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In this update:
Important Notice: My offices will close at noon on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, and remain closed on Christmas Day, Dec. 25. Regular business hours will resume Friday, Dec. 26. Season’s Greetings
As the year comes to a close, I’m grateful for the honor of serving you in the Pennsylvania State Senate. Over the past year, I’ve seen the strength, resilience and heart of the 31st District, and I carry that with me as I work to cut red tape, increase transparency and ensure government works for the people. From my family to yours, I wish you a joyful holiday season and a happy, healthy new year filled with warmth, laughter and time with loved ones. 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. A Milestone Celebration for the Marine Corps
I was honored to join the 250th Marine Corps birthday celebration in the Capitol Rotunda. This milestone was especially meaningful to me personally, as both my husband and brother are Marines. Veterans’ Band Inspires Community Through Music
I was honored to give the welcome speech at the Pennsylvania Military Veterans Band performance at West York Area Middle School. This talented band of veterans delivered a fantastic concert, raising funds to support their missions while celebrating service and inspiring the community. Their dedication not only uplifts fellow veterans but also supports community bands in need. Thank you to all our veterans for your service and sacrifice. My Thoughts on the 2025-26 Pennsylvania State Budget
Pennsylvania taxpayers are facing another year of reckless spending, growing deficits and rising inflation under the newly passed 2025-26 state budget. I criticized the General Assembly for continuing a cycle of unchecked spending that puts our families and the state’s economic stability at risk. The more government spends, the more inflation rises — economics 101. Yet, despite losing population and businesses, the General Assembly and Gov. Josh Shapiro are set to spend an additional $2.5 billion, over 5% more than last year, for a total of $50.1 billion. They plan to cover it with about $44 billion in revenue after returning $2 billion in owed refunds. That leaves taxpayers on the hook for nearly $6 billion more than the state takes in. This is fiscal chaos. I have serious concerns about several areas in the budget. Education spending continues to rise without meaningful accountability, even as brick-and-mortar school enrollment declines, academic performance remains low and truancy increases. At the same time, growing cyber charter schools face funding cuts and new administrative hurdles. Counties struggling to provide mental health services will remain level-funded, while school districts failing to educate students are given $120 million to administer mental health care. Higher education funding increases despite declining enrollment, and new entitlements, like a $100 million recurring Medicaid expansion and increased Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program funding, are added without addressing waste, fraud or long-term sustainability. The budget also doubles contractor registration fees, broadens Fish and Boat Commission spending, creates a housing tax credit that could drive inflation and allocates more than $3 million to expand the governor’s social media operations all while veterans services and agriculture see significant cuts. State Treasurer Stacy Garrity and the Independent Fiscal Office have both warned that Pennsylvania faces a fiscal cliff if spending is not brought under control. Without changes, Pennsylvanians can expect future tax hikes. Now is the time to exercise fiscal responsibility and implement meaningful reforms that protect hardworking families. You can watch my full Senate floor budget comments here and read my news release here. VA Operations Returning to Normal
With the recent enactment of legislation ending the federal government shutdown through Jan. 30, 2026, operations under the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs affected by the shutdown have resumed normal activity for the time being. Veterans’ Trust Fund Grant Program Now Accepting Applications
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is now accepting applications for the 2026-27 Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) grant cycle. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, veterans’ organizations and county directors of Veterans Affairs or the Pennsylvania Association of County Directors of Veterans Affairs. The VTF supports new or expanded programs that improve services to veterans at the county, regional or state level. For nonprofit and veterans’ organizations, funding priorities include mental and behavioral health, transportation and employment. These applicants may request up to $40,000. County directors and their association may apply for up to $15,000 per county. Their funding priorities must include outreach initiatives, enhancing veteran service officer and advocate capabilities and addressing emerging needs such as transportation, food insecurity, suicide prevention and legal assistance. Applications must be submitted by 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 19. Pennsylvania Treasury Returns Medals to Veterans
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced the return of 57 miliary decorations to veterans and their families this year, including Purple Hearts, Civil War relics and a Gold Star Widows and Pilgrimage Medal. The Pennsylvania Treasury still holds nearly 500 unclaimed military items, including medals, dog tags and service pins from all branches of the armed forces. To search for any unclaimed property, go to unclaimedproperty.patreasury.gov/en/Medals. Pennsylvania Veterans Memorial Annual Candlelight Service
The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs will be hosting their Annual Candlelight Service at the Pennsylvania Veterans Memorial in Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. This outdoor event invites attendees to speak in remembrance of loved ones who served in the military. A color guard will perform the flag honors and a local choir will sing a few selections. The service will take place on Saturday, Dec. 13 at 4:30 p.m. at 60 Indiantown Gap Rd., Annville. Wreaths Across America Events
On Dec. 13 at 10 a.m., I will join Wreaths Across America at Mt. Olivet Cemetery in New Cumberland to honor veterans by participating in a brief ceremony, followed by the laying of wreaths at all 518 veterans’ graves. Earlier in the week, Wreaths Across America and Sen. Devlin Robinson will host an event in the Main Rotunda of the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building on Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 9:30 a.m. to noon to honor those who serve and remember those who gave their lives in service. The event will launch hundreds of Wreaths Across America ceremonies across the commonwealth to remember and honor veterans by laying wreaths on their headstones on Dec. 13. Some of the ceremonies included are:
For more details and a map with all of the Wreaths Across America ceremonies, click here. Holiday Discounts for Veterans
Veterans can take advantage of exclusive discounts and cashback offers from top gifting brands like Yeti, Ray-Ban, Columbia, Stanley, Walt Disney World and more through ID.me to help with holiday shopping. To sign up, visit va.gov, create an account and verify your identity. Verification is often instant but may take up to three days. Pennsylvania Christmas and Gift Show
The Christmas Gift Expo returns to the PA Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg from Dec. 3-7. Veterans with valid military ID will receive free admission on Sunday, Dec. 7. With more than 550 vendors, live entertainment and photo opportunities with Santa (benefiting Four Diamonds, a nonprofit supporting children with cancer), the event offers a festive and convenient way to complete holiday shopping. Veterans Crisis Line
The holidays can be a difficult time of year. If you are a veteran in crisis, or concerned about one, free and confidential support is available 24/7. Call the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and press 1, text 838-255 or visit VeteransCrisisLine.net to chat online. Upcoming Veterans Events in Cumberland and York Counties
This section highlights veterans events my office has been informed about but is not a complete listing. Inclusion of an event is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an endorsement. If you would like to submit a veterans event for Cumberland and York counties, please do so by completing our online submission form. DECEMBER Friday, Dec. 5 – Meat Raffle Friday, Dec. 5 – Bingo Night Friday, Dec. 5 – Entertainment: Smooth Opinion Friday, Dec. 5 – Entertainment: The Firebirds Friday, Dec. 5 – Mindful Meditation Saturday, Dec. 6 – Music Bingo Saturday, Dec. 6 – Entertainment: Close Call Sunday, Dec. 7 – Bingo Tuesday, Dec. 9 – Entertainment: Crash Solo Tuesday, Dec. 9 – VA S.A.V.E Suicide Prevention Training Tuesday, Dec. 9 – Creating Calmness Workshop Thursday, Dec. 11 – Music Bingo Friday, Dec. 12 – Entertainment: Nick Ferraro and the Allstars Friday, Dec. 12 – Meat Raffle Friday, Dec. 12 – Entertainment: Make Mine Country Saturday, Dec. 13 – Cookies with Santa Saturday, Dec. 13 – Breakfast Buffet Saturday, Dec. 13 – Entertainment: The Enlisted Sunday, Dec. 14 – Children’s Christmas Party Walk Thru Sunday, Dec. 14 – Bingo Monday, Dec. 15 – Music Bingo Tuesday, Dec. 16 – Entertainment: Mashall Stone- Acoustic Tuesday, Dec. 16 – Grieving Through the Holidays Tuesday, Dec. 16 – Effective Communication Workshop Wednesday, Dec. 17 – Trivia Thursday, Dec. 18 – Music Bingo Friday, Dec. 19 – Entertainment: Soul Cellar Friday, Dec. 19 – Bingo Night Friday, Dec. 19 – Meat Raffle Saturday, Dec. 20 – Breakfast with Santa Saturday, Dec. 20 – American Legion Toy Giveaway “Toys for Tots” Saturday, Dec. 21 – Bingo Saturday, Dec. 22 – Bar Trivia Sunday, Dec. 28 – Bingo Wednesday, Dec. 31 – Entertainment: Vanishing Point JANUARY Friday, Jan 2 – Bingo Night Sunday, Jan. 4 – Bingo Thursday, Jan. 8 – Music Bingo Sunday, Jan. 11 – Bingo Wednesday, Jan. 14 – Trivia Thursday, Jan. 15 – Music Bingo Friday, Jan 16 – Bingo Night Sunday, Jan. 18 – Bingo Thursday, Jan. 22 – Music Bingo Sunday, Jan. 25 – Bingo Wednesday, Jan. 28 – Trivia Thursday, Jan. 29 – Music Bingo Friday, Jan. 30 – Bingo Night FEBRUARY Wednesday, Feb. 11 – Trivia Wednesday, Feb. 25 – Trivia
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