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In this Update:
Bipartisan Bill to Prohibit Student Cellphone Use During School Day Advances
The Pennsylvania Senate Education Committee advanced bipartisan legislation I’ve sponsored with my colleagues, Sens. Vince Hughes (D-7) and Steve Santarsiero (D-10), to require public schools across the commonwealth to adopt policies prohibiting student cellphone use during the school day. The legislation received unanimous approval! Senate Bill 1014 aims to curb classroom distractions, improve academic performance, and address growing concerns about youth mental health and social development. The bill would require each school district to develop its own “bell-to-bell” cellphone policy, but the standard will be consistent statewide: students may not use cellphones during the school day. Districts would retain flexibility to choose the enforcement method that works best for their communities. The evidence is overwhelming — student cellphone use in schools is harming learning, social skills, and emotional well-being. This week’s bipartisan vote reflects a shared commitment to creating healthier, more focused school environments where students can learn without constant digital interruption. Read more about the legislation here. Aer Lingus Announces Nonstop Flights to Dublin from PIT
Aer Lingus announced on Thursday Dec. 11, that it will begin to offer nonstop flights from Pittsburgh International Airport to Dublin Airport starting in May, 2026! This route will unite Pittsburgh and Ireland, solidifying our shared economic and trade ties. I am so proud to have worked with my colleagues on the Ireland Trade Commission to bring this incredible opportunity to our region. The Commission was established as part of legislation I sponsored last year to promote and strengthen educational, economic, governmental, and cultural links between Pennsylvania and Ireland. Learn more about the new route here. Protecting Seasonal Workers from Unemployment Compensation Benefit Cuts
As Chair of the Senate Labor & Industry Committee, I’m proud to announce the Senate approval of a bipartisan agreement that protects Pennsylvania’s seasonal workers from looming unemployment compensation (UC) benefit cuts, while also securing long-sought reforms to support victims of domestic violence and strengthen the integrity of the UC system. The measure, included in House Bill 274, delays the implementation of “quarters averaging,” a calculation change that would have significantly reduced benefits for seasonal employees in industries such as construction, landscaping, hospitality, and more. Under the agreement, the cuts — previously set to take effect January 1, 2026 — will now be delayed until January 1, 2029. This deal ensures that thousands of seasonal workers won’t see sudden and potentially severe cuts to the benefits they rely on between jobs. Protecting workers while we continue negotiating long-term UC solutions has been one of my highest priorities, and I’m proud we reached a responsible, bipartisan compromise. Read more about the legislation here. Honoring Veterans, Families at Wreaths Across America Ceremony at State Capitol
Earlier this week, I was proud to lead the Pennsylvania State Capitol’s Wreaths Across America ceremony, joined by fellow lawmakers, veterans, military families, and community groups to honor the courage, sacrifice, and enduring legacy of America’s service members. The ceremony, held in the Capitol Rotunda, featured the placement of a 36-inch live balsam wreath adorned with the flags of each branch of the U.S. Armed Forces and the POW/MIA flag. Additional details about the Capitol event, including guests, participants, keynote speakers, and footage of the ceremony are available here. Photos from the event are available here. National Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, Dec. 13. Volunteers nationwide will lay wreaths at veterans’ gravesites, saying each veteran’s name aloud and thanking them for their service and sacrifice. You can get involved by sponsoring a wreath or signing up to volunteer here. Bells Across PA Unveils Allegheny County Bell
It was an honor to attend the Bells Across PA Allegheny County bell unveiling presented by America250PA. This statewide art series showcases local artists who adorn and transform fiberglass bell structures in celebration of the 250th Anniversary of the United States. Allegheny County’s bell was sponsored by Jefferson Memorial Cemetery & Funeral Home, and was created by local artist, Scott Saloney. It features imagery of the cemetery’s statues, architecture, and history, including the vibrant glass artwork found throughout the cemetery grounds. Discover more about the art exhibit here. Bridge Education Foundation
Thank you to Chubb, WM, and United States Steel Corporation for the extremely generous donation to the Bridge Education Foundation. This gift will fund school scholarships for many families throughout our region! Tax Relief for Working Pennsylvanians
The new state budget we passed includes the new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, which provides meaningful relief for working families across the commonwealth. In a time when affordability is a top issue affecting Pennsylvanians, policies like this tax credit help relieve some of the financial burden on families. If you claim the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit, you may also claim the state tax credit equal to 10% of the federal amount. You can use this online calculator to determine if you qualify for the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit and estimate how much you could receive. State Budget Funds New State Police Troopers
Public safety is a critical component of healthy, stable communities, and I am committed to ensuring that law enforcement gets the support it needs to keep criminals at bay. The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) fills a vital public safety role in the commonwealth, and I’m happy to report that the 2025-26 state budget includes funding for four state police cadet classes. After completing approximately 27 weeks of training, the most recent cadet class saw 49 graduates join the ranks as state troopers. I wish these new troopers much success as they keep our communities safe and pray for their wellbeing. The PSP’s latest hiring cycle is open until Jan. 23, 2026. Those interested in becoming a state trooper can find application requirements, job benefits, and other details at PATrooper.com. Senate Votes to Make State Funds Available for Local Bridge Projects
Legislation to make state funding available for local bridge projects was approved by the Senate. Counties receive dollars through the Highway Bridge Improvement Restricted Account within the state Motor License Fund to pay for repair and replacement of county-owned bridges. However, current law does not allow for further practical uses of leftover funds. Senate Bill 1070 would give counties the flexibility they need to improve local, municipal-owned bridges before they become at-risk. Senate Bill 1070 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. PA 529 is the Gift of Education
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced a new, easy way to give the gift of education this holiday season – Gift of College gift cards. Friends and families can buy these digital gift cards, available at pa529.com/gift, for recipients to deposit into their PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account. Anyone, including parents, grandparents, other relatives and family friends, can contribute to a PA 529 account. Savings can be used for qualified education expenses for K-12, higher education, credential programs, and apprenticeship programs. The person giving the gift also gets something – a PA state tax deduction for the amount of the PA 529 contribution. In November, PA 529 was ranked one of the best college savings plans in the nation. To learn more about PA 529, visit pa529.com or call 800-440-4000. Dec. 19 Deadline to Apply for Veterans Services Grants
Nonprofits, counties, and other groups that provide services to veterans have until Dec. 19 to apply for Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) grants to help fulfill their missions. Administered by the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the VTF supports programs that improve services to veterans at the county, regional, or state level. For nonprofit and veterans’ organizations, funding priorities include mental and behavioral health, transportation, and employment. These applicants may request up to $40,000. County directors and their association may apply for up to $15,000 per county. Their funding priorities must include outreach initiatives, enhancing veteran service officer and advocate capabilities and addressing emerging needs such as transportation, food insecurity, suicide prevention, and legal assistance. Celebrating the Bill of Rights
Monday, Dec. 15 is national Bill of Rights Day, when we celebrate the ratification of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution in 1791. The Bill of Rights guarantees civil rights and liberties to the individual – like freedom of speech, press, and religion – and limits the power of government. This document forever enshrined the fundamental rights and liberties we hold sacred as Americans and set in motion the greatest self-governance experiment in the history of the world.
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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