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In this Update:
Property Tax Elimination for Seniors
I recently announced the Sam Worley Elderly Tax Relief Act, legislation designed to provide full property tax relief to long-term elderly homeowners and allow surviving spouses to remain in their homes with stability and dignity. This bill would respect the contributions of our seniors and strengthen our communities. For decades, many Pennsylvania seniors have done everything right. They worked hard. They paid their taxes. They raised families. They built communities. And year after year — sometimes for 40, 50, even 60 years — they paid property taxes on the homes they worked a lifetime to own. Yet today, too many of these same seniors live with uncertainty, wondering if rising property taxes will one day force them from the homes they cherish. After a lifetime of paying property taxes, our seniors deserve the peace of mind that comes from knowing they can remain in their homes — without fear of being taxed out of them. That is a promise worth making, and why I will soon introduce this important bill. Read more about this proposal here. Sergeant First Class George Baker, Jr. – Korean War Veteran’s Ceremony
It was a privilege and an honor to present Sergeant First Class George Bucher Baker Jr, a Korean War Veteran from Spring Run, PA, with the Pennsylvania Freedom Medal for his incredible sacrifice and service to our country. George’s bravery and commitment during one of the most challenging periods in history exemplify the true spirit of patriotism and courage. We owe him and all of our veterans a debt that can never be repaid. Thank you, George, for your service and for inspiring us all with your dedication. Your legacy will never be forgotten. Patient Right to Understand Act Press Conference
What an honor to be a part of this incredibly important event. Dr. Chaminie Wheeler and Dr. Greg Wheeler continue to be a strong voice for patients and families, working tirelessly to ensure individuals have the right to understand their healthcare and make informed decisions. The work of We the Patient is making a real difference by promoting transparency, education, and patient empowerment. Grateful for leaders like both Dr. Chaminie Wheeler and Dr. Greg Wheeler who are committed to improving healthcare for communities across Pennsylvania! Senate Chamber Tour
It was a fantastic day welcoming this amazing group for a tour of the Senate Chamber! I appreciated the opportunity to share the history of the chamber and spend time with such a dedicated group advocating for patient rights and understanding in healthcare. Thank you for your commitment to empowering patients and families across Pennsylvania. General Upendra Dwivedi & Lt. General Nico Tak International Fellows Hall of Fame Induction
Honored to attend the International Fellows Hall of Fame induction at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle recognizing General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of Staff of the Indian Army, and Lieutenant General Nico Tak of the Netherlands. I had the privilege of serving as General Dwivedi’s instructor in 2016 and previously worked alongside Lt. Gen. Tak during NATO’s Steadfast Pinnacle exercise in the Baltics. Proud to reconnect with both leaders and celebrate their distinguished service and continued leadership on the world stage. Visit with Colonel Peter Nieuwenhuis
It was also great to reconnect with Colonel Peter Nieuwenhuis, Netherlands Military Attaché to the United States. I had the privilege of serving as his Strategic Research Project advisor at the U.S. Army War College and later worked with him as part of Project 1721, developing strategic approaches to the defense of the Baltic nations. A good man and a dedicated professional, it was an honor to see him again. Kevin L. Brehm Condolence Resolution
We mourn the loss of Kevin L. Brehm, 60, of East Berlin, who passed away suddenly in the line of duty, on April 9, 2026. Kevin dedicated his life to serving others as an EMT and first responder with Dover Area Ambulance Club and North East Adams County Fire & EMS. His passion for helping people and his commitment to his community will never be forgotten. Throwback!
First day as Senator – June 10, 2019 Senate Acts to Protect Fairness in Women’s Sports
The Senate again approved legislation to protect the safety and opportunities of female athletes by requiring scholastic sports teams to be designated based on biological sex. Senate Bill 1293 would require public schools and colleges to label sports teams as male, female or coed. The legislation states only biological females can join teams designated for women. The bill would also allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule. Since 2020 in Pennsylvania, men have stolen first place from female athletes 87 times and unjustly took second or third place 64 times. Recently, the International Olympic Committee enacted new policy guidelines ensuring all sporting events under their jurisdiction for any female category are limited to biological females only. The legislation is similar to Senate Bill 9, which was passed by the Senate in May 2025 with bipartisan support. Since then, it has been delayed by procedural maneuvers by Democrat leaders in the House of Representatives, leaving young female athletes at risk. I urge the House to act on this legislation and restore fairness to athletic competition in our commonwealth. Read more about this issue here. Strengthening Electricity Affordability and Reliability
Pennsylvanians need electricity that’s affordable and reliable. That’s why I joined legislative colleagues in February urging action to preserve critical baseload power generation by preventing the premature shutdown of two commonwealth power plants. I’m pleased to report the Trump administration has reached agreement with the state Department of Environmental Protection and the operator of the Keystone and Conemaugh Generating Stations in Indiana and Armstrong counties to allow continued operation of both plants. The agreement ensures continued, environmentally compliant generation of 3,400 megawatts of electricity for the regional grid and preserves the livelihood of more than 1,000 workers. I applaud the parties for working to find common ground, and will continue working to expand Pennsylvania energy production to provide our residents with a true “all of the above” energy strategy to ensure affordable, reliable electricity. Committee Approves Measure Eliminating Emissions Test Mandate for Newer Vehicles
Legislation exempting state emissions testing for newer vehicles and removing it entirely for counties where it’s no longer needed was approved by the Senate Transportation Committee. Senate Bill 1298 exempts vehicles five years old or less from the requirement and removes Blair, Cambria, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mercer and Westmoreland counties from the emissions program. The Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance program mandates motorists in 25 Pennsylvania counties undergo annual emissions testing. However, a Joint State Government Commission study has shown that removing seven of these counties from the program would have minimal impact on maintaining federal air quality standards. Less than 1% of the five most recent model year vehicles fail annual emissions inspections. The measure now goes to the full Senate for consideration. You can read more about our efforts to reform emissions testing here. Take the PA Family Health Needs Assessment Survey
You can provide feedback to help improve maternal, child and family health in Pennsylvania by completing the Family Health Needs Assessment Survey by April 30. You can find the survey here. It’s part of the federal Title V Maternal and Child Health Services Block Grant, managed in Pennsylvania by the Department of Health. It requires a comprehensive needs assessment every five years to identify key health priorities. The survey takes about 20 minutes to complete. If you have any questions, please email RA-DHPATITLEV@pa.gov. Booklet Helps You Prepare Your Child for Kindergarten
If your child is entering kindergarten this fall, you can help prepare them for the experience with the Kindergarten Here I Come booklet filled with resources and activities that follow Pennsylvania’s Early Learning Standards. Topics in the booklet include:
You can review and download the booklet here.
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