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In this update:
Banning TikTok on State Devices, Networks Advances in Senate
This week, the Senate unanimously approved two of my bills to strengthen the commonwealth’s digital defenses. The first bill bans TikTok from all state-owned devices and networks, due to national security risks. This would bring Pennsylvania in line with federal guidelines and action taken by more than 39 other states and State Treasurer Stacy Garrity. The second measure requires all state IT contracts to meet cybersecurity standards established by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, a move aimed at protecting taxpayer-funded systems and reducing the risk of data breaches across state government. Read more about my legislation here. Destruction of Public Records Could be Felony Offense Under Senate-Passed Bill
I voted in favor of legislation this week that would make the intentional destruction or alteration of Right-to-Know (RTK) records a third-degree felony. This legislation comes after the destruction of public records at the state and local levels over the last several years. According to the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Cris Dush, “These well-documented incidents at the state and local level, and so many others, make it crystal clear that the non-existent penalties for destroying RTK records are not adequate to deter this type of criminal behavior.” You can read more about this good-government reform here. I Want Your Feedback: Please Take My Survey on Improving Permitting Process in PA
Don’t forget – I want YOUR input on how we can make Pennsylvania’s permitting process even more transparent, accountable, and competitive. Please take a moment to share your feedback in my survey on how we can reform our state’s permitting system! Senate Votes to Preserve Prescription Assistance for Seniors
Legislation to protect thousands of Pennsylvania seniors from losing access to life-sustaining prescriptions passed the Senate unanimously. Senate Bill 731 would exclude Social Security cost-of-living adjustments from income eligibility calculations for the PACE and PACENET programs. The bill would extend the current exclusion from the end of this year to Dec. 31, 2027. Funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, the PACE and PACENET programs have provided hundreds of thousands of adults 65 and older with low-cost prescriptions. It now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Budgeting at State Level Should Reflect How We Budget in our Households
Gov. Josh Shapiro proposed a $51.474 billion budget, which is an increase of 7.5% from our current fiscal year. The data show that our state will have exhausted all of its surplus and rainy day funding to pay for this extravagant funding, which will ultimately lead to tax increases on the hardworking people of southern York County. Please keep in mind – state government is not the federal government. We have to balance our state budget every year. I met with Tom Lehman of WGAL to outline how state budgeting is no different than household budgeting and that tough decisions will need to be made in order to balance our state’s budget. You can watch my conversation with Tom here. I also met with James Corrigan of Fox43 to discuss the latest developments on the state budget. You can watch my conversation here. This was also a topic of conversation at the York County Economic Alliance’s Legislative Luncheon held at Heritage Hills last week. We covered how the York County legislative delegation can continue to work together to grow our local economy, support our small businesses and advance permitting reform. Bill to Strengthen Enforcement of PFA Orders Passes Senate
The Senate unanimously approved legislation to improve the enforcement of Protection from Abuse (PFA) petitions and orders and properly reimburse law enforcement agencies. A longstanding imbalance in the law directs a portion of PFA-related court fees to county sheriffs, even when local police departments or state troopers process the paperwork. Senate Bill 302 would require sheriffs to transfer the $25 service fee collected through the existing surcharge to the agency completing the service. The bill would also address a critical safety concern and reinforce professional enforcement standards by authorizing only sheriffs or trained law enforcement officers – not private individuals – to serve PFAs. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Youth and Field Day a Huge Success at Izaak Walton League Chapter 67
Thank you to the York Area Sportsmen for Youth, the Izaak Walton League Chapter 67, and all of the many volunteers for giving our kids the opportunity to connect with nature and each other. The hands-on learning event taught our next generation firearm and archery safety, with the Game Commission sharing information on different game in Pennsylvania. This is what learning should look like: muddy boots, steady aim, and big smiles! You can view more photos on Instagram. Rev. Dorr of Bethlehem Steltz Reformed Church in Glen Rock Serves as Senate Chaplain
On Wednesday, Rev. John C. Dorr, Jr. of Bethlehem Steltz Reformed Church in Glen Rock served as the Guest Chaplain of the Senate of Pennsylvania. The Senate was grateful to Rev. Dorr for opening our session in a thoughtful word of prayer. You can watch his opening prayer here. Maryland’s Failed Energy Policies Put Our Communities at Risk
Are clean energy policies in Maryland to blame for PA power price increase? That is the question that CBS-21’s Candace Scalese asked as part of my ongoing effort to make Maryland do more to generate its own power rather than relying on Pennsylvania to build transmission lines through pristine farmland throughout southern York County. Maryland politicians continue to shut down baseload electric generation, while approving new data centers, which require excessive amounts of electricity to operate. It’s a losing situation for us in southern York County. You can watch my interview here. PA Bus Association, Led by Bailey Coach, Advocates for Greater Safety
It was great to see representatives of Bailey Coach at the Capitol this week advocating for commonsense approaches to improve bus safety in Pennsylvania. Many groups are visiting the Capitol this month to share input and insight into the more than 2,000 bills introduced to date. Strawberry Social Unofficially Kicks Off Summer – Celebrating York County Farmers
Last weekend, the York County Farm Bureau held its annual Strawberry Social, which marks the unofficial start to summer. Thank you to Perrydell Farm and Dairy for hosting and providing scoops of ice cream that everyone enjoyed. The fresh cut strawberries from Shaw Orchards were the perfect topping! I was happy to provide a brief legislative update and catch up with members of our local farming community. You can view more photos from this event on Instagram. Senate Approves Bill to Improve Access to Stroke Resources
The Senate unanimously passed legislation that would improve access to stroke resources. Senate Bill 411 would establish a statewide stroke registry administered and maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The registry would improve patient outcomes by giving emergency medical service providers, hospital stroke teams and other health care providers additional resources. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, strokes are the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States. Each year, more than 795,000 people experience a stroke. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. “No Excuses” Billboard from York Catholic Students Carries Powerful Message
Have you seen the new billboard heading south on I-83 just before Exit 18? It was designed by two incredibly talented York Catholic High School students, Rosie Mulligan and Madie Scott, as part of the “No Excuses” Youth Billboard Design Contest hosted by the Center for Traffic Safety and State Farm. My team had the chance to recognize their powerful message and present a Senate citation honoring their work. You can view more photos on Facebook. Celebrating Dallastown’s Class of 2025
Rep. Mike Jones and I were honored to join in the celebration of the significant achievements and bright futures of the graduating class of Dallastown Area School District. We both served as school board directors at Dallastown and appreciate the opportunity to come back and celebrate the success of our next generation. Congratulations to the class of 2025! Check out more photos from graduation on Instagram here. Supporting our Motorcyclists at Rally at PA Capitol
Earlier this week, I joined the men and women of ABATE of Pennsylvania, who came to the state Capitol to advocate for policies to educate and protect motorcycle riders in Pennsylvania. As summer weather settles in York County, more motorcyclists will be on our roadways. Please be safe out there and look twice, save a life! 23andMe Consumers Can Still Protect Their Information
While 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy, consumers should know they still have rights. Notably, if a consumer’s personal or genetic information was exposed in the 2023 data breach, they may file a claim electronically by July 14. People may also wish to delete their profiles and accounts to ensure their personal data is erased from the 23andMe system and not sold as part of the bankruptcy process. Attorney General Dave Sunday says consumers can learn how to delete their genetic data from 23andMe, destroy their 23andMe test sample and revoke permission for their genetic data to be used for research here. Remembering D-Day and Those Who Gave Everything
In one of the most important military actions in history, the Allies began the liberation of Western Europe on June 6, 1944. Each year, there are fewer surviving D-Day veterans, which makes it even more important that we preserve their legacy through education. We must never forget the more than 2,500 Americans who lost their lives turning the tide in World War II. The cost of freedom is high, and they gave everything to defend it for all of us. On Deck
The Senate of Pennsylvania reconvenes on Monday, June 9, 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. 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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