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Expanding Rooftop Solar to Cut Costs and Strengthen Our Energy Future
As energy costs continue to rise and demand increases across Pennsylvania, we must take smart, strategic steps to expand our energy capacity without putting additional burdens on taxpayers or sacrificing open space. Senator Nick Miller and I have partnered on bipartisan legislation to establish a Commercial and Industrial Rooftop Solar Program here in Pennsylvania. This bill would allow us to tap into the unused potential of warehouse rooftops, using infrastructure that already exists to generate clean, reliable energy. By streamlining the development of front-of-the-meter solar projects, where energy is generated and fed directly into the grid, we can help reduce electricity costs for consumers while strengthening our energy system for the future. Our approach focuses on preferred siting, this means, putting solar panels on commercial rooftops and infrastructure instead of farmland or undeveloped land. It’s a practical solution that helps preserve our natural resources while still meeting the needs of a growing population and economy. This legislation also ensures that eligible solar generators can qualify for state alternative energy credits, creating further savings and investment opportunities. And for those already working to get solar projects connected, our bill includes a provision that allows those applications to move forward without delay. I believe this is a forward-thinking, cost-effective way to expand our energy portfolio, support job creation, and improve grid reliability. Malicious Deepfake Scams Targeted by New Law
Technology, such as artificial intelligence, has now been used to commit financial scams, injure personal reputations, and disrupt the political process. Legislation we passed is now enacted to classify these deepfakes and other forms of digital impersonation as digital forgeries, punishable by law. Act 35 of 2025 amends the current forgery provisions in the state law to include “forged digital likeness.” Under this new provision, if someone creates a digital representation of a real person without their consent and distributes it as genuine, with the intent to defraud or injure, they would be subject to penalties. The law targets harmful impersonations while safeguarding legitimate artistic, journalistic and expressive works. The new law will go a long way toward combatting scams that target teenagers, senior citizens, small businesses and other victims. Protecting Our Children: Sex Offender Registry Loophole Closed
Pennsylvania took a huge step forward in efforts to protect children from sexual abuse in youth sports and nonprofit programs with legislation that was passed by the Senate and signed into law. Act 22 of 2025 adds the crime of sexual assault by a sports official, volunteer, or employee of a nonprofit association as a Tier II Offense under the state’s Sexual Offender Registration and Notification Act. Without this change, a conviction for this crime did not require sexual offender registration – a gap that left children and families still at risk. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program Application Deadline Extended to Dec. 31
For those of you not already aware, the deadline to file for the state Property Tax Rent/Rebate Program has been extended to Dec. 31, 2025, allowing eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older more time to apply for rebates on property taxes and rent paid. The maximum eligible income is $46,520 and the maximum rebates range from $380 to $1,000 depending on the income level of the homeowner or renter. Check income, age and other eligibility details here. Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced that 423,092 Property Tax/Rent Rebate payments totaling $256 million were sent to eligible Pennsylvanians on July 1. If you need help filling out your application, please contact my office. Senator Brown Shredding Event Tomorrow!
Please join us tomorrow, Saturday July 12th, at the Pocono Township Municipal Building for a free paper shredding event designed to help you safely dispose of sensitive documents and prevent identity theft. The Shred & Protect: Community Shredding Event will take place from 10 A.M. to 12 P.M. at 12 Township Dr., Tannersville, PA 18372. Safeguard your personal information! Bring your old bills, bank statements, and other confidential documents for secure on-site shredding. This event is free and open to the public. Residential documents only, please. No businesses. Senator Brown’s 2025 Senior Expo is Almost Here!
I will once again be hosting my annual Senior Expo at Swiftwater Elementary School on Tuesday July 22nd from 9 AM to 1 PM! This event promises something for everyone – with free admission, door prizes and health screenings, too! Exhibitors from state and federal government agencies and non-profit organizations will be on hand to assist you with anything you may need. If there are any questions regarding this event, please feel free to reach out to my office for answers. I very much look forward to seeing you all there! Congratulations to Corporal Kenneth Palmer, Winner of Liberty Bell Award
Earlier this week I was happy to present Corporal Kenneth Palmer from the Stroud Area Regional Police Department a Senate Citation for being this year’s recipient of the Monroe County “Liberty Bell” award by the Monroe County Bar Association. The Liberty Bell Award is a recognition given to individuals who have contributed to the understanding and appreciation of the American system of freedom under the law. The award acknowledges individuals who have promoted better understanding of the rule of law, encouraged respect for the courts, and stimulated a sense of civic responsibility. Congratulations again to Corporal Palmer and thank you for being an exemplary member of our community! Brookmont Healthcare and Rehabilitation PEER Graduation
Kristine from my office attended Brookmont Healthcare and Rehabilitation’s Pennsylvania Empowered Expert Resident (PEER) Graduation ceremony! PEER is available to all residents of nursing homes, personal care/assisted living facilities. PEER educates residents on residents’ rights, provides self-advocacy training and empowers residents to act for themselves. PEER work from the inside with staff/residents to enhance quality of care and quality of life for their peers. Congratulations again to the following graduates for being shining examples of your community: Maragrete Borowitz Deb Safin Jesse Ziegenfus Beverly Ventrella
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