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In this update:
A Spending Plan to Fund Critical Needs
Watch my comments here. Counties, school districts, hospitals and others would receive critical funding from the commonwealth immediately under a bill approved by the Senate. As negotiations continue on a final 2025-26 state budget, Senate Bill 160 would provide funding at the levels included in the final 2024-25 budget, allowing the state to immediately begin disbursing nearly $47.6 billion without the need for any new taxes. I stressed the importance of remembering who pays the bills in Pennsylvania – the hardworking taxpayers. This approach is both reasonable and responsible. Passage of this measure marks an important step forward in this year’s budget process, putting people above politics as budget discussions continue. Many of the line items in the budget are not in dispute, so this is a responsible way to ensure that counties, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, social service providers and other entities receive immediate funding to meet their fiscal needs. You can read more here. Transportation Bill Addressing Funding, Safety, Accountability Approved by Senate
A bill to fund transportation infrastructure and help improve the safety, accountability and stability of Pennsylvania’s mass transit systems was approved by the Senate. As amended by the Senate, House Bill 257 provides necessary additional funding in a way that protects taxpayers, improves safety on transit systems and implements new accountability measures. Importantly, the plan does this without impacting the General Fund, ensuring other critical programs aren’t threatened in the future. The legislation matches and exceeds the governor’s own funding proposal by providing $292.5 million to mass transit this year and another $300 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year. The plan provides the same amount of funding for roadway reconstruction, including for many roads the governor and PennDOT have overlooked. Thanks for Getting Your License Plate Replaced!
Thank you to all who stopped to get their license plates replaced at our event this week! My team and Rep. Joe D’Orsie’s team, with the help of Hellam Township and Lower Windsor Township police departments, were able to assist dozens of residents replace damaged or hard-to-read plates. Events like these make it easier and faster for our community to get the help they need, and I’m thankful to everyone who made it a success. Stay tuned for our next license plate event! Public Hearing Examines Data Centers Development in Pennsylvania, Other States
As the development of new data centers accelerates across Pennsylvania, the Senate Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing to review the potential impacts for communities and the economy. The hearing brought together economic development organizations, utilities, environmental commissions, municipal associations and other groups for a discussion on the benefits and drawbacks of establishing data centers. I shared my concern about other states that do not generate enough power yet are siting these data centers powered by transmission lines that could run through southern York County. You can watch my discussion here. Some testifiers discussed the increased local tax revenue these centers would bring, boosting support for schools and fire departments. Others addressed two widely cited concerns with operating data centers – the demands on local electrical grids and watersheds. You can find a hearing summary, testimony and video here. Shrewsbury’s Lachlan Gemmill-Edwards Earns Eagle Scout Rank
Congratulations to Lachlan Gemmill-Edwards on earning the rank of Eagle Scout! Lachlan is a member of Troop 90 in Shrewsbury and the son of Pete Edwards and Vicki Gemmill. For his Eagle Scout community service project, Lachlan built six picnic tables, painted a barn, and completed maintenance at the Teaching Museum for the Fiber Arts and Textiles in Felton. It was an honor to present him with a congratulatory citation from the Senate of Pennsylvania and wish him continued success in all of his future endeavors! Assistance Available to Support PA Rail Freight Infrastructure
With 65 railroads and more than 5,600 track miles, Pennsylvania leads the nation in the number of operating railroads and ranks near the top in total track mileage. To preserve this essential service and stimulate job creation, the Rail Transportation Assistance Program and the Rail Freight Assistance Program provide financial and technical assistance to rail operators and businesses served by rail for investment in freight infrastructure, through new or expanded service. The application period is open until August 29. Eligible applicants can find details and application information here. STEM-Related Activities Available from PennDOT
Summertime or anytime, you can find STEM-related activities for children of all levels with resources from the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). The material includes a PennDOT-themed coloring book, traffic safety activity book, word searches and crossword puzzles (with answer keys), hands-on activities to help children to think like an engineer and fun games teaching bicycle safety. Summer Open House at the Residence at Fitz Farm
Last week, I visited The Residence at Fitz Farm for their Summer Open House. This vibrant community provides older adults and their families with a welcoming environment rooted in compassion and dignity. It was a pleasure to meet with residents and staff, and I’m grateful for the warm welcome and the meaningful work they do every day! Golf’s Season May Be Winding Down, But Its Impact in PA is Here to Stay
As the PGA Tour season nears its final stretch with the BMW Championship in Maryland this weekend – it’s a great reminder that golf’s influence goes far beyond the leaderboard. I recently spoke with Ken Phillips, president of the Golf Association of Philadelphia, about how the sport is driving jobs and bringing national attention to our state. Catch the full episode on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple and watch a preview of our conversation here. Great to See You in Red Lion: Come See Us at the Dallastown Carnival
We had a great time at the Red Lion Street Fair last Saturday! Thank you to everyone who stopped by our tent. It’s always a pleasure to catch up with so many friends and neighbors. If you missed us, my team will be set up Friday and Saturday evenings at the Dallastown Carnival! Event Details We look forward to seeing you! Mobile Office Hours in Penn Twp.
My team will be in Penn Township on Thursday, Aug. 21, from 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. to assist residents during mobile office hours. If you need help with PennDOT issues, Property Tax/Rent Rebate applications, birth or death certificates, or any other state-related matter, we’re here to help. Mobile office hours will be held at the Penn Township Municipal Building located at 20 Wayne Avenue in Hanover. Help PA Celebrate Your Barn
The Pennsylvania State Historic Preservation Office invites you to contribute to the effort of documenting and celebrating the barns that define our state’s rural traditions. Barns represent the agricultural heritage, craftsmanship and local pride found throughout the commonwealth. You can find out how to submit your photos and background information and have your barn added to the Pennsylvania Inventory of Historic Places by visiting its website. 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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