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In this Update:
Education Committee Advances Key Legislation
As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I was pleased to lead a productive meeting this week focused on advancing important legislation to support students, families, and schools across the Commonwealth. The committee approved several bills, including two that are especially meaningful to me: Senate Bill 700 promotes structured literacy by requiring evidence-based reading instruction and screenings for students in kindergarten through third grade. With far too many students falling behind in basic reading skills, this legislation gives schools the tools and training they need to intervene early and effectively. Senate Bill 10 establishes the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS) Scholarship Program, giving families in underperforming school districts the option to pursue a better educational fit for their child. Every student deserves access to a high-quality education, and this legislation helps make that a reality. The committee also approved the following additional legislation:
For more information, visit www.pasenategop.com. I thank my colleagues for their thoughtful participation and look forward to continuing this important work. Senate Votes for the Save Women’s Sports Act
With a bipartisan vote, the Senate passed legislation to protect athletic opportunity, competitive fairness and safety for female athletes across Pennsylvania. The Save Women’s Sports Act would ensure athletic teams designated for girls and women are reserved for biological females in K-12 and collegiate sports across the commonwealth. Senate Bill 9 would reinforce the original intent of Title IX by ensuring female athletes are not denied scholarships, placements or opportunities due to unfair competition from biological males. It is now headed to the House of Representatives for consideration. Bill Strengthening PA’s Sexual Offender Registry Approved by Senate
The Senate unanimously approved Senate Bill 255 to strengthen Pennsylvania’s sexual offender registration law and better protect children. The bill would require any sports official, volunteer, or nonprofit employee convicted of sexual assault to register under SORNA (the Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act). Currently, this offense does not trigger automatic registration. Closing this loophole will help ensure offenders are properly monitored and communities are kept safer. The legislation now moves to the House. PA Treasury Continues Working to Return Money to the People
More than 40,000 Pennsylvanians may soon find a check in their mailbox for money they didn’t know they had, thanks to legislation passed by the legislature. PA Money Match is a new law that allows Treasury to automatically return certain unclaimed property. The program includes properties valued at $500 or less that belong to a single owner. Those with eligible properties will receive a letter in the mail to confirm their address. About 45 days later, they’ll receive a check for their property. PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity is working to return more than $4.5 billion in unclaimed property, which includes dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, rebates and insurance payments. The average claim is worth more than $1,000. Because PA Money Match will not automatically return properties exceeding $500 or those that may have more than one owner, you are still encouraged to regularly use Treasury’s website to check if you have unclaimed property. Recognizing National Treatment Court Awareness Month
I had the honor of introducing Senate Resolution 105 recognizing May as National Treatment Court Awareness Month. These courts help individuals struggling with substance use or mental health challenges find a path to recovery through structure and support. Treatment courts are a smart, compassionate alternative to incarceration. Participants are held accountable while receiving the treatment and guidance they need to change their lives. These programs have proven to reduce repeat offenses and improve long-term outcomes—not just for individuals, but for entire families and communities. They not only reduce recidivism but also reunite families and strengthen communities. I’m grateful for the many professionals and mentors who make this work possible, and I remain committed to supporting initiatives that lead with accountability and hope. Raising Awareness for Lung Cancer Action Week
I introduced Senate Resolution 102 recognizing Lung Cancer Action Week and took part in Wear Turquoise Day at the Capitol. Lung cancer remains one of the most serious health threats, but early detection and awareness are saving lives. Lung cancer impacts thousands of families across Pennsylvania each year. Raising awareness helps remove stigma, improves screening rates, and empowers patients and providers alike with better tools and knowledge for treatment and prevention. It was moving to hear from survivors, families, and health professionals about their experiences. I’m thankful to all who joined us to help raise awareness—and I remain committed to supporting public health initiatives that prioritize prevention, research, and care. Working Together to Recruit Future Firefighters
On Monday, May 19, I’ll be joining Representative Michael Stender and volunteer firefighter Eric Frantz for an important public event focused on strengthening Pennsylvania’s volunteer fire service. The discussion will spotlight successful youth recruitment models and encourage collaboration between fire departments and local schools. The event is free and open to the public. Anyone interested in learning how to support our volunteer fire service or launch a youth program is encouraged to attend. Event Details: If you’d like to attend, please call my district office at 570-743-1918 to RSVP. Blessing the Balers and Supporting Pennsylvania Agriculture
I joined Representative Bud Cook and members of the farming community at the Third Annual Blessing of the Balers at the Capitol. We offered prayers for a strong growing season and thanked those who work every day to feed our state. Agriculture is more than an industry—it’s a way of life. I’m grateful to support those who make it possible. Meeting with Local Sheriffs for Day on the Hill
I had the pleasure of meeting with Sheriff McKenna, Sheriff Chamberlain, Sheriff Zechman and Deputy Fahringer during the Pennsylvania Sheriffs’ Association’s Day on the Hill. We discussed expanding investigative authority for sheriffs, improving digital communications, and ensuring deputy sheriffs are recognized in statewide policies. I appreciate their dedication and the important conversations they brought to the Capitol. Happy Mother’s Day!
Mothers are the backbone of our families and our communities. On Mother’s Day, we honor the women whose care, love, and strength guide us through every stage of life. Whether it’s cheering from the sidelines, volunteering at school, or offering encouragement when it’s needed most—mothers make the difference. Thank you for all you do, today and every day.
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