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Dear Friends, This Memorial Day, we gathered to remember the true cost of our freedom. We honored the fallen heroes who gave their all, and the families whose lives were forever changed. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. Their courage inspires us to continue striving for the ideals they fought for. Let their memory be a constant reminder that vigilance is not just a wartime necessity, but a cornerstone of our nation’s strength. It’s a responsibility we carry for them, for ourselves, and for generations to come. I was grateful to the Joint Veterans Council of Perkiomen Valley for inviting me to be part of this solemn occasion. It was a privilege to honor our fallen heroes.
Sincerely,
In this Update:
Legislation Targeting AI “Deepfake” Images of Minors
Sen. Jimmy Dillon (D-5), Sen. Lisa Boscola (D-18) and I recently introduced legislation to combat “deepfake” images of minors and child porn generated by artificial intelligence (AI). Recently, some websites have published realistic AI-generated sexual images of non-consenting adults, as well as children. The images may be artificial but are created by using data and images from real individuals and children. While the unauthorized dissemination of an intimate image is unlawful in Pennsylvania, the law does not specially address the usage of AI deepfake technology to create and disseminate an intimate image of a non-consenting person. Senate Bill 1213 would make it clear that the use of AI deepfake technology to create pornographic images of an individual without their consent is prohibited. It will also prohibit the use of deepfake technology to create child pornography. This bipartisan legislation sends a strong message that this depraved use of AI will not be tolerated in Pennsylvania. Full release here. Property Tax/Rent Rebates: June Outreach Locations
My office will be hosting outreach locations in June to provide assistance to residents applying for the state Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program and urges interested area seniors to make an appointment. The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program is open to residents age 65 or older, widows and widowers age 50 or older, or anyone age 18 and older who is 100% disabled, with a household income of $45,000 or less, counting only half of Social Security. Rebate amounts are calculated based on 2023 income and the amount of property tax or rent paid in 2023, with rebates ranging from $380 to $1,000. Residents can call my office at 215-541-2388 or visit online to schedule an appointment for one of the following dates: June 3, 5, 10, 12, 17, 24, 26, 9 a.m. to noon June 4 & 18, 9 a.m. to noon June 10 & 24, 1-4 p.m. June 11 & 25, 9 a.m. to noon June 11 & 25, 1-4 p.m. June 12 & 26, 9 a.m. to noon June 12 & 26, 1-4 p.m. The following documents are required to complete the process:
Property owners will need proof of taxes paid, either stamped or signed by their local tax collector. Renters need a rent certificate filled out and signed by their landlord. More information on the Property Tax/Rent Rebate program can be found at www.revenue.pa.gov. Community Shred Event: Protect Yourself from Identity Theft
In today’s digital age, protecting your personal information is more important than ever. Identity theft is a serious crime that can wreak havoc on finances and credit. To help residents safeguard their sensitive information, I am hosting a Free Drive Through Shredding Event on June 8, 2024 from 9 A.M to 12 P.M. at the Boyertown Area Multi-Service (200 Spring St., Boyertown, PA 19512). Identity theft is a growing concern, and properly disposing of documents containing personal information is a crucial step in protecting yourself. This free event provides a safe and secure way for residents to shred old documents and minimize the risk of fraud. What You Can Shred: What We Cannot Shred: As the Senate Communications and Technology Chair, I am committed to helping our community stay safe and secure. By working together, we can fight identity theft and protect our personal information. Preston’s Pantry volunteers will also be on hand to collect food donations. For more information, please see the event flyer. Joint Veterans Council Perkiomen Valley Memorial Day Parade
I was so grateful to join the East Greenville Borough community, the American Legion Post 184, and the Red Hill VFW Post 5954 in honoring our fallen heroes at their annual Memorial Day Parade. The outpouring of respect and gratitude was truly moving. Remembering those who served and sacrificed is so very important. St. Mary Catholic School Memorial Day Observance
I also had the privilege to attend a heartfelt Memorial Day Remembrance program at Saint Mary Catholic School. This is the 17th year the school has held such a ceremony. It’s so heartwarming to see students, faculty, and staff come together to honor the heroes who served our country. Ride Along with New Hanover Police
For National Police Week (May 12-18), I had the opportunity to ride along with New Hanover Township Police Department Sergeant Dekkar Dyas on his patrol. We are fortunate to have so many outstanding police officers serving our communities. As a state Senator, I am committed to helping ensure our police departments have the resources they need to protect and serve. A very big thank you to Sergeant Dyas and the entire New Hanover Township Police Department for their dedication and service! Welcome Wednesday Visitor at Schwenksville Elementary School
Beginning the day with a positive welcome is crucial in supporting Schwenksville Elementary School’s goal of ensuring that everyone who steps into the building feels safe, welcome, and valued. Recently, I had the great pleasure of greeting the elementary students on their way into school! Big thanks to Principal Krista Venza for coordinating this effort and for the warm welcome! Barth Elementary School Visit
I recently visited E.B. Barth Elementary School where I had the opportunity to learn more about their impressive educational programs. The staff was incredibly welcoming and happy to share their insights into these programs and their impact. I also had the pleasure of meeting and engaging with the students, whose energy was truly infectious. Thanks again to Superintendent Stephen Rodriguez for coordinating my visit! Good Citizenship Award Ceremony
I had the honor of presenting my Good Citizenship Award to four deserving seniors (Jazmine Williams, Ingrid Dutra Barbosa, Dylan Troncelliti, Brianna Maglio) at Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center’s annual recognition ceremony. This award recognizes students who exemplify character, leadership, and responsibility. These students are role models for their peers, and I am confident they will continue to make positive contributions to their communities! Job Seekers and Employers Can Connect on Free Job Board
Veterans, National Guard members and military family members can use a free job board that has nearly 10,000 employment and internship postings. While it is Pennsylvania-centric, there are listings in dozens of other states. It’s easy to manage your job search process with application history and saved jobs. The system even allows applicants to store multiple versions of their resume for flexibility when applying to different jobs. The Pennsylvania National Guard Associations’ job board also offers employers the opportunity to post jobs, search the resume database and create resume alerts. Unemployment Compensation Hints for School Bus Drivers
It continues to be challenging to find bus drivers so children can safely and reliably travel between home and school each day. When the problem is bad enough, it can even shorten the school day and limit the learning students can accomplish. To avoid impacts to students’ education, it’s important to retain as many bus drivers as possible. Of course, they are not needed in the summer and aren’t able to collect a paycheck during that time. Unemployment compensation (UC) helps to bridge the gap until the school year begins so bus drivers aren’t forced to abandon their critical roles to pay their bills. Information is available to help school bus drivers who will be laid off during the summer successfully claim their unemployment compensation. First, it’s crucial to claim during the correct week: the first week in which they are actually unemployed. Second, understand that UC and workers’ compensation are different when filling out the UC claim form. Please reach out to my office if you still have issues with your claim. Win Money for Your Child’s Education
In honor of PA 529 Day on May 29, new PA 529 Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) accounts opened between May 1 and May 31 with at least $10 in contributions are eligible for a chance to win $5,529 or $2,529. Current PA 529 GSP account owners are also eligible to win $5,529 if they had a balance of at least $10 as of April 30 and receive a contribution of at least $10 in May. The PA 529 GSP helps families save for future college and career education expenses by keeping pace with rising college tuition. They offer tax-advantaged savings and the flexibility to pay for a wide variety of education expenses, including at any qualified educational institution, from K-12 to college and career training programs. Funds can also be used for room and board, tuition and books. Anyone – parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles and family friends – can contribute to a PA 529 plan. Saving with a PA 529 plan does not impact a student’s eligibility for Pennsylvania state financial aid.
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