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Dear Friends, This Thanksgiving, I’m grateful for the privilege of serving you in the 24th senatorial district. I hope your day is full of good food, meaningful conversations, and time to appreciate the people and blessings that matter most. Happy Thanksgiving! Sincerely, In this Update:
Poll Question Results
Thank you to everyone who participated in our recent poll on whether children should be allowed to have cell phones at school. The results are in: 98% voted No, less than 1% voted Yes, and 1% were Unsure. These results align with the legislation I recently introduced, Senate Bill 1014, which would prohibit the use of cell phones during the school day. If passed, Pennsylvania would join 27 other states, including New York, Virginia, and Florida, in restricting phone use in schools. Inspiring the Next Generation: My First ‘Senator for a Day’I had the pleasure of hosting my first “Senator for a Day” at Perkiomen School! It’s always inspiring to watch young leaders step into the shoes of public service, ask thoughtful questions, and get a hands-on look at how state government works. Seeing their curiosity and excitement as they engage with real-world issues is a powerful reminder of the importance of civic education. These experiences show me why it’s so vital to connect with students early, encourage them to explore leadership opportunities, and help them understand that their voices and ideas truly matter. I’m grateful to the students, faculty, and staff at Perkiomen School for making this day so special. It was an honor to share this experience with them. Photos from the event can be found here. Cyber Charter School Reforms in the BudgetI’m pleased to share that my cyber charter school reform measures were included in the FY 2025-2026 bipartisan budget agreement as part of the Education Code. These changes return $178 million to brick-and-mortar schools by better aligning funding with the actual costs of educating virtual students. Key reforms include: Wellness checks: Students must be seen and communicated with in real time at least once per week during weeks with three or more instructional days. Truancy support: Schools now have better resources to address chronic absenteeism. Residency verification: Parents must submit proof of student residency twice per academic year. These measures help ensure that all students stay engaged and supported, whether learning online or in person. Read more here. Happy Thanksgiving!
On Oct. 3, 1863, months after the Battle of Gettysburg and with victory in mind, as well as its cost, President Abraham Lincoln issued a proclamation encouraging Americans “in every part of the United States, and also those who are at sea, and those who are sojourning in foreign lands, to set apart and observe the last Thursday of November next as a Day of Thanksgiving and prayer.” Thanksgiving has been celebrated officially in the United States ever since. I hope you and your loved ones have a happy Thanksgiving filled with love, gratitude and hope. PA Tradition: Statewide Firearms Deer Season Begins Nov. 29
Pennsylvania’s statewide firearms deer season runs from Nov. 29 through Dec. 13 and includes two Sundays, Nov. 30 and Dec. 7. More than half a million hunters are expected to take part in this traditional outdoor recreation and essential wildlife management. If you’re taking to the field, please consider participating in the Hunters Sharing the Harvest program, which lets hunters donate deer – at no cost – at any one of more than 100 licensed butcher shops across 56 counties. Venison is then processed for distribution statewide through regional food banks in partnership with Feeding Pennsylvania and Hunger-Free Pennsylvania. Last year’s donations led to a record 283,789 pounds of venison, which equated to about 1.1 million servings of lean, nutritious meat for food-insecure individuals and families. Shop Local on Small Business Saturday
Small Business Saturday will be held Saturday, Nov. 29, spotlighting the role that small businesses play in our communities. The holiday season is a wonderful time to shop small. More than 1.1 million small businesses in Pennsylvania benefit their local economies and employ 2.5 million people. Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit? The state offers helpful information for people who are considering starting or expanding their business. Learn more about writing a business plan, registering your business and choosing a business structure.
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