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In this Update:
Community Highlights
Thank you to the Moon Township Public Library for hosting a wonderful summer reading party! It was great to see so many bright, young students from my district!
It was wonderful celebrating 250 years of the U.S. Army, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Marine Corps while remembering our POW/MIA and those who gave all. I was honored attend the Vietnam Veterans Inc. of Pittsburgh’s annual picnic last weekend. For 50 years, its members have been dedicated to assisting veterans in need. Thank you all for your service!
The Veterans Breakfast Club hosted another great event at Christ Church in Bethel Park. These events are always a wonderful mix of telling the story of American’s veterans and sharing important resources. Reminder to veterans: I host monthly appointments with a benefits expert from the American Legion. Please call my office for more information. Thank you all for your service! Progress on the 2025-26 State Budget
Standing up for families and taxpayers remains our focus as work on the 2025-26 budget in Harrisburg. Over the last two weeks, we have taken steps to advance several key components of the state budget to fund certain government functions, for the goal of reaching a full budget agreement. This year’s budget must invest in our communities and core government functions that people across Pennsylvania rely on as part of their daily lives. However, we must also address Pennsylvania’s $3 billion structural deficit that could grow to $6 billion if spending is left to grow unchecked. We cannot rely on one-time use dollars from our state’s Rainy-Day Fund to fill the gap, because this would cause a massive fiscal cliff and tax increases in the coming years. While divided government certainly brings challenges of different viewpoints, the legislature is focused on completing a budget that respects taxpayers and addresses the needs of organizations and individuals who rely on state resources and services. Senate Acts to Prevent Student-Athlete Tragedies
To prevent student-athlete deaths from sudden cardiac arrest, the Senate passed legislation requiring schools to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) present at sporting events. Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death for student-athletes nationally and can strike without warning, even in young people with no known heart conditions. Timely access to an AED can increase survival rates by up to 70%. In addition to ensuring an AED is present at all PIAA-sanctioned athletic events and practices, Senate Bill 375 would require schools to develop and rehearse emergency plans for cardiac incidents. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Legislation Cracking Down on New Car Theft Tactic Approved by Senate
The Senate approved legislation that would target thieves who use new technology to spoof key fobs and steal vehicles. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Current law does not specifically cover this tactic, which involves criminals using key programming tools and relay attack devices to gain access to vehicles by cloning or reprogramming key fobs. Senate Bill 739 would update the statute governing the manufacture, distribution and possession of master keys to include these new devices, making it a first-degree misdemeanor and ensuring the law keeps pace with technological developments. New Law Targeting Organized Retail Theft Results in Arrests
The legislature is cracking down against organized retail theft with a new law that is resulting in arrests, prosecutions and recoveries of stolen goods across the commonwealth, according to Attorney General Dave Sunday. The office’s Organized Retail Crime Unit launched in July 2024 following enactment of Act 42 of 2023 and a new criminal statute that made retail theft of goods over $50,000 a first-degree felony. In its first year, the unit opened more than 65 investigations, charged more than 40 alleged thieves and recovered nearly $2 million in stolen goods. The crimes feature multiple thieves who manipulate gift cards and store return policies or enter retail stores in packs and steal as many items as they can. It’s good to see this legislation is working. Surveying Storm Damage
Intense storms have dumped large amounts of rain on our region lately. I was called out to inspect storm damage throughout my district, including this massive sinkhole. If you encounter problems from these storms, please call my district office. Fireworks Safety Tips
Fireworks started 31,302 fires in 2022 and were involved in 9,700 emergency room injuries nationwide in 2023, with children younger than 15 accounting for nearly one third of fireworks injuries. Here are some safety tips from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner:
Find more fireworks safety tips here to avoid being a statistic. Happy Independence Day
I hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend with friends and family celebrating the birth of this great nation. My office will be closed on Friday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. Normal office hours will resume Monday, July 7th. America is one year away from its 250th birthday. I hope the next year sees us come together as citizens to appreciate the great blessings of our nation.
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. For anyone who hasn’t already signed up to receive my e-newsletters, you can get on the mailing list here. |
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