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Dear Friends, From May 11th through May 17th, we observe National Police Week to honor those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty and to recognize the ongoing dedication of officers who put on the uniform each day to protect our families and neighborhoods. Thank you to all the men and women who serve in law enforcement. You have our deepest gratitude for all you do! Sincerely,
In this Update:
Senate Passes My Bill to Support 100% Disabled Veterans
I’m proud to share that the Senate unanimously passed my bill, Senate Bill 232, to streamline fishing licenses for our 100% disabled veterans. Under current law, only veterans with a permanent 100% disability rating from the VA are eligible for a free lifetime fishing license. Others—despite having the same level of disability—must reapply and pay a fee every year. My bill eliminates that barrier by removing the annual fee and paperwork for all 100% disabled veterans, regardless of whether their disability is classified as permanent. Our disabled veterans have sacrificed so much in service to our country. This is a small but meaningful way to say thank you—and to make sure they can enjoy the peace and healing that comes with a day on the water. Full release here. Senate Votes for the Save Women’s Sports Act
With a bipartisan vote, the Senate passed legislation to protect athletic opportunity, competitive fairness and safety for female athletes across Pennsylvania. The Save Women’s Sports Act would ensure athletic teams designated for girls and women are reserved for biological females in K-12 and collegiate sports across the commonwealth. Senate Bill 9 would reinforce the original intent of Title IX by ensuring female athletes are not denied scholarships, placements or opportunities due to unfair competition from biological males. It is now headed to the House of Representatives for consideration. Exploring the Impact of AI on Pennsylvania’s Future
Recently, I had the privilege of leading a public hearing of the Senate Communications & Technology Committee—which I chair alongside my co-chair, Senator Nick Miller—at Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Northeastern PA in Bethlehem. The focus of our hearing was the growing impact of artificial intelligence on our economy, education system, and infrastructure. We heard powerful testimony from leaders in venture capital, healthcare, education, and software development. Each expert made it clear: AI is no longer a future concept—it’s already reshaping how we live, learn, and work. As this technology continues to evolve, Pennsylvania must take proactive and thoughtful steps to lead the way in responsible and innovative AI development. Our committee is committed to ensuring our Commonwealth remains at the forefront of this rapidly changing landscape, with a focus on smart policy, collaboration, and opportunity. Full release here. Protecting Pennsylvania from Cyber Threats
As Chair of the Senate Communications & Technology Committee, I’m proud to report that we advanced two important cybersecurity bills this week. Senate Bill 376, looking to ban TikTok on state government devices, was passed by the committee. With 39 other states already taking similar action and serious warnings from the FBI, it’s clear that TikTok poses a significant cybersecurity threat. This bill is a critical step in safeguarding our government systems from espionage, data breaches, and other cyber risks. We also advanced Senate Bill 377, sponsored by Senator Kristin Phillips-Hill, which would require state agencies to adhere to federal NIST cybersecurity standards when making IT purchases. This proactive approach will help ensure our technology systems are built with strong defenses against large-scale cyberattacks. Cybersecurity isn’t optional—it’s national security. I remain committed to taking every necessary step to keep Pennsylvania safe in the digital age. Full release here. Celebrating Innovation on Aerospace Day at the Capitol
What a fantastic day at the Capitol for Aerospace Day! As Senate Cochair of the Aerospace Caucus, I was proud to help highlight the incredible work being done across Pennsylvania’s aerospace industry. From cutting-edge research to high-tech manufacturing, aerospace is a powerful driver of innovation, job creation, and economic growth in our Commonwealth. It was inspiring to meet with industry leaders, educators, and exhibitors from across the state who are all playing a role in advancing this dynamic field. A big thank you to everyone who participated and helped showcase Pennsylvania’s vibrant aerospace story—past, present, and future. I look forward to continuing our work to support and grow this vital sector. Working Together for Pennsylvania’s Future at the GRCA Legislative Breakfast
Last week, I had the opportunity to attend the State Legislative Breakfast hosted by the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA). It was an engaging and productive conversation centered around some of the most pressing issues facing our region—transportation, workforce development, and infrastructure. These are critical areas that directly impact the strength of our local economy and the well-being of our communities. I appreciated the chance to join fellow lawmakers, business leaders, and stakeholders to discuss practical solutions and share updates on the progress we’ve made in Harrisburg. We’ve accomplished a lot over the past session, and I’m committed to building on that momentum in the months ahead. Connecting with the Next Generation at Pottstown High School
On Friday, I had the pleasure of joining Representative Joe Ciresi at Pottstown High School for their “Legislators Meet Students” event. It was a fantastic opportunity to speak directly with students about the importance of school funding and to hear their perspectives on how we can better support public education. It’s clear that they care deeply about their future—and they have some great ideas for how we can make our education system even stronger. I’m grateful to Pottstown High School for welcoming us and to the students who took the time to engage in meaningful dialogue. Annual Women Veterans Ceremony – Entry Deadline Extended to May 16!
My third annual Women Veterans Ceremony is quickly approaching, set to take place at the Capitol on June 10, 2025. This event, established after 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. Women in the military have made extraordinary contributions, and it’s important to recognize the sacrifices and achievements they’ve made for our country. This event provides an opportunity to celebrate the incredible women who have served. I encourage all women veterans from every branch of the military to join us for this special tribute. The Women Veterans Ceremony continues to grow, and this year, 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, going 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 has been extended to May 16, 2025. I look forward to celebrating their contributions with you! Free License Plate Replacement Event – May 29
Do you have a faded, peeling, or hard-to-read license plate? Join me on Thursday, May 29, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Gerald Richards Park (2150 Buchert Road, Sanatoga) for a Free License Plate Replacement Event. This event is a convenient opportunity for drivers to have their damaged or illegible Pennsylvania license plates inspected and begin the process of receiving a free replacement. Officers from the Lower Pottsgrove Township Police Department will be on-site to verify the condition of your plate and complete the necessary documentation. Keeping your license plate clearly visible is not only important for identification and safety—it’s required by law. I’m proud to host this event to help residents take care of this issue easily and at no cost. To register, please visit here. Should you have any questions please feel free to contact my office at (215) 541-2388. For more information on the Local Government Commission and the valuable resources it provides, visit their website here. PASS Scholarships to Help Students in Failing Schools Receive Senate Support
To expand education access and reform outcomes in Pennsylvania’s most challenged schools, the Senate Education Committee this week advanced bipartisan scholarship legislation. The bill, also known as the Pennsylvania Award for Student Success (PASS) scholarship program, now heads to the full Senate for consideration. Senate Bill 10 would establish scholarship accounts for eligible students, allowing them to pursue educational opportunities outside of their assigned public school. The program would be administered by the Pennsylvania State Treasury and funded through appropriations, grants, donations or other contributions from public and private sources. Eligible students must live within the attendance boundary of a school that ranks in the bottom 15% statewide based on academic performance and come from households earning less than 250% of the federal poverty level. Funds in a student’s PASS account could be used for tuition, school-related fees or special education services at a nonpublic school. Learn more about scholarship amounts, which vary from $2,500 to $15,000 based on the student’s grade level. Bill Strengthening PA’s Sexual Offender Registry Approved by Senate
The Senate unanimously approved legislation this week to better protect children in Pennsylvania against sexual predators. Senate Bill 255 would require a sports official, volunteer or employee of a nonprofit association who is convicted of sexual assault to register as a sexual offender under the Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act (SORNA). Under current law, a conviction for this offense does not require registration as a sex offender. Closing this loophole will strengthen SORNA and ensure potentially violent sex offenders can be properly monitored. The bill, which now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration, is part of a larger Senate Republican priority of making commonwealth communities safer. PA Treasury Continues Working to Return Money to the People
More than 40,000 Pennsylvanians may soon find a check in their mailbox for money they didn’t know they had, thanks to legislation passed by Senate Republicans. PA Money Match is a new law that allows Treasury to automatically return certain unclaimed property. The program includes properties valued at $500 or less that belong to a single owner. Those with eligible properties will receive a letter in the mail to confirm their address. About 45 days later, they’ll receive a check for their property. PA Treasurer Stacy Garrity is working to return more than $4.5 billion in unclaimed property, which includes dormant bank accounts, uncashed checks, rebates and insurance payments. The average claim is worth more than $1,000. Because PA Money Match will not automatically return properties exceeding $500 or those that may have more than one owner, you are still encouraged to regularly use Treasury’s website to check if you have unclaimed property. Support The Open Link’s Wish List
The Open Link continues to serve our community with vital services — from their food pantry to senior outreach. Right now, they’re in need of everyday items to help meet growing demand. Their current wish list includes essentials like canned goods, personal hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and grocery store gift cards. Every donation goes directly to helping local families. If you’re able to contribute, visit here to see the full list and learn how to give!
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