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In this Update:
Life Is a Gift: Speaking at the March for Life
More than 6,000 Pennsylvanians gathered at the state Capitol for the largest Pennsylvania March for Life to date, coming together from communities across the commonwealth to stand for the protection of unborn children. Life is a gift, and every life has inherent value and dignity. I was proud to speak at the rally and shared a clear message for all Pennsylvanians and elected officials: “Protect the unborn. Support mothers. Reject efforts to expand abortion access at the expense of our most vulnerable, and never forget that the right to life is the foundation of every other right.” I will continue to be a voice for those who cannot speak for themselves and advocate for policies that recognize the value of every human life. Shapiro’s Troubling Health Regulations: Thousands of Pennsylvanians Weigh In
Thousands of Pennsylvanians — including ordinary citizens, school officials and many others — spoke out against Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed health regulations, and their voices were heard. Following strong public opposition, the Pennsylvania Department of Health withdrew the proposed regulations on Sept. 25. More than 10,000 public comments were submitted opposing the changes. I added my voice to the effort through an individual letter to the Independent Regulatory Review Commission, as well as a joint letter signed by members of the Senate Republican Caucus, outlining the reasons these regulations must be stopped. Thank you to everyone who took the time to learn about the proposal, submitted a comment and made your voice heard. This is a win for Pennsylvanians today and a reminder of what can happen when people pay attention, speak up and refuse to sit on the sidelines. But this is not the last you’ll see of this issue. The administration plans to resubmit a revised proposal, so I’ll be watching closely to see what comes next and will continue standing up for the rights and freedoms of Pennsylvanians. Learn more about the issue and the proposed regulations on this State Health Regulations information webpage. Goodwill: Turning Donations Into Opportunity
I recently toured Goodwill Keystone’s Store and Donation Center in Lemoyne to learn more about their work to connect people facing barriers to employment with job training, employment opportunities and pathways to careers. I appreciated the opportunity to see the operation firsthand and learn how their retail and donation programs support that mission. Goodwill’s impact goes beyond what happens on the store floor. Donations and community support help provide people with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed in the workforce. It was great to see that mission in action right here in our community — and I even found a few treasures along the way! Preparing the Next Generation of Workers
The right skills can provide more than a job — they can provide an opportunity to build a career and support a family. Empire Beauty School in York is helping students take that step. During my recent visit, I learned how the school combines hands-on cosmetology training with support that helps students overcome challenges and prepare for careers. The school also connects students with community resources and encouragement to help them stay on track. My visit also connected with legislation I introduced, Senate Bill 892, which would remove unnecessary government barriers for professionals with limited scopes of practice. By reducing these barriers, we can create more opportunities for individuals to enter the workforce, earn an income and put their skills to good use. I appreciated the opportunity to learn more about how Empire is preparing students to enter the workforce and support our local economy. Join Us for a Concealed Carry Seminar Oct. 17
I invite area gun owners to join Rep. George Margetas for a Concealed Carry Seminar on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to noon at the West Manchester Farmers and Sportsman’s Association, 4900 Pine Hill Road, Dover. Attorney Seth Springer will discuss the rights of gun owners and provide information about concealed carry. Northern York County Regional Police Department Detective Jonathan Bailey, a firearms instructor, also will be on hand to share his expertise and answer questions. My staff will be available to provide information about state services and resources. This seminar will cover your rights as a gun owner, Pennsylvania firearms laws, the concealed carry permit application process and safe concealed carry practices. Registration is required. To reserve your spot, please call Rep. Margetas’ office at 717-767-3947. Rethinking School Property Taxes
Pennsylvania’s education system should not place such a heavy financial burden on homeowners and renters. Because school property taxes are based on the value of a home rather than a person’s ability to pay, I believe we need to consider a different approach to funding our schools — one that provides relief to property owners while maintaining support for education. That is why I introduced the School Property Tax Elimination Act, Senate Bill 962. My legislation would eliminate school property taxes and replace that revenue with a 1.88% increase in personal income tax and a 2% increase in the sales and use tax. Under the proposal, an estimated 80% of Pennsylvania residents would pay less, while those who earn more (the top 20% of earners) and those who spend more on taxable items would pay more. Residents can visit noprop.tax to estimate how the proposed changes could affect them. You will need to know your annual income, property taxes paid annually and your retirement income. I’ll continue the conversation at my next School Property Tax Elimination Town Hall on Wednesday, Oct. 14, from 6-8 p.m. at New Castle School of Trades, 4117 Pulaski Road, New Castle. If you have family or friends in the New Castle area, please share this information with them so they can learn more about school property taxes and my legislation to eliminate them. Celebrating Manufacturing Day
Oct. 2 is Manufacturing Day, an opportunity to recognize the manufacturers and skilled workers who help drive our local economy. York and Cumberland counties are home to diverse manufacturing industries that provide good jobs and support communities across our region. York County has nearly 600 manufacturing firms employing more than 31,000 workers, while Cumberland County’s manufacturers span industries including building materials, food processing and advanced industrial equipment. I’m proud of the manufacturers and workers in our communities who make products used here at home and around the world. Manufacturing Day is an opportunity to recognize their contributions and highlight the many career opportunities available in this important industry. Garrity Announces $1,000 Bonus for Families’ Education Savings
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity is giving families with qualified PA 529 College and Career Saving Program Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) accounts a $1,000 bonus contribution, enhancing education savings for about 107,000 Pennsylvania families. The bonus is being paid for through surplus dollars in the GSP Fund. PA 529 GSP savers with at least a $1,000 account balance, or those with at least a $100 balance with contributions made since 2022, as of July 31, 2026, are eligible for this bonus deposit. Account owners will see this deposit reflected in their third quarter statement. The PA 529 GSP allows families to save at today’s tuition rates to cover tomorrow’s tuition costs with account growth dependent on tuition inflation. For more information, visit the PA 529 website. Certified Veteran-Owned Businesses Gain New Opportunities
Pennsylvania veteran-owned small businesses that get certified can be listed on a state database, opening doors to state contracting opportunities. To qualify for certification, businesses must be at least 51% veteran-owned, meet “small business” revenue and size standards, and hold a valid third-party certification. The state does not certify a business as veteran owned; it only verifies it. Find out how to obtain certification and third-party verification at the Department of General Services. Sign Up for My Monthly Veterans E-News
If you or someone in your family have served, I encourage you to sign up for my monthly Veterans E-News. Each edition includes details on veterans benefits, available resources, upcoming events and programs, and state and local issues that may impact families. My goal is to ensure you have access to timely, helpful information and opportunities available to you. Please sign up by clicking here. Thank you for your service and for the sacrifices you and your family have made for our nation. Recognizing VFW Day
Sept. 29 marks Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Day, recognizing the organization’s long history of supporting veterans, service members, their families and communities. Founded in 1899 by veterans of the Spanish-American War, the VFW has continued that mission for more than a century. Across Cumberland and York counties, local VFW Posts carry on this tradition through veteran assistance, scholarships, community service and fellowship. VFW Day is an opportunity to recognize those who continue to serve others and remind us that service to our country does not end when the uniform comes off. Find your local VFW Post to learn more about the events and programs they offer and find ways to support their continued service to our veterans and communities. 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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