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In this Update:
Senate Votes to Cut Taxes and Put PA Families First
The Senate approved legislation to dramatically decrease costs for Pennsylvania families by cutting taxes on electric bills and school supplies, strengthening the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program and eliminating the current sales tax exemption for data centers. Making up the largest tax cut in Pennsylvania history, the proposal would eliminate the gross receipts tax on electric bills and require utility companies to pass the reduction on to consumers, saving ratepayers more than $1.7 billion over the first year. It would also implement a two-week sales tax holiday in August for school supplies, such as book bags, crayons, textbooks and tablets. The highly successful EITC program, which provides scholarships to help families send children to schools that best meet student needs, would receive an additional $25 million under the legislation, bringing the total to $705 million. EITC scholarships remain one of our top priorities for empowering Pennsylvania parents. House Bill 1667, as amended by the Senate, would also respond to concerns being raised across the commonwealth by eliminating the existing sales tax exemption for data centers. The Senate action aims to provide greater affordability at a time when hardworking Pennsylvania families are feeling the strain of rising costs. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives. Sunbury’s Revitalization Inc. Celebrates 40 Years, Reveals Think Sunbury Sculpture
Last Saturday, I participated in two events celebrating the history of Sunbury’s Revitalization, Inc. (SRI) and their initiative focused on the future. First, the new Think Sunbury sculpture was revealed as a symbol of a shared vision for moving Sunbury forward through collaboration of individuals, organizations, and businesses. Later, we celebrated SRI’s 40th Anniversary, and I had the pleasure of presenting a Senate Citation to mark this milestone. Started in 1986 as a Main Street Program, SRI became an official non-profit in 2005 and has been focused on its mission to promote Sunbury’s revitalization, collaborate with community members, and cultivate a positive image of Sunbury. Congratulations to all involved in these events and thank you to all community members committed to Sunbury’s future! Senate Votes to Support Victims Over Murderers
The Senate approved legislation to update Pennsylvania’s sentencing laws for second-degree murder following a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling. The bill now advances to the House of Representatives, which must act quickly. Without legislative action, Pennsylvania’s existing sentencing structure for second-degree murder would be invalidated, creating uncertainty for victims, prosecutors and the courts. More than 1,150 individuals currently serving sentences for second-degree murder could be affected. Under Pennsylvania law, second-degree murder, often called felony murder, applies when someone dies during the commission of certain serious crimes, even if the defendant did not directly cause the death. In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the automatic life-without-parole sentence for second-degree murder was unconstitutional. The ruling takes effect July 24. Senate Bill 1400 creates a new sentencing framework that complies with the court’s ruling while ensuring those involved in serious crimes remain accountable. The bill allows judges to consider an individual’s role in the crime when determining a sentence, while maintaining strong penalties for offenders and protections for victims. Read more about this effort to safeguard communities here. Relay for Life in Danville Celebrates Cancer Survivors, Remembers Lost Loved Ones
The annual Relay for Life of Tri-County was held at Danville Primary School last weekend. Every year, I enjoy seeing this great event bring community members together to celebrate cancer survivors and remember those who have passed while raising money to help put an end to cancer. Rep. Mike Stender and I were proud to join Kimberly Groves and Donna Kemberling – the champions behind this local Relay for Life, and I commend them for their continued commitment to the cause. Reducing the Backlog in PA Rape Kit Testing
For years, Pennsylvania has worked to reduce the backlog of untested rape kits and to ensure survivors of sexual assault are treated with the urgency and dignity they deserve. We passed a 2024 law to move forward with a statewide sexual assault evidence tracking system so survivors can better understand where their kit is in the process. During the implementation of the system, inconsistency on collection of kits were found from one jurisdiction to another. Senate Bill 1212 establishes a clear, statewide expectation that sexual assault evidence that has been collected should be treated consistently. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about the latest action to reduce the backlog in rape kit testing here. Culver Bill to Help Non-Profits Passes Senate Unanimously
The Senate voted unanimously on Tuesday to update charitable financial reporting requirements to better reflect the resources of nonprofits. The change would ensure transparency without imposing an unnecessary burden that undermines the charity’s mission. Senate Bill 1183, which I sponsored, would update the level of financial review required for charitable organizations based on the amount of annual contributions they receive. Reviews range from independent CPA audits for larger nonprofits to no reviews or audits for smaller ones. The thresholds have not been updated since 2017. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more here about the legislation and increasing the thresholds. PUC Hearings on PPL Projects in Luzerne County – June 30th in Hazleton
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will be holding two public hearings on Tuesday to gather feedback from customers and other concerned parties regarding a request for approval filed by PPL Electric Utilities Corporation (PPL). PPL’s request involves building approximately 1.1 miles of new 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission taps to connect the existing Susquehanna-Harwood 230 kV transmission lines to the new Tomhicken 230 kV Switchyard located in Hazle Township, Luzerne County. Hearings will be held at 1pm and 6pm at Penn State University – Hazleton Campus in the Frank Kostos Building, Room 001, 76 University Dr., Hazleton, PA 18202. Pre-registration to speak was required, but I encourage anyone who is interested to attend to hear the discussions. As a reminder, the Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate (OCA) represents the interests of utility customers before the PUC. If you have questions about the public input hearings or PPL’s application, please contact the OCA toll free at 1-800-684-6560 or by email at consumer@paoca.org. Susquehanna Valley Law Enforcement Camp Cadet Held at Susquehanna University
This week, youth ages 12 to 15 from Montour, Northumberland, Snyder, and Union Counties participated in Susquehanna Valley Law Enforcement Camp Cadet on the beautiful campus of Susquehanna University. On Monday, I had the pleasure of helping to kick off the week by speaking with the cadets and seeing them in action learning formations. Camp Cadet is built on a foundation of structure, teamwork, discipline, and self‑esteem, giving participants a supportive environment to grow both personally and socially. Throughout the week, cadets take part in activities that mirror real‑world challenges, encouraging them to push their limits, work together, discover their own strengths, and build lasting relationships with law enforcement personnel. Thank you to all the officers and staff for dedicating your time and expertise as instructors, as well as mentors to the cadets, and thank you for having me! Property Tax / Rent Rebate Program Deadline Extended to December 31
The deadline to submit your Pennsylvania Property Tax/Rent Rebate application for the 2025 claim year has been extended to December 31, 2026. This program benefits eligible seniors (65 and older), widows/widowers (50 and older), and people with disabilities (18 and older) with income less than $48,110 for both homeowners and renters. Remember to exclude 50% of Social Security when determining your income. To apply for the rebate you can do so online at myPATH – 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Application or contact my district offices for assistance. Property Tax/Rent Rebate payments are scheduled to begin on July 1, 2026. Providing Discounted Fishing and Hunting Licenses to Law Enforcement
In gratitude for the service of police officers across our commonwealth, the Senate approved legislation to provide current and retired law enforcement with discounted hunting and fishing licenses. Under Senate Bill 469, law enforcement officials would be able to acquire each license for $1. It may be a small gesture, but discounted licenses can help the men and women patrolling our communities take a break from a stressful job and enjoy the outdoors. The measure now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 469 here. Your Input Wanted on Statewide Transportation Improvement Program
The 2027 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), a list of transportation projects identified for funding statewide, is available for public review and comment through June 30. The STIP is made up of 24 regional Transportation Improvement Programs and a variety of additional programs. It is updated every two years after the regional programs are submitted and approved, and will be adopted as part of the 12-Year Program update by the State Transportation Commission in August. You can review the plan and submit your comments here. Reminder: Summer Events are in Full Swing in the 27th District
As summer gets underway, remember that there are plenty of community events to explore. Tonight and tomorrow, Friday, June 26 and Saturday June 27, the Freeburg Fireman’s Carnival continues, and the Millville Fireman’s Carnival starts today and continues through July 4. Monday kicks off Pineknotter Days in Northumberland County, which runs through Friday, July 3rd. And then looking ahead, mark your calendars for:
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