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In this Update:
Remembering Tim Murphy
It is with a heavy heart that I learned of the passing of my longtime friend and political mentor, Tim Murphy. He was a man devoted to his constituency while in office and devoted to serving veterans after. He showed me this business from the inside and taught it to me the way he had learned, to always challenge yourself and continue to grow. Thank you for a lifetime of service. God speed my friend. Keep a cigar and glass of whiskey ready for when we meet again. Slainte! View more photos from Tim Murphy’s life and career here. PA House Fails Murder Victims’ Families While Jeopardizing the Safety of Commonwealth’s CommunitiesIn March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled the state’s sentencing guidelines for second-degree murder cases – life without the possibility of parole – are unconstitutional. The court gave the legislature 120 days to set new guidelines that ensure fairness, accountability, and public safety. Members of our Senate Republican Caucus have worked with victim advocates, law enforcement, prosecutors, and the Pennsylvania Attorney General to create new guidelines that would ensure the punishments fit the terrible nature of these crimes. The Senate passed legislation twice to address the issue of Second-Degree Felony Murder. On June 25 we sent Senate Bill 1400 to the House and on July 12 we sent House Bill 1042 to the House. Both bills have bipartisan support, passing the Senate by votes of 30 to 20. With the support of Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, the Fraternal Order of Police (FOP), and the District Attorney’s Association, there is no valid reason for the House to have not allowed a vote to send HB1042 or SB1400 to the Governor’s desk. On July 23, one day before the court’s deadline, the House still had the opportunity to join the Senate in keeping our communities safe. Instead of allowing a vote on either of the bipartisan bills passed by the Senate, they chose to engage in political theater and failed to produce any feasible product to protect our communities and victims’ families. My Senate colleagues and I are serious about public safety and securing our communities, which is why we acted decisively and in a bipartisan way. Learn more about this issue by reading my full op-ed entitled, “Public Safety Can’t Wait: The House Must Act on Second-Degree Murder Sentencing” here. Standing Up for Rape Crisis Services
Rape crisis centers across Pennsylvania play a vital role in supporting victims of sexual violence, and I’m pleased that this year’s budget includes a historic $12 million increase for rape crisis centers. Pennsylvania’s rape crisis centers are legally required to provide 24/7/365 services, including Hotline calls and in-person accompaniment to emergency rooms following a reported assault. Organizations like Pittsburgh Action Against Rape (PAAR) and the Pennsylvania Coalition to Advance Respect (PCAR) have long said that providing these critical services under current budget constraints had become increasingly difficult, and that without increased funding, many centers are at serious risk of closing or cutting back critical services. Over the last few months, I was glad to work with groups like PAAR, PCAR, and other advocates to fight for this important funding increase to be included in this year’s state budget, ensuring survivors have access to the care and resources they need during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. With total state funding now amounting to nearly $25 million, this increase almost doubles the funding available for services, including 24-hour crisis hotlines, counseling, medical and legal advocacy, prevention education, and accompaniment for survivors navigating hospitals, police investigations, and court proceedings. If you or someone you know have been the victim of sexual assault and need to access rape crisis services, click here to find a center located near you. Celebrating Bridgeville’s 125th Anniversary
Last weekend, we celebrated Bridgeville’s 125th anniversary! Thank you to everyone who came out to celebrate the community at different events. I was also proud to present Mayor Copeland with an official Senate Citation to recognize this important milestone. See more photos from the celebrations here. Honoring Tuskegee Airmen
I recently participated in honoring the Tuskegee Airmen during a memorial service at Sewickley Cemetery. Did you know that Western Pennsylvania accounted for the most members of the Tuskegee Airman in the country? See more photos from the ceremony here. Pittsburgh Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America Annual Luncheon
Thank you to the Pittsburgh Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America for inviting me to speak at your luncheon! It was an honor to connect with other veterans and learn about how the organization lives out its mission to “never stop serving.” See more photos from the luncheon here. Whiskey Rebellion Day at Woodville
I had the pleasure of attending Whiskey Rebellion Day at Woodville. The event showcased a reenactment of the Battle of Bower Hill and shared information about the Whiskey Rebellion. I encourage everyone to check out this national landmark and learn about its impact on our nation’s history! See more photos from the event here. Protecting Our Communities from Child Predators and Human Trafficking
We are making progress in the never-ending fight against child predators and human trafficking in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 45, which I supported and which was recently signed into law as Act 41 of 2026, will help Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday and law enforcement officials across the state target and prosecute human trafficking more effectively. This is a huge step forward. And in the new state budget, we also increased funding for two key programs overseen by AG Sunday – the Child Predator Interception Unit and the Human Trafficking Enforcement and Prevention program. If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Tremendous Win for Private Property Rights
Every Pennsylvanian deserves to feel safe and secure on their own property, and this week the Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld the strong privacy and property protections provided by our state constitution. The court’s unanimous decision, which came in a case involving two hunting clubs and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, is a major victory for private property rights across the commonwealth. It puts needed restrictions on the use of warrantless searches and correctly overturns the court’s 2007 decision in Commonwealth v. Russo. Specifically, the court held that “Article I, Section 8 provides Pennsylvania citizens with greater protection than the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution as it relates to the open fields of any landowner that has demonstrated a reasonable expectation of privacy by taking sufficient steps to exclude intruders therefrom.” State game wardens have an important and dangerous job, which we all respect. However, the court emphasized the Game Commission must also respect the lawful rights of property owners. Sen. Dave McCormick’s Defense Summit Highlights Pittsburgh Companies, Attracts InvestmentThanks to Sen. Dave McCormick (R-PA) for hosting an incredible Defense & Innovation Summit where so many Pennsylvania companies that contribute to the defense of our nation were featured on a national stage, including local Pittsburgh companies like Astrobotic, Eos Energy Enterprises, Gecko Robotics, and more. As a military veteran, it was great to hear from the Joint Staff Chairman Gen. Dan Caine, and impressive to see firsthand how Pennsylvania continues to lead in strengthening our nation’s defense industrial base. Learn more about the summit here. Investing in the Future of PA College Students
The successful Grow PA Scholarship program invests in Pennsylvania students looking to pursue a college education, develops the future of our workforce, and incentivizes jobs to remain here in the commonwealth. Importantly, the program secures a commitment for students to stay and work in Pennsylvania communities after graduation, helping to address the state’s future economic and demographic challenges. With demand rising for Grow PA scholarships, the Senate secured a $10 million funding increase for the program in the 2026-27 state budget – bringing the annual funding total to $42.5 million. The budget also expands eligibility requirements for a specific scholarship within the Grow PA program that I championed – the Ready to Succeed Scholarship Program, which builds on my legislation to help more Pennsylvania students access scholarships that make higher education more affordable. Students shouldn’t have to put their futures on hold because of financial barriers. Expanding these eligibility requirements will open more doors for students while strengthening Pennsylvania’s workforce. Grow PA, established in 2024, offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation and is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Learn more about this program here. USA TODAY: “Outdoor, Device-Free Recess Prescribed for PA Elementary Schoolers”Time outdoors spent with friends and not on screens is exactly what Pennsylvania children need and deserve! I was pleased to vote for legislation that ensures our youngest students get free time away from iPads, computers, and tech screens. But there’s still more work to do – we must remove the distraction of smartphones from the classroom. I hope the House will move my bill to create phone-free schools in PA ASAP. Read the full article from USA TODAY here. Construction Opioid Awareness Week
I am proud to recognize July 20-24 as Construction Opioid Awareness Week in Pennsylvania. Every day, our construction workers create the foundation to build our communities up; but behind every hard hat is a person who deserves support. This week served as an opportunity to raise awareness about the risks of opioid use in the construction industry and highlight the resources available to support our workforce. By starting these conversations, we can build a stronger, healthier future. Grand Opening of Anchorpoint Community Wellness Hub
Congratulations to Anchorpoint Counseling Ministry on the opening of the new Anchorpoint Community Wellness Hub! This facility will provide a place for healing, growth, and compassion in our community for many years to come. Honoring Veterans with Visual Impairments with a Capitol Monument
A Braille Flag monument honoring veterans with visual impairments could be installed at the Pennsylvania Capitol Building under legislation passed by the Senate and sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Braille Flag was created to honor the service of veterans who have been left with life-long visual disabilities. Under Senate Bill 1303, which passed the Senate unanimously, the monument would be made of bronze and include the Pledge of Allegiance in Braille. The display would be sponsored by the Moose Lodge and the American Braille Flag Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to the placement of these flags throughout the country. Read more about Senate Bill 1303 here. Find Summer Getaway Ideas Here in PA
There’s plenty of summer left. If you haven’t had time for a vacation yet, or you’re looking for another getaway, there’s plenty to experience here in our commonwealth. Use VisitPA to explore by regions, such as the Pennsylvania Wilds, Great Lakes, Laurel Highlands, the Lehigh Valley, Dutch Country, and more. Break it down by things to do, outdoor activities, dining, and other experiences. From rivers and trails to iconic attractions and historic sites, you can start planning your trip at the VisitPA website. Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Photo Contest Accepting Entries
Amateur and professional photographers: Take your best photos of the landscapes, wildlife, and activities in a Pennsylvania state park or forest and enter the 2026 Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation’s “Through the Seasons” photo contest. A panel of experts will select a Judges’ Choice in each category prior to the photos being made available for public voting on the foundation’s Facebook page. Award winners receive gift cards and may be showcased in photo exhibitions. Find rules and entry info at the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation website. All photos must be submitted by Sept. 30.
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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