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In this Update:
Important Notice – My offices will be closed for in-person services on Friday, July 3. Virtual services will continue to be accessible via my website. America Turns 250: Happy Fourth of July!
As we gather with family, friends and neighbors this Independence Day, I wish you and your loved ones a safe, happy and memorable Fourth of July. This year’s celebration is especially meaningful as we mark America’s 250th birthday. On July 4, 1776, delegates gathered in Philadelphia to adopt the Declaration of Independence, forever changing the course of history and establishing the principles of liberty and self-government that continue to guide our nation today. As Pennsylvanians, we have the unique privilege of celebrating this historic milestone in the very state where our nation’s story began. There are many Independence Day and America 250 celebrations taking place throughout the 31st District. To find events, you can visit the Explore York, Cumberland Valley PA or America 250 event calendars. I hope you have the opportunity to celebrate this historic occasion with your family, friends and community. Made in the USA, Powered by the 31st District
Made in the USA Day, observed annually on July 2, recognizes the businesses and workers who manufacture products here at home. Pennsylvania has a proud manufacturing heritage, and the 31st Senatorial District is home to many companies that produce quality American-made products. These businesses create jobs, strengthen our local economy and demonstrate the value of manufacturing right here in the United States. Below are just a few of the outstanding manufacturers located in our district:
While this is only a small sampling, I want to thank every manufacturer across the district that chooses to make its products in the United States. I encourage everyone to support businesses that proudly make their products here at home. Recognizing a Piece of Pennsylvania Railroad History
The Williams Grove Historical Steam Engine Association recently celebrated the 125th anniversary of Steam Locomotive No. 643 alongside America’s 250th birthday. The event highlighted the association’s efforts to preserve an important piece of Pennsylvania railroad history and educate the public about its significance. I joined Sen. Greg Rothman in presenting a Pennsylvania Senate Citation recognizing Steam Locomotive No. 643 and the volunteers whose dedication has helped preserve this historic locomotive. Their work ensures it remains an important educational and historical resource for the community. Senate Votes to Cut Taxes and Put PA Families First
The Senate approved legislation to dramatically decrease costs for Pennsylvania families by cutting taxes on electric bills and school supplies, strengthening the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program and eliminating the current sales tax exemption for data centers. Making up the largest tax cut in Pennsylvania history, the proposal would eliminate the gross receipts tax on electric bills and require utility companies to pass the reduction on to consumers, saving ratepayers more than $1.7 billion over the first year. It would also implement a two-week sales tax holiday in August for school supplies, such as book bags, crayons, textbooks and tablets. The highly successful EITC program, which provides scholarships to help families send children to schools that best meet student needs, would receive an additional $25 million under the legislation, bringing the total to $705 million. EITC scholarships remain one of our top priorities for empowering Pennsylvania parents. House Bill 1667, as amended by the Senate, would also respond to concerns being raised across the commonwealth by eliminating the existing sales tax exemption for data centers. The Senate action aims to provide greater affordability at a time when hardworking Pennsylvania families are feeling the strain of rising costs. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives. Mechanicsburg Celebrates New Center Square Park
The Borough of Mechanicsburg recently celebrated the completion of the Center Square Park Project with a ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking nearly a decade of planning and bringing to life a vision first established more than 200 years ago. The new community gathering space will serve residents and visitors while supporting downtown revitalization and economic growth. During the event, the borough and I presented a Pennsylvania Senate Certificate recognizing the Downtown Mechanicsburg Partnership and the Renaissance Mechanicsburg Revitalization Project for their leadership and collaboration. Why Do PA Energy Costs Remain High?
A topic I hear often about from constituents is skyrocketing electric rates. Here’s what’s driving this frustrating trend: Pennsylvania is the number one exporting state in the nation for net electricity. We’re the energy hub for the 13 states that are part of the Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Maryland grid, known as PJM. Without Pennsylvania’s reliable energy sources, including natural gas, coal and nuclear power, states like Maryland, New Jersey and Virginia would literally be in the dark. They don’t produce nearly enough reliable baseload power for their own needs. The Shapiro Price Cap With the Shapiro Price Cap in place, every state is paying the same: $330 per megawatt day, meaning Pennsylvania families and employers are paying MORE while people in Virginia and Maryland are paying LESS. If we want lower electricity rates, we must require other states to do their fair share or pay more to help keep the PJM grid viable. Click here to read more about why energy costs remain high for Pennsylvanians. Senate Votes to Support Victims Over Murderers
The Senate approved legislation to update Pennsylvania’s sentencing laws for second-degree murder following a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling. The bill now advances to the House of Representatives, which must act quickly. Without legislative action, Pennsylvania’s existing sentencing structure for second-degree murder would be invalidated, creating uncertainty for victims, prosecutors and the courts. More than 1,150 individuals currently serving sentences for second-degree murder could be affected. Under Pennsylvania law, second-degree murder, often called felony murder, applies when someone dies during the commission of certain serious crimes, even if the defendant did not directly cause the death. In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the automatic life-without-parole sentence for second-degree murder was unconstitutional. The ruling takes effect July 24. Senate Bill 1400 creates a new sentencing framework that complies with the court’s ruling while ensuring those involved in serious crimes remain accountable. The bill allows judges to consider an individual’s role in the crime when determining a sentence, while maintaining strong penalties for offenders and protections for victims. Read more about this effort to safeguard communities here. Reducing the Backlog in PA Rape Kit Testing
For years, Pennsylvania has worked to reduce the backlog of untested rape kits and to ensure survivors of sexual assault are treated with the urgency and dignity they deserve. We passed a 2024 law to move forward with a statewide sexual assault evidence tracking system so survivors can better understand where their kit is in the process. However, language in the law allows a local law enforcement agency to determine whether a kit should undergo DNA or other forensic analysis. This creates inconsistency from one jurisdiction to another. Senate Bill 1212 removes that discretionary language and helps establish a clear, statewide expectation that sexual assault evidence that has been collected and has not yet received DNA or other appropriate forensic analysis should be treated consistently. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about the latest action to reduce the backlog in rape kit testing here. Join My Telephone Town Hall on School Property Tax Elimination
Are you tired of rising school property taxes? You are not alone. I will be hosting a telephone town hall on Wednesday, July 1, at 2 p.m. to discuss my proposal to eliminate school property taxes and replace them with a fairer, more stable funding model for Pennsylvania schools. Joining me for the discussion will be Rep. Wendy Fink, a key partner in advancing the School Property Tax Elimination Act. Together, we will discuss what this proposal could mean for homeowners and renters, why property tax reform is needed and answer your questions about this important issue. You can participate by signing up to receive a call or listening live. Those who register will automatically receive a phone call when the town hall begins and be connected directly to the event. 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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