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In this Update:
America 250!
Before there was an America, there was an idea—that our rights come from God, not government. That idea took root in Pennsylvania. From William Penn’s Holy Experiment to Independence Hall, to Gettysburg, to Flight 93, Pennsylvania has helped shape the course of our nation and defend the cause of liberty. As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, let us honor those who came before us and recommit ourselves to preserving the blessings of freedom for generations yet to come. “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord.” — Psalm 33:12 SR 326 Medal of Honor to Major Richard “Dick” Winters
Senate Calls for Congressional Medal of Honor for Maj. Richard D. Winters The Senate this week unanimously adopted Senate Resolution 326, which urges Congress to recommend Maj. Richard D. Winters for the Congressional Medal of Honor. Winters was a lifelong resident of Pennsylvania who served as the commanding officer of the 101st Airborne Division’s Easy Company during World War II. His heroic deeds were depicted in HBO’s acclaimed miniseries “Band of Brothers.” He passed away Jan. 2, 2011. Time and time again, Maj. Winters and Easy Company were put in perilous situations — from D-Day to the Battle of Carentan to Hitler’s “Eagle’s Nest” — but each time found the resolve to persevere and move forward. Winters’ story continues to inspire us all, and it’s well past time he received our nation’s highest military honor. As chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs and Emergency Preparedness Committee, I was proud to introduce this measure with fellow veterans Sens. Tracy Pennycuick, Devlin Robinson, Greg Rothman and Gene Yaw, along with Winters’ home senator, Sen. Patty Kim. Click here to read more about Maj. Winters and Senate Resolution 326. Visit with Josie & Sara at the Capitol
What a fantastic visit with Josie and Sara at the Pennsylvania State Capitol! It was a pleasure to give them a tour of the beautiful Senate Chamber and share some of the rich history of our Commonwealth and the important work that takes place there every day. Visit with Haley at the Capitol
It was a pleasure welcoming Haley to the Pennsylvania State Capitol! Haley, a recent high school graduate, stopped by to discuss her college plans, future goals, and opportunities for service and leadership. I was also honored to give her and her mother a tour of the beautiful Senate Chamber and share some of the rich history of our Commonwealth. Congratulations, Haley, on your accomplishments, and best wishes as you begin this exciting new chapter. Pennsylvania’s future is bright because of young leaders like you! ABC 27 News Interview with Dennis Owens
It was a pleasure welcoming Dennis Owens from ABC27 News to the Pennsylvania State Capitol this week. We had a great discussion about the work taking place in the Pennsylvania Senate, along with several current events impacting our Commonwealth and nation. I appreciate the opportunity to share my perspective on the issues that matter. Monthly Photo Submission
Monthly Photo Submission! Show Us What Makes Adams & Franklin Counties Special! Our communities are filled with incredible people, beautiful landscapes, historic places, and unforgettable moments. I want to help showcase the very best of Adams and Franklin Counties through a new Photo of the Month Contest! Whether it’s a breathtaking sunrise, a family farm, a community event, a veteran being honored, a historic landmark, wildlife, or a special moment that captures the spirit of our region, I encourage you to submit your favorite photos. At the end of each month, I will personally review the submissions and select a Photo of the Month. The chosen photo will be featured on my social media platforms, and the photographer will be recognized for their outstanding work. This is a great opportunity to celebrate the people, places, and moments that make Adams and Franklin Counties such wonderful places to live, work, and raise a family. Submit your best photos by clicking on the link provided and help tell the story of our communities! I look forward to seeing our counties through your lens. Throwback!
Fort Bragg, North Carolina — 1985 “Waiting for the ‘Million Dollar Minute’—when the U.S. Army unleashed its full firepower and reminded every soldier what American military power looked and sounded like. A young paratrooper at Fort Bragg, learning that freedom is backed by strength.” Working to Finalize the State Budget
Good progress is being made as we work on finalizing the state budget for fiscal year 2026-27. This week, we received needed clarity on a number of issues which were delaying the budget’s completion. We’re now well on our way to reaching a full budget agreement in the coming days. In a divided government, all parties must work together to find common ground, and I’m confident that agreement can be reached and a responsible new state budget enacted soon. My focus remains on controlling the growth of state spending and implementing pro-growth policies to protect taxpayers. Fairness in Women’s Sports
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that states can take action to protect fairness in women’s sports, specifically holding that states “may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females.” Here in Pennsylvania, we’ve already taken big steps in this direction. The Senate has passed both Senate Bill 9 and Senate Bill 1293 to protect female athletes by requiring public schools and colleges to label sports teams as male, female, or coed. Both bills state that only biological females can join teams designated for women, and the bills would allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule. Given the recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, it’s certainly time for the PA House of Representatives to allow a vote on this important legislation. Increasing Accountability of Taxpayer-Funded Childcare Programs
To combat the kind of fraud and abuse uncovered in other states, the Senate approved legislation to strengthen oversight of Pennsylvania’s taxpayer-funded childcare programs. Senate Bill 1372 would require the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to provide annual reports detailing inspections, investigations, enforcement actions and financial oversight activities related to childcare facilities and programs receiving public funding. The reports would cover facility inspections, violations, complaints, investigations and enforcement actions. It would also require reporting on taxpayer-funded childcare payments, improper payments identified and efforts to recover misspent funds. More than a billion taxpayer dollars are spent annually on childcare in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1372 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Votes to Improve PA Amber Alert Response
The Senate passed legislation to help law enforcement respond more effectively during Amber Alerts and missing person investigations. Senate Bill 1273 clarifies that the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission may share time-sensitive information collected through its automated tolling system with law enforcement in specific situations. This includes cases involving Amber Alerts and Missing Endangered Person Advisory System alerts, where rapid access to vehicle data can be critical. This commonsense measure improves coordination between agencies to help a citizen in danger when every minute counts. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 1273 here. Providing Pennsylvanians with Information on Long-Term Care Options
Legislation to ensure older Pennsylvanians receive complete information about long-term care options was approved by the Senate. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 482 strengthens outreach and accountability surrounding Pennsylvania’s Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) Program, which helps eligible seniors remain in their homes and communities while receiving comprehensive healthcare and support services. Currently, individuals enrolling in Medicaid managed care may not receive information about the LIFE Program during the enrollment process. Senate Bill 482 requires the state’s Independent Enrollment Broker to include information about the LIFE Program with enrollment materials provided to eligible individuals. Read more about Senate Bill 482 and the LIFE Program here. Staying Cool When the Weather Turns Hot
Summer heat waves can be merely uncomfortable or worse depending on how we react. Drink plenty of water, limit time outside and cool off with AC. Call 211 or visit here for a list of cooling centers by county. And check on older family and neighbors. Never leave kids or pets in a vehicle. Most vehicle heatstroke deaths involving children are a result of a parent or caregiver forgetting a child in a car. Check the back seat before walking away from your car. Read more about preventing hot car deaths. The PA Public Utility Commission offers these tips on staying cool and cutting energy costs:
I hope you stay safe and cool and have a fantastic summer. New Savings Plan for Children in 2026
Families have a new way to save for kids in 2026 with the 530A IRA, also known as a Trump Account. A Trump Account is an investment account for kids under 18. Families and others can contribute up to $5,000 per year, and employers may be able to contribute up to $2,500 per year toward that same limit. Eligible children born between 2025-2028 may receive a one-time $1,000 federal deposit. Funds are generally inaccessible until your child turns 18, when the account converts into a traditional IRA. The money will be invested in a suite of low-cost index funds, where the initial $1,000 deposit could grow to an estimated half a million dollars or more by retirement age. Learn more and download the app at the official Trump Accounts webpage. |
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