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In this update:
State Budget Update
The Senate convened this week as we continue working toward a responsible solution to our state budget impasse. The House of Representatives sent us a $50.6 billion budget proposal that can only be sustained by raiding our rainy-day fund or raising taxes, both of which are irresponsible and unsustainable. I will not support that. Senate Republicans remain committed to reaching a final agreement that addresses our structural deficit and puts Pennsylvania on a solid path forward not just for this year, but for years to come. We must confront the cost-drivers that are straining our budget, like the Medicaid program. For example, GLP-1 drugs for weight loss, no longer covered by many private insurers, are still covered by Medicaid, costing taxpayers $1.3 billion this year alone. We need commonsense reforms that preserve the integrity of our safety nets without bankrupting the people who fund them. I’m hopeful we can reach consensus with the House and Governor on a final budget that is balanced, sustainable, and respectful of every Pennsylvanian who sends their hard-earned tax dollars to Harrisburg. Meet Phoebe: Fighting to End Cruel Lab Testing
We had a special visitor in the office this week, Phoebe the beagle! She stopped by our Capitol office helping shine a light on the urgent need to end inhumane lab testing on dogs and cats in Pennsylvania. Phoebe spent a year in a government-funded lab before being rescued. Her story is heartbreaking, but she’s now at the center of an important effort to create lasting change. I’m proud to cosponsor Senator Doug Mastriano’s “Beagle Bill,” which would ban taxpayer-funded experiments on beagles and other companion animals. No dog should ever have to endure what Phoebe went through. This legislation is a step forward in protecting animals and bringing greater compassion and accountability to government-funded research. You Can Now Watch Past Senate Sessions Online
Big news for transparency in state government! For the first time ever, you can now search and watch past Senate session videos directly on the General Assembly’s website. While Senate sessions have been livestreamed for years, this new tool adds an easy-to-use video library that lets you go back and rewatch specific debates, votes, and discussions from the Senate floor. It’s all about helping you stay informed and engaged in the decisions that impact your daily life. Session videos are available starting from Jan. 7, 2025, the first day of the current legislative session. You can search by date and use built-in tools to quickly jump to the items that matter most to you. Find more information on this initiative here. This is a big step forward in making government more accessible to the people it serves. Watch Out for Scammers Posing as State Employees
Older Pennsylvanians are being targeted by emails from scammers posing as state employees requesting payments necessary to access a non-existent inheritance. In an incident reported to commonwealth officials, an older Pennsylvanian received an email from a generic account resembling an official state email address and claiming to be a representative of a credit union. Don’t respond or click on any links! Report any incidents like this by phone at 1-866-PAComplaint or online. Want to learn more about how to spot these scams? Join me next Friday for Scam Jam! Last Call: Sign Up for Scam Jam
Tomorrow, Friday, July 18, is the last day to sign up for Scam Jam happening next Friday, July 25, from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. at Goodwill Fire Co. Station 18, 1 Main Street in Jacobus. You’ll hear directly from:
The event will include informative presentations, light refreshments, activities, and a Fraud Bingo game! Most importantly, you’ll walk away with real-world knowledge to help protect yourself and your loved ones. This event is free to attend, but space is limited. Reserve your seat here or call 717-741-4648 to register by phone. Don’t miss this opportunity to get informed, stay safe, and connect with local resources. New Law Will Improve Stroke Care Across PA
Strokes are the fifth-leading cause of death in the U.S. Legislation passed by the Senate and signed into law aims to save lives by providing critical information to health care providers. Senate Bill 411, now Act 24 of 2025, will establish a statewide stroke registry, administered by the state Department of Health, to deliver resources to emergency medical service providers, hospital stroke teams and other health care providers to ensure high quality stroke care for patients. It includes a confidentiality clause ensuring any submitted registry data will not include an individual’s confidential or personally identifiable information. Legislation to Address Pennsylvania’s Shortage of CPAs Signed into Law
A Senate measure aimed at alleviating the growing shortage of certified public accountants (CPAs) in Pennsylvania has been signed into law, to ensure the commonwealth has enough of these professionals so critical to the everyday economy. Senate Bill 719, now Act 27 of 2025, provides an alternative pathway to CPA licensure by allowing candidates to qualify with 120 credit hours of education and two years of professional experience, rather than the current 150-credit-hour requirement and one year of experience. Candidates must still pass the CPA exam to be licensed. The new pathway is designed to reduce financial and time burdens on aspiring accountants without compromising professional standards. The law also streamlines the process for qualified out-of-state accountants to practice in Pennsylvania without obtaining a separate state certificate or permit. Thanks for Coming out to the Snack Town Street Fair
We had an amazing time at this year’s Snack Town Street Fair! Thank you to everyone who stopped by our tent, it was such a pleasure catching up with familiar faces and meeting new neighbors. A big shoutout to the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce for organizing another successful event, and congratulations to Beth H. of Hanover for winning our Snack Town-themed floral arrangement (not paid for with taxpayer dollars)! One of the highlights of the day was asking folks about their favorite salty snack, check out the video to see the clear winner! Rick and I are looking forward to seeing you at more community events across southern York County this summer. You can find more photos from this event on my Facebook. See You in Stewartstown!
We’ll be set up this weekend at the Eureka Volunteer Firemen’s Stewartstown Carnival on the evenings of Friday, July 18, and Saturday, July 19, at the Stewartstown Fairgrounds, located at 16 College Avenue in Stewartstown. Come out for some summer fun, support the volunteers at Eureka Volunteer Fire Company, and stop by our table to grab state-related materials and say hello! We hope to see you there! July is Independent Retailer Month
Independent Retailer Month is a great reminder to support the small, local businesses that keep our communities strong. Whether it’s a family-run shop, a franchise owned by your neighbor, or a one-of-a-kind boutique downtown, independent retailers are at the heart of our local economy. They create jobs, give back, and add character to our towns. When you’re out shopping, consider choosing a local business! It makes a real difference in our community. 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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