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Dear Neighbor, Happy Independence Day! On July 4, 1776, the Second Continental Congress unanimously adopted the Declaration of Independence, announcing the colonies’ separation from Great Britain. While the vote for independence occurred on July 2nd, the formal declaration was adopted on July 4th, solidifying the date as the birth of the United States. Next year, we will celebrate America’s 250th birthday also known as the Semiquincentennial (that’s a mouthful!). I’m so grateful to live in America and serve as your state Senator. It truly is my honor. I hope you and your family have a happy July 4th as we celebrate the extraordinary founding of this great nation.
Sincerely,
In this Update:
Progress on the 2025-26 State Budget
Standing up for families and taxpayers remains our focus as work on the 2025-26 budget continues in Harrisburg. Over the last two weeks we have taken steps to advance several key components of the state budget, to fund certain government functions, as work continues on reaching a full budget agreement. This year’s budget must invest in our communities and core government functions that people across Pennsylvania rely on as part of their daily lives. However, we must also address the fact that in the current fiscal year Pennsylvania is faced with a $3 billion structural deficit that could grow to $6 billion if spending is left to grow unchecked. We cannot rely on one-time use dollars from our state’s Rainy Day Fund to fill the gap, given this would cause a massive fiscal cliff and tax increases in the coming years. While divided government certainly brings challenges of different viewpoints, Senate Republicans are focused on completing a budget that respects taxpayers and addresses the needs of organizations and individuals who rely on state resources and services. Measure to Streamline Fishing Licenses for Disabled Veterans Signed into Law
My legislation, Senate Bill 232 to remove the annual fishing license fee and application for veterans with 100% disability was recently signed into law as Act 21 of 2025. Prior to becoming law, only those disabled veterans with a 100% permanent disability determination from the VA could receive free lifetime fishing licenses. Disabled veterans with a 100% disability determination also receive free licenses but must apply for them on an annual basis. Our disabled veterans have given our Commonwealth and nation so much. It is a small thank you to make the process of getting a fishing license simpler for these extraordinary Americans. Senate Acts to Prevent Student-Athlete Tragedies
To prevent student-athlete deaths from sudden cardiac arrest, the Senate passed legislation requiring schools to have automated external defibrillators (AEDs) present at sporting events. Sudden cardiac arrest is the leading cause of death for student-athletes nationally and can strike without warning, even in young people with no known heart conditions. Timely access to an AED can increase survival rates by up to 70%. In addition to ensuring an AED is present at all PIAA-sanctioned athletic events and practices, Senate Bill 375 would require schools to develop and rehearse emergency plans for cardiac incidents. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Boyertown Bears Art Show Opening and Awards Ceremony
We had a great time attending the Boyertown Bears Art Show Opening and Awards Ceremony with Jane Stahl, the manager of Studio B Gallery (right in photo) and Heidi Halpin (middle in photo) who designed my U.S. Army Bear so beautifully! It’s now in my office for all to see. New Law Targeting Organized Retail Theft Results in Arrests
Senate Republicans led the way on cracking down against organized retail theft, and the law we pushed for is resulting in arrests, prosecutions and recoveries of stolen goods across the commonwealth, according to Attorney General Dave Sunday. The office’s Organized Retail Crime Unit launched in July 2024 following enactment of Act 42 of 2023 and a new criminal statute that made retail theft of goods over $50,000 a first-degree felony. In its first year, the unit opened more than 65 investigations, charged more than 40 alleged thieves and recovered nearly $2 million in stolen goods. The crimes feature multiple thieves who manipulate gift cards and store return policies or enter retail stores in packs and steal as many items as they can. It’s good to see this legislation is working. Fireworks Safety Tips
Fireworks started 31,302 fires in 2022 and were involved in 9,700 emergency room injuries nationwide in 2023, with children younger than 15 accounting for nearly one third of fireworks injuries. Here are some safety tips from the Office of the State Fire Commissioner:
Find more fireworks safety tips here to avoid being a statistic. Happy Independence Day
I hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend with friends and family celebrating the birth of this great nation. America is one year away from its 250th birthday. I hope the next year sees us come together as citizens to appreciate the great blessings of our nation.
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