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Dear Friends, As technology continues to advance at an incredible pace, it’s important that our laws evolve to protect our most vulnerable citizens, our children. This week, I introduced legislation to establish clear, age-appropriate standards for minors interacting with AI chatbots. My bill focuses on safeguarding children from harmful or unsafe content and ensuring that when these tools detect signs of distress, they direct users to appropriate mental health resources when high risk language is detected As AI becomes more common in classrooms, on smartphones and across social platforms, our laws must keep pace to prevent avoidable tragedies. Sincerely,
In this Update:
Early Detection Saves Lives
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, a time to highlight the importance of awareness, early detection, and supporting those impacted by this disease. I recently wrote an op-ed to share why this cause is so critical and how we can all help raise awareness in our communities. Read the full op-ed here. Capitol Fountain Shines Pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
This week, the Senate and the PA Breast Cancer Coalition turned the State Capitol East Wing Fountain pink to mark the start of Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The fountain will remain pink throughout October as a powerful reminder of the importance of mammograms and early detection in the fight against breast cancer. The event included messages of hope and support for those affected by breast cancer and even featured free pink milkshakes to celebrate the occasion. This October, let’s continue raising awareness and standing with individuals and families impacted by breast cancer. Early detection saves lives, and together, we can make a difference. Standing Up for PA Taxpayers
With the state budget more than 100 days overdue, we are continuing to push for a responsible budget that respects taxpayers and will not lead to massive tax increases just a year or two from now. Unfortunately, Democrats in the House of Representatives have again proposed an irresponsible plan that seeks to spend billions more than taxpayers can afford by using one-time dollars. The most prudent action for the House to take would be to immediately pass the budget approved by the Senate back on August 12 – that would get money flowing to counties, schools and social service agencies. It’s time to put people above politics. Senate Republican leaders discussed the impasse here. Examining the Use of AI in Education and Workforce Development
This week, I co-chaired a joint Senate hearing with Senator Lynda Culver to examine how artificial intelligence (AI) is shaping education and workforce development in Pennsylvania. During the hearing, we heard from educators, workforce experts, and policy leaders on key topics, including preparing students for an AI-driven economy, using AI responsibly and ethically in schools, and ensuring that critical thinking and student safety remain central to learning. AI is already transforming industries and reshaping workplaces. To keep Pennsylvania competitive, it’s critical that we align education with workforce needs, promote innovation, and establish commonsense safeguards. Watch the full hearing here. Senate Approves My Bill to Expand College Aid for Foster Children
This week, the Senate approved my legislation to expand financial aid opportunities for foster children pursuing higher education. Senate Bill 432 builds on the GROW PA plan by allowing eligible nonresident foster and adopted students to receive tuition waivers at Pennsylvania’s State System universities. This measure not only helps these students access life-changing educational opportunities but also strengthens our workforce by attracting more students to fill in-demand jobs right here in Pennsylvania. This initiative is about investing in young people who have overcome significant challenges and deserve the same opportunities as their peers to succeed and thrive. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Acts to Waive Interest on Short-Term Budget Impasse Loans
Pennsylvania counties, early education programs, rape prevention and domestic violence prevention centers could pay no interest on loans from the Pennsylvania Treasury under legislation approved by the Senate. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Under current law, the Pennsylvania Treasurer may provide investment loans during a budget impasse but must charge interest on those loans. Treasury’s Budget Bridge Loan program would provide up to $500 million in low-interest loans from the Liquid Asset Pool Investment Fund for county governments, domestic violence and rape crisis centers, Head Start agencies and approved providers under the Pre-K Counts program. Those investment loans would cover up to 25% of a recipient’s state budget appropriation from the previous fiscal year. Senate Bill 1040 would authorize the state treasurer to waive interest charges on loans issued during a budget impasse and help prevent additional costs for taxpayers and communities. Honoring Boyertown’s World War II Hero, William McMichael
This week, I had the honor of speaking on the Senate floor about Boyertown native and World War II hero, William McMichael. After more than 80 years, his remains were finally brought home and laid to rest with full military honors at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery, a long-awaited homecoming for a true American hero. William McMichael’s courage and sacrifice remind us of the incredible price paid by so many who fought to defend our freedom. It was a privilege to share his story and ensure his legacy is remembered. Watch my Senate floor remarks here. View more photos here. Measure to Support Mental Health Services with Specialty License Plate Approved by Senate
Pennsylvania’s lifesaving 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline would receive new support through the sale of specialty license plates under legislation approved by the Senate. Under Senate Bill 955, $15 from each plate will be deposited into the Mental Health Restricted Account, helping to fund the 988 service. The lifeline offers confidential, one-to-one support from a trained crisis responder. You can read more about this legislation, and the story that inspired it, here. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Recognizing Taekwondo Grandmasters in Pennsylvania
This week, I had the honor of recognizing Taekwondo Grandmasters Appreciation Day. Practiced by over 80 million people worldwide, this Korean martial art strengthens both body and mind. Here in Pennsylvania, Taekwondo schools and instructors help young people develop confidence, discipline, and purpose. At the heart of this legacy are the Grandmasters, whose dedication to teaching and mentoring continues to inspire stronger individuals and vibrant communities. Ensuring U.S. and Pennsylvania Flags Are Made in America
Reflecting a growing effort to support American manufacturing, the Senate approved legislation ensuring every U.S. and Pennsylvania flag purchased by the commonwealth is made entirely in the U.S. using American materials. Senate Bill 784 requires the Pennsylvania Department of General Services to procure only flags that are both produced and constructed from materials sourced within the U.S. Each flag must also carry a label reading “Made in America.” The measure not only promotes American-made products within state procurement practices, it prevents the use of taxpayer dollars to purchase flags from nations that do not share the values of Pennsylvania citizens. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Drought Watch Declared in Western PA
After lower-than-normal rainfall, more than two dozen, mainly western, Pennsylvania counties are under a drought watch declared by the Pennsylvania Drought Task Force. Drought declarations are based on the levels of precipitation, stream flows, groundwater levels and soil moisture. Under a drought watch, residents are encouraged, but not required, to voluntarily reduce their water use by five to 10%. A drought warning and drought emergency are more serious. The Department of Environmental Protection makes its drought declarations after assessing the departures from normal ranges for three-12 months. For a map that’s updated daily to show the status of all four indicators for each county, see the USGS Pennsylvania drought condition monitoring website.
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