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In this update:
Students Take the Lead: Senator for a Day at the Capitol
More than 260 high school students from 10 York County school districts stepped into the shoes of lawmakers for my annual Senator for a Day event at the state Capitol. Throughout the day, students worked across six committees, debated 12 mock bills, and gathered for two general sessions, including one led by the Secretary and Parliamentarian of the Senate, Michael Gerdes. This hands-on experience gave students a chance to learn how ideas become laws, collaborate with peers, and engage in meaningful discussions on issues that matter to them. A huge thank you to the participating schools, including the teachers, advisers, and leadership who find value in this program, Senate staff, government affairs professionals, and everyone who made this our biggest and most successful Senator for a Day yet! You can view photos from the event here. Watch some fun interviews I conducted with several students during the event here and here. Bill Requiring Parental Notification of School Weapons Incidents Set to Become Law
Legislation requiring school districts to notify parents and school employees of any incidents involving possession of weapons on school property is set to become law. Under current law, school districts are not required to inform parents or guardians about incidents when a weapon is brought onto school grounds or to related activities. The changes in Senate Bill 246 apply to public, nonpublic and private schools. The bill, which first passed the Senate in May, received strong bipartisan support from the General Assembly and now awaits the governor’s signature. Breaking Down Barriers to Better Broadband
This week, the Senate Communications and Technology Committee advanced my bill to cut outdated regulations on telephone companies and speed up broadband expansion across Pennsylvania. This bill is about more than regulatory reform, it’s about ensuring that every Pennsylvanian, no matter where they live, has access to the digital tools they need to thrive. With more than a billion dollars in federal broadband funding on the line, we must act now to remove barriers and modernize our infrastructure. New Protections Against Telemarketers Approved by Senate
The Senate approved legislation to better protect Pennsylvanians from scammers and other deceitful telemarketers. Senate Bill 992 prohibits telemarketing calls being made on Sundays and either before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on every other day of the week. It also expands the law to cover text messages, voicemails and “ringless” voicemails – tools often used by telemarketers to evade existing restrictions. In addition, it establishes penalties for both telemarketers and the companies that hire them for illegal activity. The bill would also prohibit the use of artificial intelligence or fake caller IDs to deceive or defraud consumers. A violation of the law carries a civil penalty of up to $1,000 or $3,000 if the person contacted is age 60 or older. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration Senate Votes to Eliminate Unnecessary Boards and Commissions
Legislation to streamline state government operations by eliminating outdated, unnecessary and inactive boards, commissions and advisory committees was passed by the Senate. Senate Bill 755 would eliminate 13 government entities that are expired, dormant, no longer have any members or are unnecessary. Examples include the Greater Pennsylvania Council that has been long dormant; the Senior Citizen Advisory Committee, whose duties were all assumed by a different committee; the High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Commission, which expired in 1987; and the Climate Change Advisory Committee, which has produced no specific beneficial outcomes while continuing to expend taxpayer dollars. Many of the commonwealth’s nearly 400 boards, commissions and advisory committees do not publicly share information about their duties, meetings or other activities, raising concerns about transparency. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Honoring Local Champion, Jarvis Green, in Archery
It was an honor to recognize York-Hopewell Archers’ Jarvis Green on the Senate floor for being named the 2025 Pennsylvania State and Eastern National Shooter of the Year in the youth, male barebow category. Jarvis’ dedication and love for archery have made him a standout, earning six first-place titles this year alone! I was proud to welcome Jarvis, his parents, Amy and Jarvis, and coach Daryl Webb to the Senate to celebrate this incredible achievement. You can find his introduction here. Congratulations, Jarvis! Discussing Cybersecurity and Protecting Pennsylvania’s Digital Future
This morning, I joined leaders from the PA Manufacturers’ Association, Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry, and the business community, along with Rep. Valerie Gaydos, for a timely discussion on cybersecurity legislation in Pennsylvania. It was a great opportunity to share insights and collaborate on ways to strengthen and protect our digital infrastructure. Recognizing Local Award Winners Making a Difference
Each year, Pennsylvania Advocates and Resources for Autism and Intellectual Disabilities (PAR) honors individuals and employers who go above and beyond to support people with intellectual disabilities and autism. I’m proud to share that two outstanding York County residents were recognized at this year’s PAR Annual Conference in Harrisburg. Darren Bonacquisti, owner of Parma Pizza in Dallastown, was named the 2025 Community Employer of the Year for his extraordinary commitment to inclusion and community partnership. Through his work with Penn-Mar Human Services, Darren has created meaningful employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities and opened his business as a welcoming community hub for all. Denise Lessner of Penn-Mar Human Services was honored as Emerging Direct Support Professional of the Year for her compassion and creativity in empowering individuals to lead more independent, fulfilling lives. In just six months, Denise has helped transform lives by focusing on each person’s strengths, interests, and potential. Congratulations to Darren and Denise on these well-deserved recognitions, and thank you for your leadership, compassion, and commitment to inclusion here in York County. Internship Opportunity for Students Interested in Public Policy Careers
College students interested in careers in public policy can apply for summer internships in Harrisburg through the James A. Finnegan Fellowship Foundation. Internships are awarded through an essay contest. Applicants must write between 1,500 and 2,500 words about a controversial policy currently under consideration by the General Assembly. The 2026 contest asks applicants to write about the pros and cons of data centers, and what the state’s role should be. Applicants have until Jan. 23, 2026, to submit their essay and other materials to the foundation. The winners will receive a cash prize and placement in paid state government summer internships in Harrisburg for eight to 10 weeks. Fall is Still a Great Time to Fish and Boat in PennsylvaniA
Don’t pack away your gear just yet! Fall and winter offer plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy Pennsylvania’s beautiful waterways. If you’re heading out on the water, remember that from November 1 through April 30, life jackets are required on all boats less than 16 feet including canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards. It’s an important step to stay safe while enjoying the season. Learn more about fishing and boating safety here and here. Upcoming PennDOT Maintenance Projects
Most weeks, PennDOT provides me with its upcoming maintenance schedule. However, there will be no work schedule until the end of November as PennDOT crews will be conducting dry runs and participating in snow academy. Once that is completed, we will resume sharing the weekly maintenance updates. For future updates, please continue to check back here on Friday afternoons or over the weekend once regular scheduling resumes.
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