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Mobile Office Hours – Times & Locations! Dear Friends, This week, the Senate passed my SAFECHAT Bill to help protect children navigating AI chatbots. Too many families have experienced the real risks these tools can pose, and we cannot ignore that. This bill is a step toward making sure young people are met with support, not harm, when they need it most. Happy Spring! Sincerely,
In this Update:
Senate Approves Measure to Protect Children from Harmful AI Chats
The Senate approved my legislation to establish commonsense safeguards for children interacting with artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots. The bill will be sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 1090 would require robust, age-appropriate safeguards to prevent content generation that encourages self-harm, suicide or violence against others, and directs users to appropriate self-harm crisis resources whenever high-risk language is detected. Heartbreaking stories have been reported of vulnerable individuals, including minors, who have used AI chatbots to cope with trauma, mental health, depression and anxiety. Multiple families have alleged in lawsuits that chatbot responses contributed to their teen’s death by suicide. Read more here. Legislation to Protect Veterans from Benefit Exploitation Advances
The Senate Veterans Affairs & Emergency Preparedness Committee has approved legislation I worked on to better protect veterans when accessing their earned benefits. This measure is designed to safeguard veterans from exploitation by establishing important consumer protections, including:
Our veterans have earned these benefits through their service, and they deserve to access them without facing misleading or unfair practices. The bill now advances to the full Senate for consideration. Read more here. More Than $268,000 Secured for Berks County Community Projects
I’m pleased to announce that I helped secure more than $268,000 in grant funding for critical projects across Berks County through the Local Share Account Program. These investments will support a range of community priorities, including:
Each of these projects addresses real needs in our community and helps ensure our neighborhoods remain safe, resilient, and well-equipped for the future. Read more here. Legislation Expanding First Responder Training Passed by Senate
Legislation to help alleviate the shortage of emergency responder instructors across Pennsylvania was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 782 would allow retired public school and state employees who previously worked part-time as certified EMS, fire or police instructors to return to that work without losing their pension benefits. Retirees would not earn additional benefits. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Acts to Protect Vehicle Choice in Pennsylvania
Legislation preserving Pennsylvanians’ ability to choose their preferred vehicle by prohibiting state mandates on specific vehicle purchases was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 990 protects consumer choice, encourages innovation and helps prevent higher costs associated with uniform mandates. The bill supports a comprehensive approach to transportation that includes gas and diesel-powered vehicles, hybrids, electric vehicles and emerging technologies, allowing new advancements to develop and compete. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Supporting Veteran-Owned Businesses Year-Round
Earlier this month, Pennsylvania recognized Invest in Veterans Week, a time dedicated to supporting the men and women who have served our country and who continue to contribute as business owners in our communities. While the week has passed, our commitment to veterans should not. These entrepreneurs bring leadership, discipline, and innovation to our local economies, and they deserve our continued support. I encourage everyone to shop veteran-owned businesses and find ways to uplift those who have given so much—not just during a designated week, but throughout the entire year. Recognizing World Down Syndrome Day
March 21 marks World Down Syndrome Day, a time to celebrate the individuals who help make our communities stronger and more compassionate every day. In Pennsylvania, we remain committed to fostering communities where everyone is valued, included, and empowered to reach their full potential. Let us continue working together to build a more inclusive future for all. Innovative Veteran Care at Aurelius Facility
This week, I had the opportunity to tour Aurelius and gain deeper insight into their Veteran Treatment Center, including its state-of-the-art hyperbaric chamber. The visit provided a firsthand look at how innovative therapies, such as hyperbaric oxygen treatment, are making a meaningful difference for veterans, particularly those coping with service-related injuries. These advanced approaches to care are helping improve recovery outcomes and overall quality of life for those who have served our country. Expanding access to cutting-edge medical treatments remains a critical priority. Efforts like those at Aurelius demonstrate a strong commitment to ensuring veterans across Pennsylvania receive the specialized care they deserve. Outreach Days: Property Tax & Rent Rebate Assistance
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, and only half of Social Security income is included in the eligibility calculation. 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. To make an appointment, visit here. For more information, please visit the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue’s website. Join Me for a Free Scam Jam in Topton on March 27
Financial scams continue to target individuals and families across Pennsylvania, especially seniors. That’s why I am partnering with the Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities to host a free Scam Jam to help residents recognize and prevent financial fraud. This educational program will take place on Friday, March 27 from 1:00 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Lutheran Home at Topton (One S. Home Ave, Topton, PA 19562). Scammers are constantly changing their tactics, and staying informed is one of the best ways to protect yourself. During this event, attendees will hear from experts representing:
These professionals will share practical tips on spotting red flags, safeguarding personal information, and reporting suspicious activity before it’s too late. Registration is strongly recommended, as space is limited. You can reserve your spot online or by calling my office at (215) 541-2388. Shooting Range Improvement Program Accepting Applications
Shooting ranges and related organizations open for public use have until May 8 to apply for state grants for development and renovation work that helps ensure community access to safe ranges. Related organizations include shooting clubs, recreational shooting organizations, archery clubs and education groups. Public use of facilities includes public range times, educational outreach/trainings or organized shooting competitions. Retail ranges are not eligible to apply for this program. Each Pennsylvania Game Commission region will receive at least one project. Learn about eligible projects and how to apply here. Recognizing the Need for Government Transparency
National Sunshine Week highlights the importance of “sunshine laws” designed to ensure government transparency, and the importance of citizen access to government information. The Office of Open Records maintains information about Pennsylvania’s Right-to-Know Law and Sunshine Act, including information about filing a request for records. You can find more tools for keeping government transparent here.
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