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In this Update:
PA Supreme Court Rules Counties Must Comply with State Election Law
The state Supreme Court has reiterated its previous stance and ruled that undated or misdated mail ballots should not be counted in the 2024 election. It upholds prior rulings clarifying mail and absentee ballots that fail to comply with the Pennsylvania Election Code “shall not be counted” for the purposes of the Nov. 5 election. This is a win for voters and the rule of law. Senate Republicans will continue to work to boost election integrity and ensure free, fair, and secure elections. 2025-26 Legislative Priority: Pro-Growth Economic Reforms
As the two-year legislative session is ending, I am thinking about what was accomplished and the work that remains. One of my priorities for the 2025-26 session will continue to be pro-growth economic reforms. A lot has been done to advance this initiative in the 2023-24 session:
I am pleased with the bills Senate Republicans passed and remain committed to furthering the initiative in the upcoming legislative session. Read more about my priorities for the 2025-26 legislative session here. New Law Creates Rape Kit Tracking System
To empower survivors and hold offenders accountable, a bill establishing a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system was signed into law as Act 122 of 2024. Act 122 allows survivors to track the status of their rape kits throughout the testing process, from collection to destruction. The law clarifies existing rights and enshrines new statutory rights for survivors of sexual assault. It also brings Pennsylvania into compliance with the Fairness for Rape Kit Backlog Survivors provision of the recent Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization. To comply with VAWA, the law provides a waiver for survivors who file untimely claims for compensation due to delays in rape kit testing. Survivors will not need to undergo an appeal process for consideration of this waiver. Senate Passes Bill to Honor Gold Star Families
It’s important to recognize fallen service members and the families they left behind. I supported a bill that would authorize construction of a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at the State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg. The monument would be sponsored by the Woody Williams Foundation, which was established to honor and support Gold Star Families. It would be built to reflect five main philosophical pillars of the foundation: homeland, family, patriot, sacrifice, and legacy. The monument would give Gold Star Families a permanent place to gather, remember, and honor their fallen loved ones. It would also remind the public of the ultimate sacrifice made by the country’s bravest patriots. If the bill becomes law, the monument would be constructed south of the Auditorium Forum Building, east of the Irvis Office Building, and north of Walnut Street. Touring a Veteran-Owned Business in Lititz
I toured Fluid Conditioning Products, Inc. (FCP) in Lititz, which makes filters for U.S. Navy nuclear submarines and surface ships, military jet aircraft, helicopters, military land vehicles, and more. As a service-disabled veteran-owned business, FCP supports the troops! I am pictured with Vice President/Operations Manager Tom Ruffhead and President Susan Niggel. Joining Families in Their Advocacy to End Epilepsy
I was honored to help kick off the Walk to End Epilepsy in Lancaster. It was inspiring to see so many families giving their time to highlight an important cause, even while dealing with such an incredible challenge. Advocacy absolutely makes a difference. Touring Farm Operations at Masonic Village
I enjoyed speaking with Scotty Miller and getting a tour of farm operations at Masonic Villages in Elizabethtown. Masonic Village Farm Market is open to the public. Visitors will find fresh baked goods, gift sets, fruit butters, salsa, jellies, and more. There is also a café that serves ice cream, soda floats, apple cider, hamburgers, and hot dogs. Learn more here. Talking About Legislative Priorities During a WLCH Radio Interview
Thanks to SACA Founder and CEO Emeritus Carlos Graupera at SACA’s WLCH Radio for talking with me about my legislative priorities, student smartphone use during school, affordable pathways to higher education, and the largest tax cut for working families in Pennsylvania history. Listen to the full interview, which is conducted partially in English and partially in Spanish, here. Visiting Local Schools and Discussing Public Policy
I had a terrific time visiting with students and educators at Elizabethtown Area High School and East High Street Elementary School. I appreciated the opportunity to meet with Elizabethtown Area School District’s Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Daphne Kirkpatrick, as part of her Education Policy Fellowship. During our visit, we stopped by the high school’s mock debates and toured the elementary school. Read more. Bill Allowing Year-round Motorcycle Inspections Now Law
Legislation giving people who are trying to take safety precautions more convenience is now law after receiving unanimous Senate and House support. It allows year-round motorcycle safety inspections in Pennsylvania. Even though motorcycles can be purchased and driven on Pennsylvania roadways throughout the year, the state Vehicle Code previously only allowed safety inspections to be performed from March to October. The legislation eliminated the old restriction to give motorcycle operators more opportunities to complete required inspections. Motorcycle registration with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will continue to be tied to the month the vehicle is to be inspected. New Maple Map Paves the Way for a Tasty Treat
Pennsylvania maple is a true taste of fall, and now it’s simpler than ever to enjoy maple syrup, candies, popcorn, and sauces produced right here in the commonwealth! The new Maple Map highlights local producers and businesses all across the state. Using the interactive mapping application makes it easy to find delicious snacks to help you enjoy the season. It also provides maple syrup recipes and a list of restaurants and coffee shops with maple menu offerings. Recognizing Local Agriculture Advocate: Kylee Hlaverty
I would like to introduce Kylee Hlaverty, who is serving her first year on the Pennsylvania Farm Show Junior Committee. She is a senior at Penn Manor High School and will attend Lancaster County Career and Technology Center for her senior year in animal production sciences and technology. Kylee plans to attend Penn State for her bachelor’s in animal science. She was raised to appreciate agriculture as her paternal family has a lineage of dairy farming. She held the titles of 2022-2023 Lebanon County Dairy Maid, 2023-2024 Lancaster County Dairy Princess, and 2024-2025 Teen Miss Agriculture Pennsylvania America. These opportunities gave her a platform to share her passion for dairy farming. Read more about the members of the PA Farm Show Junior Committee here. November is Child Safety and Protection Month
Our children are our most precious resource. During Child Safety and Protection Month, we focus on the dangers kids face every day and resolve to do our part to minimize these risks and provide support. Senate Republicans have placed a high priority on keeping kids safe, through advancing several bills during the current legislative session to improve child safety, including:
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