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In this update:
Overhauling Harrisburg’s Budget Process to Protect Your Tax Dollars
As a sponsor of Senate Bill 474, I am pleased to share that legislation that would require zero-based budgeting (ZBB) cleared a key hurdle this week by advancing through the Senate Finance Committee. This bill would change how Harrisburg builds its annual budget by requiring every agency to justify every single dollar they spend – starting from zero, not from last year’s spending levels. It’s a commonsense way to ensure your hard-earned tax dollars are used wisely and transparently. We are staring down a difficult budget year. If we do not make structural changes now, we risk deep deficits in the future. We must get serious about responsible spending. Texas used this approach to close a $10 billion deficit in 2003, without raising taxes, and for the first time since World War II, the state reduced general fund spending. Pennsylvania can do the same. You can watch here to learn more about ZBB. This bill now heads to the full Senate for a vote, and I will continue to advocate for this reform to make our state government more accountable to you. Learn more here. Lifesaving Bill to Eliminate Cost Barriers to Breast Cancer Diagnosis Approved by Senate
Patients who receive abnormal results from supplemental breast cancer screenings will be able to access the necessary follow-up diagnostic imaging at no cost under bipartisan legislation passed by the Senate. This ensures critical continuum of care. Senate Bill 88 builds on the success of Act 1 of 2023, which provided no-cost preventive screenings for individuals at high risk. It takes the next step with no-cost follow-up diagnostic imaging and expands eligibility to include individuals at average risk. While 26 other states have followed Pennsylvania’s lead in offering no-cost supplemental breast screening since the passage of Act 1, Pennsylvania remains the only state without guaranteed coverage for diagnostic imaging. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Approved by Senate
Legislation to protect property owners against eminent domain abuse and ensure they are fully compensated when their property is taken by government was recently approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 225 would ensure business owners and farmers whose properties are seized through eminent domain are compensated for loss of “goodwill,” which goes beyond the assessed value. For farms, the land may possess characteristics that make it particularly special, such as fertile soil. In the case of another business, goodwill may be because of location, access to utilities and other factors. Farmers, employers and homeowners testified before a Senate committee last year about eminent domain abuse. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. School Bus Safety Grant Program Applications Accepted
School districts, school bus companies and municipalities have until July 3 to apply for state grants to improve school bus safety and pay for training and other costs associated with attracting much-needed school bus drivers. Legislation passed by the General Assembly allows school districts to install automated camera systems to enforce the state School Bus Stopping Law and increase safety for school children. A portion of the fines paid by violators are used for the School Bus Safety Grant Program. Details and the online application are available here. Celebrating 100 Years with Florence Kriner
It was an honor to join family and friends in celebrating the 100th birthday of Florence Kriner. Florence is the proud mother of six, with a growing legacy that includes 16 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. A former homemaker and small business owner, she is known for her love of gardening, reading, and storytelling. I was proud to present her with an official citation from the Senate of Pennsylvania in recognition of this incredible milestone. Thank you to the Kriner family for allowing me to be part of such a special day! Senate Targets PA Opioid Crisis with Expanded Reporting Tool
The Senate voted to incorporate overdose reporting by EMS providers into the statewide Overdose Information Network to make sure first responders, treatment providers and other key parties have the information they need to save lives. Senate Bill 89 would require the Pennsylvania Department of Health to coordinate with the Pennsylvania State Police to ensure real-time overdose reporting by EMS providers is incorporated into the statewide mapping system. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. EMS providers would report information including the date and time of the overdose, location, substances used by the victim and more. In other action to prevent opioid deaths, Senate Republicans led passage of a measure giving EMS personnel permanent authority to leave behind a dose of lifesaving naloxone at non-fatal overdose scenes. Honoring Local Heroes for Life-Saving Efforts in Red Lion
It was a pleasure to join in recognizing the incredible team of first responders whose quick actions saved a life in Red Lion this week. On May 8, Red Lion Area Ambulance Association and Laurel Fire Company responded to a cardiac arrest call. Thanks to 911 dispatcher Cheyenne Peckne, the swift CPR efforts of Angela Sprenkle, and the skilled EMS and fire crews on scene, the patient was stabilized and discharged from the hospital just a week later. I was pleased to present certificates from the Senate of Pennsylvania to everyone involved in this remarkable outcome. Their dedication, coordination, and care exemplify the very best of public service. Sweet New Addition in York County
It was great to join the celebration of Nothing Bundt Cakes’ grand opening in York County! It was a pleasure welcoming this sweet new business that’s bringing jobs, joy, and the perfect “just because” treats to our community. After sampling a few flavors myself, I recommend stopping in for yourself! Wishing the team at Nothing Bundt Cakes nothing bundt success in the years ahead! Celebrating the Hershey Jr. Bears’ Championship Season
Congratulations to the Hershey Jr. Bears Bantam House Select team on an incredible season! With seven tournament wins and a 26-2 record, these young athletes showed what dedication, teamwork, and passion can accomplish. It was a pleasure to welcome the team to the Capitol and recognize their success. I was especially proud to present a Senate certificate to Hudson Miller in honor of a job well done! York & Adams County Realtors at the Capitol
It was a pleasure to meet with members of the Relators Association of York & Adams Counties during their visit to Harrisburg this week for Relators Day on the Hill. I always enjoy seeing familiar York County faces in the Capitol, especially when we’re discussing important issues that impact housing and homeownership in our communities. Thank you for making the trip and sharing your insights! Getting Outside for Great Outdoors Month
June is Great Outdoors Month, and despite the heat we’ve been experiencing, it’s still a great time to take in the natural beauty York County and our commonwealth have to offer. Last weekend, my team partnered with York County Parks to clear branches and pick up litter along the Lake Williams Hiking Loop. Even in the summer heat, it was great to see hikers and mountain bikers out enjoying our county’s trails. If you’re planning to head outdoors, be sure to stay hydrated, take breaks in the shade, and protect yourself from the sun. Whether you’re hiking, biking, or just getting some fresh air, there’s no better time to explore and appreciate all that Pennsylvania’s outdoors have to offer. Just don’t forget to take care of yourself in the heat! Find plenty of ways to explore the great outdoors of our region and the state here. On Deck
The Senate of Pennsylvania reconvenes on Monday, June 30. 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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