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In this Update:
Tax Relief for Working Pennsylvanians
The new state budget we passed includes the new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, which provides meaningful relief for working families across the commonwealth. In a time when rising costs continue to affect many Pennsylvania families, policies like this tax credit help relieve some of the financial burden on families. If you claim the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit, you may also claim the state tax credit equal to 10% of the federal amount. You can use this online calculator to determine if you qualify for the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit and estimate how much you could receive. Senate Resolutions Call Attention to Important Issues
This week in the Senate, I spoke on two resolutions I sponsored that highlight important issues facing families and communities across Pennsylvania. Lung Cancer Awareness Month I offered a resolution designating November as Lung Cancer Awareness Month in Pennsylvania. Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer deaths in our state and across the country, but there has been encouraging progress. According to the American Lung Association, new cases and mortality rates have continued to improve, and more Pennsylvanians diagnosed early are receiving timely treatment and better outcomes. At the same time, screening rates remain too low, and radon exposure and smoking continue to contribute to preventable cases. By raising awareness about early detection and available testing, we can help more people receive the care they need. You can watch my remarks here. World Nuclear Energy Day I also introduced a resolution, together with Senator John Kane, recognizing December 2 as World Nuclear Energy Day in Pennsylvania. Our Commonwealth has a long history of leadership in nuclear energy, which provides reliable, emission free power and supports thousands of jobs. Pennsylvania’s four active plants generate nearly 9,500 megawatts of electricity and help prevent millions of metric tons of carbon emissions each year. With the planned restart of the Dauphin County Crane Clean Energy Center in 2027, our state will continue to play an important role in strengthening energy reliability and supporting economic growth. These resolutions help bring attention to issues that affect public health, the strength of our workforce, and the future of energy in Pennsylvania. You can watch my remarks here. Education Committee Considers Several Bills, Including New Cellphone Policy in Schools
This week, as Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I convened a meeting to consider several bills focused on supporting students, families, and schools across Pennsylvania. The committee advanced Senate Bill 116, which would allow eleventh and twelfth grade students to earn elective graduation credits for work experience in healthcare and long term care settings. This proposal is designed to help address workforce shortages in these important fields while giving students meaningful opportunities to learn outside the classroom. We also moved Senate Bill 974, which expands eligibility for the Dual Credit Innovation Grant Program to include Community Education Councils. These councils play a valuable role in rural and underserved areas, and this change will help more students access dual credit opportunities close to home. The committee further considered Senate Bill 1014, which requires schools to adopt a policy restricting student phone use during the school day. The bill was amended to give schools more time to prepare and to strengthen community engagement in the policy development process. Members shared a wide range of perspectives from parents, educators, and administrators about the impact of phone use on learning and school culture. I appreciate the collaboration demonstrated throughout the meeting as these bills now move forward in the legislative process. You can watch the meeting here. Celebrating the Christmas Season Across Our Community
Capitol Christmas Tree Lighting The Christmas season began with the annual tree lighting in the Capitol Rotunda. This year’s theme, Timeless Traditions, honored the many Pennsylvanians whose craftsmanship and creativity make the display so special each year. Handcrafted ornaments from children across the Commonwealth, including the Country Charm Early Learning Center in Drums, Luzerne County, and long-standing wooden decorations created by DGS carpenter Joseph Babich helped bring the Rotunda to life for the holidays. You can watch the Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony here. Wreaths Across America Wreaths Across America ceremonies are being held across the Commonwealth, including the kickoff event held in the Capitol Rotunda this week, which you can watch here. The Wreaths Across America initiative, held on Saturday, December 13, honors our fallen heroes by placing a wreath on their graves. Each wreath placed is a reminder of the sacrifices made to protect our freedoms and the importance of teaching future generations about service and remembrance. I will be joining community members at such a ceremony in Bloomsburg on Saturday. It is an annual tradition that I am honored to be part of. Update on PennDOT Mail Delays
Many residents have reached out regarding delays in receiving driver’s license and vehicle registration renewals. PennDOT has confirmed that a former mail vendor failed to process a large amount of outgoing mail between November 2023 and December 2025. The state has ended the contract, switched to a new vendor, and all previously unsent items have now been mailed. Customers should allow seven to ten days for mail to arrive. Renewal notices sent in early November still give residents until February to renew online or by mail. Anyone waiting for a registration card may print a free duplicate at pa.gov/services/dmv/order-a-duplicate-registration. If a duplicate camera card or registration was already issued because of the delay, only the most recent version is valid. PennDOT also noted that the DL 80 form can be completed in person at a driver’s license center without notarization. My office is available to assist anyone who has questions about their renewal or needs help navigating these options. Dec. 19 Deadline to Apply for Veterans Services Grants
Nonprofits, counties and other groups that provide services to veterans have until Dec. 19 to apply for Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) grants to help fulfill their missions. Administered by the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the VTF supports programs that improve services to veterans at the county, regional or state level. For nonprofit and veterans’ organizations, funding priorities include mental and behavioral health, transportation and employment. These applicants may request up to $40,000. County directors and their association may apply for up to $15,000 per county. Their funding priorities must include outreach initiatives, enhancing veteran service officer and advocate capabilities and addressing emerging needs such as transportation, food insecurity, suicide prevention and legal assistance. State Budget Funds New State Police Troopers
Public safety is a critical component of healthy, stable communities, and I am committed to ensuring that law enforcement gets the support it needs to keep criminals at bay. The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) fills a vital public safety role in the commonwealth, and I’m happy to report that the 2025-26 state budget includes funding for four state police cadet classes. After completing approximately 27 weeks of training, the most recent cadet class saw 49 graduates join the ranks as state troopers. I wish these new troopers much success as they keep our communities safe and pray for their wellbeing. The PSP’s latest hiring cycle is open until Jan. 23, 2026. Those interested in becoming a state trooper can find application requirements, job benefits and other details at PATrooper.com. Senate Votes to Make State Funds Available for Local Bridge Projects
Legislation to make state funding available for local bridge projects was approved by the Senate. Counties receive dollars through the Highway Bridge Improvement Restricted Account within the state Motor License Fund to pay for repair and replacement of county-owned bridges. However, current law does not allow for further practical uses of leftover funds. Senate Bill 1070 would give counties the flexibility they need to improve local, municipal-owned bridges before they become at-risk. Senate Bill 1070 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. PA 529 is the Gift of Education
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced a new, easy way to give the gift of education this holiday season – Gift of College gift cards. Friends and families can buy these digital gift cards, available at pa529.com/gift, for recipients to deposit into their PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account. Anyone, including parents, grandparents, other relatives and family friends, can contribute to a PA 529 account. Savings can be used for qualified education expenses for K-12, higher education, credential programs and apprenticeship programs. The person giving the gift also gets something – a PA state tax deduction for the amount of the PA 529 contribution. In November, PA 529 was ranked one of the best college savings plans in the nation. To learn more about PA 529, visit pa529.com or call 800-440-4000. Celebrating the Bill of Rights
Monday, Dec. 15 is national Bill of Rights Day, when we celebrate the ratification of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution in 1791. The Bill of Rights guarantees civil rights and liberties to the individual – like freedom of speech, press and religion – and limits the power of government. This document forever enshrined the fundamental rights and liberties we hold sacred as Americans and set in motion the greatest self-governance experiment in the history of the world.
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