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In this Update:
A Budget Must Live Within Its Means
I voted against the 2026-27 Pennsylvania state budget because it continues a pattern of spending beyond the commonwealth’s projected revenues. While the finalized budget is an improvement over Gov. Josh Shapiro’s irresponsible $53.3 billion proposed budget, it still exceeds the Independent Fiscal Office’s projected $49.56 billion in General Fund revenues by billions. The Republican-led Senate worked to reduce the gap by “flipping the couch cushions” and identifying available funds, including unspent agency dollars and other resources. While those efforts are commendable, they do not provide the long-term reforms needed to put Pennsylvania on a sustainable financial path. Learn more about my concerns and why I voted no by reading my full news release. What’s Your Favorite York State Fair Food?
The oldest fair in America, the York State Fair returns July 24-Aug. 2, bringing 10 days of entertainment, agricultural traditions, family fun and the delicious foods that keep fairgoers coming back year after year. Whether you’re a longtime fairgoer or planning your first visit, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Before the gates open, take my survey and let me know which York State Fair food is your favorite. Residents Encouraged to Report July 4 Storm Damage
The severe storms that swept through our region on July 4 left a lasting mark on many families and communities. I want to sincerely thank the first responders, public works employees, emergency personnel, utility crews and local officials who worked around the clock to keep residents safe and restore essential services. More than 271,700 customers lost power during the dangerous storms, and tragically, two lives were lost. PPL has said that these storms rank among the 10 most significant weather events in the company’s history and required its largest restoration workforce since Hurricane Sandy. Although no state of emergency has been declared, the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency continues to evaluate the extent of the destruction. If your home, property or business sustained damage during the July 4 storms, please report it to your local county or municipal emergency management coordinator. Each county contact information is listed below for the 31st Senatorial District. These reports are essential because they help emergency officials determine whether Pennsylvania meets the criteria for a disaster declaration and additional recovery assistance. Even if your damage seems minor, reporting it helps paint a complete picture of the losses experienced across our communities.
InShane Designs Brings Creative Automotive Concepts to Life
I recently had the opportunity to visit InShane Designs in Lemoyne and see firsthand how the team transforms unique automotive ideas into reality. Known for turning bold and unconventional concepts into custom creations, this company combines creativity, precision and quality craftsmanship to deliver exceptional results. The company offers a variety of services, including ceramic coating, paint protection and vinyl wraps to help customers customize their vehicles while protecting their investment. It was great to see a local business using innovation, skill and attention to detail to bring creative concepts to life. Discussing the Future of School Property Taxes in Pennsylvania
School property taxes continue to place a significant burden on families, seniors and homeowners across Pennsylvania. I recently joined abc27’s Dennis Owens on This Week in Pennsylvania to discuss this growing concern and my plan to eliminate them through the School Property Tax Elimination Act. Want to learn how this proposal could change the way Pennsylvania funds education and provide relief to property owners? Watch the full episode to hear our conversation about the need for meaningful tax reform and why I believe it is time to take action. Senate Passes Bill to Bring Life-saving Treatments to Market More Quickly
The Senate approved legislation to help get new life-saving treatments and devices to market more quickly while preserving safety standards. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Under current law, a pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturer must first complete a lengthy federal process before it can even begin the state licensure process in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1206 allows companies to gain temporary approval under Pennsylvania’s virtual manufacturers’ law, so that once federal approval is granted, these companies can quickly move forward without having to clear additional administrative roadblocks. Read more about Senate Bill 1206 here Empowering Patients to Make Care Decisions
Pennsylvania Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) spell out treatments a seriously ill patient does and does not want in an emergency or at the end of life. To empower patients, the Senate passed legislation creating the legal framework for their use across all healthcare settings. These differ from an advance directive, which generally identifies a surrogate decision-maker or provide broad guidance about future care preferences. POLST is a medical order that must be followed immediately, ensuring care aligns with the patient’s wishes in real time. POLST forms are not consistently recognized or applied across all care settings in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 730 provides statutory authority so that these forms are honored statewide by healthcare providers and emergency medical services. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Read more about Senate Bill 730 here. PA Trooper’s Death Highlights Urgent Need to Improve CDL Oversight
Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael E. Pahira Jr. was recently killed in the line of duty during a Schuylkill County traffic stop when he was struck by a tractor trailer driven by a person who was in the country illegally. I mourn this heartbreaking tragedy and join the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association in asking why this person had been granted a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Massachusetts. I also urge the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to pass two bills approved by the Senate to help prevent similar tragedies in the future: Senate Bill 1294, which improves the training curriculum and strengthens penalties to shutdown unqualified “CDL Mills,” and Senate Bill 1295, which requires English proficiency in all testing applications to operate an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle on public highways. We must strengthen our laws and oversight governing non-domiciled CDLs to improve commercial vehicle safety and help protect lives across our commonwealth. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline Extended to Dec. 31
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides rebates on property taxes or rent paid for the previous year by income-eligible seniors and people with disabilities. The deadline to apply has been extended to Dec. 31, 2026. Funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, it benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Rebates range from $380 to $1,000. The income limit is currently $48,110 a year for homeowners and renters, however, half of Social Security income is excluded. Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced that $224.4 million in rebates have already been sent to 372,291 Pennsylvanians. You can find more information and apply here. Contact my office for assistance in applying. State Police Cadet Selection Open Through July 31
Do you know someone who is considering a law enforcement career? The Pennsylvania State Police Cadet selection cycle is open through July 31. In addition to patrol services and policing residential areas, state troopers provide a variety of support services through specialized positions. The selection process consists of a written exam, background check and polygraph exam, physical readiness test, medical checkup and psychological evaluation. College internships are also available at participating schools. Learn more about the cadet selection process 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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