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In this Update:
Celebrating V-J Day at the Eldred WWII Museum
On V-J Day, I had the privilege of joining Senator Chris Dush at the nation’s premier private World War II museum in Eldred, Pennsylvania, to honor the heroes of the Greatest Generation. Together, we paid tribute to the sacrifice and victory that secured freedom for millions and reshaped the course of history. As part of the ceremony, we were honored to recognize two distinguished World War II veterans—Bernard Adams Sr. and Richard W. Bondi—by presenting them with the Pennsylvania Freedom Medal. Their service and courage stand as a lasting reminder of the price of liberty and the enduring strength of the American spirit. Visit to Eldred World War II Museum
On Tuesday, I toured the fantastic Eldred World War II Museum! This nonprofit institution was born out of local wartime heritage. It opened on Memorial Day in 1996, initially in a single room, and has since expanded to a three‑story facility! Visiting LEEK Hunting & Mountain Preserve
Senator Chris Dush, our staff, and I recently had the privilege of spending the night at LEEK Hunting & Mountain Preserve in Oswayo, PA—a truly inspiring sanctuary for America’s veterans. LEEK exists to help wounded and injured service members heal through the outdoors, offering hunting, fishing, and other therapeutic activities in a safe and welcoming environment. During our stay, we were humbled to tour the grounds and learn directly from the veteran owner, his staff of fellow veterans, and his dedicated family and volunteers who pour their hearts into this mission. What makes this place unique is its commitment to focusing on each veteran’s abilities—not their limitations. Here, warriors are given opportunities to heal and regain strength in body, mind, and spirit—all provided free of charge to those who served. We left deeply moved by the sacrifice, compassion, and dedication of those who make LEEK possible. It is more than a retreat—it is a family and a beacon of hope, reminding us all of the resilience of our nation’s heroes. For more information, visit www.savaw.org. Honoring the Devoted Quilters in Shinglehouse
Senator Chris Dush and I had the privilege of visiting Shinglehouse, PA, to meet with the “Devoted Quilters,” a remarkable group of women who dedicate their time and talents to serving those who served our nation. Every quilt they create is handmade with love and offered freely by volunteers who want to give back to our service members and veterans. What makes their work especially moving is the attention to the unique needs of each recipient. For veterans living with PTSD, the Quilters even design special quilts with silk-edged borders that provide a calming and reassuring touch. These gifts are more than fabric and thread—they are tangible reminders of gratitude, compassion, and healing. The devotion and generosity of the “Devoted Quilters” embodies the very best of Pennsylvania’s spirit. Their service is a tribute to our veterans and a blessing to the communities they touch. Public hearing on “Tropical Storm Debby – One Year Later
Senator Dush and I held a public hearing in regard to the Tropical Storm Debby. We remain committed to getting answers from PEMA for the residents who were affected. To watch the full hearing please click the video above. Honoring the Life of Razia Bashir
Today, we remember and celebrate the life of Razia Bashir, a woman of deep faith, unwavering love, and quiet strength. Though I never had the privilege of meeting her personally, her son Aaron—my Legislative Director—is a man of integrity and honor, a testament to the godly example she set as a mother. Razia faced life’s trials with courage and steadfast faith, raising her children with devotion and prayer. Scripture reminds us, “Her children rise up and call her blessed” (Proverbs 31:28), and indeed, her life reflects these words. Through her sacrifices and guidance, she shaped two sons who serve others and live by the values she instilled. We grieve her passing but rejoice in the eternal hope promised in Christ: “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die” (John 11:25). May her soul rest in the peace of the Lord, and may her family be comforted in knowing her light and love continue through the lives she touched. My Summer Interns
As summer ends, I want to thank our two outstanding interns, Bryce and Lili. Bryce worked from my Gettysburg office, and Lili from my Chambersburg office. They also supported our Harrisburg office during session days. They assisted constituents, participated in district events, and approached every project with dedication. Their hard work and professionalism inspire great hope for the next generation. Their contributions significantly enhanced our team’s success this summer, and we truly valued their presence. I wish them both the very best in their future endeavors. Eliminating Waste and Fraud in State Government
Reforming the way state government operates includes removing barriers to creating good jobs and preventing fraud and waste of taxpayer dollars. This year, we passed legislation to implement stricter oversight to block regulations that will cost employers or taxpayers more than $1 million, and require automatic review of these kinds of regulations after three years to ensure they remain in the public interest. Other bills passed by the Senate require the Department of Human Services to prevent fraud in public assistance, prevent dead people from receiving benefits and ensure unemployment compensation benefits don’t go to claimants who try to avoid work. To reduce the risk of data breaches in taxpayer-funded systems, we passed legislation requiring all state IT contracts to meet national cybersecurity standards. You can review all the notable bills we’ve passed in 2025 here. Jobs Available with PennDOT’s Winter Maintenance Program
The coming end of summer means job opportunities for those with the skills to maintain and clear Pennsylvania’s roadways in the winter with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT). Positions and hourly pay include CDL equipment operator ($23), dispatcher ($17.38), diesel and automotive mechanic ($24.97 – $28.37 based on title), tradesman helper and semi-skilled laborer ($18.46), and more. These temporary positions could be a pathway to a permanent PennDOT career. You can find more background information and links to job openings here. Help for Caregivers: PA CareKit
Caring for a loved one is a selfless act that strengthens family bonds but can be difficult for the caregiver. The PA CareKit can be a great help. From the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, the PA CareKit is a collection of tools and information to help you manage stress, navigate the health care system, stay connected and find support. Topics include the First Five Steps, Understanding Your Needs, Key Caregiving Terms and Concepts, and Caregiving Resources. If you’re a caregiver, I hope you find this information useful for this challenging but lifechanging role. Learn Skills with the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps
Residents ages 15 to 25 can learn new skills, gain job experience and improve public lands with the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps. Skills-building and training opportunities include infrastructure maintenance, habitat restoration, CPR and first aid and more. Interested individuals can learn how to get paid fixing trails, planting trees and more here. National Crime Prevention Week
A key role as lawmaker is passing legislation to combat crime and keep our communities safe. We rely on police to enforce those laws and the justice system to impose punishment when appropriate. National Crime Prevention Week is a reminder of the role citizens play in keeping their neighborhoods safe. The National Crime Prevention Council offers these crime prevention and personal safety tips to help you and your community outsmart potential lawbreakers.
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