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In this Update:
Celebrating Local Government Week and Day in Pennsylvania
Local governments are the closest form of government to the people, playing an indispensable role in maintaining the safety, health and well-being of our communities. These essential services ensure that our citizens have a voice in the decisions that impact their daily lives. As chair of the Pennsylvania Senate Local Government Committee, I introduced legislation, Senate Resolution 52, to designate April 14-18, as Local Government Week and April 16 as Local Government Day in Pennsylvania. This resolution is a meaningful way to recognize and honor the vital role local governments and their public servants play in our daily lives. Regulatory Reform in Focus: Building a More Efficient Commonwealth
At the 2025 Pennsylvania Leadership Conference, I had the opportunity to participate in a panel discussion titled “Efficiency and Accountability: Creating a Better PA Through Regulatory Reform.” I was joined by PA Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill, PA State Rep. Dallas Kephart and Emily Greene of Americans for Prosperity — Pennsylvania, who served as moderator. Our discussion centered on streamlining government, increasing transparency and building a more responsive commonwealth for all Pennsylvanians. We explored the pressing need for regulatory reform and shared practical strategies to enhance government accountability and operational efficiency. If you’d like to watch the full panel discussion, you can view it here. Superintendent Luncheon Offers Valuable Insight from Local Education Leaders
Last week, I had the pleasure of hosting a School Superintendent Luncheon — a meaningful gathering that provided a chance to hear directly from some of our region’s top education leaders about the realities facing our schools today. Attendees included:
Our conversations were open, honest and insightful — highlighting both the challenges and successes our districts are experiencing. Discussions like this help shape how state government can more effectively support our schools by removing barriers and finding real, practical solutions that benefit students, educators and families alike. Why Hold the Line at $47.9 Billion for the PA Budget?
Pennsylvania is heading straight toward a fiscal cliff, and if we don’t act now, hardworking Pennsylvanians will pay the price later. Financial experts have warned Pennsylvania that unchecked government spending today means painful consequences tomorrow. Yet, Gov. Josh Shapiro continues to push for a bloated budget that ignores long-term sustainability and fiscal common sense. That’s why I’m urging the General Assembly to hold the line at $47.9 billion — a budget that reflects fiscal responsibility and respect for taxpayers. Let’s protect Pennsylvania’s future — before it’s too late. Messiah University Education Majors Visit Capitol for Legislative Roundtable
Last week, I was joined by members of the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and staff from across the General Assembly in a roundtable discussion at the Capitol with 30 senior education majors from Messiah University. These soon-to-be teachers came prepared with thoughtful questions about how to effectively engage with the legislature and advocate for the issues that matter most in their future classrooms. Together, we explored how educators and policymakers can work collaboratively to enrich and equip students across Pennsylvania. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be part of this important discussion and excited to see how these future educators will help shape our schools and communities in the years ahead. Senate Passes Bill Benefitting Career and Technical Schools
Career and technical education prepares students for rewarding, family-sustaining careers, often at a significantly reduced cost compared to attending college. Pennsylvania is in great need of people with this training, and there are many job openings waiting to be filled. To ensure people have the training needed for these jobs, the Senate unanimously passed Senate Bill 315. The legislation would provide more certainty regarding grant funding for career and technical education equipment by making funding calculations before the school year in which the allocation occurs. Currently, schools are reimbursed after they have made purchases based on calculations made near the end of the school year. Read more about career and technical education opportunities in the commonwealth. Purple Star Schools Support Military Children
Military children face unique challenges as a result of frequent moves and parental deployments. To give them the best chance of success, Senate Republicans passed Act 69 of 2022. The law created the Purple Star designation for schools that demonstrate their commitment to supporting military families. Many schools have embraced this program and stepped up to help the children of our service members. Purple Star Schools go the extra mile to provide stability, resources and a welcoming community for military children, ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive. Pennsylvania has 37,000 children with parents serving in the military – and 80% of these children are in kindergarten through grade 12 and attend public schools. Learn more about Purple Star Schools.
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