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In this Update:
Vietnam Veterans Day Service on Tuesday, March 25
I am hosting a Vietnam Veterans Day Service on Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. in the Capitol Media Center at the State Capitol. Act 124 of 2024 designates March 29 as Vietnam Veterans Day. We will honor our Vietnam heroes and their families each year for their dedication and sacrifice to our country. We are honored to have Clebe McClary as our Keynote speaker. Clebe McClary is an American hero who endured profound hardships and was permanently injured during his service as a First Lieutenant in the Marine Corps in Vietnam. He has been awarded the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and three Purple Hearts, in recognition of his bravery and sacrifices. He is an author and well-known inspirational speaker. WWII Veteran Medal and Citation Presentation
On Monday, I was honored to join Senator Greg Rothman in recognizing four WWII Veterans with official Senate citations and medals for their bravery and service! This remarkable generation has been a profound inspiration for my own service in the U.S. Army. We stand united in saluting your sacrifices! Visit with American Legion Leaders
Tuesday, I had the opportunity to meet with national leadership from the American Legion. It was a valuable time to hear their concerns and discuss their plans for the future. During the meeting, I was honored to present each member with a Pennsylvania Freedom Medal. I am truly grateful for your service! Many thanks to: National Commander James “Jim” LaCoursiere March’s Tele Town Hall
On Thursday, I hosted a Telephone Town Hall to connect with residents of the 33rd Senate District. It was a pleasure to engage in meaningful conversations with my constituents and listen to your diverse concerns and insights. I appreciate the opportunity to hear directly from you about the issues that matter most in our community. Homeschool Visits Capitol
I had a wonderful time giving a tour of the Senate floor to a Homeschool group at the Harrisburg Capitol on Thursday. Engaging with homeschool communities is truly rewarding, and I’m passionate about sharing this unique opportunity with them. It’s an enriching way to inspire and connect! My Resolution Would Honor Vietnam War Veterans
I introduced a resolution to honor the sacrifice of Vietnam War veterans by recognizing March 29, 2025, as Vietnam War Veterans Day in Pennsylvania. March 29 marks the day in 1973 when the last United States combat troops left Vietnam. It was the end of American involvement that saw extraordinary heroism in the face of impossible odds. More than 58,000 American service members gave their lives in Vietnam, and more than 300,000 were wounded. Hundreds of prisoners of war suffered unspeakable horrors, and too many never made it back. Upon returning home, Vietnam War veterans forged a new path. They fought for recognition of post-traumatic stress disorder as a real combat injury and pushed for improvements in VA services. They also formed support organizations like the Vietnam Veterans of America to help their fellow warriors and mentored younger generations of troops so no service member would ever come home to the same treatment they endured. March 29 is not just another day. It is a day to reflect on the price of freedom. It is a day to educate our children on the valor of those who came before them. It is a day to shake a veteran’s hand, say ‘thank you’ and mean it. We Need an Energy Plan to Lower Costs, Increase Independence
In response to rising prices that affect all Pennsylvanians, I unveiled a plan to unleash Pennsylvania’s full energy potential and reduce reliance on foreign energy. Because of President Donald Trump’s swift action on expanding American energy, the commonwealth has the opportunity to unleash the state’s liquified natural gas (LNG), oil and coal reserves. Pennsylvania is second in the nation for natural gas reserves and third for coal production. But instead of tapping into this wealth, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s oppressive taxes, fees and regulations have driven energy companies to neighboring states like Ohio and West Virginia. Shapiro’s decision to keep the commonwealth in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) made things worse. It will cost Pennsylvanians an estimated $461 million per year without any benefits – just higher energy bills. It is also expected to shut down plants and destroy jobs, which will hurt the state’s economy even more. My energy plan to help all Pennsylvanians has four components. It would enact a gas tax holiday, call on Shapiro to end burdensome regulations, open more land for drilling and fracking, and export the state’s LNG. Read more about the specifics of my plan. By taking these steps, Pennsylvania can lead the way to American energy independence. We can free ourselves and our allies from reliance on Russian oil, strengthen our economy and provide a stable energy supply for our allies. Let’s unleash our energy potential and ensure a brighter, more secure future for generations to come. PA Recovers $11.3 Million in Medicaid Fraud
One of my top priorities is fighting fraud throughout state government, and I’m pleased that Attorney General Dave Sunday’s Medicaid Fraud Team recovered more than $11.3 million in misused Medicaid funding in fiscal year 2024. In fact, a federal annual report ranked Pennsylvania first in the nation for number of Medicaid fraud charges filed against individuals and third in convictions secured. The report also states that Medicaid Fraud units across the country recover $3.46 for every $1 spent by the units. Retrieving this funding gave limited-income and vulnerable populations access to health care as intended. The Medicaid Fraud Team prosecutes those who defraud the program through unlawful billing or failure to provide services. It also prosecutes those who neglect or abuse Pennsylvanians dependent on their care and those who financially exploit older adults or care-dependent persons. Online Unclaimed Property Auction – March 26 and 27
Pennsylvania’s next auction of unclaimed property – including jewelry, collectible coins, currency and more – will take place on March 26 and 27. Treasurer Stacy Garrity said more than 5,500 items will hit the auction block, and anyone interested in bidding can register on the website of the Pennsylvania Treasury Department’s auctioneer partner, Pook & Pook. Unclaimed tangible property, like the items being auctioned, comes to Treasury most often from forgotten safe deposit boxes. Treasury works to find the rightful owner for at least three years before auctioning an item but holds auctions twice a year to make room for incoming property in Treasury’s vault – the largest working vault in the country. All items sold at auction are carefully documented, and net proceeds remain with Treasury until a rightful owner comes forward to claim the property – no matter how much time passes. Treasury is working to return more than $4.5 billion in unclaimed property that is owed to more than one in 10 Pennsylvanians. The average value of a claim is about $1,600. This money can belong to individuals, businesses, nonprofits, local government entities and other organizations. Anyone can search for unclaimed property online. My office is also always glad to help you file a claim or to answer any of your questions. Job Openings for Lifeguards at State Parks
Applications are being accepted through March 31 for summer job opportunities at 13 of Pennsylvania’s state parks. Lifeguards will be paid $17 an hour and must have proper certifications. Full-time and part-time schedules are available. Lifeguards are essential in safeguarding the health and safety of park visitors. Duties will include overseeing the swimming zones, upholding park policies and addressing emergencies. Find information about required qualifications and apply online here. Protect Your Home from a Flood
Flooding is the most frequent and expensive U.S. natural disaster. Yet, it’s not typically covered through most homeowners and renter’s insurance. More than 20% of the National Flood Insurance Program’s claims come from outside high-risk flood areas. Those who live in areas with low-to-moderate flooding risk are five times more likely to experience a flood than a fire in their home in the next 30 years. You can determine your risk using this flood map. Checking your policy and consulting your agent to confirm that flood perils are included in your insurance can save you. Review flood insurance basics so you know how to protect your home. Celebrating National Agriculture Week
Agriculture – one of Pennsylvania’s top industries – directly impacts our health, economy and communities. It also preserves open space. Farmers work tirelessly to provide us with fresh produce and dairy products. Supporting them is as easy as enjoying the wonderful foods they offer. As the weather begins to improve, farmers markets will pop up all over the state. Read more about Pennsylvania’s farmers markets. In addition to farming, many other jobs play an important role in our state’s agricultural success. Pennsylvania’s more than 500,000 jobs in agriculture also include the fields of business, technology, science and more.
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