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In this Update:
Important Notice – In observance of Independence Day, my offices will be closed on Friday, July 4th. Regular business hours will resume on Monday, July 7th. Happy Independence Day
As we prepare to celebrate the Fourth of July with family, friends and community, I want to take a moment to reflect on what this day truly means. The Fourth of July is more than fireworks and parades. It is a time to honor the courage of our Founding Fathers, who boldly declared our nation’s independence in pursuit of liberty and self-governance. It is a reminder of the freedoms we enjoy and the responsibility we each share to protect them. We owe deep gratitude to the men and women who have worn our nation’s uniform and defended these freedoms throughout our history. Because of their service and sacrifice, we can gather with pride to celebrate the American spirit. May your holiday be safe, joyful and filled with appreciation for the blessings of our great nation. Pro-Business Bills Package to Cut Red Tape and Boost Jobs
I’m excited to introduce a pro-business package of bills designed to reduce government overreach and help Pennsylvanians get to work faster. This four-bill package will remove unnecessary regulations that delay licensing, burden entrepreneurs, and create confusion around independent contractor status. The legislation includes:
These bills are about commonsense reform. We need to cut red tape, improve government efficiency and give people the freedom to pursue their careers without unnecessary roadblocks. The bills have been referred to the appropriate Senate committees, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to move them forward. Hershey Jr. Bears and Cedar Cliff Teams Recognized for Historic Seasons
Recently, I had the privilege of welcoming two outstanding teams to the Senate floor to recognize their exceptional athletic achievements and present each with an official Senate Citation: the Hershey Jr. Bears Bantam House Select hockey team and the Cedar Cliff High School Baseball Team. The Hershey Jr. Bears made local history during their 2024–25 season by launching a new House Select program for 13 and 14-year-old recreational hockey players. This innovative model offered more practice and game opportunities without the demands of full-time travel hockey. In their inaugural season, the Bantam House Select team won all seven tournaments they entered, from Columbus Day through St. Patrick’s Day. With a final record of 26 wins, just 2 losses and 104 goals scored, they demonstrated remarkable skill, heart and unity as a team. The Cedar Cliff Colts Baseball Team also had a season to remember, winning their first-ever PIAA Class 6A State Championship. In a dramatic 13-inning game, they defeated North Penn High School 1-0. Their season record of 21 and 6, including a runner-up finish in the District III championship, reflects the team’s resilience, talent and strong leadership from both players and coaches. It was wonderful to recognize these young athletes in the Senate and to present them with citations commemorating their achievements. Congratulations again to the Hershey Jr. Bears and the Cedar Cliff Colts on your historic seasons! Speaking at the 2025 Marine Corps League Department of Pennsylvania Convention
I recently had the privilege of speaking at the joint opening ceremony of the Marine Corps League Department of Pennsylvania’s 2025 Convention held in Camp Hill. It was an honor to address a room full of American patriots who continue to serve their communities long after their time in uniform. The Marine Corps has always represented the highest ideals of courage, resilience and honor. The League carries that spirit forward by supporting fellow Marines, engaging with communities across Pennsylvania and living out the values of service and sacrifice every day. During my remarks, I emphasized that as a state senator and proud Pennsylvanian, I believe it is not just our duty but our privilege to ensure that veterans are never left behind. In the General Assembly, I have worked alongside colleagues to expand access to mental health services, simplify the process for veterans to obtain the benefits they have earned and increase property tax exemptions for disabled veterans. We have also focused on helping veterans transition successfully into civilian life, including workforce support, in-state tuition and prioritizing veteran-owned small businesses. But most importantly, I spoke about the need to show up, not just with policy but with presence. Events like this ceremony are vital. They remind us of our shared responsibility to care for those who served and to uphold the values they defended. To the Marine Corps League and everyone who made this event possible, thank you for the opportunity to speak and for your continued commitment to our commonwealth and country. Senate Targets PA Opioid Crisis with Expanded Reporting Tool
The Senate voted to incorporate overdose reporting by EMS providers into the statewide Overdose Information Network to make sure first responders, treatment providers and other key parties have the information they need to save lives. Senate Bill 89 would require the Pennsylvania Department of Health to coordinate with the Pennsylvania State Police to ensure real-time overdose reporting by EMS providers is incorporated into the statewide mapping system. The bill was also approved by the House of Representatives and will be sent to the governor for his signature. EMS providers would report information including the date and time of the overdose, location, substances used by the victim and more. In other action to prevent opioid deaths, Senate Republicans led passage of a measure giving EMS personnel permanent authority to leave behind a dose of lifesaving naloxone at non-fatal overdose scenes. Measure to Prevent Eminent Domain Abuse Approved by Senate
Legislation to protect property owners against eminent domain abuse and ensure they are fully compensated when their property is taken by government was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 225 would ensure business owners and farmers whose properties are seized through eminent domain are compensated for loss of “goodwill,” which goes beyond the assessed value. For farms, the land may possess characteristics that make it particularly special, such as fertile soil. In the case of another business, goodwill may be because of location, access to utilities and other factors. Farmers, employers and homeowners testified before a Senate committee last year about eminent domain abuse. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. PennDOT Roadwork Schedules for Cumberland and York Counties
To 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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