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Dear Friends, This Saturday, I am honored to participate in a Wreaths Across America ceremony at Friedens Union Cemetery in Sumneytown. Each December, Wreaths Across America, alongside its dedicated network of volunteers, places millions of wreaths upon the headstones of our nation’s veterans. This touching act serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of remembering, honoring, and teaching about their service and sacrifice. This initiative is truly a remarkable testament to the deep appreciation we hold for the men and women who bravely served our great country. We will forever remember their selfless sacrifice. Sincerely,
In this Update:
Poll QuestionOur last poll question asked, “Do you find the financial aid process for higher education to be difficult to navigate?” Below are the results: Yes – 91.7% We anticipated these results, and, in response, I partnered with PHEAA to host a Financial Aid Webinar for my constituents who are struggling to navigate this process. If you missed it, you can view the webinar recording. For more information, please visit PHEAA’s website here. New Law Targets Child Predators
Big win for protecting children in PA! I joined Montgomery County DA Kevin Steele & Deputy AG Angela Sperrazza to discuss a new law I championed that will help prosecute those using AI-generated child pornography. This is a critical step forward in stopping these horrific crimes and safeguarding our most vulnerable. Watch here. PA Chamber AI Summit
This week, I had the honor of speaking at the PA Chamber’s AI Summit! It was a fantastic event to discuss the future of AI and its impact on the workforce. We explored how AI is transforming industries and creating new opportunities. Thanks to the Pennsylvania Chamber of Business and Industry for hosting this insightful event. I’m excited to continue the conversation about AI and its potential to drive innovation and economic growth in Pennsylvania. Pennycuick Meets with Municipalities to Discuss Community Needs
This week, I had the pleasure of hosting several municipalities in my district to discuss their funding needs. These valuable discussions allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of our communities’ most pressing needs and priorities. I was also here to provide guidance and answer any questions they may have regarding available funding opportunities. I’m committed to working closely with local leaders to advocate for and secure the necessary resources to ensure our communities thrive. Boulder Valley Gun Club Visit
This week, I spent some time at the Boulder Valley Gun Club participating in a discussion about crucial state legislation. We emphasized the importance of upholding the Second Amendment rights of responsible gun owners, while also advocating for the continued support of veterans and other critical issues. Active engagement in these conversations is critical to ensure the voices of my constituents are appropriately represented. MCCC Celebrates 60 Years
Happy 60th Anniversary, Montgomery County Community College! For 60 years, MCCC has been empowering students to reach their full potential; shaping lives, inspiring dreams, and building brighter futures. I was honored to be a part of this important milestone! Ocean State Job Lot Expands in Montgomery County
I was excited to celebrate the grand opening of Ocean State Job Lot’s 11th Pennsylvania store and their second location in Montgomery County! This expansion will undoubtedly benefit our community and economic growth. I even got to see Santa! Valhallan Esports Training Grand Opening
I was excited to be a part of the grand opening of Valhallan Esports Training! This incredible new space is more than just a gaming center; it’s a place where young gamers can develop essential life skills like teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. I’m impressed by their commitment to fostering growth and development through gaming. Fostering Greater Educational Opportunities for Students
Throughout the 2023-24 legislative session, Senate Republicans advanced numerous initiatives to expand educational opportunities and dedicate record-breaking levels of funding for our students. A newly implemented law now gives schools the option to use funding for resources to limit student smartphone use during school hours to improve students’ mental health and academic performance. Another measure is now working to improve early literacy rates – critical to lifelong success – by bolstering reading instruction, identifying struggling readers and properly training educators. We know skilled and dedicated teachers are vital to providing students with a strong educational foundation. To attract and keep passionate educators in our commonwealth, Grow PA Scholarships are available to in-state students who attend college in Pennsylvania, pursue a degree in a high-demand industry, and agree to live and work here after graduation. Another new law created is the PA Student Teacher Support Program, to provide student teachers with a stipend to alleviate the financial strain caused by student teaching requirements, thereby increasing the likelihood for degree completion. The new program will assist with the goal of reducing teacher shortages in Pennsylvania. Empowering parents when it comes to the education of their children has been and will remain a focus of our caucus. Read more about our efforts to strengthen educational opportunities here. 2025 Fishing Licenses, Permits and Gift Vouchers on Sale
Fishing licenses, permits and vouchers for 2025 purchased now from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission are valid immediately through Dec. 31, 2025. They can be purchased online, through the FishBoatPA mobile app or by visiting one of nearly 700 retail license issuing agents. Customers can choose from annual or multi-year licenses and permits with three-, five- and 10-year options. All documents can be printed immediately after purchase or saved digitally to a smart device which serves as proof of possession. People may also purchase vouchers to be given as gifts and redeemed by recipients. Tips to Stay Safe Throughout the Holiday Season
The holiday season is a special time when many of us spend time with loved ones enjoying long-loved traditions. Because these special activities can come with extra risks, taking some precautions is wise. Candles, which cause the most fires on Christmas day, should be kept at least 12 inches from anything that can burn. Trees should be at least three feet from heat sources like fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, candles and heat vents. It’s best to dispose of the tree when it’s dry or after the holiday season. Discarding string lights that are worn or damaged also protects against fires. Read more about winter fire prevention. Help Wanted: Qualified Professionals Needed to Improve DEP Permit Process
To help Pennsylvanians who are tied up by bureaucratic red tape, Senate Republicans passed legislation as part of this year’s state budget that created the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) Program. The program allows permit applicants to have a Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)-verified professional conduct the initial review of the application, with DEP making its decision based on the qualified professional’s recommendation. Applicants for eligible permits must pay any review fees incurred by the professional in addition to their permit application fees. Qualified professionals who would like to review permits on an expedited basis are encouraged to apply for the specific permits that interest them by Dec. 31. Permits eligible for the SPEED program include air quality plan approvals (state-only) (Chapter 127), earth disturbance permits (Chapter 102), individual water obstruction and encroachment permits (Chapter 105) and dam safety permits (Chapter 105). Please email brfranklin@pa.gov or call 717-787-2471 with any questions. Wreaths Across America to Honor Veterans on Dec. 14
Each December, Wreaths Across America helps communities remember the fallen, honor those who served in the military and teach the next generation about the value of freedom by laying wreaths on the graves of heroes. These acts of remembrance take place at Arlington National Cemetery, and more than 4,600 locations in all 50 states, at sea and abroad. Ceremonies take place on Saturday, Dec. 14. You can help by sponsoring a veteran’s wreath at a cemetery near you, volunteering or donating to programs. Search for the nearest participating cemetery here.
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