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In this Update:
Committee hearing on the PA National Guard Recruitment & Retention Efforts
Last Friday, I traveled to Valley Forge Casino Resort for a public hearing on the PA National Guard Recruitment & Retention Efforts. The hearing examined the recruitment and retention challenges facing the Pennsylvania National Guard — discussing what strategies are currently in place, what gaps remain, and how the Commonwealth can support the Guard’s mission going forward. We heard from 2 outstanding panels and Rebbie and myself gave PA Freedom medals to Major General Laura McHugh for her 37 years of fantastic service and John Tiegen “TIG” for his enduring service as a US Marine Sergeant! Senate Guests
Monday, I had the pleasure of giving a tour of the Senate Chamber to Garyd Martin, General Manager of New Heights, LLC and Equipter, LLC, two innovative, family-run businesses based in Lancaster. A few years ago, their company was forced to split into two separate entities due to restrictive regulations. We hope to help them secure an exemption and cut through unnecessary red tape so they can continue to grow, create jobs, and strengthen their local economy. Fair Queen Day at the State Capitol
I had the pleasure of meeting with Laine Hess and Rory Jones — the 2025-2026 Fair Queens of Franklin County & Shippensburg, Pa! After they attended the Fair Queen Advocacy Day at the Capitol, we took a quick tour of the Senate chambers, presented them with Freedom Medals and had the chance to hear about their exciting plans for the future. It’s always inspiring to see young leaders representing their communities with pride and purpose! Supporting Our Tow Truck Heroes
Thank you to Deb Laudenslager and Todd Leiss (founder of TIM Heroes) for their tireless advocacy through the Move Over initiative. During our meeting today we discussed the possibility of tow truck operators being recognized as First Responders. On average, two Pennsylvania responders are killed each year while working along the roadside. Deb’s son Tyler, a dedicated tow truck operator, was tragically killed on I-78 in Bethel Township in 2020 when an impaired driver failed to move over for an emergency response scene. Since that day, Debra has made it her mission to raise awareness about Pennsylvania’s Move Over Law — urging drivers to slow down and move over whenever they see flashing lights on the roadside. When accidents happen, tow operators are among the first on the scene, often risking their lives on busy highways to clear wreckage, protect others, and keep our roads safe. They deserve the same respect and protection as other emergency personnel. Honoring a Four-Legged Hero
Terri Heck and Detective Briggs stopped by so I could present Detective Briggs with a Freedom Medal! She’s one of the sweetest dogs you’ll ever meet — full of heart, dedication, and love for everyone she meets. Our working animals play an incredible role in public safety and service. Thank you, Detective Briggs, for your loyalty and for reminding us all what courage looks like — on four paws Falun Dafa Awareness Day
On Wednesday, It was an honor to speak at the Falun Dafa Awareness Day! “Let us stand for what is right. Let us speak for those who can’t speak. Let us show with our words, and with our actions, that conscience cannot be crushed.” Meeting with Adams County Head Start Directors
Wednesday, I met with Adams County Head Start to discuss funding and how much time they have before resources run out–IF the budget does not get passed. It was another example of why it is so critical for a budget to be passed. These families need the amazing resources that Head Start provides. Children are thriving in this environment. We heard from a parent whose child flourished in the Adams County Head Start program and didn’t need extra services because of how well she did with Head Start. They go above and beyond for our children and we need their funding to continue! Bill Requiring Parental Notification of School Weapons Incidents Set to Become Law
Legislation requiring school districts to notify parents and school employees of any incidents involving possession of weapons on school property is set to become law. Under current law, school districts are not required to inform parents or guardians about incidents when a weapon is brought onto school grounds or to related activities. The changes in Senate Bill 246 apply to public, nonpublic and private schools. The bill, which first passed the Senate in May, received strong bipartisan support from the General Assembly and now awaits the governor’s signature. New Protections Against Telemarketers Approved by Senate
The Senate approved legislation to better protect Pennsylvanians from scammers and other deceitful telemarketers. Senate Bill 992 prohibits telemarketing calls being made on Sundays and either before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on every other day of the week. It also expands the law to cover text messages, voicemails and “ringless” voicemails – tools often used by telemarketers to evade existing restrictions. In addition, it establishes penalties for both telemarketers and the companies that hire them for illegal activity. The bill would also prohibit the use of artificial intelligence or fake caller IDs to deceive or defraud consumers. A violation of the law carries a civil penalty of up to $1,000 or $3,000 if the person contacted is age 60 or older. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Votes to Eliminate Unnecessary Boards and Commissions
Legislation to streamline state government operations by eliminating outdated, unnecessary and inactive boards, commissions and advisory committees was passed by the Senate. Senate Bill 755 would eliminate 13 government entities that are expired, dormant, no longer have any members or are unnecessary. Examples include the Greater Pennsylvania Council that has been long dormant; the Senior Citizen Advisory Committee, whose duties were all assumed by a different committee; the High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Commission, which expired in 1987; and the Climate Change Advisory Committee, which has produced no specific beneficial outcomes while continuing to expend taxpayer dollars. Many of the commonwealth’s nearly 400 boards, commissions and advisory committees do not publicly share information about their duties, meetings or other activities, raising concerns about transparency. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Make Your Voice Heard Tuesday on Election Day
Tuesday, Nov. 4 is Election Day, the last chance of the year for voters to weigh in on races for local, county and judicial positions. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For those voting by mail, county election offices must receive completed ballots by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Find your polling place and other voter information here. Internship Opportunity for Students Interested in Public Policy Careers
College students interested in careers in public policy can apply for summer internships in Harrisburg through the James A. Finnegan Fellowship Foundation. Internships are awarded through an essay contest. Applicants must write between 1,500 and 2,500 words about a controversial policy currently under consideration by the General Assembly. The 2026 contest asks applicants to write about the pros and cons of data centers, and what the state’s role should be. Applicants have until Jan. 23, 2026 to submit their essay and other materials to the foundation. The winners will receive a cash prize and placement in paid state government summer internships in Harrisburg for eight to 10 weeks. Coming Together for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month was a time of reflection and unity. Senators from both sides of the aisle took part in October’s Rock the Ribbon campaign to acknowledge the strength of those impacted and the continued importance of awareness. Please share this information with a friend or family member. It could save their life.
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