Senator Rothman E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Senate Votes Unanimously to Strengthen the Sunshine Act
  • Celebrating and Preserving the Historic Peace Church
  • 2026-2027 Hunting Licenses Available Monday
  • Making it Easier for Fire Companies, EMS Agencies to Access Funding
  • Help with Federal Agencies and Issues Available June 22
  • Around the District
  • Happy Father’s Day

Senate Votes Unanimously to Strengthen the Sunshine Act

Microphones on a lectern in a conference rooms.

A productive government thrives on transparency, and Pennsylvanians deserve significant public notice on what their government is doing before decisions are made. The Senate unanimously approved legislation to strengthen government transparency and protect the public’s right to know.

Senate Bill 1150 would clarify Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act to ensure public agencies provide meaningful notice before acting on important matters. The bill reinforces the 24-hour agenda posting requirement and ensures exceptions for emergencies and small-scale matters remain limited.

The legislation follows a state Supreme Court ruling allowing agencies to add agenda items and take official action on them with a simple majority vote, even when those items were not included on a publicly posted agenda. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about legislation to strengthen the Sunshine Act here.

Celebrating and Preserving the Historic Peace Church

image of Peace Church with large tree off to the left.

As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary this year, historic landmarks serve as physical reminders of our heritage. One such landmark is the Peace Church in Hampden Township, Cumberland County.

Built from June 1798 to May 1799, the Peace Church is believed to be the oldest church in Cumberland County that remains in its original condition. The church was the site of the Battle of Sporting Hill in June 1863, which was a part of the Gettysburg Campaign and the northernmost engagement of the Civil War. It was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.

The Friends of Peace Church have been the property’s stewards since 1975, providing meticulous care for the structure, its contents, the adjoining cemetery and the White Ash “witness tree” that has stood for more than 300 years.

In order to ensure its continued preservation, I’ve introduced legislation to authorize a land transfer from the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission to the Friends of Peace Church.  The nonprofit organization has sought ownership of the church for many years and will preserve it and its history for generations to come.

The Peace Church is a treasure. Ensuring its preservation is critical to teaching and appreciating not only local history but our history as a nation. 

2026-2027 Hunting Licenses Available Monday

General Hunting and Trapping Licenses go on sale Monday, June 22 as does the first round of sales for Antlerless Deer Licenses.

Purchase licenses online here OR in-person at any license agent. Find the closest one to you here.

For information about hunting seasons, hunter education, where to hunt and more, visit the Game Commission’s website.

Making it Easier for Fire Companies, EMS Agencies to Access Funding

Fire truck and EMS ambulance parked outside.

Legislation to make it easier for fire and EMS agencies to access state funding through the Fire and EMS Grant program was approved by the Senate.

Senate Bill 1261 streamlines the application process, including eliminating outdated wording and incentives, using the state’s Single Application for Assistance instead of having a separate, redundant system, and asking fire companies to provide additional contact information to ensure lines of communication are open.

The bill also increases the amount fire and EMS agencies can borrow through the State Fire Commissioner’s low-interest loan program, freeing up more funding opportunities for first responder agencies. Senate Bill 1261 now advances to the House of Representatives. Read more about these proposed improvements here.

Help with Federal Agencies and Issues Available June 22

U.S. passport laying on top of a map and visa stamps

Our office frequently receives inquiries on federal issues and requests for help with federal agencies. As a state legislative office, we don’t have direct access to those agencies so we typically refer those cases to our Congressmen and/or U.S. Senators.  Sen. McCormick’s staff has been holding mobile office hours across the commonwealth and will be in our Perry County/New Bloomfield District Office, Monday, June 22, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide assistance with:

  • Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
  • U.S. Department of Defense
  • U.S. Department of Education
  • U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
  • U.S. Department of State
  • U.S. Department of Transportation
  • Internal Revenue Service
  • U.S. Small Business Administration
  • Social Security Administration
  • U.S. Citizens and Immigration Services
  • U.S. Department of Labor
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs

The office is located at 25 E. McClure Street, New Bloomfield.  Please stop in June 22 for direct help with federal matters.

Around the District

collage of 3 Power Women photos

POWER Women is such a positive and impressive group.  Founded in 2018, the non-profit brings together professional women and entrepreneurs to share information about opportunities in education, business, and to recognize others’ success. They do great work and contribute so much to our community! I had the pleasure of spending some time at their 5K in Hampden Township this week.

Happy Father’s Day

Man wearing backpack holding hand with small son and walking along path in park

On Sunday, we celebrate fathers and fatherhood, and honor the dads who influenced us throughout our lives. Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and father figures who contribute so much to our families and communities.

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