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In this update:
Returning the Automatic 2024 COLA to the State Treasury
As YOUR state senator, I believe accountability and transparency start with me. That’s why I’ve once again returned my 2024 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to the state treasury. This marks the fourth year I’ve declined the automatic pay increase provided to lawmakers, judges, and executive branch officials under a 1995 state law. At a time when families across York County are making tough financial decisions, it’s only right that elected officials hold themselves to the same standard. Rejecting the COLA is one small way I can demonstrate my commitment to respecting your hard-earned tax dollars. From opting out of the state pension program and declining Senate health benefits to making Senate expenditures publicly accessible online, I remain focused on increasing transparency and fiscal responsibility in Harrisburg. Serving you is my greatest honor, and I will continue to challenge the status quo to ensure state government leads by example. You can read more about this initiative on my website. Have Your Say: Do You Support the Save Women’s Sports Act?
Fairness in women’s athletics has become a prominent issue across the nation, with debates centering on how to protect opportunities for female athletes in the spirit of Title IX. Recent events, including those at San Jose State and the University of Pennsylvania, have highlighted concerns about biological males competing in female sports and the impact on fairness and equity. I want to hear from you. As your state senator, your opinions help shape the decisions I make on your behalf in Harrisburg. That’s why I’ve launched a survey to gather feedback on the Save Women’s Sports Act, which seeks to ensure women’s athletic teams are designated based on biological sex. This legislation aims to:
Your voice matters. Take a moment to share your opinion by filling out the survey here. Feel free to forward this survey to friends, family, and neighbors who would like to weigh in. Senate Accomplishments: Improving Community Safety
To improve safety in Pennsylvania communities, Senate Republicans passed laws in the 2023-24 legislative session to prevent and better respond to crime. Twenty-eight new safety laws include ones that target looting and organized retail theft, prevent the exploitation of older Pennsylvanians, establish a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system, and outlaw deepfake child sexual abuse materials generated by artificial intelligence. The laws also amend the Protection from Abuse Act to give judges the ability to order the defendant to refrain from abusing the victim’s pets and crack down on the unchecked crime crisis plaguing Philadelphia’s mass transit system. You can view the complete list of approved legislation to enhance community safety here. Advancing initiatives to reduce crime and foster greater safety will continue to be our focus in the new legislative session. $1.16 Billion in Broadband Funding to Help Close the Digital Divide
The application window for $1.16 billion allocated to Pennsylvania for the Broadband, Equity, Access, and Deployment (BEAD) Program is now open! This funding will support projects to expand high-speed internet access to unserved and underserved communities across the commonwealth. Internet service providers, nonprofits and local governments are encouraged to apply for funding through Jan. 21, 2025. This is a unique opportunity to bridge the digital divide and ensure access to reliable internet for education, health care, businesses, and everyday life. Find detailed application instructions and resources on the BEAD Program webpage. For additional support, visit the Pennsylvania Broadband Development Authority website. Together, we can close the digital divide and bring opportunity to every corner of our region. Small Business Saturday Recap
Small Business Saturday was truly special this year! Rick and I might have started a new family tradition at Terra Farms, enjoying their wreath making workshop. My family and I headed to Hanover for a magical evening kicking off the holiday season at the annual Hanover Christmas Tree Lighting. We wrapped up the night by strolling along Main Street Hanover, shopping small and dining small at the wonderful local businesses that make our community so vibrant. Supporting small businesses is not just about shopping, it is about investing in the heart of our communities. Let’s continue to make a difference by shopping local all season long! Celebrating 60 Years of Excellence in Public Works
I had the honor of joining the American Public Works Association (APWA) at its annual dinner to celebrate 60 years of service and dedication to our communities. Public works employees are the backbone of our infrastructure, and I am continually inspired by their hard work and commitment to making our lives better. I’m deeply grateful to be recognized as the APWA Elected Official of the Year. This meaningful award reflects the collaborative efforts we’ve made to support public works initiatives in the 28th District and across Pennsylvania. Here’s to many more years of excellence in public works and to the hardworking professionals who make it all possible! You can find more photos from the night on my Facebook. Public Meeting Regarding State Rail Plan Updates on Dec. 10
The public is invited to attend a virtual public informational meeting to discuss an update to the Pennsylvania State Rail Plan on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 4-5:30 p.m. Feedback can be shared via an online survey through Thursday, Dec. 19. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is developing the 2025 Pennsylvania State Rail Plan, which was last updated in 2020. Input from the public and stakeholders on safety, passenger and freight rail, funding, policy, the environment and economic development is key to developing the State Rail Plan. The plan will also evaluate and document passenger and freight rail needs throughout the next 20 years to guide investments. Project staff will provide an introduction of the PA State Rail Plan update process and background on freight and passenger rail. There will also be an interactive question-and-answer session. Presentation materials and an online survey will be available here through Dec. 19. Questions or comments can be directed to RA-PDPASRP@pa.gov. Milk Testing Implemented to Protect PA Milk Prices
Influenza A, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), has been detected in dairy cattle in several other states. While there are no concerns about food safety or pasteurized milk or meat, mandatory milk testing performed by processors will prevent widespread disease that would result in higher prices for consumers. There won’t be any cost to processors as all necessary supplies will be provided. Farmers are also encouraged to develop a biosecurity plan and report suspected cases by calling 717-772-2852. Because Pennsylvania has many farms that have both poultry and dairy operations, the state is more susceptible to Influenza A as the virus can spread quickly between animals and farms. Consistently following biosecurity practices and testing products will minimize huge outbreaks. Learn more. Grants Available for Senior Community Centers
Grants are available to increase participation and programming at senior community centers. Funding can also be used to attract a new generation of older adults and provide a safe and healthy environment for all participants. Senior community centers may apply for the $2 million in grants until Friday, Dec. 13, at 5 p.m. using the Commonwealth’s Electronic Single Application system. Learn more. For questions, email SCCgrants@pa.gov or call 717-772-2551. Remembering the Attack on Pearl Harbor
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii led to the United States declaring war on Japan and ultimately winning World War II. Sadly, the attack cost the lives of thousands of service members and civilians. Even more were injured. It also sank two U.S. Navy battleships and destroyed 188 aircraft. On Saturday, Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor survivors, veterans, and others will honor and remember the people who gave their lives during the attack. The atrocities of war remind us of the incredible value of the American rights we hold dear. Freedom is not free. 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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