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In this update:
Senate Approves Bills to Make Housing More Attainable Across PA
I was proud to vote this week in favor passing legislation to help alleviate Pennsylvania’s growing housing shortage by expanding access to housing while preserving local control: 🏠Senate Bill 1279 creates a Housing Development Regulatory Compliance Officer to improve coordination and efficiency in the permitting process. 🏠Senate Bill 1236 reduces regulatory burdens on small-scale home construction projects by reforming the stormwater permitting process. 🏠Senate Bill 1281 empowers local governments to streamline approval processes using uniform housing plans, helping reduce delays and cut unnecessary red tape. These reforms reduce several of the barriers contributing to Pennsylvania’s housing shortage, helping create more opportunities for homeownership while giving communities the flexibility to encourage growth in a way that reflects local needs and priorities. The bills were sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Bill to Establish Statewide Electrical Licensure Approved by Committee
Pennsylvania is one of only a handful of states that does not have statewide licensure requirements for electricians. My bill with Sens. Joe Picozzi (R-5) and Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) to create a clear, consistent standard for the electrical profession across our commonwealth, strengthen public safety, and protect workers and consumers passed committee this week with strong bipartisan support! Learn more about the bill here. Senate Labor & Industry Committee Advances Legislation
As Chairman of the Senate Labor & Industry Committee, I was glad to convene a meeting this week to advance bills that: 👷🏻Protect PA workers through prevailing wage reforms, 🔐Give PA businesses stronger, more reliable security options, and 📺Support radio, TV, and other media employees. Learn more about these bills and watch footage from the meeting here. Check out more photos from the meeting here. Supporting Pennsylvania Community BanksThis week, the Senate Finance Committee approved my legislation to reduce Pennsylvania’s Mutual Thrift Institutions Tax and align it with the commonwealth’s ongoing Corporate Net Income Tax reduction schedule. The bill advanced with strong bipartisan support. The measure is particularly important to the 37th Senatorial District, which is home to two mutual thrift institutions, including Pennsylvania’s largest. These community-focused institutions provide critical financial services to residents, families, and small businesses throughout the region. Community banks are deeply invested in the success of the neighborhoods they serve, and this legislation will help ensure they can continue providing the personalized financial services that strengthen local economies and empower Pennsylvanians. By modernizing Pennsylvania’s tax structure for these “hometown” banks, we are supporting institutions that help families buy homes, entrepreneurs start businesses, and communities grow and prosper. Learn more about the bill here. Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age
To make sure state laws keep pace with emerging online threats, the Senate voted to establish a Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age. Senate Resolution 244, which I proudly supported, would direct the Joint State Government Commission to convene a task force to review Pennsylvania’s laws, assess new technologies, and identify legal gaps in protections for children in the digital environment. The commission will issue a recommendation for action to the General Assembly. The proposal builds on previous work by the legislature: In 2024, we passed a law to combat AI generated child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). In 2025, we acted to classify deepfakes as digital forgery for more severe punishment. The Senate also approved bills to strengthen reporting requirements for AI-generated CSAM and to establish commonsense safeguards for AI chatbots accessible by minors. Read more about our efforts to protect children in the digital age here. Cellphone Law to Reduce Distracted Driving Takes Full Effect
After a one-year warning period, a state law aimed at reducing distracted driving became fully enforceable yesterday (Friday, June 5). The law prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light, or other delays. Drivers can still use their phones to alert authorities in the event of an emergency and use hands-free technology to make phone calls, use a GPS, and listen to music. Drivers convicted of using a hand-held device while driving will pay a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees under Paul Miller’s Law. The law is named for Paul Miller Jr., who was tragically killed in a 2010 Monroe County crash by a tractor trailer operator distracted while reaching for his phone while driving. Read more about this new law here. Cancer Action Day
I was proud to stand with the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network for their annual Cancer Action Day this week at the PA Capitol to advocate for our shared goal of expanding access to prostate cancer testing for high-risk Pennsylvanians. I’m proud to sponsor legislation to do just that! Learn more about the legislation here. See more photos from the event here. Annual Seersucker Caucus
It’s that time of year again – my chief of staff and I joined in the longstanding tradition of gathering on the Capitol steps for the annual Seersucker Caucus photo in bipartisan, bicameral spirit! This tradition is also accompanied by the annual clothing drive for the non-profit Dress for Success. Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association Meeting
I recently had the opportunity to address the Pennsylvania Motor Truck Association on the state of transportation in Harrisburg. We discussed a package of bills recently passed by the Pennsylvania Senate to protect drivers by reinforcing commercial vehicle safety. Learn more about the legislation here. See more photos from the meeting here. Behind the Headlines Interview
Thanks to the Susquehanna Valley Center for Public Policy for inviting me to join your show, Behind the Headlines, to discuss my legislation to create phone-free schools in PA. It’s imperative that we get this bill across the finish line for PA kids! Watch my full interview on Behind the Headlines here. License Plate Event with Rep. Mihalek
This week, Rep. Natalie Mihalek (R-40) and I hosted a Plate and Placard event where our staffers helped constituents replace their hard-to-read license plates, renew retired registrations, and apply for handicap placards. Thank you to the Upper St. Clair Police Department for their help with the event! See more photos from the event here. North Allegheny High School Championship Breakfast
Congratulations to these accomplished sports teams from North Allegheny School District!: 🥎 Girls Slow Pitch Softball, 🏊 Boys Swimming & Diving, 🤽 Boys Water Polo, and 🎾 Boys Tennis Each of these teams won their respective state championships! I was proud to recognize their achievements with official Senate citations, and wish them continued success in their upcoming seasons. Check out more photos from the breakfast here. Congratulations to Jackson Edwards – WPIAL Champ!
Congratulations to Bethel Park Schools Junior, Jackson Edwards, on coming in first at WPIALs (Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League) in the 100 butterfly and 100 backstroke! Keep up the great work! Kirwan Heights Fire Department Celebrates 100th Anniversary
Congratulations to Kirwan Heights Fire Department on celebrating its 100th anniversary! We’re sincerely grateful for all you’ve done to serve the Collier Township community for the last 100 years. See more photos from the celebration here. 88% Support Addressing Lead-Contaminated Drinking Water in PA Schools
I recently conducted an informal poll of constituents in the 37th district on their opinions of my legislation to require school districts to replace old, outdated drinking fountains with lead-filtering hydration stations by 2028. 88% of respondents SUPPORT this legislation! Thank you to everyone who took my survey. You overwhelmingly told me that addressing lead-contaminated drinking water in PA schools is a must! Learn more about the legislation here. Read some of the feedback on this legislation from your neighbors here. Rotary EPIC Day of ServiceThanks to the District 7305 Rotary members who participated in Rotary EPIC Day of Service Across Southwestern PA! Your volunteerism and commitment to service make our communities better. View photos and learn more about the event here. Protecting Yourself During Tick Season
Pennsylvania recorded more than 18,700 cases of Lyme disease in 2025, and the Centers for Disease Control estimates the true number may be much higher due to underreporting. Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses can cause serious long-term health complications, particularly when left untreated. Nearly 55% of ticks tested in Pennsylvania were found to carry at least one tick-borne pathogen, and blacklegged ticks have now been identified in all 67 counties. You can protect yourself by using repellent, avoiding brushy areas, and checking your body and pets after outdoor activities. Learn more about protecting yourself from ticks here. National CPR and AED Awareness WeekThis week is National CPR and AED Awareness Week, and I’m proud to have supported legislation sponsored by Sen. Rosemary Brown (R-40) to: 💗Require AEDs at all PIAA-sanctioned athletic events and practices, and 💗Strengthen emergency action plans for sudden cardiac arrest. This bill is now law and already in effect in PA! Learn more about the legislation here. Men’s Health Month
In June, we recognize Men’s Health Month. I am proud to be working in Harrisburg to improve coverage for men’s health by sponsoring legislation to provide insurance coverage for prostate cancer screenings. Learn more about the legislation here. Anniversary of The Battle of Belleau Wood
In June 1918, Marines fought ferociously at Belleau Wood, France, halting a major German advance during World War I. Their bravery earned them the nickname “Devil Dogs” from the enemy, and cemented the Corps’ legacy of courage under fire. 108 years later, the battle remains one of the most honored in Marine Corps history. Remembering D-Day
On June 6, 1944, the fate of Europe would be determined by the largest amphibious invasion in history, including 13,000 aircraft and gliders, 23,400 paratroopers, 5,000 ships and landing craft, and 160,000 American, British, and Canadian troops. More than 9,000 Allied servicemen were killed or wounded that day in northern France. It is our responsibility as Americans to honor their bravery, tell the stories of their heroism, and preserve what they defended so their sacrifices were not in vain.
I’m proud to represent you in Harrisburg. Please contact me if my team can assist you with any state-level issues or services, including PennDOT, PA Department of Revenue, PA Department of Aging, PA State Treasury, etc. I’m always happy to hear from constituents, but if you need assistance or have concerns regarding a federal issue, you may want to contact your U.S. Senators and/or your member in the U.S. House of Representatives. Thank you. |
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