ensuring the dependability and security of the regional bulk power system, projected risk to grid reliability could come in 2029 instead of in the early 2030s as previously projected. The surge of demand from data centers and the need for more skilled infrastructure workers were also discussed. You can view written testimony and the hearing video here. Mammo May: Early Detection Saves Lives
May is Mammography Month in Pennsylvania. It’s an opportunity to spread the word that early detection of breast cancer through mammograms saves lives. This PA Breast Cancer Coalition resource page walks you through the steps of the mammogram process. Mammograms are available at no cost in Pennsylvania. If you haven’t yet, use Mammo May to schedule your mammogram and please spread the word to women in your life. Honoring 40 Years of Advocacy for Crime Victims in York County
I recently joined the York County Victims’ Rights Coalition for their annual march and candlelight vigil in recognition of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week. For four decades, the coalition has been a steadfast voice for victims in our community working to ensure individuals and families impacted by crime are heard, supported, and never forgotten. Their commitment to advocacy, education, and compassion has made a lasting difference across York County. During the event, it was a pleasure to present a Senate citation recognizing the coalition’s 40th anniversary and their continued impact. You MAY Have Unclaimed Property!
You may have unclaimed property waiting for you! Join my team at our mobile office in Springettsbury Township next Thursday to find out. A Treasury specialist will be onsite to help you search for unclaimed property, answer questions, and guide you through the process of filing a claim. Come search for yourself and family at York Area United Fire & Rescue Station, located at 50 Commons Drive in York, on Thursday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. In addition to unclaimed property assistance, my team will be available to help with a variety of state-related services. Stop by and take a few minutes to see if money could be waiting to be returned to you. Search for unclaimed property and find out more about the program. On Deck
The Senate of Pennsylvania reconvenes on Monday, May 4, at 1 p.m. Follow me on X for the latest updates on session convening times. You can watch Senate votes and view our agenda 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. |
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