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Mobile Office Hours – Times & Locations! Dear Friends, I want to remind you that my office holds mobile office hours at various locations throughout the 24th District to make it easier for you to connect with my team and me. Whether you have questions, need assistance, or want to share your thoughts on issues affecting our community, we’re here to help. Check my website for dates and locations. We look forward to seeing you soon! Sincerely,
In this Update:
Poll Question
Last week, I asked whether you support new federal dietary guidelines encouraging Americans to “eat real food” and limit ultra-processed foods. Thank you to everyone who took the time to weigh in. Out of 92 total responses:
These results show strong interest in promoting healthier food choices, while also highlighting the importance of education and transparency as new guidelines are considered. I appreciate hearing your perspectives, and your feedback helps inform ongoing conversations about nutrition, public health, and personal choice. As always, I value your input and will continue to keep you informed as these discussions move forward. OP-ED: Finding the Right Balance Matters
In my latest op-ed, I share my perspective on the importance of approaching complex policy decisions with care and common sense. Thoughtful policymaking means protecting what matters most to our communities while also ensuring accountability, transparency, and fairness for Pennsylvanians. I outline how striking the right balance leads to better outcomes and builds trust in the decisions that shape our Commonwealth. Read the op-ed here. Over $7.7 Million Approved to Address PFAS in Montgomery County
I’m pleased to share that the Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority (PENNVEST) has approved more than $7.7 million in grants to help remediate PFAS contamination at multiple Aqua PA well stations across Montgomery County. This critical funding will support treatment upgrades at the Ivy Ridge Well Station in Upper Frederick Township and the Meyers, Cranberry, and Rahns Well Stations in Perkiomen Township. These improvements will help ensure safe, reliable drinking water while protecting public health for families throughout our region. Addressing PFAS contamination is essential to maintaining clean water and safeguarding our communities. I’m grateful to work alongside Representative Donna Scheuren and Representative Matt Bradford to advocate for this funding, and I appreciate PENNVEST’s continued commitment to tackling PFAS and investing in long-term water quality solutions. Keeping our communities safe and informed remains a top priority, and I will continue working to secure resources that make a real difference here at home. Scenes from the 24th Senatorial District – Photo Submissions Open!
I’m inviting residents of the 24th District to share their favorite photos capturing life in our community, from scenic landscapes and local landmarks to community events and everyday moments. Selected photos will be featured in my weekly e-newsletter. Photos must be taken within the 24th District and submitted by district residents. Not sure if your photo qualifies? You can check the district map and submit your photo here. Let’s celebrate Berks and Montgomery Counties through your lens! Outreach Days: Property Tax & Rent Rebate Assistance
Starting Thursday, February 12, and continuing every Thursday through April 9, our office will host Outreach Days from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM at the Boyertown Area Multi-Service (200 Spring St, Boyertown, PA 19512). These events are designed to help residents apply for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides important financial relief to homeowners and renters across Pennsylvania. Eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older may receive rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000. The program is funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery and gaming revenue. During Outreach Days, our staff will be available to guide residents through the application process, answer questions, and help determine eligibility. Assistance is provided by appointment only, and all services are free of charge. Applications must be submitted by June 30, 2026. To make an appointment, visit here. For more information, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s website. Hearing Explores AI’s Impact on Pennsylvania’s Biotech Sector
How Pennsylvania can become a leader in harnessing AI to improve lives, fuel the economy, and build a sustainable future was the topic of a recent hearing hosted by me and Senator Frank Farry of the Senate Communications and Technology Committee and the Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee. In biotechnology, AI is accelerating research timelines, improving drug development, optimizing supply chains, and expanding the frontiers of what’s possible in medical and agricultural science. Pennsylvania has roughly 3,000 life science companies with a $61 billion direct economic impact. The hearing, held at Merck & Co. in Montgomery County, heard from representatives of Merck, Johnson & Johnson, the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University, a biotech nonprofit, a health care technology firm, and a neuroscientist start-up, among others. You can view the hearing and read testimony here. Keeping Construction Jobs Local
Legislation to boost the hiring of local workers for public works projects was the topic of a hearing held by the Senate Labor and Industry Committee. Senate Bill 1076 is modeled after existing local hire programs in West Virginia, Montana and Illinois, and specifies at least half of workers on state and local projects exceeding $500,000 must be residents of Pennsylvania or a neighboring county. Contractors can seek a waiver if they’re unable to secure local workers even after utilizing a local PA CareerLink® office for recruitment. Testifiers included representatives of local building trades, contractor associations and others. They discussed how a local hire requirement could help address the skilled trade shortage, save taxpayer dollars, promote accountability within the construction industry and more. You can find video of the hearing here. State Law Requires Removing Ice and Snow from Vehicles
It’s a chore, but removing ice or snow from your vehicle not only improves safety, it’s the law. Under state law, drivers must remove ice or snow from vehicles, including the hood, trunk and roof, within 24 hours after a snow or ice event. It is also illegal to drive with snow and ice obstructing your vision through the front, side or rear windows. It’s a $50 fine for failing to reasonably clear your vehicle and up to $1,500 if dislodged snow/ice causes serious injury or death. The fines were set under “Christine’s Law,” named for Christine Lambert, who died on Christmas Day 2005 when ice from a tractor trailer crashed through her windshield. Celebrating National School Choice Week
The week of Jan. 25-31 is designated as National School Choice Week to recognize the importance of empowering parents and families to choose educational options that meet each student’s unique learning needs. School choice programs like the state’s popular Educational Improvement Tax Credit program – which was expanded this year to help more families in disadvantaged schools – are a key component of Pennsylvania’s efforts to ensure every student reaches their full potential. Education is not a one-size-fits-all experience. National School Choice Week highlights how a broader range of educational options can boost student achievement and encourage competition and innovation in education. Recognizing Catholic Schools Week in PA
Throughout Pennsylvania, Catholic schools deliver an outstanding education grounded in strong values and character, helping students develop confidence and strong leadership skills that strengthen our communities. Nearly 140,000 students are enrolled in Catholic schools throughout our commonwealth, and data show that 99% of Catholic school students graduate from high school and 96% go on to college after graduation. Senate Republicans led efforts to designate Catholic Schools Week in Pennsylvania from Jan. 25 through 31 to recognize the key role these schools play in educating the next generation of leaders. DEP Recommends Testing Your Home for Radon
Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking in the U.S. To help mark Radon Action Month, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging Pennsylvanians to test their homes for radon. DEP recommends all homes, schools, public and private buildings get tested. Radon test kits are also available at many home improvement and hardware stores, as well as from state-certified radon laboratories. Call DEP’s Radon Division at 717-783-3594, or the Radon Hotline at 800-237-2366, for help with interpreting their test results and what follow-up action may be necessary.
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