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Dear Friends, In case you missed it, I hosted a Teletown Hall on Monday, and you can listen to the audio recording below. It was a valuable opportunity to dive into the Governor’s proposed budget and discuss the importance of maintaining fiscal responsibility. Please remember, you do not need to wait for the next Town Hall to reach out. My office is always available, and I am committed to listening to the issues that matter most to you. Feel free to contact me at anytime. Sincerely,
In this Update:
Teletown Hall Recap
Earlier this week, nearly 9,000 attendees joined my tele-town hall to discuss key issues facing our community. During the event, I asked participants to share their thoughts on two key policy questions. When asked whether the state should fund programs that give parents the ability to choose where to send their child to school, responses were nearly split, with 53% in favor and 47% opposed. On the question of whether the state should tax games of skill, an overwhelming 75% said yes, while 25% were against it. These discussions provide valuable insight as we work to shape policies that reflect the priorities of our residents. I want to extend my thanks to Senator Scott Martin and IFO Director Matt Knittel for their participation and valuable contributions to this important conversation. You can listen to the full recording here. School Safety Progress Report Highlights Act 44 Successes
The non-partisan Legislative Budget and Finance Committee (LBFC) has released a comprehensive report on Pennsylvania’s school safety initiatives since the passage of Act 44 in 2018. The report outlines the positive impact of Act 44, emphasizing key achievements in enhancing school safety:
The safety of our children remains a top priority, and we are committed to ensuring Pennsylvania schools have the necessary resources to keep students and staff safe. Full release here. Senate Committee Votes to Preserve Women’s Sports
This week, the Senate Education Committee passed legislation to preserve integrity and fairness in women’s sports —progress that was hard-fought decades ago with the creation of Title IX. As a cosponsor of this important bill, I am proud to see it move forward to the full Senate for consideration. Senate Bill 9, known as the Save Women’s Sports Act, would require public schools and colleges to label sports teams as male, female, or coed. It would only permit biological females to join teams designated for women. Notably, this bill would also allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule. Female students competing in high school and college sports deserve a level playing field. This bill would protect their opportunity to enjoy fair and equal access to the personal enrichment, character development, and fitness that sports provide. Bill to Improve School Bus Safety Receives Senate Committee Support
The Senate Transportation Committee this week voted to advance legislation to better protect children by strengthening school bus safety laws. It now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Senate Bill 65 would increase the required stopping distance for opposing drivers from 10 feet to 15 feet, creating a greater buffer for children entering and exiting the bus. It also strengthens penalties for all offenders via a tiered penalty system. Penalties may include increased fines and mandatory driver education. Drivers who fail to prepare to stop when a school bus activates its flashing amber lights would also be subject to penalties. Each year, the Department of Transportation conducts a school bus education and enforcement program. The most recent program, conducted in October 2024, found police officers and bus drivers in 22 school districts reporting 131 violations in a single day. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Assistance at Boyertown Area Multi-Service
My office will be providing in-person assistance for the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program at the Boyertown Area Multi-Service (The Center at Spring Street), located at 200 W. Spring Street, Boyertown. This assistance will be available every Thursday through April 10. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program helps eligible Pennsylvanians receive rebates on property taxes or rent they paid in the previous year. The program benefits seniors aged 65 and older, widows and widowers aged 50 and older, and individuals with disabilities aged 18 and older. In 2024, the income limits were raised to $46,520 per year for both homeowners and renters, which means more people may now qualify for this valuable assistance. Applications for 2024 Property Tax/Rent Rebates are due by June 30, 2025. To schedule an appointment, please call my Red Hill office at (215) 541-2388. For more information on the Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program, visit here. 4th Annual Youth Fishing Derby – April 12
I’m thrilled to invite you to my 4th Annual Youth Fishing Derby on Saturday, April 12, 2025, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Camp Wawa Park in Schwenksville! This event promises to be a day of fun and learning for all ages, with activities designed to engage the community and educate participants about the rich diversity of Pennsylvania’s wildlife. You’ll have the chance to learn about our native birds, mammals, and the importance of environmental conservation, while enjoying some time on the water. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to fishing, everyone is welcome to join in on the fun! Don’t forget to bring your own fishing poles and bait to make the most of the experience. This event is open to all youth, and I encourage families to come out, explore the outdoors, and connect with others in the community. For more information or to register, please visit my website or contact my Red Hill office at (215) 541-2388. I look forward to seeing you there for a morning of fishing, fun, and learning! Nonprofit Grant Seminar – April 24
I am pleased to announce my upcoming Nonprofit Grant Seminar, hosted in partnership with TriCounty Community Network (TCN), on April 24, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The event will take place at the Copperfield Inn at Lakeside, located at 594 W Ridge Pike, Limerick, PA. This seminar offers a valuable opportunity for regional nonprofit organizations to enhance their grant application skills for securing federal, state, and private funding resources. We are excited to offer this resource to help your organization succeed in navigating the grant process. I look forward to seeing you there and working together to strengthen our local nonprofits! To register, please visit here. Women Veterans Ceremony – June 10
I am proud to announce that I’ll be hosting my third annual Women Veterans Ceremony at the Capitol on June 10, 2025. This event, which began following the passage of my 2022 legislation designating June 12 as Women Veterans Day in Pennsylvania, is dedicated to honoring the service of women veterans across our great Commonwealth. I truly believe that the contributions of women in the military deserve the recognition they’ve earned, and I’m thrilled to provide a platform where we can celebrate the incredible women who have served our country. I hope all women veterans from every branch of the military will join us for this special tribute. The Women Veterans Ceremony has grown year after year, and this time, we’re offering a digital display at the Capitol so that an even larger audience can experience and celebrate the stories of these remarkable women. The display will also be available online, and will go live on June 9, 2025, at www.senatorpennycuick.com. If you were featured in last year’s display, you can easily update your submission form here. For new participants, I encourage you to share your service story by completing the required submission form. The deadline for entries is May 9, 2025. This event is a chance to honor the extraordinary contributions of women throughout our history, and I can’t wait to continue recognizing their exceptional service and unwavering dedication. I look forward to seeing you there! Paralyzed Veterans of America
This week, I had the privilege of meeting with Paralyzed Veterans of America. PVA’s mission is to ensure that every veteran—of every age, every branch, and every conflict—regains what they fought for: their freedom and independence. PVA is dedicated to supporting veterans living with spinal cord injuries, disorders like MS and ALS, and the unique challenges these veterans face. Their tireless work touches every part of a veteran’s life, starting from the very first day of their injury or diagnosis. Their advocacy is inspiring, and I am committed to ensuring our veterans receive the resources, care, and respect they have earned. Celebrating 50 Years with the Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation
It was a pleasure to host members of the Philip Jaisohn Memorial Foundation at the Capitol! Celebrating their 50th Anniversary, the foundation continues to be a leading force in health and human services within the Asian American community. Their mission to promote Dr. Philip Jaisohn’s ideals of humanity through medical care, senior services, and educational programs is truly inspiring. You can watch my floor remarks here. East Penn Manufacturing Visit
Last week, I had the pleasure of visiting East Penn Manufacturing Co. to discuss the importance of proper battery recycling. As new battery types emerge, it is essential to establish safe disposal methods while preserving the successful system already in place for recycling lead batteries. I look forward to continuing these important conversations. Visit to Montgomery County Community College Political Science Class
I had a fantastic time at Montgomery County Community College in Blue Bell with Rep. Joe Ciresi, speaking to the political science class for their Spring 2025 Legislator in Residence program! We covered everything from the legislative process to real-world policymaking and answered some great questions along the way. Maybe we even inspired a few future legislators! We appreciate MCCC for the warm welcome and the opportunity to engage with such a bright and motivated group. April Hearings Set on Proposed UGI Gas Rate Increase
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will hold five in-person and telephone hearings in early April to gather public input on proposed rate changes by UGI Gas. The commission voted in February to investigate UGI’s proposal to increase its annual operating revenues for natural gas distribution service by $110.4 million (9.7%). Under the proposal, the average bill for a residential customer using 73.7 hundred cubic feet of natural gas per month would increase from $104.47 to $115.74 per month (10.8%). The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate has more information on the proposed increase here. The PUC lists dates, times and locations of the public hearings and information on how to provide input here. If you can’t take part in a hearing but want to comment, you can find the form to submit a comment here. March 29 is Vietnam War Veterans Day
Nine million Americans served during the Vietnam War era and 58,000 gave their lives. Sadly, because many people didn’t view the war favorably, Vietnam War veterans received a cold reception when they returned to American soil. Some were even deeply mistreated. March 29 marks the day in 1973 when the last United States troops left Vietnam. That same day, 591 American prisoners were released and returned to the United States. Let us recognize those who fought valiantly for our freedoms. We are grateful for their courage and sacrifices.
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