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Mobile Office Hours – Times & Locations! Dear Friends, Last week, I sent a letter to the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission expressing concerns about PECO’s proposed electric and natural gas rate increases and urging that the filings be carefully reviewed with affordability in mind. I am pleased to share that PECO has since announced it is withdrawing its rate review filings before the PUC. According to PECO, the decision was made in light of continued financial pressures facing families and businesses across our region and a need to prioritize customer affordability. While many factors are considered in these proceedings, I believe strong public input and regulatory oversight are essential to ensuring utility decisions remain fair and affordable for ratepayers. I will continue working to ensure the voices of consumers are heard and that affordability remains a top priority in Harrisburg. Sincerely,
In this Update:
Meeting with Municipal Leaders Across the 24th District
Connecting with local leaders is important to me, which is why this week I hosted three Meet and Greet events across the 24th District for new and returning municipal officials. We discussed the real challenges municipalities are facing and reviewed state resources that may help support local initiatives. I want to thank Perkiomen Township, Gilbertsville Fire & Rescue Co., and Longswamp Township for hosting these events. I appreciate the opportunity to meet directly with local officials and hear what matters most in your communities. Pennycuick Measure Designates April as Purple Up! for Military Kids and Month of the Military Child
I introduced a resolution designating April 15, 2026, as “Purple Up! for Military Kids” Day and April 2026 as Month of the Military Child in Pennsylvania. The measure is co-prime sponsored by every veteran in the state Senate. This resolution recognizes military children and the many sacrifices they make in support of their families who serve our nation. This resolution is a simple but meaningful way to recognize those children for their resilience, strength, and service alongside their families. Read more here. Boyertown Honors Community Leaders at Citizen of the Year Awards Ceremony
It was an honor to attend the Boyertown Citizen of the Year Awards Ceremony and join the community in recognizing individuals who go above and beyond to make a difference. This annual gala celebrates those who exemplify dedication, service, and volunteerism—values that help keep our community strong. Each honoree has made a meaningful impact in the Boyertown area through their commitment to improving the lives of others. Congratulations to this year’s recipients. Your service and contributions are truly appreciated and do not go unnoticed. Rupert Elementary Celebrates DEAR Day with Guest Readers and Love of Literacy
I had a great time joining Rupert Elementary School for their DEAR (Drop Everything and Read) Day. DEAR Day 2026 was a fantastic success, featuring 47 guest readers and more than 100 stories read throughout the day. It was a pleasure spending time with the students and seeing their excitement for reading. Thank you to the teachers and staff for inviting me to take part in this fun and meaningful tradition, and to the students for being such an engaged and enthusiastic audience. Calling All Women Veterans: Be Part of This Year’s Commemoration
I’m excited to announce my 4th Annual Women Veterans Day Commemoration at the Capitol on June 10, 2026. As part of this special event, I am inviting women veterans from across Pennsylvania to share their reflections on “What Service Means to Me.” This is an opportunity to highlight the experiences, sacrifices, and perspectives of the women who have served our nation. Selected reflections may be featured as part of this year’s commemoration as we honor the contributions of women veterans throughout the Commonwealth. To learn more and to submit your reflection, please visit here. You’re Invited: Unclaimed Property Day in Montgomery County
In partnership with the Pennsylvania Treasury, I will host Unclaimed Property Day in the 24th District to help residents locate and find unclaimed assets. Hundreds of thousands of dollars remain unclaimed locally, and this event is an opportunity for residents to recover funds that may belong to them. The event will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026, at two locations:
My staff, along with representatives from the Pennsylvania Treasury, will assist residents in searching the Treasury’s unclaimed property database. Claims under $500 may be processed on-site, while larger claims may require additional documentation and follow-up after the event. Residents are encouraged to bring information for themselves or family members who may have unclaimed property. Learn more and register here. Hearing Explores Approaches to Expanding Access to Dental Care Across PA
Efforts to expand access to dental education and reduce barriers to entry to address severe workforce shortages in dentists, dental hygienists and dental assistants were the focus of a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee. Almost a third of Pennsylvanians already don’t receive regular dental care and more than 22% of the commonwealth’s dentists are age 65 and older and nearing retirement. The hearing featured dental professionals, educators, insurance companies and other advocates who gave their perspectives on how dental workforce shortages harm public health and shared successful strategies that encouraged more people to pursue these careers. Video of the hearing and written testimony can be found here. Keeping Our Families and Communities Safe
A year ago this month, the Senate took decisive action on several bills to keep our families and communities safe. Among the bills we passed are Senate Bill 92, known as Tyler’s Law, to impose tougher penalties on drug dealers who sell fentanyl resulting in a fatal overdose; Senate Bill 490 to prohibit non-monetary bail for the most dangerous individuals; and Senate Bill 347 to prohibit so-called “safe injection sites” – which endanger our neighborhoods in Pennsylvania. I voted for these bills because there is a clear and urgent need to give our law enforcement community new tools to combat these serious issues. Unfortunately, although the Senate passed all three bills with bipartisan votes, they continue to sit in the state House of Representatives waiting for action. It’s time for the House Democrats to advance these bills, and I will continue pushing for strong legislation to make our communities safer. Montgomery County Launches 2026 “I Voted!” Sticker Design Contest I’m excited to share Montgomery County, PA’s “I Voted!” Sticker Contest for the 2026 General Election! Residents, especially K–12 students, are invited to help design the official “I Voted!” sticker that voters will wear proudly on Election Day. Up to 10 winning designs will be selected and distributed throughout Montgomery County. This is a great opportunity for young artists to get involved in the democratic process and see their creativity showcased countywide. Learn more and submit your design here. NAACP Scholarships Now Open for Student Applications
The NAACP is now accepting applications for its Inspire Initiatives scholarship program, which offers both need-based and merit-based awards to support students pursuing undergraduate and graduate degrees. These scholarships vary in award amount, academic focus, and eligibility, providing opportunities for graduating high school seniors, current undergraduate students, and graduate students. Through the generosity of donors, the program aims to expand access to education and help prepare students for success in school, work, and life. To be eligible, applicants must be enrolled full-time or accepted to an accredited college or university in the United States, have a minimum GPA of 3.0, and be a member of the NAACP. Additional criteria may apply depending on the specific scholarship. Applications opened on April 13, 2026, and will close on May 22, 2026. Scholarship recipients will be announced in summer 2026. For more information and to apply, visit here. Student Teachers Can Apply for Assistance Through PA Support Program
Planning to be a student teacher in 2026-27? The Student Teacher Support Program provides financial assistance in return for help alleviating Pennsylvania’s pressing teacher shortage. It provides $10,000 to eligible student teachers and up to $2,500 to teachers who mentor them. Recipients must commit to teaching in Pennsylvania for three years following the completion of their teaching certification. Selection will be conducted on a first-come, first-served basis based on when the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency receives a completed student application. Learn more and apply here. New Specialty Plate Helps Preserve Pennsylvania’s Heritage
Pennsylvania drivers have another special fund license plate to put on the back of their vehicles: the Preserve Our Heritage plate featuring the Liberty Bell and Pennsylvania Bank Barn. Built from about 1790 to 1900, these barns were banked and set into a hillside and became symbols of Pennsylvania’s agricultural roots. The plates are available for cars or trucks with a registered gross weight of 14,000 pounds or less. Each plate costs $64, with $23 going directly to support the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission’s education and exhibit programs. You can find the plate and order it here. You Can Help Deliver Senior Services in Our Area
Delivering meals, being a senior companion and other roles are open to volunteers of all ages and abilities with the state Aging Services Network. You can learn new skills, make friends and help others through these programs:
Find out more and apply online here or contact the local Area Agency on Aging to see where help is needed in our area. National Donate Life Month
You can save up to eight lives through organ donation, restore sight to two people through cornea donation and heal more than 75 people through tissue donation. While the vast majority of Americans support donation, many overlook the important step of registering their decision to be a donor. Donate Life America has plenty of useful information on this lifesaving topic. Find out how to add the Organ Donor designation to your driver’s license or ID card here.
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