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In this update:
Expanding Permit Reform to Strengthen Transparency and Support Job Growth
Pennsylvania is taking another significant step toward cutting government red tape through new permitting reforms I worked on with Sen. Greg Rothman. These changes build on our previous efforts to modernize an outdated system that has too often slowed down farmers, manufacturers, and small business owners across our commonwealth. The reforms establish clear, consistent timelines for permit decisions so applicants finally know when to expect an answer and can appeal if a permit is denied. It also adds permits eligible for third party review. And some permits will be deemed approved if government fails to act in a timely fashion. For too long, permits could sit without action for months, leaving projects in limbo. This change ends that practice and gives Pennsylvanians the certainty they deserve. We also secured new transparency measures, including real-time online permit tracking across all state agencies. Applicants will now be able to see exactly where their permit stands, providing accountability and eliminating the guesswork that has held back economic growth. These reforms continue our work to strengthen efficiency, expand the SPEED program, and ensure Pennsylvania remains competitive for investment and job creation. You can find my remarks on this reform here and more information here. Honoring Our Veterans with American Legion Post 605
This weekend, I had the honor of joining the members of American Legion Post 605 in Dallastown for their annual program recognizing and celebrating the Veterans in our community. The ceremony was a meaningful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and steadfast service of the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform. From the thoughtful program to the fellowship shared in the room, Post 605 once again demonstrated the heart and dedication that make our local Veterans community so strong. Our community is stronger because of your ongoing service, and I was grateful to stand with you in honoring those who have given so much for our nation. You can find more photos from the event on my Facebook page. York County Honors Local Veterans
“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.” — President John F. Kennedy This week, our community came together to do exactly that. York County has always taken great pride in honoring the men and women who served our nation, and I was grateful to join the First Capitol Detachment #521 of the Marine Corps League and the York County Department of Veterans Affairs to recognize that service in a meaningful way. A special congratulations to U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Matthew Corwin, who received the George H. Eyler Meritorious Service Award for his outstanding dedication and contributions. This recognition is well-deserved and reflects the strength, leadership, and commitment he brings to our Veterans community. My sincere thanks to the York County Department of Veterans Affairs and to everyone who made this event possible, many of whom are Veterans themselves. Your continued work ensures that the service and sacrifice of our Veterans are respected, remembered, and supported year-round. We are truly blessed to live in a community that understands the importance of honoring those who have given so much for our country. Protecting Pennsylvanians from Higher Electricity Costs
I am pleased to share that the illegal regulation mandating Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) has been fully eliminated. RGGI would have imposed more than a billion dollars in new electricity taxes on Pennsylvania families, seniors, and job creators. Preventing Pennsylvania from entering RGGI protects consumers from the serious consequences we would have faced including higher utility bills, the potential closure of in-state power plants, significant job losses, and even the risk of rolling blackouts in the years ahead. Stopping the RGGI electricity tax is a major win for every Pennsylvanian who pays an electric bill. At a time when families are already feeling the pressure of inflation, we should be working to lower energy costs, not increase them. I will continue advocating for policies that protect ratepayers and strengthen our energy reliability. Keystone Scholars Offers November Incentive to Start Saving for College
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced a statewide incentive for Keystone Scholars this month which will give children a head start on education savings. Families who claim their child’s $100 scholarship from Keystone Scholars in November and open and link their own companion PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account will get an additional $50. Keystone Scholars provides a $100 scholarship for every child born in Pennsylvania since 2019. This money grows alongside the child and will be available to use after their 18th birthday to help pay for costs associated with four-year degrees, community college, technical training, apprenticeships and credential programs. To learn more, visit pa529.com/keystone. Hearing on Protections Against Harmful AI
The Senate Majority Policy Committee held a public hearing in Montgomery County this week to examine the alarming rise of artificial intelligence being used to generate sexually explicit images and videos of minors. While these materials are already illegal, AI has dramatically increased how quickly and convincingly bad actors can fabricate images often using real children’s faces. The hearing focused on legislation introduced by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-Montgomery), that I proudly co-sponsor, to strengthen Pennsylvania’s mandated reporting laws so that AI-generated child sexual abuse materials are treated the same as traditional CSAM. Experts from child advocacy organizations and law enforcement underscored the urgent need for early reporting, noting that a single referral can uncover additional devices, networks, and offenders. Witnesses also pointed to troubling cases in school settings where AI images were used to target and exploit students, highlighting the importance of updating state law to close existing loopholes. The testimony will guide further action as lawmakers work to protect children from emerging digital threats. Update on the State Budget
On Wednesday the General Assembly finalized the 2025-26 budget. You can learn more here. Senate Maternal & Infant Health Caucus Visits Genesis Women’s Clinic
This week, members of the Senate Maternal and Infant Health Caucus had the privilege of touring Genesis Women’s Clinic in Phoenixville, an organization that has been a cornerstone of support for women and families for more than four decades. Founded in 1984, Genesis has served as a beacon of hope for expectant mothers by providing compassionate, confidential care and meeting women where they are with dignity and respect. During our visit, we saw firsthand how their dedicated team empowers women with the tools, education, and resources needed to build healthy futures. We are grateful to the staff and volunteers at Genesis Women’s Clinic for their commitment to strengthening families, and we look forward to continuing our work to advance maternal and infant health across the commonwealth. State Police Will Help Ensure Your Child Car Seat is Properly Installed
Throughout November, certified Pennsylvania State Police technicians are setting aside dates to help ensure child car seats are safe, secure and properly installed. Caregivers will receive instruction on the proper installation and have seats installed, learn how to properly harness a child in a seat and check seats for recalls. Find the nearest free car seat check here. If none are scheduled locally or you can’t make it, check your local state police station for free monthly child seat fittings. Oh Say, Can You Sing? The PA Farm Show National Anthem Contest
Think you’ve got what it takes to sing the National Anthem at the Farm Show? The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is looking for singers to kick off each day of the 2026 edition of the nation’s largest indoor agricultural exposition. Submit your original video entry by Nov. 24 to be considered. Winners will be selected by fan voting on Facebook. You must be available at least one day of the Farm Show, which runs from Jan. 10 through Jan. 17. In recent years, we had some amazing York County talent participate! You can find details about eligibility, video requirements, voting and how to apply here. Christmastime in Loganville Returns Next Saturday
Christmastime in Loganville returns Saturday, Nov. 22 from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m., and I hope you’ll make a stop at our annual district office open house while enjoying the festivities. As part of the 40th anniversary celebration, our office will be open to welcome neighbors, share holiday treats, and connect with everyone participating in this beloved community tradition. There are 23 locations marked by Christmas flags featuring crafts, homemade food, gifts, demonstrations, and more! You can find more information here. I hope to see you there! Mobile Office Hours in Penn Township with Veterans Affairs Support
Our next mobile office hours will be held at the Penn Township Municipal Building Thursday, November 20, from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. We’re also pleased to have a York County Veterans Affairs specialist onsite to assist with Veteran-specific questions and concerns. This outreach brings our services directly to the community and ensures Veterans and their families can access support for benefits, paperwork, and other state or county programs all in one convenient location. I encourage Veterans, their families, and all Penn Township residents to stop by, connect with our team, and let us know how we can assist you. 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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