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In this Update:
Senate Votes to Make Funds Available for Local Bridge Projects
Legislation I introduced to make state funding available for local bridge projects was approved by the Senate. Counties receive dollars through the Highway Bridge Improvement Restricted Account within the state Motor License Fund to pay for repair and replacement of county-owned bridges. However, current law does not allow for further practical uses of leftover funds. Senate Bill 1070 would give counties the flexibility they need to improve local, municipal-owned bridges before they become at-risk. Senate Bill 1070 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. State Budget Funds New State Police Troopers
Public safety is a critical component of healthy, stable communities, and I am committed to ensuring that law enforcement gets the support it needs to keep criminals at bay. The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) fills a vital public safety role in the commonwealth, and I’m happy to report that the 2025-26 state budget includes funding for four state police cadet classes. After completing approximately 27 weeks of training, the most recent cadet class saw 49 graduates join the ranks as state troopers. I wish these new troopers much success as they keep our communities safe and pray for their wellbeing. The PSP’s latest hiring cycle is open until Jan. 23, 2026. Those interested in becoming a state trooper can find application requirements, job benefits and other details at PATrooper.com. Area Students Learn about Government through “Senator for a Day” Experience
Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting future leaders from across the 34th senatorial district at the Capitol, for an immersive experience, learning about and participating in the legislative process. High school students from across Cumberland, Northern Dauphin, and Perry counties were selected by their schools to be ‘Senators for a Day.’ They participated in mock legislative sessions, served on one of five committees to discuss bills, take positions, and draft legislation for the full Senate to consider. Later, they met in full session to debate and vote on legislation drafted by the committees. View some of the day’s highlights here. Thanks again to ALL of the participating schools for sending such impressive students! PA 529 is the Gift of Education
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced a new, easy way to give the gift of education this holiday season – Gift of College gift cards. Friends and families can buy these digital gift cards, available at pa529.com/gift, for recipients to deposit into their PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account. Anyone, including parents, grandparents, other relatives and family friends, can contribute to a PA 529 account. Savings can be used for qualified education expenses for K-12, higher education, credential programs and apprenticeship programs. The person giving the gift also gets something – a PA state tax deduction for the amount of the PA 529 contribution. In November, PA 529 was ranked one of the best college savings plans in the nation. To learn more about PA 529, visit pa529.com or call 800-440-4000. Dec. 19 Deadline to Apply for Veterans Services Grants
Nonprofits, counties and other groups that provide services to veterans have until Dec. 19 to apply for Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) grants to help fulfill their missions. Administered by the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the VTF supports programs that improve services to veterans at the county, regional or state level. For nonprofit and veterans’ organizations, funding priorities include mental and behavioral health, transportation and employment. These applicants may request up to $40,000. County directors and their association may apply for up to $15,000 per county. Their funding priorities must include outreach initiatives, enhancing veteran service officer and advocate capabilities and addressing emerging needs such as transportation, food insecurity, suicide prevention and legal assistance. On a related note, I send monthly funding opportunity newsletters to area non-profits, service providers, and municipal entities. Each newsletter contains information about various public and private grant programs, deadlines, and how to apply. If you’re not currently receiving these monthly funding newsletters and would like to, please use this form and note “monthly funding newsletter” in the comment box; I’ll be glad to add you to our distribution list. Honoring our Heroes this Holiday Season
This year, Wreaths Across America Day is Saturday, December 13. We look forward to honoring the memory of our nation’s heroes through the laying of wreaths on each grave this weekend. This annual tradition is a wonderful way to remember their service and sacrifice during the holiday season; it also serves an opportunity to teach the next generation about the value of freedom. Learn more and find local volunteer opportunities here. Special thanks to everyone who had a part in the Wreaths Across America kick-off ceremony at the Capitol this week! The Cumberland County Honor Guard, “Grace Notes” Choir from the Christian School of Grace Baptist Church in Carlisle, and Boy Scout Troop 80 from Mechanicsburg all represented our area with distinction and helped to make the event especially meaningful. Around the District
I was honored to attend the Asian Indian Americans of Central PA Annual Gala again this year! It’s always a wonderful celebration of culture and community. Thanks to the AIA for their hospitality and friendship!
Time spent at the KrisKringle Market in Boiling Springs this week was the perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit! Rep. Kutz and I enjoyed hot cider, carols, shopping and great company! Celebrating the Bill of Rights
Monday, Dec. 15 is national Bill of Rights Day, when we celebrate the ratification of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution in 1791. The Bill of Rights guarantees civil rights and liberties to the individual – like freedom of speech, press and religion – and limits the power of government. This document forever enshrined the fundamental rights and liberties we hold sacred as Americans and set in motion the greatest self-governance experiment in the history of the world.
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