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In this Update:
Important Notice: My offices will be closed for in-person services on the following dates. Virtual services will continue to be accessible via my website.
Honoring Service and Sacrifice
May is an important month for recognizing the service and sacrifice of the men and women who have worn the uniform of the United States military. This month is especially meaningful to me because several members of my own family have served. Their experiences have given me a personal appreciation for the sacrifices military families make and the lasting impact service has across generations. Throughout Military Appreciation Month, we honor active-duty service members, veterans and military families whose dedication has helped safeguard the freedoms we enjoy every day. Memorial Day brings a more solemn reflection as we remember the Americans who gave their lives in service to our country. As we gather with family and friends during the holiday weekend, we are reminded of the cost of freedom and the importance of honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our nation. There are several local events planned and below are just a few:
With heartfelt gratitude, I thank the brave men and women who dedicated their lives to serving our nation and honor the memory of those who gave everything in its defense. Their selflessness and devotion to country will never be forgotten. York County Hosts Nation’s Largest Envirothon Event
The nation’s largest Envirothon event once again took place right here in York County, as the York County Conservation District welcomed nearly 1,000 third- and fourth-grade students for this year’s competition. The event gives students an opportunity to explore environmental science through hands-on learning while developing teamwork and critical-thinking skills. Throughout the day, students participated in friendly competitions that tested their knowledge of aquatics, forestry, soil and wildlife. It was encouraging to see so many young people engaged and enthusiastic about learning. I appreciated the opportunity to attend and thank the students, educators and volunteers who helped make this outstanding event possible. Join Me at the Next School Property Tax Elimination Town Hall
Join me Wednesday, May 27, from 6-8 p.m. for my next School Property Tax Elimination Town Hall at Elizabethtown High School, 600 E. High St., Elizabethtown. This event will provide attendees with an opportunity to learn more about my School Property Tax Elimination Act, ask questions and participate in a discussion about the future of education funding in Pennsylvania. School property taxes continue to place a heavy burden on homeowners, seniors and working families, and I remain committed to advancing meaningful relief for taxpayers. Cutting Costs for PA Families by Ending Outdated Emissions Testing
Taking legislative action to do away with an outdated and unnecessary mandate, the Senate voted to eliminate the vehicle emissions testing requirement across the commonwealth. The measure will save Pennsylvanians an estimated $160 million annually. Senate Bill 1298 would remove all 25 counties currently subjected to annual emissions testing. It also clarifies that no additional counties can be added into the program, protecting Pennsylvania vehicle owners. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 1298 here. Ending State Funding for Gender Transition of Children
Legislation that I cosponsored to end state funding for the gender transition of children was approved by the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee. The measure follows recent guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services stating gender-related medical interventions for minors do not meet professionally recognized standards of care. Senate Bill 1321 would require the state to withhold Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program funding for any procedure conflicting with federal standards. At least half of U.S. states have passed similar laws. The U.K. banned the use of puberty blockers and sex-reassignment surgeries for minors in 2024. The measure now heads to the full Senate for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 1321. Committee Acts to Bolster Support of Constitutional Right to Bear Arms
The Senate continued its work to reinforce Second Amendment protections with committee approval of legislation that I cosponsored to allow law‑abiding adults who are legally permitted to own a firearm to carry concealed without the need for a government‑issued permit. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 357, which also preserves an optional License to Carry Firearms for reciprocity with other states and modernizes the permitting process by reducing investigation time from 45 to 14 days, updating terminology and removing outdated disqualifiers while keeping all prohibitions for individuals who may not legally possess a firearm. The full Senate recently passed Senate Bill 822 to prevent local governments from undermining constitutional rights by enacting firearms ordinances that are more restrictive than those established by the General Assembly. Read more about our efforts to protect your Second Amendment rights here. Save for Education and the Opportunity to Win $5,529
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced the fifth annual 529 Day Promotion is running throughout May. Pennsylvania families who contribute at least $10 to their PA 529 account this month could be eligible to win one of six regional awards of $5,529 to boost their education savings. The PA 529 College and Career Savings Program is a tax-advantaged way for families to save for a wide variety of education, including technical training, college, apprenticeship, credential program and K-12 expenses. Saving with a PA 529 does not impact eligibility for Pennsylvania state financial aid. The PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan helps families save at today’s tuition rates to cover tomorrow’s tuition expenses and the PA 529 Investment Plan offers a wide variety of investment options to choose from. Find official rules and learn more about how to make an eligible contribution here. 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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