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Putting People First, Always.

Since first being elected to the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and subsequently to the State Senate in 2022, I have worked to build a reputation as an accessible, hardworking, commonsense problem-solver. Throughout my time in office, I have been recognized as one of Harrisburg’s most effective legislators, a Healthcare Trailblazer and a Champion of Public Education.

I have successfully enacted nearly 20 bipartisan laws, signed by both Republican and Democratic governors. Many of these laws began with constituents sharing their personal stories and concerns. I listen, take those concerns to Harrisburg and work to deliver meaningful change. You can view my full list of legislative accomplishments here.

Among the most meaningful are Greg Moyer’s Law (Act 17 of 2026), which requires automated external defibrillators (AEDs) at PIAA athletic events and practices, and Paul Miller’s Law (Act 18 of 2024), which prohibits handheld cellphone use while driving. Both laws were initiated by local families who tragically lost their sons and worked with me to help prevent similar tragedies.

I have also prime authored and enacted legislation to improve maternal healthcare, strengthen Alzheimer’s and dementia support, increase accountability in homeowners associations, and promote government transparency.

Education has remained another top priority. I have consistently advocated for increased state funding for public schools, to help elected school board officials ease the burden on local taxpayers and reduce your tax bill. From the 2020-21 through the 2026-27 state budgets, Pennsylvania increased K-12 education funding by $5.1 billion, or 40.4%. You can learn more about my work on education funding here.

Above all, I believe public service should always come before politics. The challenges facing our communities are not partisan. I have always, and will always, work across the aisle, find common ground, and put people before party to make meaningful progress.

Verizon’s Discontinuation of Landline Service

Last week, I joined Senator Pat Stefano, chairman of the Senate Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure Committee, for a public hearing examining Verizon’s discontinuation of traditional landline telephone service in Pennsylvania. My office has received numerous calls from concerned residents about these changes, particularly in our rural communities where reliable cell phone service is not always available.

For many residents, especially seniors and those living in areas with limited cellular coverage, landline phones are necessary for communication.

I appreciate Senator Stefano convening this important hearing and providing an opportunity to speak directly with government and industry officials about the proposed changes, their potential impact on residents and the safeguards needed to ensure continued access to reliable telephone service.

You can read testimony and watch the full hearing here.

Encouraging Civic Engagement Through Senator for a Day

Last week, I had the pleasure of hosting my fourth annual Senator for a Day seminar. More than 220 students from 11 schools across the 40th Senatorial District participated in this exciting event, getting a firsthand look at what it means to serve in the Pennsylvania State Senate.

Throughout the day, students stepped into the role of state senators, debating important issues, discussing proposed legislation and even offering amendments to bills. This hands-on experience encourages civic engagement and provides students with a deeper understanding of the legislative process and how decisions are made in Harrisburg.

This is one of my favorite events each year. Seeing the intelligence, passion and professionalism these students bring to the discussions gives me tremendous hope for the next generation of leaders.

Throwback Thursday: Protecting Pennsylvanians from Tick-Borne Illnesses

This week’s Throwback Thursday highlights my work to initiate and develop recurring state funding for the Pennsylvania Tick Research Lab, helping provide FREE tick testing to residents across the Commonwealth.

Pennsylvania consistently faces high rates of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses, making access to reliable testing and information especially important for individuals and families.

Through the PA Tick Research Lab, residents can submit ticks for testing to determine whether they carry certain tick-borne pathogens. These results provide valuable information that individuals can share with their healthcare providers to help guide medical decisions.

I have consistently advocated for state funding to keep this important service available at no cost to Pennsylvania residents. Early awareness and access to information are important tools in protecting public health, and I am proud to support a program that helps families make informed decisions about their health.

See a full list of legislation I sponsored and helped enact throughout my service in the legislature.

Pennsylvania Schools Will Be Cellphone-Free

Pennsylvania teachers will no longer have to compete with smartphones for their students’ attention – and kids will be able to get through the school day without the constant pressure of social media and notifications – with bipartisan passage of a new law requiring schools to adopt policies prohibiting student cellphone use during the school day.

Act 117 of 2026 includes limited exceptions, such as students with individualized education plans and special occasions such as field days. It establishes a clear statewide standard, while allowing school districts, which have direct contact with parents, to decide what works best for their communities.  

The law will take effect with the 2027-28 school year. Pennsylvania joins 40 states in restricting these devices – 19 of which have school-day bans. Read more about the effect of cellphones in schools.