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In this update:
Survey Results Show Overwhelming Support for Permitting Reform
Thank you to everyone who participated in my recent survey on Pennsylvania’s permitting process. Your feedback continues to shape legislation aimed at making government more transparent, efficient, and responsive. An overwhelming 92.5% of respondents support Senate Bill 6, which I introduced to require state agencies to post permit timelines, provide real-time updates online, and clearly explain decisions. Only 2.5% opposed the measure, with 5% undecided. These results reflect a strong desire to modernize our permitting system by reducing delays, improving communication, and eliminating unnecessary red tape. Senate Bill 6 builds on the recently signed SPEED permitting reforms and aims to hold state agencies accountable without creating additional bureaucracy. This week, I joined Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Jessica Shirley to highlight how the SPEED Program is already improving transparency and efficiency. You can find my remarks below and the whole event here.
Senate Bill 6 is the next step in our continued work to streamline permitting and deliver results for Pennsylvanians. Thank you again for making your voice heard! Don’t Get Jammed Up in a Scam: Come to Scam Jam
Scam artists are getting more creative, but so are our efforts to stop them. I am partnering with the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities and several key organizations to host Scam Jam – a free, interactive event to help you recognize and avoid frauds and scams that target individuals and families across our community. Join us Friday, July 25, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Goodwill Fire Co. located at 1 Main Street, Jacobus. You will hear directly from:
This event will include informative presentations, light refreshments, and a few activities, including a game of fraud bingo, and an opportunity to win prizes! Most importantly, you’ll walk away with practical knowledge to protect yourself and your loved ones. This event is free and open to the public, but space is limited. Please register here or call my office at 717-787-7085. I hope to see you there! House Approves My Bill to Support EMS Providers and Expand Naloxone Access
Legislation I authored to strengthen emergency response efforts and save lives across Pennsylvania is now headed to the governor’s desk following strong bipartisan support in both chambers. Senate Bill 95 gives EMS providers permanent authority to leave behind naloxone, commonly known as Narcan, at the scene of an overdose. While naloxone is available over the counter, not all versions are easily accessible and in critical situations, delays can be deadly. Our EMS providers, especially in rural communities, are stretched thin. This legislation helps reduce repeat overdose calls and allows first responders to focus on other emergencies where every second matters. I’ve heard from EMTs who are called back to the same home hours later because the person they revived didn’t have naloxone left behind. This bill directly addresses that challenge. In addition to helping EMS teams, the bill was amended to:
This is a practical, bipartisan solution to save lives, support EMS personnel, and ensure Pennsylvanians have continued access to essential care and medications. You can learn more about this initiative here. I’ll keep you updated as this bill moves to the governor’s desk. Progress on the 2025-26 State Budget
Standing up for families and taxpayers remains our focus as work on the 2025-26 budget continues in Harrisburg. Over the last two weeks we have taken steps to advance several key components of the state budget, to fund certain government functions, as work continues on reaching a full budget agreement. This year’s budget must invest in our communities and core government functions that people across Pennsylvania rely on as part of their daily lives. However, we must also address the fact that in the current fiscal year Pennsylvania is faced with a $3 billion structural deficit that could grow to $6 billion if spending is left to go unchecked. We cannot rely on one-time use dollars from our state’s Rainy Day Fund to fill the gap, given this would cause a massive fiscal cliff and tax increases in the coming years. While divided government certainly brings challenges of different viewpoints, Senate Republicans are focused on completing a budget that respects taxpayers and addresses the needs of organizations and individuals who rely on state resources and services. Legislation Cracking Down on New Car Theft Tactic Approved by Senate
The Senate approved legislation that would target thieves who use new technology to spoof key fobs and steal vehicles. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Current law does not specifically cover this tactic, which involves criminals using key programming tools and relay attack devices to gain access to vehicles by cloning or reprogramming key fobs. Senate Bill 739 would update the statute governing the manufacture, distribution and possession of master keys to include these new devices, making it a first-degree misdemeanor and ensuring the law keeps pace with technological developments. New Law Targeting Organized Retail Theft Results in Arrests
Senate Republicans led the way on cracking down against organized retail theft, and the law we pushed for is resulting in arrests, prosecutions and recoveries of stolen goods across the commonwealth, according to Attorney General Dave Sunday. The office’s Organized Retail Crime Unit launched in July 2024 following enactment of Act 42 of 2023 and a new criminal statute that made retail theft of goods over $50,000 a first-degree felony. In its first year, the unit opened more than 65 investigations, charged more than 40 alleged thieves and recovered nearly $2 million in stolen goods. The crimes feature multiple thieves who manipulate gift cards and store return policies or enter retail stores in packs and steal as many items as they can. It’s good to see this legislation is working. Olde Tyme Days Turned 35
One of my favorite things about summer in southern York County is all the community events that bring us together and Fawn Grove Olde Tyme Days is one of those events on that list! This year marked the 35th anniversary of Olde Tyme Days, hosted by the team at the Citizens Volunteer Fire Company. From tractor pulls and gas engine displays to live music, dancing, food, kids’ activities, and a great parade this event has something for everyone. I was proud to recognize this milestone with an official Senate citation to thank the Citizens Volunteer Fire Company for their hard work and dedication. For decades, they’ve poured time and heart into making this event a success and it shows. Thank you to everyone who helps keep this tradition alive. Here’s to many more years of fun in Fawn Grove! Smokin’ Good Time in Delta
The York County BBQ Festival just marked its 10th anniversary, bringing two days of top-notch BBQ, live music, kids’ activities, and fun to Delta! With more than 10 states represented and $10,000 in prizes on the line, this event is both delicious and a big boost for local tourism and small businesses. Congratulations to the organizers and competitors who make this summer tradition in southern York County! Fireworks Safety Tips
Fireworks started 31,302 fires in 2022 and were involved in 9,700 emergency room injuries nationwide in 2023, with children younger than 15 accounting for nearly one third of fireworks injuries. Here are some safety tips from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner:
Find more fireworks safety tips here to avoid being a statistic. Happy Independence Day
Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful and safe Fourth of July weekend as we celebrate the birth of this great nation: the land of the free because of the brave. As we mark 249 years of independence, may we take time to reflect on the values that unite us and the countless blessings of being Americans. With our nation’s 250th birthday just one year away, let us move forward together with renewed pride, purpose, and gratitude. In observance of the holiday our office will be closed July 4. Normal office hours resume Monday, July 7, at 9 a.m. 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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