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Dear Friends, With Thanksgiving just around the corner, I wanted to share my favorite side dish: green bean casserole. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a fond memory. When my family and I lived in London, England, we celebrated Thanksgiving by first attending the Thanksgiving celebration at St Paul’s cathedral (with all the other ex-pats) and then home to a Thanksgiving meal. For some reason it was impossible to find the onions for the green bean casserole, so we drove 3 hours to Lakenheath AFB commissary which was stocked with everything you need for a Thanksgiving meal. Green bean casserole has become my favorite side dish, and a little memory of home when I have been overseas for the Thanksgiving holiday. Wishing you and your family a very happy Thanksgiving! Sincerely,
In this Update:
Poll QuestionLast week we asked the question of, “Do you support stronger penalties for porch pirates?”. As may of you know, a “porch pirate” is a term used to describe a person who steals packages delivered to homes. The specific penalties for porch piracy can vary depending on factors such as jurisdiction, the value of stolen goods, and the thief’s prior criminal record. Close to 2 million Pennsylvanians have been victims of porch piracy. Recently, the General Assembly passed, and the Governor signed into law, tougher penalties for these criminals, including higher fines and jail time for repeat offenders. Below are the results: Yes: 95.77% PA Supreme Court Rules Counties Must Comply with State Election Law
The state Supreme Court has reiterated its previous stance and ruled that undated or misdated mail ballots should not be counted in the 2024 election. It upholds prior rulings clarifying mail and absentee ballots that fail to comply with the Pennsylvania Election Code “shall not be counted” for the purposes of the Nov. 5 election. This is a win for voters and the rule of law. Senate Republicans will continue to work to boost election integrity and ensure free, fair and secure elections. PHEAA Financial Aid Webinar – December 10
The Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) and I are jointly hosting a virtual event to provide an overview of the new process to apply for financial aid beginning with the 2025-26 academic year. The presentation will be made on December 10 from 6:30 – 7:30 PM, with additional time following the event for questions. The event is open to anyone interested in pursuing higher education, regardless of grade or age. Michael Burke, PHEAA Higher Education Access Partner, will provide in-depth information on college planning, available programs, and the necessary steps to applying for aid. Register to attend this event here. If you have questions about this event, please call my office at (215) 541-2388. Scam Jam – December 13
Don’t get scammed this holiday season! Join me, Skippack Township, PA Banking and Securities, PA State Police, Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office, Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and AARP Pennsylvania Office for our Scam Jam event on December 13 from 10 AM – 12 PM. Scammers are especially active during the holidays, as spending, online shopping, and charitable giving increase. Remaining vigilant and knowing the warning signs is so important! Register here. Pennsburg Awarded $847,850 in Grant Funding
PA State Rep. Milou Mackenzie and I are happy to have secured $847,850 in grant funding for Pennsburg Borough for key municipal building renovations and upgrades. The project will include asbestos abatement, structural repairs, and the construction of a new salt shed. Additionally, the entire Public Works garage will be renovated with new utility connections and increased space for vehicles. The project will have a significant impact on Pennsburg’s ability to serve its residents, address concerns posed by inclement weather and ensure the borough is able to operate effectively during emergency situations. Full release here. Pennycuick Secures Job Training and Education Grants
I was thrilled to visit Western Montgomery Career and Technology Center, North Montco Technical Career Center, and the Berks County Career and Technology Center to see how they’re using their $150K grants! Western Montgomery is equipping their automotive program with new tooling cabinets and a hybrid mini-van. This will give students hands-on experience with the latest technology. North Montco is investing in health and wellness with a zero-gravity treadmill for their Sports Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy program. They’re also upgrading their Service Occupations program with new washers and dryers. It’s inspiring to see how these schools are using their resources to prepare students for successful futures. By investing in state-of-the-art equipment and innovative programs, they’re empowering the next generation to thrive in a rapidly changing world. All three of these centers offer dozens of interesting career programs such as construction, cosmetology, culinary arts, engineering/manufacturing, health and human services, automotive technology, biomedical science, early childhood, and communications, to name a few. Notice: Request for Voluntary Water Conservation
Effective November 19, 2024, the Pottstown Borough Authority is requesting your immediate cooperation in conserving water due to the ongoing drought watch declared on August 1, 2024, for Montgomery and Chester Counties. We kindly ask that customers voluntarily reduce water usage by 10-25% and limit it to essential needs only, until further notice. This notice applies to all Pottstown Borough Authority customers in Pottstown, Lower Pottsgrove, Upper Pottsgrove, West Pottsgrove, and Douglass (Berks County). Recommended Non-Essential Water Uses to Eliminate: • Watering: Please refrain from watering lawns, gardens, trees, shrubs, or plants, except by hand-held hose or container. Water Conservation Tips for Your Home: • Run dishwashers and laundry machines only with full loads. Use water-saver cycles if available. Your efforts to conserve water will have a meaningful impact. Thank you for your cooperation and dedication to preserving our region’s water resources. New Law Creates Rape Kit Tracking System
To empower survivors and hold offenders accountable, a bill establishing a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system was signed into law as Act 122 of 2024. Act 122 allows survivors to track the status of their rape kits throughout the testing process, from collection to destruction. The law clarifies existing rights and enshrines new statutory rights for survivors of sexual assault. It also brings Pennsylvania into compliance with the Fairness for Rape Kit Backlog Survivors provision of the recent Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization. To comply with VAWA, the law provides a waiver for survivors who file untimely claims for compensation due to delays in rape kit testing. Survivors will not need to undergo an appeal process for consideration of this waiver. Bill Allowing Year-round Motorcycle Inspections Now Law
Legislation giving people who are trying to take safety precautions more convenience is now law after receiving unanimous Senate and House support. It allows year-round motorcycle safety inspections in Pennsylvania. Even though motorcycles can be purchased and driven on Pennsylvania roadways throughout the year, the state Vehicle Code previously only allowed safety inspections to be performed from March to October. The legislation eliminated the old restriction to give motorcycle operators more opportunities to complete required inspections. Motorcycle registration with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation will continue to be tied to the month the vehicle is to be inspected. Senate Passes Bill to Honor Gold Star Families
It’s important to recognize fallen service members and the families they left behind. I supported a new law that will authorize construction of a Gold Star Families Memorial Monument at the State Capitol Complex in Harrisburg. The monument will be sponsored by the Woody Williams Foundation, which was established to honor and support Gold Star Families. It will be built to reflect five main philosophical pillars of the foundation: homeland, family, patriot, sacrifice and legacy. The monument will give Gold Star Families a permanent place to gather, remember and honor their fallen loved ones. It will also remind the public of the ultimate sacrifice made by the country’s bravest patriots. The monument will be constructed south of the Auditorium Forum Building, east of the Irvis Office Building and north of Walnut Street. New Maple Map Paves the Way for a Tasty Treat
Pennsylvania maple is a true taste of fall, and it’s simpler than ever to enjoy maple syrup and related candies, popcorn and sauces produced right here in the commonwealth. The new Maple Map highlights local producers and businesses all across the state. Using the interactive mapping application makes it easy to find delicious snacks to help you enjoy the season. It also provides maple syrup recipes and a list of restaurants and coffee shops with maple menu offerings. November is Child Safety and Protection Month
Our children are our most precious resource. During Child Safety and Protection Month, we focus on the dangers kids face every day and resolve to do our part to minimize these risks and provide support. Senate Republicans have placed a high priority on keeping kids safe, through advancing several bills during the current legislative session to improve child safety, including:
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