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Standing Up for Skill Games as Deadline Approaches

Hundreds of small business owners, veterans’ organizations, volunteer fire companies and supporters gathered at the State Capitol last week to urge the General Assembly to act on skill game regulation before the Oct. 13 Supreme Court deadline. After nearly a decade of work on this issue, we cannot afford to let time run out without a solution.

Skill games provide an important source of supplemental revenue for small businesses and community organizations across Pennsylvania. That’s why I introduced legislation to establish a fair regulatory framework for the games, generate significant revenue for Pennsylvania and protect those who depend on them.

I also signed onto a petition asking the Pennsylvania Supreme Court for additional time to allow the General Assembly to complete its work. I’ll keep fighting to give this industry the certainty it needs to move forward.

Showcasing Penn College’s Impact on Pennsylvania’s Workforce

Photo Credit: Pennsylvania College of Technology

It was great to have my friend and colleague, Senate Appropriations Committee Chairman Sen. Scott Martin, visit Penn College earlier this month. His visit provided an opportunity to highlight the College’s role in preparing students for careers in high-demand industries.

We toured labs and learning spaces on the main campus and at the Schneebeli Earth Science Center, seeing firsthand the hands-on education students receive at the College’s world-class facilities. Penn College is helping build Pennsylvania’s skilled workforce and giving students the tools they need to succeed.

Center for Rural PA Honors Rep. Pashinski on his Retirement

A recent celebration marked the upcoming retirement of Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski, a longtime colleague and fellow member of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania Board of Directors.

Eddie has been a dedicated and thoughtful member of the Board, and we’ve worked hard on many issues impacting rural Pennsylvania. We’ve accomplished a great deal and shared many laughs along the way. It has been a privilege working with him, but most of all, I am grateful for his friendship. He will be missed.  

Stream Maintenance Legislation Needs Action

I’m disappointed that the House Environmental and Natural Resource Protection Committee chose to send my stream maintenance legislation to another committee rather than advance it for a vote.

Senate Bill 403 would give municipalities greater ability to proactively address stream obstructions, remove sediment and debris and reduce the risk of flooding. Communities should not have to wait for the next flood, washed-out road or damaged property before taking action. 

The legislation has received bipartisan approval in the Senate on multiple occasions but continues to await serious action in the House of Representatives, where Democrats hold the majority and have not advanced the bills.

I appreciate the support from House members of my district who are helping advocate for meaningful solutions. I’ll continue pushing for the tools our local governments need to address these problems before they become emergencies.

Read more about the legislation on my website.

Local Sisters Featured on NBC’s TODAY Show

It was exciting to see Tioga County sisters Stephanie and Hayley Painter of Painterland Sisters featured on NBC’s TODAY show for their inspiring story of saving their family farm. The sisters found a new path for their dairy operation by turning their milk into yogurt, building a growing business while keeping their family farm for the next generation. It is great to see the hard work and innovation of two young women from our region recognized on a national stage.

Watch the segment on TODAY’s website.

Senate Acts to Strengthen Property Rights

Property rights are enshrined in both the U.S. and the Pennsylvania constitutions, and the Senate approved legislation to strengthen protections against warrantless entry onto private property by Pennsylvania Game Commission personnel.

Senate Bill 1431 would require Game Commission personnel to obtain a valid warrant before entering private property, including posted land, unless a judicially recognized exception to the warrant requirement applies.

Current law gives Game Commission personnel broad authority to enter land outside buildings, whether posted or otherwise. Senate Bill 1431 would place clear limits on that authority while preserving recognized exceptions to the warrant requirement. Read more about the effort to strengthen property rights.

School Bus Driver Safety Bill Approved by Senate

Approximately 1.5 million children are transported on school buses every day in Pennsylvania, and the Senate approved legislation aimed at keeping reckless bus drivers from getting behind the wheel.

Senate Bill 1262 would increase penalties for school bus drivers who transport children while under the influence of alcohol, a controlled substance or a dangerous combination of both. Read more about this school bus safety measure.

The latest Senate action follows passage last year of Senate Bill 65, which would increase the required stopping distance for drivers approaching from the opposite direction when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing. Both bills await passage in the House of Representatives.

Senate Passes Bill to Establish Animal Abuser Registry

The Senate approved Senate Bill 1311, known as Aimee’s Law, to help prevent convicted abusers from obtaining more animals by establishing a statewide animal abuser registry. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

People selling, transferring or offering dogs, cats or horses for adoption would be required to check the registry, which would be maintained by Pennsylvania State Police, and refuse placement with anyone listed. These requirements will help shelters, rescues and others placing animals in new homes identify convicted abusers before another animal is put at risk.

The legislation is named after a six-month-old husky found abandoned in a crate beneath a bridge in Erie during subzero temperatures. She was severely underweight, covered in filth and suffering from frostbite on all four paws. Despite the rescuers’ efforts to save her, Aimee did not survive. Read more about Aimee’s Law.

Measures Helping Nonprofit Fundraising Efforts Approved by Senate

The Senate approved two bills to give a boost to civic organizations, fire companies, veterans’ groups and other Pennsylvania nonprofits that rely on small games of chance for crucial fundraising.  

Under current law, clubs and organizations are limited to awarding no more than $35,000 in prizes from small games of chance each week. That cap has not been updated since 2013, despite inflation and the rising costs of programs these organizations fund. 

Senate Bill 995 would raise the weekly limit to $60,000, ensuring local groups can continue generating the revenue they rely on to support vital community programs and services. Read more about this bill.  

Senate Bill 465 would allow licensed clubs to retain up to 50% of their small games of chance proceeds, up from the current 40%. Clubs would continue to be required to use at least 50% of proceeds for public interest purposes. The change would provide clubs with more flexibility to cover operating costs while continuing to support their communities. Read more about this measure.

The bills were sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Standing with Breast Cancer Survivors

I was proud to join the Pennsylvania Breast Cancer Coalition at the State Capitol as we kicked off Breast Cancer Awareness Month by turning the East Wing Fountain pink. It was especially meaningful to stand alongside breast cancer survivors and thrivers, advocates and families from across Pennsylvania who continue to bring hope and strength to this important cause.

The event was a powerful reminder of the importance of early detection and ensuring women have access to the screenings, care and support they need. And here in Pennsylvania during October, we’re reminded that breast cancer is not a red or blue issue – it’s pink. It affects every one of us. Together, we can raise awareness, support those facing breast cancer and celebrate the survivors and thrivers who inspire us every day.