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Senate Honors America 250 with Ceremonial Gathering in Philadelphia

It was an incredible honor to join my Senate colleagues at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia for a ceremonial gathering recognizing America’s upcoming 250th birthday.

It was especially meaningful to introduce a resolution honoring The United States Army Field Band for their outstanding performance and service to our nation.

I was joined in Philadelphia by Bailey Ulmer, a senior at Montoursville Area High School, who was chosen to attend along with other students from across PA as part of the A250PA Civic Learning Initiative.

As we approach this historic milestone, we remember the sacrifices and vision that shaped our country and continue inspiring future generations.

Westfield Awarded More Than $1 Million for Sidewalk Improvements

Westfield Borough has been awarded more than $1 million in federal funding for a major sidewalk improvement project along Main Street.

This investment will support the construction of new sidewalks, curbing, ramps and crosswalk access from Riverside Park to the eastern border of the borough, helping improve pedestrian safety and modernize aging infrastructure.

I was glad to work alongside Rep. Clint Owlett in supporting this funding, which will enhance safety and accessibility for residents and visitors alike.

Read more about the award on my website.

Rabbittransit and WellsSpan Highlight Critical Role of Rural Transit

I recently joined rabbittransit, WellSpan Health and local leaders at WellSpan Evangelical Community Hospital in Lewisburg to highlight the importance of reliable public transportation in rural communities.

Programs like rabbittransit’s Shared Ride and Stop Hopper services help residents access critical medical care, maintain independence and support the long-term sustainability of rural hospitals. Reliable transportation is essential to ensure that rural Pennsylvanians are not left behind when it comes to accessing healthcare and other vital services.

PREA Holds Annual Legislative Reception

I had a great evening with the Pennsylvania Rural Electric Association (PREA) at their annual legislative reception in Harrisburg. PREA serves as the unified voice for electric cooperatives in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Together, these cooperatives represent more than 600,000 consumers in over 230,000 rural households, businesses, and industries in the two states.

It was great to see so many familiar faces from the 23^rd District in Harrisburg!

Central PA Construction Trades Recognition Night

T Ross Brothers Construction recently hosted their 2^nd annual Construction Trades Recognition Night. This special event brings together instructors and students from construction trades programs across the region to celebrate their hard work and achievements.

Develop Tioga Holds Legislative Breakfast

On May 1st, Develop Tioga hosted its annual legislative breakfast. Develop Tioga serves as the lead economic development organization for Tioga County. It was great to connect with many business leaders and local officials about the issues most important to them, grid reliability and other things we’re working on in Harrisburg.

Local Students Visit the Capitol

Thank you to the students from Millmont Mennonite School and Ward L. Myers Elementary School for stopping by our beautiful State Capitol during your visit to Harrisburg!

REMINDER: State Fire and EMS Funding Opportunities Still Available

A reminder to fire and EMS organizations across the region: two funding opportunities through the Pennsylvania Office of State Fire Commissioner remain open, with applications due May 29^th.

The Municipal Fire Department Capital Grant is available for paid municipal fire departments, and the Fire and Emergency Medical Services Loan Program is open to volunteer fire companies.

Organizations that have not yet completed their grant agreements for the Fire Company and EMS Grant Program must do so by May 31.

Additional information and access to the grant portal are available through the Pennsylvania Office of State Fire Commissioner’s website.

Proper Etiquette to Display the Flag This Memorial Day

The upcoming Memorial Day holiday is an important reminder of the traditions and etiquette associated with properly displaying our nation’s flag.

On Memorial Day, the flag should be flown at half-staff until noon, then raised to full staff for the remainder of the day. The flag should never touch the ground and should be properly illuminated if displayed at night.

Taking a few moments to observe these traditions is a meaningful way to show respect for our veterans, active-duty service members and the freedoms they defended.

Guidelines for displaying the flag can be found on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website.

Senate Approves Tougher Penalties for Attempted Murder of Law Enforcement Officers

The Senate approved legislation closing a gap in state law and imposing tougher penalties on individuals who attempt to murder a law enforcement officer and cause serious bodily injury.

Under current law, the penalty for attempted murder of a law enforcement officer could be as little as seven years in prison. Senate Bill 1284 establishes a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence and a maximum of up to life in prison.

The measure was passed on Police Officers’ Memorial Day in Pennsylvania, which honors the brave men and women of law enforcement. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about this legislation.

Protecting Pennsylvanians’ Second Amendment Rights

The Senate moved to protect the Second Amendment rights of law-abiding citizens by approving Senate Bill 822, which strengthens Pennsylvania’s state preemption over regulating firearms and ammunition, preventing local governments from enacting ordinances that are more restrictive than those established by the General Assembly.

Allowing local governments to establish a patchwork of inconsistent gun laws would make it impossible for Pennsylvania residents, along with citizens from other states, to travel without fear of inadvertently breaking a local law they were unaware of. Senate Bill 822, which passed with bipartisan support, also reinforces and restores the original intent of Pennsylvania’s Uniform Firearms Act, ensuring consistent and clear regulations across the state.

The bill has been sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Senate Committee Approves Measures to Make Housing More Attainable

Legislation aimed at expanding access to attainable housing while preserving local control was approved by the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee. The bills now move to the full Senate for consideration.

The legislation includes:

• Senate Bill 803, which establishes First-Time Homebuyers Savings Accounts, allowing individuals to save for a home with tax advantages.
• Senate Bill 1277, which updates the law to give communities more flexibility to offer up to 20 years of tax relief, helping spur construction of new homes and local growth.
• Senate Bill 1278, which creates a Residential Economic Development District (REDD) Grant Program to support the construction of housing near job centers through partnerships between local government and developers.
• Senate Bill 1279, which creates a Housing Development Regulatory Compliance Officer to serve as a single point of contact and improve coordination in the permitting process.
• Senate Bill 1281, which streamlines municipal approval processes by allowing pre-approved housing plans, reducing delays and cutting unnecessary red tape.

Forming a robust strategy to increase housing supply, lower costs and stimulate economic activity is a key focus for the Senate this year. Read more about these attainable housing bills.

Mammo May: No-Cost Breast Cancer Screenings and Diagnostic Imaging

In Pennsylvania, we’ve enacted laws to cover breast cancer screenings and diagnostic breast imaging at no cost for individuals with state-regulated insurance. I urge women to take advantage of these potentially lifesaving laws.

Under Act 1 of 2023, supplemental screenings including breast MRI, ultrasounds and BRCA-related genetic testing and counseling are covered at no cost for those with an increased risk who are insured under PA law. Under Act 52 of 2025, which is currently in the implementation stage, diagnostic breast imaging including diagnostic mammograms, breast MRI and ultrasounds are covered at no cost for individuals insured under state law who are of average risk or higher. 

Learn more about no-cost screenings here. Learn more about no-cost diagnostic imaging here.

Information on no-cost mammograms for those without insurance can be found here.

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