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In this Update:
Senate Votes to Preserve Prescription Assistance for Seniors
Legislation to protect thousands of Pennsylvania seniors from losing access to life-sustaining prescriptions passed the Senate unanimously. Senate Bill 731, which I co-sponsored, would exclude Social Security cost-of-living adjustments from income eligibility calculations for the PACE and PACENET programs. The bill would extend the current exclusion from the end of this year to Dec. 31, 2027. Funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, the PACE and PACENET programs have provided hundreds of thousands of adults 65 and older with low-cost prescriptions. It now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Bill to Strengthen Enforcement of PFA Orders Passes Senate
The Senate unanimously approved legislation to improve the enforcement of Protection from Abuse (PFA) petitions and orders and properly reimburse law enforcement agencies. A longstanding imbalance in the law directs a portion of PFA-related court fees to county sheriffs, even when local police departments or state troopers process the paperwork. Senate Bill 302 would require sheriffs to transfer the $25 service fee collected through the existing surcharge to the agency completing the service. The bill would also address a critical safety concern and reinforce professional enforcement standards by authorizing only sheriffs or trained law enforcement officers – not private individuals – to serve PFAs. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Federal Grants Now Open to Support Firefighter Recruitment and Safety Efforts
Fire companies across our region face growing challenges when it comes to staffing and recruitment. Fortunately, two federal grant programs are now accepting applications to help address these needs and strengthen local emergency response. The Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Grant and the Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant—both administered by FEMA—are open for applications through July 3, 2025. These programs provide funding to help volunteer fire departments recruit and retain personnel, and to support fire prevention efforts and safety education. Webinars offering guidance for applicants will be made available soon through FEMA. If your department is considering applying, attending one of these webinars is highly recommended. Recognizing College and Career Savings Day in Pennsylvania
In celebration of the opportunities that education and skilled training offer to Pennsylvania families, I was proud to introduce Senate Resolution 113 (SR113) designating May 29, 2025, as “College and Career Savings Day” in the Commonwealth. This day serves as an important reminder of the tools available to help families plan for future educational goals—whether that’s a four-year degree, a trade school, an apprenticeship program, or community college. Since its creation, the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program has helped thousands of families save with confidence. Today, more than 314,000 Pennsylvanians are investing in their children’s future through PA 529 accounts. The program’s two plan options—the Guaranteed Savings Plan and the Investment Plan—provide flexible, tax-advantaged ways to save for postsecondary education, while allowing families to choose what works best for their goals. The Investment Plan has received national recognition for its sound structure and strong performance, and recent fee reductions have saved families more than $1.3 million in just the past year. As Chair of the Senate Education Committee—and as a parent—I believe these resources are key to helping students pursue the path that’s right for them, without being limited by financial barriers. Whether it’s preparing to be a teacher, welder, nurse, or entrepreneur, planning ahead empowers families to build toward success on their own terms. You can watch my comments on the Senate floor here on SR113. To learn more about PA 529 accounts or open an account of your own, visit pa529.com. Montour Night Out Returns June 11
On Wednesday, June 11th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, residents are invited to attend Montour Night Out at Danville Middle School – a free, family-friendly event bringing the community together with local first responders. The event will feature:
My office and I will also be present with an outreach table, offering a small district-themed craft for children and educational handouts for all ages. It’s a great opportunity to connect with our team and learn more about available state resources. Montour Night Out is a wonderful way to show appreciation for the law enforcement, fire, and EMS personnel who serve our region. It also helps foster stronger connections between first responders and the communities they protect. Admission is free, and all are welcome! Supporting Afterschool Programs Across Pennsylvania
This week, I had the opportunity to speak at the Afterschool Advocacy Day press conference, where educators, students, and community leaders gathered to highlight the life-changing impact of afterschool and summer learning programs across the Commonwealth. Hosted by the Pennsylvania Statewide Afterschool/Youth Development Network (PSAYDN), the event underscored how quality out-of-school time programs support academic success, youth development, and workforce readiness. These programs offer safe, enriching environments for students and peace of mind for working parents, all while helping prepare the next generation of Pennsylvanians for success. As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I’ll continue working to ensure Pennsylvania’s youth have access to the support, mentorship, and opportunities they deserve—both inside and outside the classroom. Senate Approves Bill to Improve Access to Stroke Resources
The Senate unanimously passed legislation that would improve access to stroke resources. Senate Bill 411, which I co-sponsored, would establish a statewide stroke registry administered and maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Health. The registry would improve patient outcomes by giving emergency medical service providers, hospital stroke teams and other health care providers additional resources. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, strokes are the fifth-leading cause of death in the United States. Each year, more than 795,000 people experience a stroke. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Handheld Cell Phone Ban for Motorists Now in Effect
A new law is now in effect to increase safety on Pennsylvania roads by prohibiting the use of handheld cell phones while driving. Last session the legislature passed Senate Bill 37, which I co-sponsored, to enact what is now known as Paul Miller’s Law, named after a young man killed by a distracted driver on their cellphone. Drivers may still talk using hands-free devices, but holding a phone to make a call, send a text, check directions, or use social media is now a citable offense—even when stopped in traffic or at a red light. For the next year, law enforcement will issue written warnings. Formal citations will begin on June 6, 2026. Distracted driving remains a serious issue. In 2023 alone, more than 11,000 crashes in Pennsylvania involved distracted drivers—more than those caused by impaired driving. I’m proud to support this law as part of our efforts to keep Pennsylvania’s roadways safer for everyone. 23andMe Consumers Can Still Protect Their Information
While 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy, consumers should know they still have rights. Notably, if a consumer’s personal or genetic information was exposed in the 2023 data breach, they may file a claim electronically by July 14. People may also wish to delete their profiles and accounts to ensure their personal data is erased from the 23andMe system and not sold as part of the bankruptcy process. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday says consumers can learn how to delete their genetic data from 23andMe, destroy their 23andMe test sample and revoke permission for their genetic data to be used for research here. Remembering D-Day and Those Who Gave Everything
In one of the most important military actions in history, the Allies began the liberation of Western Europe on June 6, 1944. Each year, there are fewer surviving D-Day veterans, which makes it even more important that we preserve their legacy through education. We must never forget the more than 2,500 Americans who lost their lives turning the tide in World War II. The cost of freedom is high, and they gave everything to defend it for all of us.
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