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In this Update:

• Remembering 9/11: 25 Years Later
• Thank You for Making My Senior Expo a Success
• York Habitat for Humanity: Building Stronger Communities
• See How Your Taxes Could Change Under My School Property Tax Elimination Act
• Protecting Children and Families from AI Deception
• New Law Cracks Down on Robocalls, Scam Texts and Caller ID Spoofing
• Phishing Scam Targets “MyChart” Patient Portal Users
• Fire and EMS Companies Can Apply Now for State Assistance
• Remembering Our POWs and MIAs
• PennDOT Roadwork Schedules for Cumberland and York Counties

Remembering 9/11: 25 Years Later

This year marks 25 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks that claimed nearly 3,000 innocent lives and forever changed our nation. Four commercial airliners were hijacked and used as weapons of terror. Two were flown into the World Trade Center towers in New York City, another struck the Pentagon, and the fourth crashed in Somerset County after brave passengers fought back against the hijackers.

Twenty-five years later, the shock and grief of that day remain deeply felt. But so does the courage of the first responders, the passengers of Flight 93 and countless others who stepped forward in the face of unimaginable danger. Just as importantly, we remember how Americans came together in the days and weeks that followed, united by a shared sense of purpose and a determination to stand strong.

I recently joined our community at several 9/11 commemorations throughout York and Cumberland counties. At York Suburban High School, participants gathered at the track to climb nearly 2,200 steps in tribute to the 400 first responders who lost their lives that day. Mechanicsburg Borough’s Patriot Day Ceremony at Center Square brought residents together to reflect on the sacrifices of 9/11 and express gratitude to local first responders. In New Cumberland, the Rotary Club of West Shore hosted its Flags for Heroes Dedication Ceremony, recognizing those who exemplify the spirit of “Service Above Self.” My staff joined the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge 213, in York for its Patriot Day Ceremony.

As the years pass and fewer people have firsthand memories of Sept. 11, it becomes even more important that we teach future generations about that day and the sacrifices that followed. We must never allow the memory of 9/11 to fade. We owe it to those we lost, the heroes who answered the call and the generations that came after to remember their courage, honor their sacrifice and preserve the unity that brought our nation together in one of its darkest hours.

Thank You for Making My Senior Expo a Success

Thank you to everyone who joined me for my first Senior Expo this past Thursday. We had an incredible turnout, and it was wonderful to connect so many seniors and their families with valuable resources, services and information. Attendees also had the opportunity to receive immunizations, enjoy light refreshments and win door prizes.

A special thank you goes to the more than 50 vendors who participated and shared their time, knowledge and resources with our community. I also want to thank our prime sponsors Giant Food Stores, Select Medical and the West Shore YMCA for helping make this event possible. I appreciate everyone who made our first Senior Expo a success and brought our community together.

York Habitat for Humanity: Building Stronger Communities

I recently visited the York Habitat for Humanity ReStore and their current project site on Chestnut Street in York to learn more about how the organization is helping expand access to affordable homeownership in our community.

The ReStore plays an important role in supporting that mission by selling donated furniture, appliances, building materials and other home improvement items at affordable prices. Proceeds from the ReStore help fund York Habitat for Humanity’s homebuilding and repair programs. It was valuable to see firsthand how the ReStore and the organization’s construction efforts work together to help local families achieve safe, affordable housing.

See How Your Taxes Could Change Under My School Property Tax Elimination Act

For years, Pennsylvanians have asked for a better way to fund our schools without putting the burden of school property taxes on homeowners. My School Property Tax Elimination Act, Senate Bill 962, would do just that by eliminating school property taxes and replacing them with a broader-based funding system. I know one part of the proposal has raised questions — the taxation of some retirement income. But before assuming this means you will pay more, I encourage you to look at the numbers. If you currently use your pension or retirement income to pay your school property taxes, you may actually pay less overall under my legislation.

Want to see how your taxes could change? Visit noprop.tax to use the calculator and get an estimate based on your individual situation. You will need your annual income, annual school property taxes and retirement income to get started.

I’ll also be continuing the conversation at my next School Property Tax Elimination Town Hall, hosted by Rep. Charity Grimm Krupa, on Thursday, Sept. 17, from 6-8 p.m. at Wesley Hall at Jumonville Retreat, 887 Jumonville Road, Hopwood. I encourage you to join us, ask questions and learn more about how this proposal could affect you. RSVP at 724-438-6100 or register online.

Protecting Children and Families from AI Deception

It’s critical for state laws to keep up with fast-evolving Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, especially as it relates to protecting our children online. I’m proud of our work to address the alarming rise in AI-generated sexual images of children, as well as non-consenting adults, through Act 125 of 2024 which gives prosecutors the ability to go after criminals who create “deepfake” AI images of minors and child sexual abuse materials.

Previously, Pennsylvania law made it illegal to share intimate images without consent, and Act 125 took it a step further to combat the use of AI technology for this purpose and prohibits AI from being utilized to generate child sexual abuse material. As technology continues to advance, we must be vigilant in making sure proper safeguards are put in place.

New Law Cracks Down on Robocalls, Scam Texts and Caller ID Spoofing

Legislation we unanimously passed enacting stronger protections from deceptive telemarketing practices will take effect next month.

Under Act 47 of 2026, Pennsylvania’s telemarketing law will now cover modern forms of solicitation, including text messages, voicemails, ringless voicemails and robocalls. It also establishes stronger rules for when and how telemarketers can contact Pennsylvanians, including:

• Prohibiting telemarketing calls before 9 a.m. and after 7 p.m. and on Sundays.
• Requiring prior express written consent for most robocalls and telemarketing text messages.
• Prohibiting telemarketers from falsely identifying themselves or using deceptive caller ID information, including spoofed numbers.
• Requiring telemarketers to stop a solicitation when a consumer asks them to do so.

The legislation also prohibits the use of AI-generated messages to deceive consumers. The new law takes effect Oct. 19.

Phishing Scam Targets “MyChart” Patient Portal Users

If you use MyChart — a popular online patient portal used by many hospitals and healthcare providers — please be aware of a phishing scam targeting patients.

State Attorney General Dave Sunday reports scammers are impersonating MyChart by sending emails or text messages that offer patients a chance to claim a reward in the form of a “MyChart Medicare Kit.” No such program or reward exists.

These emails and text messages are attempts to trick recipients into clicking on malicious links, and obtain passwords and personal information from patients, which allows hackers to gain access to the patients’ MyChart portals. Read about how to avoid this and other phishing scams here.

Fire and EMS Companies Can Apply Now for State Assistance

Attention local fire companies, emergency medical services and volunteer rescue squads: Applications are being accepted for the latest round of the state Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grant program.

The funds can be used to help pay for facility construction/renovation, equipment, training, debt reduction and more. The application period closes Oct. 22.

Providing communities with fire, medical and rescue services comes with a considerable price tag, especially for volunteer organizations. The General Assembly funds these grants to ensure these life-saving services are available. Find more information and applications here. 

Remembering Our POWs and MIAs

On National POW/MIA Recognition Day, we pause to remember the more than 83,000 U.S. service members who remain classified as prisoners of war or missing in action. The POW/MIA flag stands as a powerful symbol of our commitment to never forget those who were captured or left behind and to continue seeking the fullest possible accounting for Americans still missing.

Every element of the flag carries meaning. The black field represents the sorrow and uncertainty faced by missing service members and their families. The white silhouette depicts a head bowed in sorrow, symbolizing a prisoner held in captivity, while the guard tower and barbed wire represent the harsh conditions endured by POWs. The words “YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN” serve as our nation’s promise that these Americans and their sacrifices will never be forgotten.

The POW/MIA flag holds a unique place in our nation’s history. It is the only flag other than the American flag ever to fly over the White House. On this day, we remember those who have not come home, honor their service and sacrifice, and reaffirm our commitment to their families. You can learn more about the history of the POW/MIA flag and how this enduring symbol came about by clicking 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.