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In this update:
TOMORROW: SCAM-JAM!
Join me at the Chanceford Township Community Building in the Brogue for Scam Jam, a free, interactive event to help you identify and avoid fraud and scams. You’ll hear directly from:
This event will feature valuable resources, refreshments, fraud prevention games, and even prizes, all designed to help protect you and your loved ones from scams. Space is limited, so registration is strongly encouraged. Register by clicking here or calling 717-787-7085. WHEN: Friday, July 31, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Senate Stands with Victims, Not Murderers
Second-degree murder is a horrific crime – these are homicides committed while the defendant was also committing another violent felony such as rape, arson, robbery, burglary or kidnapping. Those who commit such an act deserve a punishment that matches. In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that our current sentencing structure for second-degree murder (life without parole in every case) is unconstitutional. The justices gave the General Assembly 120 days to enact legislation correcting the situation. The Senate successfully passed strong bipartisan legislation to address this issue – twice. The Senate’s legislation is supported by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, Pennsylvania District Attorneys, the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association, the Pennsylvania State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police, and the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association. Unfortunately, the leadership in the House of Representatives refused to allow a vote on this bipartisan legislation, instead passing a weak bill on a near party-line vote. That bill has several serious problems, including the fact that it could allow more than half of all inmates, including those on death row, to qualify for release from prison under an overbroad, ill-defined “medical release” program that is riddled with loopholes. Over the coming days, I will share stories of how the House Democrats’ inaction on bipartisan legislation will make Pennsylvania less safe. Over the next several mornings, I will post an update, so please follow me on Facebook, X, and Instagram. I will continue fighting for a strong, commonsense response to the Supreme Court’s decision, because the safety of our communities is at stake. IT’S NOW LAW: Cracking Down on “CDL Mills”
Legislation drafted after it was learned unauthorized commercial driver’s license (CDL) schools were operating in Pennsylvania is now law, significantly boosting penalties for these “CDL mills.” Act 50 of 2026 increases the maximum civil penalty for operating an unauthorized CDL school from $2,500 to $25,000, giving the state Department of Education a stronger enforcement tool to stop illegal operations and discourage violations. The new law does not impact private employers that provide CDL training to their own employees at no cost. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1295 to reinforce tractor trailer safety in the commonwealth. The legislative package reflects new federal regulations and federal legislation to strengthen commercial vehicle operations following allegations of unqualified truck drivers in the country illegally. Read more about improving commercial vehicle safety here. Consider a Future as an Emergency Medical Services Provider
You could have a future in Emergency Medical Services, a critical component of healthy communities. Find out what it takes to be an EMS provider and get your start with the state Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. The site includes EMS education, information and resources, regional EMS council contact information and more. Nominate a Non-Teaching School Employee for a RISE Award
Non-teaching school employees – including paraprofessional, clerical, transportation, food service, custodial, security and health workers – play key roles in keeping our local schools running. If you know an incredible non-teaching employee, you can nominate them for a Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. Find details and a nomination form at the state Department of Education website. Nominations for 2026 close Aug. 30. Organ and Tissue Donation Saves Lives
Saturday is PA Donor Day across the commonwealth, a statewide effort to rally support for the more than 6,000 Pennsylvanians waiting for a life-saving transplant. It’s held on 8/1 because eight lives can be saved by just one registered donor. PA Donor Day 2026 is especially important because the number of Pennsylvanians registering as organ donors has slowed and transplant waiting lists are long. You can register to donate at any time – you don’t need to get a driver’s license or permit. Learn more about organ and tissue donation and register to be a donor here. In the District
In addition to meeting with constituents and working on legislation, I have had a busy week traveling across the district. This week’s stops included a tour of the Harley-Davidson plant, ribbon cutting ceremonies for the York SPCA’s new play area and the Revel Collective’s new facility, and a wonderful welcoming of West York graduate Matthew Snow, who is skateboarding across the country for mental health awareness on behalf of Building Bridges for Brianna. 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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