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In this update:
Reflecting on 9/11 and New Educational Curriculum
I joined Reps. Seth Grove and Joe D’Orsie at the Christian School of York for their Patriot Day 9/11 Tribute. It was moving to see students actively engaging—singing the National Anthem, reciting pledges, recounting the events of 9/11, and listening to York City Police Commissioner Michael Muldrow’s remarks. Honoring those we lost and teaching the next generation about the bravery of first responders is essential to ensuring we never forget. Thank you to York Area United Fire and Rescue and Northern York County Regional Police Department for your presence as well. You can find more photos from the event here. This tribute resonated deeply, especially as we mark another year of remembrance for the Sept. 11 attacks. To ensure future generations understand the significance of this day, I championed a new law that provides every school in Pennsylvania with resources to educate students about the events and impact of 9/11. I spoke to Fox 43 about this measure and its importance in preserving the memory of that day. You can find that story here. By next year, all Pennsylvania schools will have the tools to teach students about the courage, sacrifice, and legacy of 9/11, ensuring that the memory of those we lost and the heroism that followed never fades. This curriculum will cover the events leading up to, during, and after Sept. 11, 2001, including the attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and United Airlines Flight 93, as well as the nation’s response. As we reflect on 9/11, it’s vital to pass on the lessons and implications of that day to future generations. At the very worst moment in our history, Americans came together, and it’s that spirit of unity that we must continue to carry forward. All Aboard: 140 Years of Stewartstown Railroad Company
Last weekend, I joined in celebrating the 140th birthday of the Stewartstown Railroad Company! Originally serving the local lumberyard, canning plant, and furniture factory, today it offers a nostalgic ride back in time. What’s truly remarkable is that the Stewartstown Railroad still operates under its original charter from 1884—a distinction not many American companies can boast. A big thank you to the amazing volunteers who keep this vital piece of local history on track! To learn more about the Stewartstown Railroad, visit their website: stewartstownrailroadco.com. Find more photos from the event on my Instagram. A Closer Look at Energy Affordability and Reliability
Pennsylvanians face rising energy costs. Grid reliability continues to be a threat that may cause devastating outages like the major power crisis Texas experienced in 2021 when more than 4.5 million homes and businesses were without power for days. Rising costs and compromised reliability would be worsened by a unilateral decision former Gov. Tom Wolf made to join the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). Joining RGGI will increase electricity rates for consumers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs, and lead to the closure of Pennsylvania power plants. Rolling blackouts will become commonplace when energy production cannot keep up with demand. Senate Republicans are actively fighting against Pennsylvania’s entry into RGGI, obtaining a court order that prevents the commonwealth from implementing the program because the court agreed that Wolf lacked the authority to join RGGI. Gov. Josh Shapiro appealed that court order to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court, where the case is pending and briefs were filed this week by the Senate Republicans to prevent RGGI implementation. Senate Republicans stand ready to pass legislation to repeal the RGGI Energy Tax that has already been introduced if the legal process isn’t successful. We also passed bills that would ensure Pennsylvanians have options regarding fuel availability and most effectively capitalize on the state’s abundant natural resources through the creation of the Independent Energy Office to provide impartial data. Sweet Visit to Windy Hill on the Campus Senior Center
This week, I had a fantastic time visiting Windy Hill on the Campus Senior Center with Rep. Seth Grove and Rep. Kate Klunk! We enjoyed some delicious ice cream—because, let’s be honest, life is always better with a scoop (or two)! The fun didn’t stop there. We also joined in on some lively line dancing and even a game of volleyball. It was a great day filled with laughter, activity, and community spirit. Thanks to everyone at Windy Hill for making it such a memorable experience! You can find more photos from the visit here. Celebrating Building Bridges for Brianna’s New Location
This week I attended the grand opening of Building Bridges for Brianna’s new location, where they’ve already made a remarkable difference by helping over 175 individuals in just one year. This milestone is a testament to the dedication of Matt Dorgan, who recently received the prestigious National Jefferson Award for his outstanding community service and leadership in mental health advocacy. The Jefferson Award, often referred to as the “Nobel Prize for public service,” recognizes individuals who make extraordinary contributions to their communities. As we observe National Suicide Prevention Week, I’m reminded of the importance of organizations like BB4B in breaking the stigma around mental health. A heartfelt thank you to Matt and everyone involved in this critical mission. As Brianna said, “Keep fighting. I believe in you. You are a star.” You can find more photos from the ribbon cutting here. How to File a Banking Complaint
Consumers who have unsuccessfully attempted to resolve disputes with their financial institutions regarding services or products have options. Complaints may be submitted to the Department of Banking and Securities Consumer Services Office online or toll-free by calling 1-800-PA-BANKS (1-800-722-2657) Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The department aims to provide responses to consumer complaints within 10 days of receipt. While the Consumer Services Office will make the effort to address consumer complaints, there is no guarantee the matter can or will be resolved. However, complaints are important because they allow the Department of Banking and Securities to identify patterns of unfair or deceptive practices that may result in further action. Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy: Enrollment Open
The Keystone State ChalleNGe Academy (KSCA) is accepting applications for its class, which begins in January 2025. KSCA is designed to give academically challenged teens a second chance at obtaining their basic education, as well as learning leadership, self-discipline and responsibility. The program is open to 16- to 18-year-old Pennsylvania residents who are at risk of not graduating from high school, no longer attending any school or have not received a high school diploma or equivalent certificate. Applicants must be willing to be drug free, free of felony convictions and voluntarily commit to the program. If selected, students will attend the 22-week residential phase at Fort Indiantown Gap in Lebanon County. Learn more about eligibility requirements and begin the application process here. Anyone who prefers to have an application mailed or would like to talk with someone about the program may contact the academy by emailing RA-MVPAChallenge@pa.gov or calling 717-861-7767. Free Webinars Provide Useful College Financial Aid Info
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency is holding free webinars to assist college-bound students and their families with navigating the financial aid process. On Tuesday, Sept. 24, at noon, speakers will discuss the financial aid timeline. On Thursday, Sept. 26, at 6:30 p.m., speakers will focus on how to search for scholarships and pay for any remaining costs. Register to attend the one-hour webinars. Mobile Office Hours in Penn Township
Next week my mobile office will be set up at the Penn Township Municipal Building. Remember, this is a great time to get any state-related materials or answers to any state-related questions. I want to bring YOUR state government into YOUR community! Stop by Thursday as my team will be there from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Upcoming PennDOT Maintenance Projects
PennDOT will be hosting an open house on Tuesday, Sept. 17, from 5-8 p.m. at the Columbia Market House (15 S. Third St., Columbia) to discuss a major five-year rehabilitation project for the Veterans Memorial Bridge. This project will address structural deficiencies, improve access for cyclists and pedestrians, and enhance safety with new lighting and a roundabout at Route 462 and 624 in Wrightsville. Please note, the bridge will be closed to traffic for approximately three years during this project. For those who can’t attend the open house, online displays are available on PennDOT’s District 8 website here. The public comment period will remain open until Oct. 17. Your input is vital as PennDOT ensures the future safety and functionality of this important bridge. In addition, most weeks PennDOT shares with me its maintenance schedule for the week ahead. When it becomes available, you can view the full list here to see if it will impact you and your family. On Deck
The Senate of Pennsylvania reconvenes on Monday, Sept. 16, at 1 p.m. You can watch all of the Senate votes and view our agenda here. |
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