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In this Update:
Working to Give Students a Better EducationThis legislative session, Senate Republicans passed many important bills that support one of my key initiatives: giving our children a better education. My bill to limit student smartphone use during school was signed into law in July. Limiting access to smartphones can improve students’ mental health and academic performance, and my bill gives schools access to funding for lockable smartphone bags to make it happen. Another education bill I sponsored that was signed into law will improve early literacy rates – critical to lifelong success – using a three-pronged approach. The law will provide schools with a comprehensive list of evidence-based reading curricula, identify struggling readers, and properly train educators. The Senate passed my bill to allow parents to control the sexually explicit content their own children see in school, but it did not receive needed consideration from the Democrat-controlled House of Representatives. Because the legislation resulted from a thorough, two-year process of listening to the concerns of families, school administrators, teachers, and librarians, I was especially disappointed the bill was ignored. A bill I sponsored that was signed into law created the Commission on Education and Economic Competitiveness. The commission has held meetings with stakeholders from education, business, labor, and government to create a shared long-term vision to redesign PA’s education system. It will submit a final report with legislative recommendations by November 2025. Skilled teachers are vital to providing students with the opportunity for a strong education. Given Pennsylvania’s teacher shortage, we need to attract and keep educators. Created by Act 89 of 2024, Grow PA Scholarships are available to in-state students who attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree in a high-demand industry, and agree to live and work in the industry in PA after graduation. To ensure our teachers receive the best possible training as they earn their degree, my bill added performance-based metrics to funding for state-related universities. The new law applies to the University of Pittsburgh, Penn State University, and Temple University to provide added accountability to taxpayers. While the legislation significantly advanced my priority of giving students a better education, I look forward to accomplishing even more in the upcoming legislative session. Read more about my goals as your state senator. Senate Accomplishments: Improving Community Safety
To improve safety in Pennsylvania communities, Senate Republicans passed laws in the 2023-24 legislative session to prevent and better respond to crime. Twenty-eight new safety laws include ones that target looting and organized retail theft, prevent the exploitation of older Pennsylvanians, establish a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system, and outlaw deepfake child sexual abuse materials generated by artificial intelligence. The laws also amend the Protection from Abuse Act to give judges the ability to order the defendant to refrain from abusing the victim’s pets and crack down on the unchecked crime crisis plaguing Philadelphia’s mass transit system. You can view the complete list of approved legislation to enhance community safety here. Advancing initiatives to reduce crime and foster greater safety will continue to be our focus in the new legislative session. $1.16 Billion in Broadband Funding to Help Close the Digital Divide
To improve safety in Pennsylvania communities, Senate Republicans passed laws in the 2023-24 legislative session to prevent and better respond to crime. Twenty-eight new safety laws include ones that target looting and organized retail theft, prevent the exploitation of older Pennsylvanians, establish a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system, and outlaw deepfake child sexual abuse materials generated by artificial intelligence. The laws also amend the Protection from Abuse Act to give judges the ability to order the defendant to refrain from abusing the victim’s pets and crack down on the unchecked crime crisis plaguing Philadelphia’s mass transit system. You can view the complete list of approved legislation to enhance community safety here. Advancing initiatives to reduce crime and foster greater safety will continue to be our focus in the new legislative session. Recognizing the Sacrifice of Our Veterans
My son, Jack, and I were thrilled to participate in Sen. Tracy Pennycuick’s annual Veterans Appreciation Breakfast in East Greenville. It is always an honor to thank the men and women who served our country. As an Army veteran myself, I understand the sacrifice and bravery required to be a member of the military. Watch my full remarks here. Public Meeting Regarding State Rail Plan Updates on Dec. 10
The public is invited to attend a virtual public informational meeting to discuss an update to the Pennsylvania State Rail Plan on Tuesday, Dec. 10, from 4-5:30 p.m. Feedback can be shared via an online survey through Thursday, Dec. 19. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is developing the 2025 Pennsylvania State Rail Plan, which was last updated in 2020. Input from the public and stakeholders on safety, passenger and freight rail, funding, policy, the environment, and economic development is key to developing the State Rail Plan. The plan will also evaluate and document passenger and freight rail needs throughout the next 20 years to guide investments. Project staff will provide an introduction of the PA State Rail Plan update process and background on freight and passenger rail. There will also be an interactive question-and-answer session. Presentation materials and an online survey will be available here through Dec. 19. Questions or comments can be directed to RA-PDPASRP@pa.gov. Visiting Sporting Valley Turf Farms
We all know that Lancaster County soil is some of the best there is, but did you know that Pennsylvania’s largest grower of wholesale and retail sod is right here in Manheim? Staff from Sporting Valley Turf Farm showed me around the massive 325-acre farm where they grow sod that’s cut and delivered fresh from their farm to your lawn. Touring Girl Scouts in the Heart of PA’s Headquarters
Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania invited me to their headquarters in Camp Hill to explore the spaces they’ve created to help develop girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place. Happy 100th Birthday to Manheim Resident
Happy belated 100th birthday to Manheim resident George Haldeman! Mr. Haldeman honorably served this country in the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II. Afterward, he worked in the dry-cleaning industry and as a vacuum salesperson for Electrolux. He was the beloved husband of Anna May Haldeman for 75 years prior to her passing, and he is the proud father of three children. Mr. Haldeman has been blessed with three grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Cheers to 100 years! Congratulations to Lancaster Couple for 70th Wedding Anniversary
Happy 70th wedding anniversary to J. Elvin and Laverne Martin of Lancaster! The Martins were married on Oct. 16, 1954, by Bishop Amos Hurst in the Ephrata Mennonite Church. Their happy union has been blessed by four children, 12 grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren. This impressive marriage milestone serves as a reminder to us all of the joy of spending your life with the one you love. Milk Testing Implemented to Protect PA Milk Prices
Influenza A, including highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI), has been detected in dairy cattle in several other states. While there are no concerns about food safety or pasteurized milk or meat, mandatory milk testing performed by processors will prevent widespread disease that would result in higher prices for consumers. There won’t be any cost to processors as all necessary supplies will be provided. Farmers are also encouraged to develop a biosecurity plan and report suspected cases by calling 717-772-2852. Because Pennsylvania has many farms that have both poultry and dairy operations, the state is more susceptible to Influenza A as the virus can spread quickly between animals and farms. Consistently following biosecurity practices and testing products will minimize huge outbreaks. Learn more. Grants Available for Senior Community Centers
Grants are available to increase participation and programming at senior community centers. Funding can also be used to attract a new generation of older adults and provide a safe and healthy environment for all participants. Senior community centers may apply for the $2 million in grants until Friday, Dec. 13, at 5 p.m. using the Commonwealth’s Electronic Single Application system. Learn more. For questions, email SCCgrants@pa.gov or call 717-772-2551. Recognizing Local Agriculture Advocate: Sally Bollinger
Another first-time PA Farm Show Junior Committee member, Sally Bollinger is a senior at Ephrata High School. Born and raised on a third-generation dairy farm, she has been involved in the agricultural industry her entire life. Sally is an active FFA member, serving as a past secretary and current president of her local chapter and the current secretary of her county’s chapter. She has shown seven dairy beef steers at her local fair. Read more about the members of the PA Farm Show Junior Committee here. Remembering the Attack on Pearl Harbor
The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in Hawaii cost the lives of thousands of service members and civilians, and injured even more. It also sank two U.S. Navy battleships and destroyed 188 aircraft. On Saturday, Dec. 7, Pearl Harbor survivors, veterans, and others will honor and remember the people who gave their lives during the attack. The atrocities of war remind us of the incredible value of the American rights we hold dear.
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