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In this Update:
Senate Passes Spending Plan to Fund Critical Needs
Counties, school districts, hospitals and others would receive critical funding from the commonwealth immediately under a bill approved by the Senate. As negotiations continue on a final 2025-26 state budget, Senate Bill 160 would provide funding at the levels included in the final 2024-25 budget, allowing the state to immediately begin disbursing nearly $47.6 billion without the need for any new taxes. Passage of this measure marks an important step forward in this year’s budget process, putting people above politics as budget discussions continue. Many of the line items in the budget are not in dispute, so this is a responsible way to ensure that counties, schools, hospitals, nursing homes, social service providers and other entities receive immediate funding to meet their fiscal needs. Focusing on PA’s Livestock Industry at 2025 Ag Progress Days
I had a great time taking in all Ag Progress Days 2025 had to offer. I especially enjoyed our joint hearing where we heard directly from farmers about what they’re experiencing and how we as legislators can help to ensure the success of our livestock industry for years to come. Touring Daubenspeck Farm in Renfrew, PA
Last week, I was pleased to join fellow farmers and legislators for the Butler County Farm Bureau Legislative Tour of Daubenspeck Farm in Renfrew, PA. These events are always great to collaborate and discuss legislative issues that are impacting our farmers throughout the commonwealth. Congratulations to the Hookstown Fair Queen Donni Craig
The 79th Annual Hookstown Fair kicked off last Tuesday with celebrations for fair royalty. Congrats to Fair Queen Donni Craig and Princess Katie Brunton! Also photographed is runner up Eva Santillan and 2024 Fair Queen Jozlyn Marnhout. Our Beaver County Senior Expo is Approaching
Join us on Sept. 26 for my annual Beaver County Senior Expo! This free event will run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Community College of Beaver County located at 1 Campus Drive in Monaca. This expo offers area seniors, their families, and caregivers the opportunity to learn about local resources and services are available for them. There will be refreshments, door prizes and health screenings which are also free of charge. For more information, please reach out to my Rochester District Office at 724-774-0444. Improving Public Safety
Public safety is one of my top priorities, and the Senate has taken many important steps this year. We passed new laws closing a legal loophole to require sports officials and nonprofit volunteers and employees convicted of sexual assault to register as sexual offenders, and improving the enforcement of Protection from Abuse petitions. To boost fire protection, we enacted measures targeting Pennsylvania’s volunteer firefighter shortage, fixing issues with emergency services funding and making it less cumbersome for firefighters to obtain their certification. Legislation passed by the Senate and awaiting action in the House of Representatives includes a bill prohibiting non-monetary bail for the most dangerous individuals and cracking down on thieves using new technology to steal vehicles by spoofing key fobs. I’ll keep working hard to make our communities safe. You can review other measures we passed to increase public safety and address other subjects here. Senate Acts to Help Charitable Organizations Raise Funds
More Pennsylvanians are using cashless payments for transactions, so we approved legislation to allow charitable organizations to accept electronic payments, such as credit cards and Venmo, to raise funds. Senate Bill 416 would allow nonprofits such as volunteer fire companies, youth sports leagues, churches and veterans’ groups to accept electronic payments for raffle tickets. Under current law, nonprofits are limited to accepting only cash or checks for these transactions, which has made it harder to raise funds in today’s increasingly cashless society. The legislation also adds safeguards to ensure accountability and transparency in the use of digital payment methods. Organizations must still comply with the Small Games of Chance Act. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Area Veterans Can Sign Up for Our New Veteran’s E-Newsletter
Area veterans can stay informed and connected by signing up for my new veteran-focused e-newsletter. This e-newsletter will provide the latest updates, resources, and legislation that impact our Pennsylvania servicemembers. Those interested can sign up here! Social Media Safety and Parental Awareness Week in Pennsylvania
It’s Social Media Safety and Parental Awareness Week in Pennsylvania – the first initiative of its kind in the U.S. A Senate resolution would address the alarming rise in online child exploitation and help schools, parents and community leaders promote education and prevention of internet dangers to children. Some resources include:
The resolution builds on recent legislative efforts to protect children from threats online. Act 125 of 2024 criminalized the creation and distribution of an intimate or sexual deepfake of a person and classified explicit deepfakes of minors as child sexual abuse material. Act 35 of 2025 classified digital impersonation and deepfakes as a form of criminal forgery giving law enforcement new tools to combat online abuse. Summer Boating Safety: Life Jackets Save Lives
Boating is a popular pastime across Pennsylvania, particularly in the summer. While it comes with some risk, there is one step we can take to help keep the danger away from the fun. Approximately 80% of boating fatalities happen to boaters who are not wearing a life jacket. Under state law, all boats must have a regulation life jacket on board for each person. Children ages 12 and younger must wear a life jacket in all canoes, kayaks, paddleboards and boats 20 feet long. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission lists detailed information about proper use of life jackets, and what state law requires, to help you enjoy the waterways safely. August is Back to School Month
As we head into the late stretch of summer, children and parents across our area are preparing for the return to school. It’s a time filled with lots of excitement and more than a little nervousness. Please keep an eye out for more child pedestrians along the roads, particularly around bus stops. Here’s to a new year of learning and making memories!
Please contact me to provide input on any state-related matter, or to receive help in dealing with a state agency. |
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