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In this Update:
Cutting Waste, Increasing Efficiency, Demanding Transparency
This week, I was glad to see my legislation, Senate Bill 755, pass the Senate. This bill streamlines state government operations by eliminating outdated, unnecessary, and inactive boards, commissions, and advisory committees. It reflects my ongoing commitment to responsible spending, efficient government, and ensuring taxpayer dollars are focused on essential government functions. While many current services provided by our state government are valuable, some commissions, committees, and councils no longer fulfill the purposes for which they were established. We should constantly examine, refine, and make government less complicated while cleaning up our old statutes. Through this legislation, we are eliminating 13 inactive or unnecessary government entities, including the long-dormant Greater Pennsylvania Council, the expired High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Commission, and the Climate Change Advisory Committee, which has produced no specific beneficial outcomes despite continuing to spend taxpayer dollars. With nearly 400 boards, commissions, and advisory committees across the commonwealth, many of which miss the mark in providing basic transparency to transparency, this bill marks another important step in improving accountability and efficiency, building on the bipartisan work of Act 92 of 2019. New Protections Against Telemarketers Approved by Senate
The Senate approved legislation to better protect Pennsylvanians from scammers and other deceitful telemarketers. Senate Bill 992 prohibits telemarketing calls being made on Sundays and either before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on every other day of the week. It also expands the law to cover text messages, voicemails and “ringless” voicemails – tools often used by telemarketers to evade existing restrictions. In addition, it establishes penalties for both telemarketers and the companies that hire them for illegal activity. The bill would also prohibit the use of artificial intelligence or fake caller IDs to deceive or defraud consumers. A violation of the law carries a civil penalty of up to $1,000 or $3,000 if the person contacted is age 60 or older. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Warren County Fair Queen Visits Capitol
I was delighted to welcome our 2025 Warren County Fair Queen, Alexis Stec, to the Pennsylvania Capitol on Tuesday. It was an honor to share the day with her and celebrate the pride she brings to our community. Ms. Stec will go on to compete for the title of 2026 Pennsylvania State Fair Queen in Hershey this January. Congratulations and best wishes to Alexis and the entire Warren County Fair family – you make our region proud! Bill Requiring Parental Notification of School Weapons Incidents Set to Become Law
Legislation requiring school districts to notify parents and school employees of any incidents involving possession of weapons on school property is set to become law. Under current law, school districts are not required to inform parents or guardians about incidents when a weapon is brought onto school grounds or to related activities. The changes in Senate Bill 246 apply to public, nonpublic and private schools. The bill, which first passed the Senate in May, received strong bipartisan support from the General Assembly and now awaits the governor’s signature. Make Your Voice Heard Tuesday on Election Day
Tuesday, Nov. 4 is Election Day, the last chance of the year for voters to weigh in on races for local, county and judicial positions. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For those voting by mail, county election offices must receive completed ballots by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Find your polling place and other voter information here. Internship Opportunity for Students Interested in Public Policy Careers
College students interested in careers in public policy can apply for summer internships in Harrisburg through the James A. Finnegan Fellowship Foundation. Internships are awarded through an essay contest. Applicants must write between 1,500 and 2,500 words about a controversial policy currently under consideration by the General Assembly. The 2026 contest asks applicants to write about the pros and cons of data centers, and what the state’s role should be. Applicants have until Jan. 23, 2026 to submit their essay and other materials to the foundation. The winners will receive a cash prize and placement in paid state government summer internships in Harrisburg for eight to 10 weeks. Coming Together for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month was a time of reflection and unity. Senators from both sides of the aisle took part in October’s Rock the Ribbon campaign to acknowledge the strength of those impacted and the continued importance of awareness. Please share this information with a friend or family member. It could save their life.
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