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In this Update:
What’s Your Favorite Part of the Dillsburg Farmers Fair?
The Dillsburg Farmers Fair is a longtime community tradition, bringing friends, families and neighbors together. I enjoyed being part of this year’s 111th annual fair, from delivering remarks at the opening ceremony to chatting with the Farmers Fair Queen pageant contestants. I also enjoyed watching the Cross Cut Sawing Contest and talking with fairgoers throughout the week. On Saturday, I welcomed visitors to my Dillsburg district office for an open house, giving attendees an opportunity to stop in, say hello and learn more about the services my office provides. It was wonderful to reconnect with friends and neighbors and meet so many people who make this community special. The Farmers Fair is a great reminder of the traditions that bring our community together. I would love to hear from you about what your favorite thing about the Dillsburg Farmers Fair is. Take my survey and let me know. William Penn Peace Tree Initiative Takes Root in York County
I had the privilege of participating in the William Penn Peace Tree Initiative at John Rudy Park in York. This statewide initiative will plant an eastern white pine in each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties, symbolizing the principles on which our commonwealth was founded: peace, unity and liberty of conscience. During my remarks, I reflected on how trees represent the legacy we leave for future generations. I hope these trees will serve as lasting reminders that peace is something we must choose, nurture and pass on. As William Penn once said, “Let us see what love can do.” Thank you to the York County commissioners and everyone who helped make this meaningful initiative possible. York Art Association Celebrates New Home
The York Art Association celebrated an exciting milestone with the opening of its new facility at the Little Green Church, 591 Linden Ave., York. I enjoyed attending the opening reception to celebrate the association’s new home which includes new galleries, classrooms and gathering spaces, giving local artists and community members more opportunities to connect through the arts. Congratulations to the York Art Association and its members on this exciting new chapter and their continued contributions to York County’s cultural community. Connecting With Residents in New Castle on School Property Tax Reform
Residents in New Castle had the opportunity to share their concerns about rising school property taxes during my School Property Tax Elimination Town Hall, hosted by Rep. Marla Brown. Rep. Wendy Fink joined me for the discussion, where we discussed our School Property Tax Elimination Act and how it would end school property taxes. Throughout the town hall, we answered questions and listened to residents’ concerns about the financial burden property taxes place on homeowners and the challenges many families face in keeping their homes affordable. Would you like to bring a School Property Tax Elimination Town Hall to your community? Contact my office at 717-432-1730 to learn more. Working to Increase Affordability for Pennsylvanians
At a time when families continue to feel the strain of inflation, state government has a responsibility to look for practical ways to ease the burden and leave more money in people’s pockets. During the 2025-26 session, that has meant fighting for a budget that respects taxpayers, voting to eliminate the gross receipts tax on electric energy, passing a bill to exempt the newest vehicles from unnecessary emissions testing, and introducing legislation to eliminate school property taxes. The Senate passed an amendment to House Bill 1667 that eliminates the gross receipts tax on electric energy sales and requires utilities to pass the savings directly to ratepayers — lowering your electric bill. We also passed Senate Bill 1298, which exempts the newest vehicles from emissions testing for five years after manufacturing. This removes a costly and outdated mandate that does little to improve air quality while saving drivers both time and money. I introduced Senate Bill 962, the School Property Tax Elimination Act, to end school property taxes entirely. By replacing this ever-rising burden with a fairer mix of other revenues, the bill would let homeowners, renters and businesses keep more of their hard-earned money while still fully funding public education. We also took steps to make housing more attainable by passing legislation that streamlines municipal approval processes, reduces delays, cuts unnecessary red tape, and creates a Housing Development Regulatory Compliance Officer to serve as a single point of contact and improve coordination in the permitting process. I am committed to continuing these efforts — pursuing greater government efficiencies, controlling the growth of spending, and advancing policies that help make life more affordable for families across Pennsylvania. 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 Monday, Oct. 19. 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:
The legislation also prohibits the use of AI-generated messages to deceive consumers. Key Election Dates to Remember
Election Day will be here before you know it, and I want to make sure you know the key dates.
To make sure you’re registered, learn how to request an absentee ballot and find your polling place, visit the state’s elections information webpage. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Oct. 24
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, most people who use prescription medication for a nonmedical purpose obtained that medication from a family member or friend. Removing unnecessary medications from the home can help remove this risk. National Prescription Drug Take Back Day is Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., providing a safe, convenient and responsible means of disposing of prescription drugs. Find a local collection site near you at the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration website. Recognizing the Importance of Free Speech Week
Free Speech Week, observed Oct. 19-25, is an opportunity to reflect on the First Amendment and the freedoms it protects. As an elected official, I believe the ability to express opinions, question government decisions and engage in open debate is essential to representative government. These freedoms allow citizens to hold elected officials accountable and ensure diverse perspectives are heard. The First Amendment protects the right to express opinions, even when others disagree. As we recognize Free Speech Week, I encourage Pennsylvanians to learn about their constitutional rights and engage respectfully with differing viewpoints. 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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