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In this Update:
June is Dairy Month: Celebrating Pennsylvania’s Dairy Farmers
June is Dairy Month and it’s the perfect time to recognize the hardworking farmers who power one of Pennsylvania’s most vital industries. From the fields to the milking parlors, these dedicated individuals help feed our families, support our economy and preserve our agricultural heritage. Pennsylvania ranks second in the nation for the number of dairy farms, with 4,850 farms across the state. We’re also eighth in the country for milk production, with the dairy industry supporting more than 47,000 jobs and generating $11 billion in annual revenue. Here are a few highlights from our local counties, based on 2017 data:
I had the chance to celebrate with Kyle and Aidan from the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association by raising a milkshake to the incredible contributions of our dairy farmers. Please join me in showing appreciation for the people behind Pennsylvania’s dairy industry this month and all year long. Update on the 2025-26 Pennsylvania Budget Negotiations
I want to provide constituents in the 31st District with an update on the ongoing budget negotiations here in Harrisburg. Unfortunately, it appears increasingly likely that the 2025-26 Pennsylvania budget will not be finalized by the June 30 deadline. While discussions continue, significant hurdles remain. Pennsylvania faces a large structural deficit caused by years of out-of-control government spending. Currently, we are spending more money than the government has to support. This path leads us toward a fiscal cliff if we do not act responsibly. To respect taxpayers and protect our financial future, we must hold the Pennsylvania budget line at $47.9 billion. This spending cap is necessary to maintain fiscal discipline and avoid placing additional burdens on hardworking Pennsylvanians. Gov. Josh Shapiro has suggested introducing new taxes as a solution. I want to be clear that I do not support any new or increased taxes that would strain families and businesses already facing economic challenges. My focus remains on advocating for responsible spending reforms that prioritize essential services without jeopardizing our economic stability. It is critical that we find sustainable solutions to close the budget gap without relying on tax hikes. I will continue working with my colleagues to ensure the 31st District’s voice is heard and fight to put Pennsylvania on a path toward fiscal stability and growth. Fluoride Choice Act to Protect Public Health and Individual Rights
I recently introduced the Fluoride Choice Act, Senate Bill 849, to end the practice of adding fluoride to public water systems in Pennsylvania. This legislation is rooted in growing concerns about the safety and necessity of water fluoridation, particularly considering new research and shifting public opinion. A 2024 JAMA Pediatrics study linked higher fluoride exposure to lower IQ scores in children, and a federal court ruling in California found that fluoride in drinking water may pose an “unreasonable risk” to cognitive development. These findings prompted a formal review by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and raise serious questions we can no longer ignore. My bill prohibits the addition of fluoride to public water systems and requires the safe disposal of fluoride chemicals. It also ensures individuals still have access to fluoride through supplements or topical treatments, with support from state-led education efforts. This is about giving Pennsylvanians the freedom to make informed health decisions while aligning our policies with current science. I believe we have a responsibility to act in the best interest of our children and communities, and I invite my colleagues to join me in supporting the Fluoride Choice Act. Empowering Patients Through Hospital Price Transparency
Hospital price transparency means hospitals must publicly disclose their standard charges for items and services, including negotiated rates with insurers and cash prices. This information helps patients understand potential out-of-pocket costs and compare prices before receiving care. I introduced Senate Bill 752 to strengthen these requirements in Pennsylvania. A 2023 study showed only half of our hospitals comply with current federal rules, leaving many patients without clear pricing information. This bill would:
By making hospital costs easy to find and understand, this legislation empowers patients to make informed healthcare decisions and promotes fairness in the healthcare system. Senate Votes to Combat Overregulation
To address overregulation that stifles business growth and drives jobs to other states, the Senate passed two regulatory reform bills. The first, Senate Bill 333, which I sponsored, is the Regulations from the Executive in Need of Scrutiny (REINS) Act. This bill would establish an enhanced legislative review process for costly new regulations. It is designed to address concerns about unchecked regulatory burdens on businesses, communities and taxpayers. The second, Senate Bill 444, would establish a one-time automatic review process for regulations that impose a fiscal impact exceeding $1 million annually on taxpayers or employers. The review would ensure regulations remain effective, efficient and in the public interest. Both bills now move to the House of Representatives for consideration. PA Now Has Concealed Carry Reciprocity with Virginia
A new reciprocity agreement allows holders of Pennsylvania Licenses to Carry Firearms to do so in Virginia, making it the 30th state that has a concealed carry reciprocity agreement with Pennsylvania. The agreement resulted from efforts of Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday to maximize reciprocity agreements while protecting standing law and constitutional rights. The agreement is only applicable to handguns and requires permit holders to:
PennDOT Roadwork Schedules for Cumberland and York CountiesTo help you stay informed and plan your travels, I will be sharing weekly updates on PennDOT’s roadwork schedules for Cumberland and York counties. This information comes directly from PennDOT but may not include every roadwork project or be completely accurate. Updates will be posted every Friday as long as PennDOT provides the information. There may be weeks when no new details are shared. I hope these updates help you avoid delays and make your travel easier.
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