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In this Update:
Important Notice – In observance of the New Year’s holiday, my office will close at noon on Dec. 31 and remain closed through Jan. 2. Ringing in the New Year and a Historic 250th Anniversary
As we welcome the new year, I want to wish you and your family a happy, healthy and prosperous 2026. This year is especially meaningful as our nation celebrates its 250th birthday, a historic milestone that invites us to reflect on our shared past and look ahead with hope and optimism. On July 4, 2026, our nation will commemorate the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This milestone offers a powerful opportunity to pause and reflect on our nation’s history, honor the contributions of all Americans and look ahead to the future we want to create for the next generation and those to follow. Click here to find officially recognized events happening in Pennsylvania. As we begin the year ahead, I remain committed to working on your behalf and ensuring our district continues to be a great place to live, work and raise a family. May the new year bring health, happiness and new opportunities to you and your loved ones, and may this milestone year inspire unity, pride and appreciation for our great nation. Start the New Year with a Guided Hike
Kick off the new year by getting outside and enjoying Pennsylvania’s great outdoors. On Jan. 1, the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources staff and volunteers will lead guided hikes in state parks and forests across the commonwealth, with options for all ages and skill levels. Whether you prefer a leisurely walk or a more challenging hike, it is a great way to start the year with fresh air, movement and a renewed connection to nature. Heating Assistance Program Now Open
Residents who struggle with their home heating bills can apply for assistance from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP is a federally funded program that helps individuals and families pay their heating bills through home heating energy assistance grants. It also provides crisis grants to help in the event of an emergency or if a resident is in danger of losing his or her heat due to broken equipment, lack of fuel or termination of utility service. Learn about income eligibility and other details here. Apply online at www.dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS or by phone at 1-866-857-7095. The program runs through April 2026. PA Treasury Mails Nearly 100,000 Money Match Checks
Check your mailboxes, because the Pennsylvania Treasury Department recently mailed nearly 100,000 Pennsylvania Money Match checks totaling more than $22 million. Treasurer Stacy Garrity urges those who receive a check to cash or deposit it immediately – this is a real program, and this money belongs to Pennsylvanians. Money Match, a law that went into effect in 2025, allows the Pennsylvania Treasury to return single-owner unclaimed property valued at $500 or less automatically without the need to search or file a claim. Money Match successfully returned $50 million in its first year and will continue issuing checks quarterly. More than one in 10 Pennsylvanians is owed some of the over $5 billion of unclaimed property in Treasury’s care. The average value of a claim is $1,000. Visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property to start searching. PA State Police Chaplaincy Program Accepting Applications
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is accepting applications from Pennsylvanians who want to volunteer as PSP chaplains. The positions are open to licensed or ordained clergy interested in providing spiritual support to state troopers. Interested residents are encouraged to apply by Jan. 1, 2026. Contact RA-SPMAP@pa.gov for details and applications. Travel Smart with 511PA
Planning a trip in Pennsylvania? Stay informed using 511PA.com and its free mobile app. Whether you are heading out on a daily commute or a longer journey, these tools provide real-time information to help you reach your destination safely. Features include up-to-date weather forecasts and alerts, winter road conditions and the locations of plow trucks during snowy weather. You can plan your trip in advance or use driving mode for hands-free updates while on the road. PennDOT Roadwork Schedules for Cumberland and York Counties
As we move into the winter months, PennDOT road work schedules are released less frequently. To ensure you stay informed, we will share PennDOT news releases about specific construction projects planned in our senatorial district. Because these updates are issued based on project timelines, the information at the link may not change each week, and it may not include every project or reflect the latest conditions. We hope these updates help you plan ahead, avoid delays and travel safely throughout the season.
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