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In this Update:
Important Notice – Today in observance of Veterans Day, my offices will be closed. Regular business hours will resume Wednesday, Nov. 12. With Gratitude This Veterans Day
On this Veterans Day, I am reflecting on the incredible men and women who served and whom I’ve had the privilege to meet during my first year as your senator. Each conversation and story has reminded me of the selfless courage, dedication and sacrifice that protect our freedoms. I am deeply grateful for the chance to meet so many of you, hear your stories and celebrate your service. Your dedication and sacrifices have strengthened our communities and our nation, and it is an honor to stand alongside you and represent so many who have worn our nation’s uniform with pride. One way to show your appreciation is through the Veterans Trust Fund, which supports organizations that assist Pennsylvania veterans and their families who are in need of housing, financial help, food, training, recovery and more. Find out how you can donate to this fund here. A Morning to Thank Our Veterans
On Nov. 7, I joined Rep. Joe D’Orsie in hosting a Veterans Appreciation Breakfast at the Eagle Fire Company to honor local veterans for their courage, sacrifice and service. The event drew a full house of veterans, their families and community members who came together to celebrate and express gratitude to those who have worn our nation’s uniform. Maj. Gen. Michael E. Wegscheider, deputy adjutant general – Army of the Pennsylvania National Guard, was our featured speaker and shared inspiring insights on leadership and service. Attendees also connected with the Mobile Veterans Service Officer Outreach Team, which provided valuable resources for veterans and their families. Thank you to our veterans for your service and to everyone who attended and helped make this morning so special. Supporting School Options That Work for You
Last Wednesday, I joined Rep. Barb Gleim, Rep. Joe D’Orsie, Rep. Marc Anderson, and others for a panel discussion on online learning at Reach Cyber Charter School. With Gov. Josh Shapiro threatening further cuts to Pennsylvania’s cyber charter schools, it was critical to hear from students, parents and educators who rely on these programs. Approximately 65,000 students attend 14 public cyber charter schools statewide, which already endured more than $100 million in cuts in the 2024-25 budget. As I shared during the panel, not all families can afford private school, and cyber charters provide an essential option for children who thrive outside a traditional classroom. Reducing funding limits opportunities and sends the message that some students are less valued than others. Cyber charter schools allow Pennsylvania to meet students where they are and deliver a thorough and efficient public education for every child. You can watch the full panel discussion here. Protecting Homeowners from Endless School Property Tax Hikes
Did you know that school board members are advised during trainings that if they don’t raise property taxes every year to the maximum allowed, they’re “losing money”? This pressure drives constant tax increases, leaving families unable to get ahead. Each year, roughly 10,000 Pennsylvanians lose their homes due to property taxes — making it the most regressive tax in the state. We must find a better way to fund education without putting families’ homes at risk. That’s why I joined Rep. Wendy Fink in introducing the School Property Tax Elimination Act. This legislation offers a plan to eliminate school property taxes and create a fairer system for all Pennsylvanians. One that is based on your ability to pay, not the value of your home. Giving you control over your own finances and contribution to Pennsylvania’s education system. You can see how this legislation would impact you by visiting NoProp.tax, where you can enter your information to calculate your potential benefit. To learn more join us at our upcoming townhall: Nov. 20, 6 p.m. – hosted by Rep. Jeremy Shaffer No matter where you live or what stage of life you’re in, this issue affects you. Whether you own a home, rent or hope to buy in the future, your voice matters in shaping a fairer system for everyone. Together, we can reform education funding in Pennsylvania to make it sustainable, transparent and free from the burden of property taxes that continue to threaten homeowners. Senate Acts to Expand Access to Midwife Maternal Care
The Senate approved legislation to strengthen maternal health care in Pennsylvania by expanding access to midwife services. Senate Bill 507 would modernize licensure requirements for certified midwives, improve collaboration between midwives and physicians and update prescription authority – particularly for the treatment of substance use disorders. Midwives provide care for women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period, as well as newborn care during the first 28 days of life. Many also offer routine reproductive health services, including prenatal care, clinical exams, screenings and patient education. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Bill Protecting Privacy of Lottery Winners Passes Senate
Legislation that would protect the privacy of Pennsylvania Lottery winners who receive prizes of $100,000 or more was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 73 would keep the names, addresses and other personal identifying information of these winners confidential, unless they choose to make it public. The measure allows the Pennsylvania Lottery to continue operating transparently by releasing the winner’s county and municipality of residence and the prize amount. Half of all states already provide either full or partial anonymity for major lottery winners to shield them from harassment, scams and unwanted attention after winning large sums of money. Watch Out for Increased Deer Activity on Roads
The number of deer-related crashes in Pennsylvania has been on the rise since 2020, with last year’s total of 6,426 setting a five-year high, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Autumn means increased deer activity on roads. Deer become more active at dawn and dusk, and if you see one, there are usually more. PennDOT advises motorists involved in a deer-related crash to assess the situation to determine whether they need to contact local authorities. Pennsylvanians can report a dead deer for removal from state-maintained roads by calling 1-800-FIX-ROAD or submitting feedback through the PennDOT Customer Care Center. 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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