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In this Update:
Important Notice – My offices will be closed for in-person services on Monday, Oct. 12 in observance of Columbus Day. Virtual services will continue to be accessible via my website. Welcoming Lenny and Four Diamonds to the Capitol
I recently had the privilege of meeting 9-year-old Lennon “Lenny” Therkildsen and welcoming her and her family to the Pennsylvania Capitol. It was especially meaningful to introduce Lenny from the Senate floor and recognize the incredible strength she has shown throughout her battle with Hodgkin lymphoma. After five rounds of chemotherapy and 14 rounds of radiation, Lenny has continued to face each day with a positive spirit and a smile. Today, with the support of her family and Four Diamonds, Lenny is back in school, playing sports and enjoying being a kid. Meeting her, hearing about her journey and seeing her smile was a memorable experience. I wish her continued health, happiness and many more adventures ahead. Honoring York County’s History During America250 Cultural Fair
I recently joined the York County community for the America250 Cultural Fair and bell dedication, celebrating our nation’s 250th anniversary and our county’s important role in our nation’s founding. As the birthplace of the Articles of Confederation, York County has a unique connection to our country’s history. The family-friendly event featured local organizations, interactive experiences, live demonstrations and heritage displays. I appreciated the opportunity to celebrate York County’s history and the people and traditions that continue to shape our community. My School Property Tax Plan Includes Stronger Accountability
School property taxes remain the number one issue I hear about from my constituents, particularly seniors and homeowners living on fixed incomes who face higher bills year after year. My School Property Tax Elimination Act, Senate Bill 962, is designed to address that burden while also providing a more sustainable approach to funding public education, including addressing funding challenges in lower socioeconomic districts. The legislation also includes stronger accountability measures for school districts. Each district would be required to balance its budget annually. If a district fails to do so, it would have one year, with the assistance of an appointed adviser, to return to a balanced budget. If the district remains unable to balance its budget after that period, it would be dissolved and merged with another district. This approach is intended to encourage responsible financial management and help prevent districts with declining enrollment from maintaining unnecessary staffing and administrative costs. I’ll be discussing the proposal at my next School Property Tax Elimination Town Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 6-8 p.m. at New Castle School of Trades, 4117 Pulaski Road, New Castle. If you have family or friends in the New Castle area who are concerned about rising school property taxes, please share this information with them and encourage them to attend. Join Us for a Concealed Carry Seminar Oct. 17
I invite area gun owners to join Rep. George Margetas for a Concealed Carry Seminar on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at the West Manchester Farmers and Sportsman’s Association, 4900 Pine Hill Road, Dover. Attorney Seth Springer will discuss the rights of gun owners and provide information about concealed carry. Northern York County Regional Police Department Detective Jonathan Bailey, a firearms instructor, also will be on hand to share his expertise and answer questions. My staff will be available to provide information about state services and resources. This seminar will cover your rights as a gun owner, Pennsylvania firearms laws, the concealed carry permit application process and safe concealed carry practices. Registration is required. To reserve your spot, please call Rep. Margetas’ office at 717-767-3947. October Satellite Office Hours
Need help with a state government service or have a question about an issue affecting you or your community? My satellite offices will be open throughout October, giving residents another convenient way to connect with my team and access assistance with state-related issues closer to home. York City Satellite Office Cumberland County Satellite Office Manchester Satellite Office Please take note of the specific days and hours for each location before stopping by. My team and I look forward to assisting you in your community throughout October. Ensuring Water Supply Before New Development
My Senate Bill 1287 recently passed the House Local Government Committee, another step forward after receiving approval in the Senate earlier this year. The legislation clarifies that proof of an adequate water supply must be provided before final approval is granted for a subdivision or land development. Existing state law already requires evidence of an adequate water supply, but my bill makes it clear when documentation must be provided. This clarification helps close a procedural gap and ensures water service is addressed before a development receives final approval. Senate Bill 1287 now heads to the full House for consideration. I will continue working to advance this legislation and help ensure communities have the infrastructure needed to support new development. Exploring the Future of Stormwater Funding
I recently moderated a panel during the Local Government Commission’s virtual symposium focused on the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s decision in West Chester v. PASSHE and its potential implications for stormwater management. The April 30 ruling addressed whether a charge imposed by West Chester Borough to fund stormwater management was a fee for service or a tax. The court determined the charge was a tax, raising important questions for municipalities that rely on stormwater charges to fund infrastructure, regulatory compliance and other programs. The discussion provided an opportunity to examine what the decision could mean for municipalities and taxpayers as communities consider how to fund and manage stormwater systems. I appreciate Emma Bast, Esq., of PennFuture and Mary Jane Kuffner Hirt of Greenville Borough for sharing their expertise and perspectives, and I thank the Local Government Commission for the opportunity to lead this important conversation. Legislation to Ban “Nudification” Apps Passed by Senate
Continuing our work to implement stronger safeguards on artificial intelligence, legislation to ban “nudification” apps – which allow individuals to take an image of someone and generate a fake nude or sexually explicit photo of that person – was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 1368 prohibits such apps from being developed, operated or made available in Pennsylvania, including through online application marketplaces. These apps serve no legitimate purpose and pose a special risk to children and school students, whose lives can be upended and reputations damaged through the malicious use of this technology. The measure will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Learn more about Senate Bill 1368 here. Share Your Experience with PennDOT
Road construction and maintenance affect all of us, whether it’s a daily commute, a trip to the grocery store or travel in our communities. Residents who have encountered PennDOT projects or maintenance activities this year have a firsthand perspective that can help identify areas where communication and services can be improved. PennDOT is seeking that feedback through its 2026 Customer Satisfaction Survey. The survey takes a few minutes to complete and is available through Oct. 20. PennDOT Roadwork Schedules for Cumberland and York Counties
Please see the latest PennDOT road work schedules provided to my office. These updates are issued periodically and may not include all projects or reflect the most current conditions. Additional updates are shared as they become available and posted on my Facebook page. If you have a road concern such as potholes, bridge issues or other roadway problems, you can report that information directly to PennDOT through the Customer Care Center form. I hope this information helps you plan your travel and avoid delays. |
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