Thanking Our Veterans

Nov. 11, 2020 /

This Veterans Day, while ceremonies may be limited due to Covid-19, our thanks and appreciation for the men and women who have served our country is as strong as ever.

Supporting PA’s ‘Helpers and Heroes’

Oct. 27, 2020 /

Two pieces of legislation designed to protect our communities and address the financial needs of our hard-working emergency responders are on their way to Gov. Tom Wolf’s desk as part of our Helpers and Heroes initiative.

Standing with Patients and Doctors

Oct. 21, 2020 /

I have partnered with State Sen. Kristin Phillips-Hill (R-York) to craft legislation that would reform insurance tactics that are delaying care and increasingly undermining decisions made between physicians and patients.

Pay Freeze Bill Headed to Governor’s Desk

Oct. 02, 2020 /

During these unprecedented and challenging economic times, my colleagues and I voted to freeze the Cost of Living Adjustments (COLAs) for state government officials through 2021. House Bill 2487 received unanimous approval in both the House and the Senate and is now on its way to the governor’s desk to be signed into law.

Slow Down for School Buses

Sep. 03, 2020 /

With some students returning to school for in-person classes, school buses are back on the roads. Motorists, parents and children are encouraged to refresh their memories about how to share the road safely.

New School Funding Formula

Mar. 23, 2020 /

In 2014 the legislature passed Act 51. This was passed on the direction of a bipartisan, bicameral commission established by the legislature to deal with the inequities in the current education funding formula. Lancaster County was represented on that Commission by then- Senator Smucker and Representative Sturla. They came up with an excellent compromise on a formula that would be more equitable for every school district across the state.

School Property Tax Reform

Mar. 06, 2020 /

It is my distinct privilege to serve the constituents of the 97th Legislative District. A concern I hear frequently is, when will the General Assembly pass property tax reform? The fact of the matter is that all Pennsylvanians, should they choose to retire and stay here, will be dealing with constantly rising school property taxes while on a fixed income.

Fair Funding and Hold Harmless

Mar. 06, 2020 /

Property tax reform and how we fund our schools are issues that go hand in hand. Over the next several weeks, I would like to share with you the challenges our State has in implementing reforms.

Free Tax Preparation Assistance Available

Feb. 25, 2020 /

Tax season is upon us. For many people, this means having to choose between paying high fees to have their taxes prepared by a third party or attempting the filing process on their own.

Governor Says More Spending More Debt and More Taxes

Feb. 18, 2020 /

Gov. Tom Wolf recently outlined his vision for the upcoming state budget to a joint session of the General Assembly. His budget proposal shows that his administration has already overspent the current budget by nearly $600 million. This Governor is now seeking another $1.5 billion in new spending for next year’s budget. Over 80% of that new spending is in the Department of Human Services.

Economic Gains Cast Doubt on Governor’s Minimum Wage Request

Feb. 07, 2020 /

Pennsylvanians are earning more today than ever in our state’s history. According to Gov. Tom Wolf’s Department of Labor and Industry, the average wage in our state has increased by about 25% over the last 10 years. Policies I have supported and continue to support have paved the way for industries across Pennsylvania to increase wages at all levels of the employment spectrum. Today, you can walk into all kinds of businesses offering entry-level work, with no experience necessary, and gain employment paying well above the minimum wage.

Pennsylvania Has a Human Trafficking Problem

Jan. 31, 2020 /

Recently I joined with my House Republican colleagues in supporting more than a half dozen bills aimed at stopping the scourge of human trafficking in the Commonwealth. The problem exists in big cities, small towns and everything in between.

2020 Pennsylvania House Scholarships

Jan. 24, 2020 /

High school seniors interested in receiving financial assistance to help pay for college can now apply for the Pennsylvania House of Representatives’ Scholarship.

Don’t Forget to License Your Dog for 2020

Jan. 17, 2020 /

The Department of Agriculture is reminding dog owners to be sure they get a license for 2020. All dogs three months of age and older are required to be licensed. The fee for an annual dog license is $6.50, or $8.50 if the animal is not spayed or neutered.

Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement Pre-Enforcement Period Underway

Jan. 17, 2020 /

The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) and the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission (PTC) announced that the required 60-day pre-enforcement period for the statewide Automated Work Zone Speed Enforcement (AWZSE) program has begun and will last until March 4.

Building Our Workforce with New Training Opportunities

Jan. 03, 2020 /

The Department of Labor and Industry (L&I) is now accepting applications for $6.6 million in PAsmart Apprenticeship grants to help more workers “earn while they learn” and gain the hands-on skills for good jobs in high-growth industries.

Thanksgiving’s True Meaning

Dec. 02, 2019 /

Thanksgiving is one of our nation’s most popular holidays. It is a time for expressing gratitude for family and friends, as well as an opportunity to reflect on the founding of our nation, and the principles and ideals it stands for. It also reminds us of the ongoing need for citizens to give back to community and country to uphold that vision. Often, however, the true meaning of the day can get lost in the chaos and commercialization of the holiday season.

Veterans Trust Fund Grant Program Open for Applications

Nov. 21, 2019 /

The state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs is now accepting applications for 2019-20 Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) grants. Up to $800,000 in VTF grants will be awarded to nonprofit organizations, veteran service organizations and county directors of veteran affairs across the state.