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In this Update:
Senate Passes Bill Reforming Nomination Process for Agency Heads
To restore balance and transparency in state government, the Senate passed a bill that sets parameters for unconfirmed state agency leaders. Senate Bill 472 advanced to the House of Representatives for consideration. Former Gov. Tom Wolf appointed 11 individuals to lead various state agencies in the “acting” capacity and never nominated them to the Senate as part of the official confirmation process. Additionally, 21 cabinet officials served in “acting” capacity longer than 90 days, skirting legislative oversight. With the passage of the bill, an individual serving in a leadership role without official confirmation by the Senate would be designated as “Deputy Head of Department.” The designation could be used once during a governor’s term. These individuals would have to appear before the General Assembly during the annual budget process. They would not receive elevated compensation or additional benefits beyond their peers. Most importantly, they would not be allowed to remain indefinitely without Senate review and would not be permitted to serve longer than 90 days. Voter Registration Deadline is May 5
The deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania’s May 20 primary election is Monday, May 5. Your county election office must receive your application for a mail-in or absentee ballot by Tuesday, May 13, at 5 p.m. To legally register, individuals must be a citizen of the United States, reside in their local voting precincts at least 30 days prior to the election and be at least age 18 on Election Day, Tuesday, May 20. Once registered to vote, you are not required to register again unless you change your residence, name or political party affiliation. Voter registration forms, mail-in ballot applications and absentee ballot applications are available here or from your local county’s Board of Elections. You can also use the site to check your registration status. REAL ID to Replace Driver’s License as Federally Acceptable ID on May 7
Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians who wish to board flights, visit military bases and enter certain federal facilities will be required to present a form of federally accepted identification. Options include a passport, military ID or a REAL ID. You do not need to wait until your driver license renews to get a REAL ID. To get one, you must provide documents proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Pennsylvania residency. Review the list of acceptable documents. All documents must be original versions or certified copies (if applicable). While any of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) driver license centers can verify these documents for customers who want a REAL ID, only certain locations, including the Summerdale PennDOT Licensing Center (429 N. Enola Road, Enola), can provide your REAL ID the same day. To make it more convenient for Pennsylvanians to get a REAL ID, PennDOT is offering dedicated time at some driver license centers on April 28 and May 5. Both REAL ID Days are on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. Replace Damaged License Plates for FREE at Upcoming Events
PennDOT-issued license plates that have: lost reflectivity, are peeling, blistering, or are discolored, and/or are unreadable from 50 feet away are eligible for FREE replacement. Stop by any of the events listed here to have your plate checked and have all necessary paperwork completed. April 26, 2025 9:00 am – 11:00 am May 10, 2025 9:00 am – 11:00 am May 17, 2025 9:00 am – 11:00 am June 14, 2025 9:00 am – 11:00 am There is no fee for this service. Once processed by PennDOT, replacement plates can be picked up at one of my offices or mailed directly to the applicant(s). Visit my website for more information. Free Cleanup Supplies for PA Communities
Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is working to improve the state’s communities by cleaning up litter. Now through May 31 while supplies last, free work gloves, safety vests and trash bags are available to groups who register their cleanup event. Donated landfill space is offered for trash collected during cleanups held in April. Read more about how to organize a cleanup event. Please email or call Michelle Dunn with Pick Up Pennsylvania at 724-836-4121, extension 113, with any questions. In 2024, more than 77,000 volunteers picked up more than 3.2 million tons of litter and trash. Another 4.5 million pounds of materials were recycled and more than 14,000 trees, flowers and other greens were planted. Historic Barnitz Mill: Planning for the Future
Purchased by Jacob Barnitz in 1844, Barnitz Mill is a historic gem! Dickinson Twp. officials are on a mission to stabilize and preserve it–and make it a usable space for Cumberland County residents and visitors alike. Thank you to the township and Friends of Barnitz Mill for the informative tour and sharing your vision for its future! Pedestrian Bridge Opens at Adams-Ricci Park
I was excited to join with leaders from East Pennsboro Township to officially open the new pedestrian bridge at Adams-Ricci Park! The park is at the center of community activity–from the playground to sports, festivals, and events–and the bridge will significantly improve safety and enhance accessibility to park amenities on both sides of the roadway. I know it will be well used and appreciated by generations of park visitors. Classroom Visit: Big Spring HS
Thanks to the AP Government class at Big Spring High School for the warm welcome this week! I enjoyed hearing the students’ perspectives and sharing my own experiences in the legislature. Quite a few of these exceptional tenth graders expressed an interest in getting involved in government, which was great to hear! Around the Capitol
The Hampden Dragons took over the Capitol this week! It was so much fun to host these outstanding students and teachers from the Cumberland Valley School District. We had some lively discussions about the legislative process, the three branches of government, and the role and function of each. I hope everyone had a great time!
Students and teachers from Arche Classical Academy visited the Capitol this week and I was glad to welcome them! I shared some of the building’s rich history and pointed out a few of my favorite architectural details. It was a joy to see everyone and explain a little about my role as a legislator. Best Wishes for a Happy Easter
Easter represents joy, hope and redemption. Warmest wishes to all families who celebrate this holy holiday and rejoice in eternal life. Happy Easter!
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