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Mobile Office Hours – Locations & Times Dear Friends, In early August, Senate Republicans took action by passing a budget bill to provide funding at the levels included in the final budget for FY 2024-25. If the House had approved Senate Bill 160, the state could have immediately begun disbursing nearly $47.6 billion, without the need for any new taxes, while negotiations continued on a final state budget. We could have – and should have – provided counties, school districts, social service providers, and others with the critical resources they need right now. The good news is that we are getting closer to a final budget now that the SEPTA funding issue has been resolved in the short term. Going forward, we must ensure a state budget that is a reasonable, responsible plan that empowers parents, doesn’t overspend, and is fiscally responsible. I will be sure to keep you updated. Sincerely,
In this Update:
Restoring SEPTA Service and Advancing Transit Reforms
Recently, Governor Shapiro agreed to the Senate plan that was passed in early August to fund SEPTA using $394 million dollars from the $2.5 billion Public Transportation Trust Fund to avoid service cuts. It is unfortunate that the Governor and House of Representatives did not agree to this when the proposal was made weeks ago to avoid this unnecessary and avoidable disruption to so many individuals’ lives in and around Greater Philadelphia. SEPTA will restore full service on Sunday, Sept. 14, including the 20% Bus and Metro service cuts that started on Aug. 24. The Governor acknowledged that the money available may be used for operational needs. I’m pleased we can now move forward to find ways to provide a long-term solution to fund transit. However, we must still address accountability and safety issues to improve SEPTA beyond more funding. The Senate is supportive of several critical reform measures, of which I am a sponsor, to give riders and employees a safer, better and more efficient transit system. This week, the state Senate approved two measures I co-sponsored addressing issues around SEPTA’s safety and accountability. Senate Bill 713 allows public transportation fleet owners to use new technology in Pennsylvania to enhance revenue and safety as well as Senate Bill 952 to direct additional resources to crack down on crime and fare evasion, particularly bus fares. The legislation requires better enforcement of those quality-of-life crimes that make SEPTA feel less safe or attractive to riders. The Commonwealth invests significant taxpayer dollars into our public transportation system. In fact, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania ranks fourth in the nation in the amount of state funding provided to our local transit systems. Every year, the Commonwealth distributes over $1.5 billion to SEPTA alone. Those funds are collected from the sales tax, motor vehicle sales tax, lottery sales, driver fines, and other sources. I fully understand the importance of public transportation to our region and will continue to work with both sides of the aisle on solutions that serve the best interests of the travelling public and the taxpayer. Protecting Residents of Manufactured Homes
I have heard from many of you regarding the 50% rent increase facing tenants of the Village of Willow Run and understand how difficult this increase will be for residents living on a fixed income, especially older residents. As your state Senator, one of my top priorities is working to address the rising costs of housing. Communities like Willow Run and other manufactured housing communities offer so many families with what was once considered an affordable community in which to live. Significant increases in lot rentals, utility bills and services charged by community owners make manufactured homes no longer an affordable option. This is in part why I decided to co-sponsor legislation introduced by my colleague Senator Judy Schwank. SB 745 and SB 746 will impose an of-right annual rent increase based upon the Consumer Price Index and provides advance 90-day notices allowing residents the opportunity to purchase their community if the owner decides to sell or close it. This legislation is now in the Senate Urban Affairs and Housing Committee, and I have been speaking with the Committee’s chair to advocate for the bills to be brought up for a vote. I am hopeful this important legislation will be voted on and referred to the full-Senate. Additionally, I recently sent a letter to the Attorney General’s Office, urging an investigation into these escalating rental rates and whether any wrongdoing has occurred. If the Attorney General determines that unlaw practices are taking place, I expect his office to take the appropriate corrective actions to protect residents. I will continue to keep you updated regarding this issue but please don’t hesitate to let me know if I can be of assistance. Protecting Animals from Painful Experiments
The Senate unanimously approved legislation aimed at protecting dogs and cats from painful, taxpayer-funded experiments. Senate Bill 381, also known as the Beagle Bill, would:
Senate Bill 381 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. School Bus Bill Improves Safety for Pennsylvania Children
Legislation to improve school bus safety and better protect children traveling to and from school was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 65 increases the required stopping distance from 10 feet to 15 feet for drivers approaching from the opposite direction when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing. It also raises penalties for violations, including higher fines and license suspensions for repeat offenders, and mandates additional driver education or examinations. It also establishes penalties for drivers who fail to prepare to stop when a school bus activates its flashing amber lights, adding an important layer of accountability. During Operation Safe Stop in October 2024, law enforcement and bus drivers across 22 school districts reported 131 violations in a single day, underscoring the urgency of these reforms. Senate Approves Bill to Expunge COVID-Era Citations
The Senate approved legislation to expunge punitive COVID-related citations issued by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) against small businesses with liquor licenses. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Every other commonwealth agency has dropped enforcement actions for COVID-era rule violations, recognizing the difficult situation restaurants faced. However, the PLCB has been using its license renewal process to punish license holders for not complying with COVID-related executive orders. This includes issuing conditional licenses, which come with higher insurance premiums, and requiring the sale of a liquor license, effectively putting someone out of business. Senate Bill 241 would help local businesses by expunging COVID-related citations from the record of restaurants and bars that are under the purview of the PLCB. September is Veteran Suicide Prevention Month
Yesterday on the Senate floor, I spoke in support of SR 141, recognizing September as Veteran Suicide Prevention Month. Our veterans have sacrificed so much for our nation, many have faced unimaginable challenges in service and continue to bear invisible wounds long after returning home. Too often, these struggles go unnoticed. The pain of mental health challenges and PTSD can be overwhelming. That’s why it’s so important for all of us to stay aware, reach out, and offer support to the veterans in our lives. If you or someone you know is a veteran in crisis, help is available 24/7. Dial 988, then press 1 for the Veterans Crisis Line. This month is a reminder that checking in with friends, family, and neighbors is so crucial. Every conversation, every act of support, matters. Helping Disabled Veterans Enjoy Outdoor Activities
The Senate passed legislation supporting opportunities for Pennsylvania’s disabled veterans to participate in outdoor traditions. Senate Bill 533 would streamline requirements for hunting and furtaking licenses and refine special permits for regulated hunting grounds to specifically benefit disabled veterans who take part in hunting events. The legislation makes it easier for organizations to host hunts for disabled veterans by clarifying the permitting process and reducing unnecessary barriers, ensuring more veterans can be included in these events. Senate Bill 533 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Importance of Community Pharmacies Highlighted at Briefing
Community pharmacies and the important role they play for Pennsylvania residents was the focus of an informational briefing with pharmacists, the state Department of Human Services, the Insurance Department and others. Roughly 600 pharmacies have closed across the commonwealth within the last two years, reducing access to professionals serving on the frontlines of health care. The Senate Community Pharmacy Caucus discussed the impacts of Act 77 of 2024, the Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) reform measure. The law banned harmful practices, strengthened network adequacy requirements, increased PBM transparency and accountability and implemented additional oversight. Further action needed to protect community pharmacies was among the topics explored at the briefing, which can be viewed here. Mobile Office Hours Across the 24th District
To better serve constituents throughout the 24th District, my office offers Mobile Office Hours at eight convenient locations. Whether you need assistance with state-related matters or have questions, please feel free to visit during the scheduled times or schedule an appointment. The full schedule of locations and times is provided below. We’re committed to providing you with the support and resources you need. Montgomery County Montgomery County Community College – Pottstown Campus North Wales Borough Municipal Building Skippack Township Building Towamencin Township Municipal Building Trappe Borough Municipal Building Berks County Amity Township Municipal Building Bally Borough Municipal Building Longswamp Township Municipal Building Remembering September 11, 2001
Once again, we pause on Sept. 11 to remember the tragic events on that date in 2001 – attacks that changed our nation forever. We honor the nearly 3,000 people killed in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania, and hold in our hearts the families left behind. The first responders who courageously gave their lives to save others remain a source of inspiration for a nation brought together in grief and determined to keep America’s enemies at bay.
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