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In this Update:
IMPORTANT NOTICE – My offices will be closed for in-person services on Nov. 3 in observance of the General Election. Virtual services will continue to be accessible via my website. Mapping Out the Big Plan: A Senior Transitions Seminar
Planning for the next chapter of life can bring important questions about housing, finances, legal matters and the transition process. I’m hosting Mapping Out the Big Plan – A Senior Transitions Seminar on Thursday, Nov. 12, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the American Legion Post 26, 301 U.S. Route 15, Dillsburg, to help seniors navigate these decisions with greater confidence. Featured topics include downsizing, navigating the physical and emotional aspects of a major life transition, planning for the unexpected and understanding elder law. A buffet breakfast will be provided. I encourage seniors and those preparing for a future transition to attend and take advantage of this opportunity to learn about available options, ask questions and plan for the future. To RSVP, call 717-432-1730 or visit my website. District Resident Brings Decades of Experience to Liquor Control Board
I recently introduced Cheryl Schriner, a constituent of the 31st Senatorial District, during a Senate Law and Justice Committee meeting as part of her nomination to the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. The committee recommended her nomination favorably, and the Senate then voted to confirm her. With more than 30 years of experience in state government, Cheryl has served in the Pennsylvania House and Senate, the Department of Revenue and as executive director of the Senate Law and Justice Committee. Her extensive knowledge of the legislative process and state government will serve her well in this role. Congratulations to Cheryl on her confirmation! Enjoy Fall Fishing and Boating
Fall is a great time to fish and explore Pennsylvania’s waterways. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission is stocking trout in popular lakes and streams. Visit the PA Fish and Boat Commission’s website to find nearby waterways, check trout stocking schedules and purchase a fishing license. Cold water can be dangerous, so remember to wear a life jacket. From Nov. 1 through April 30, life jackets are required for anyone aboard boats less than 16 feet long, including canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Stay safe and enjoy Pennsylvania’s waterways this fall! Having Trouble with PennDOT?
Navigating PennDOT paperwork can be confusing, especially if you’re unsure where to start or run into problems along the way. My staff can help you understand your options and work through a variety of PennDOT-related issues. If you need assistance, contact my office at 717-432-1730 or visit us in person. Don’t Miss the Dec. 31 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline
As the year winds down, now is a good time to make sure you’ve submitted your 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program application. The deadline is Dec. 31, 2026 and taking care of the paperwork before the holiday season gets busy can help you avoid a last-minute rush. The program provides rebates to eligible Pennsylvania homeowners and renters with a household income of less than $48,110 annually and meets one of the following age criteria:
If you need an application or help with the process, my staff is available to assist. Please call my office at 717-432-1730 or stop by for assistance. Fighting for Affordable Energy
Rising energy costs have put added pressure on Pennsylvania families and businesses and must be addressed. This legislative session, I made it a priority to prevent new energy taxes and support energy development that strengthens reliability and helps bring costs down. As part of the 2025-26 budget agreement, I worked with my colleagues to eliminate Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) – a multi-state pact that would have added more than a billion dollars in new electricity taxes. I also supported Senate passage of legislation eliminating the gross receipts tax on electric bills, which would save ratepayers more than $1.7 billion over the first year. Unfortunately, the House of Representatives never approved the tax cut we added to House Bill 1667. Because lack of energy development drives up costs, the Senate passed legislation to reduce Pennsylvania’s electric generation shortfall and expand energy development. Senate Bill 704 directs the state departments of Community and Economic Development and Environmental Protection to work together to identify suitable sites for natural gas electric generation projects. The House also failed to act on this measure. I will continue fighting for lower energy prices, supporting policies which will cut your costs. Senate Votes to Provide Lifetime No-Contact Orders for Victims
A measure to provide lifetime no-contact orders for victims of certain serious or violent offenses was approved by the Senate. Under current law, victims must go to court to renew no-contact protections each time they expire. Without renewal, an offender may once again attempt to contact the victim, even though the conviction, and the harm that made the protection necessary, has not changed. Unwanted contact can retraumatize victims, especially survivors of rape and other sexually violent offenses, including offenses involving the abuse or exploitation of children. Senate Bill 1484 allows a judge, upon the request of the victim or prosecutor, to issue a permanent order prohibiting the defendant from contacting the victim. The order could be terminated or modified at the victim’s request or if the underlying conviction is overturned, dismissed or otherwise legally invalidated. Read more about this bill, known as “Kayleigh’s Law.” Senate Bills to Help Local Nonprofits Raise Funds Become Law
Measures approved by the Senate to help local nonprofits, including American Legion posts, VFWs and fire companies, by expanding fundraising opportunities, allowing organizations to retain more of the money they raise and providing additional ways to accept raffle ticket payments are now law. Senate Bill 416 (Act 94 of 2026) would allow eligible nonprofit organizations to accept electronic payments, including credit cards, debit cards and payments through platforms such as PayPal and Venmo, for raffle tickets. Current law limits these transactions to cash or checks, restricting organizations’ ability to accommodate supporters who increasingly rely on electronic payment methods. Organizations would still be required to verify raffle ticket purchasers are at least 18 years old. The bill does not authorize online gaming or live drawings. Read more about this new law here. Senate Bill 398 (Act 93 of 2026) would allow fire companies with a Small Games of Chance license to conduct online raffles, with restrictions ensuring that participants are in Pennsylvania and at least 18 years old, through a pilot program ending Dec. 31, 2027. In addition, the bill would permit organizations to retain 50% of their small games of chance income, up from the current 40%. The remainder would continue to be donated to public interest purposes. The bill would also increase the prize limit for small games of chance conducted by a licensed eligible organization in any seven-day period from $35,000 to $60,000 — the first increase since 2013. Read more about this new law here. Bill to Protect Animals from Painful Experimentation Becomes Law
Legislation to protect dogs and cats from painful, taxpayer-funded experiments has been approved by the General Assembly and is now law. The protections in Senate Bill 381, the Beagle Bill, make Pennsylvania the 18th state to grant dogs and cats an opportunity to be adopted into a loving home after experiments are over, prohibit the sale of cosmetics that have been newly tested on animals, prevent the expenditure of commonwealth funds on painful experiments and more. Read more about protecting animals and increasing transparency through the Beagle Bill. House Fails to Protect Fairness in Women’s Sports
The Senate passed not one, but two bills to preserve opportunities for female athletes at public schools and colleges but the House of Representatives refused to vote on either. Senate Bill 1293 would require public schools and colleges to label sports teams as male, female or coed. The legislation states only biological females can join teams designated for women. The bill would also allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule. It’s similar to Senate Bill 9, which, like Senate Bill 1293, was passed by the Senate with bipartisan support. Since 2020 in Pennsylvania, men have stolen first place from female athletes 98 times and unjustly took second or third place 76 times. I’ll be working again to pass this commonsense measure in the next legislative session. Daylight Saving Time Ends Nov. 1
Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 1, when clocks turn back one hour at 2 a.m. The time change is also a good reminder to check the batteries in your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide alarms. Before turning in Saturday night, remember to set your clocks back and enjoy the extra hour of sleep! 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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