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In this update:
Record-Breaking Student Participation in Our ‘Senator for a Day’ Program
Last week, I had the privilege of welcoming 178 high school students from southern York County to the state Capitol for our third annual ‘Senator for a Day’ seminar! This record-breaking turnout made the day particularly special, as students from eight local high schools immersed themselves in the legislative process and experienced the workings of state government firsthand. The students stepped into the roles of state senators, where they engaged in structured committee sessions, debated on mock legislation, and participated in a general voting session. From discussions to debates, these young leaders had the chance to understand the challenges and rewards of lawmaking, taking part in an interactive experience that goes beyond a typical classroom lesson on government. I’m continually inspired by the enthusiasm of our local students for this program. Seeing them debate and deliberate over issues that we, as members of the General Assembly, tackle every day highlights their potential as future leaders and their commitment to civic duty. At the end of the day, our student senators successfully passed six bills and voted down one, a testament to their thoughtful engagement in the legislative process. Participating schools included Central York High School, Dallastown Area High School, Hanover Senior High School, Kennard-Dale High School, Red Lion Senior High School, Spring Grove Area High School, Susquehannock High School, and York Country Day School. For a glimpse into the day, you can watch our event highlights video on my YouTube. Take a look at our photo gallery capturing key moments and proud smiles from the event on my Facebook here. Thank you to the participating schools and community members who helped make this experience possible. I am excited to continue working with our future leaders and am already looking forward to next year’s seminar! Workforce Development in Hanover: A Tour with Secretary Nancy Walker
Earlier this week, I invited Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy Walker to Hanover to join the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce, Rep. Kate Klunk, and me for an insightful tour focused on workforce development. Our stops highlighted incredible opportunities for local students to connect with high-demand careers through hands-on experience and training. At Hanover Public School District, we were inspired by students’ enthusiasm for various career programs that provide pathways to vocations. Teachers and faculty members were gracious hosts, showcasing their commitment to bridging education with career paths. At Elsner Engineering Works, Inc., company leadership demonstrated how pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs help students prepare for skilled positions that meet the needs of our community. At Hanover Auto Team, students involved in the Hanover Tech Pathways program impressed us with their skills and excitement for growth. This partnership between the Chamber of Commerce, local school districts, and Hanover Auto Team is Pennsylvania’s first approved automotive technician apprenticeship program. By investing in programs like these, we’re building a collaborative community where job creators can meet workforce needs with students who are career-ready and possess the skills required to succeed from day one. You can see more photos from Sec. Walker’s visit here. Celebrating 100 Years of Pressell’s Florist
I was honored to celebrate a remarkable milestone for Pressell’s Florist & Greenhouses, which has been adding beauty to Hanover for a century! Karen, who started as a teenager, has dedicated 65 years to crafting stunning arrangements that brighten our lives’ most cherished moments. Her passion and artistry have become a beloved part of our community, and her dedication to her craft is truly inspiring. Congratulations to Karen and the entire Pressell’s team on reaching this incredible milestone. Here’s to many more years of joy and beauty in Hanover! You can view more photos here. Dallastown Students Plant New Moon Tree
I had the pleasure of attending the planting of a very special addition at Dallastown Area School District’s Intermediate School, a Moon Tree grown from seeds that orbited the moon during NASA’s Artemis I mission, the farthest any human-designed spacecraft has traveled! A heartfelt thank you goes to Ms. Janis Mars, who coordinated with NASA to bring this extraordinary experience to her students, Principal Gary Thrush, and the entire Dallastown team for their commitment to making this happen. This unique opportunity not only inspires the students involved today but offers future generations a chance to care for and nurture this tree and its lasting legacy. You can find more photos from this special event on my Instagram. PA Families to Receive More Support Saving for the Future
Thanks to a bill Senate Republicans passed, families saving for educational expenses and costs for those with disabilities could soon have more support from their employers. A tax credit will encourage employers to contribute to their employees’ PA 529 College and Career Savings Program accounts and PA ABLE accounts. Beginning January 2025, employers will receive a 25% tax credit on matching employer contributions of up to $500 per employee per year. The law helps employers offer their employees a significant benefit so they can attract the best workers while receiving a financial incentive themselves. It supports our priorities of empowering Pennsylvania families and protecting Pennsylvania jobs. New Law Creates Rape Kit Tracking System
Having received unanimous support from the General Assembly, a bill to establish a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system is now law. Act 122 of 2024 allows survivors to track the status of their rape kits throughout the testing process, from collection to destruction. With this legislation, Pennsylvania joins 35 states and the District of Columbia that have already implemented rape kit tracking systems. It brings Pennsylvania into compliance with the Fairness for Rape Kit Backlog Survivors provision of the recent Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization. To comply with VAWA, the law provides a waiver for survivors who file untimely claims for compensation due to delays in rape kit testing. Survivors would not need to undergo an appeal process for consideration of this waiver. Bill Giving Parents Info About Student Tick Removal Now Law
Legislation giving parents the opportunity to access important information about their child’s health was approved by the Senate and is now law. It requires schools to notify a parent or guardian if a tick is removed from a student and provide the tick to them for testing. When discovering a tick on yourself, a family member or a pet, it’s important to send it to the Pennsylvania Tick Research Lab at East Stroudsburg University. For free, the tick can be tested for common illnesses to provide you and your health care provider with valuable information about potential exposure. For more than a decade, Pennsylvania has had more cases of Lyme disease than any other state in the nation. While Lyme disease is reason enough to take precautions, ticks also carry a host of other illnesses with undesirable symptoms. Time to Turn Clocks Back This Weekend
Daylight saving time will end at 2 a.m. on Sunday, Nov. 3, so Pennsylvania residents should turn their clocks back one hour before going to bed on Saturday night. Biannual time changes can be a great reminder to check or change the batteries in smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms should be replaced every 10 years and located near bedrooms and on each level of the residence. I understand the frustration many feel about the continued time changes. Please know that there are ongoing efforts to address this, including a resolution urging the U.S. Congress to adopt legislation that would effectively end these biannual clock adjustments by extending daylight saving time year-round nationwide. 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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