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Protecting Victims and Your Public Safety

As Pennsylvania residents, you deserve laws that protect you and your families, protect victims and keep dangerous criminals off our streets. It’s common sense.  While the Senate worked to do this, the PA House of Representatives chose inaction, politics and prioritized criminals over our everyday residents.

What does this mean to you? Pennsylvania now has no statewide sentencing standard for second-degree felony murder. These are serious crimes that should not be taken lightly and can play an important role to public safety.

As a brief background, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that our sentencing guidelines for second-degree felony murder were unconstitutional, therefore the General Assembly was given 120 days to establish a new sentencing framework. The Senate worked diligently on this issue and twice passed bipartisan legislation to ensure those convicted of these second-degree felonies, continue to face meaningful consequences while protecting public safety.

Despite bipartisan support and the backing of the Pennsylvania Attorney General, the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police, and the Pennsylvania District Attorneys Association, the PA House of Representatives sat on these proposals and at the eleventh hour, advanced amendments that prioritized criminals over the Senate’s balanced approach to protecting victims and overall public safety.

Keeping our communities safe should be a priority! I am deeply disappointed by the votes of some of our local state representatives, choosing political maneuvering over working collaboratively to enact meaningful legislation that protects all Pennsylvanians. Review your representative’s vote here.

Prioritizing Affordability Through Fiscal Responsibility

I understand we are all facing higher costs for groceries, utilities, housing, and everyday needs. In my work as your Senator, I remain committed to advancing fiscally responsible policies that protect taxpayers, strengthen our economy, and help make living more affordable.

Importantly, the state enacted a budget that will NOT raise taxes on Pennsylvanians, preserve our Rainy Day fund, and invests in priorities.

I helped advance numerous bills aimed at lowering costs and putting affordability first for you.

I voted to:

• Cut the Gross Receipts Tax on electricity, establish a sales tax holiday on school supplies, expand educational opportunities for families, and eliminate a tax exemption for data centers (HB 1667).
• Expand access to affordable and attainable housing (SB 1236, SB 1279, and SB 1281).
• Reduce college costs by expanding Dual Enrollment opportunities (SB 974).
• Eliminate unnecessary vehicle emissions testing requirements (SB 1298).
• Promote energy development to help lower utility costs for consumers (SB 704).
• Streamline state government and reduce unnecessary costs to taxpayers (SB 755).
• Strengthen oversight of taxpayer-funded programs and protect public dollars from fraud and abuse (SB 362 and SB 1372).

It’s important that you know these initiatives have been passed by the Senate and are currently awaiting action in the House of Representatives. I encourage you to contact your state representative and ask for a vote.

Honoring the Legacy of Lance Corporal Keith J. Laise

I was honored to attend the rededication of the American Legion Post 346 pavilion in memory of Lance Corporal Keith J. Laise, a hometown hero who made the ultimate sacrifice while serving our nation.

LCPL Laise, a graduate of East Stroudsburg High School, was just 20 years old when he was killed in the 1983 Beirut barracks attack. It was so meaningful to hear heartfelt remarks from his younger brother, Chris, and members of the Laise family as they reflected on Keith’s life and service.

I extend my sincere gratitude to American Legion Post 346 for organizing this beautiful tribute and to the many veterans and community members who gathered to honor one of our own.

As we go about our daily lives, let us never forget the brave men and women who gave everything in defense of our freedoms.

Nominate a Non-Teaching School Employee for a RISE Award

Non-teaching school employees – including paraprofessional, clerical, transportation, food service, custodial, security and health workers – play key roles in keeping our local schools running.   

If you know an incredible non-teaching employee, you can nominate them for a Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. Find details and a nomination form at the state Department of Education website.

Nominations for 2026 close Aug. 30.

Celebrating Community in Moscow

I had a wonderful time attending the Moscow Country Street Fair’s Annual Hometown Parade in Lackawanna County. It is always great to see so many neighbors come together to celebrate this vibrant community and its hometown spirit.

Thank you to everyone who helped organize another fantastic event and to all who participated. Great job, Moscow!