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In this Update:
Preventing Another Bristol is Essential – and Achievable
I recently partnered with PA Representative Kyle Mullins to write an opinion piece on a critical issue facing Pennsylvania: the safety and sustainability of our skilled nursing care system. The tragic explosion at a Bucks County nursing home was a heartbreaking reminder of what’s at stake when long-term care facilities are stretched beyond their limits. As Pennsylvania’s senior population continues to grow, years of underfunding and an outdated reimbursement system have pushed many nursing homes to the brink – putting residents, families, and caregivers at risk. This is not a partisan issue. It’s about responsibility, transparency, and making sure our seniors receive the safe, dignified care they deserve. There are bipartisan solutions on the table, and with the right commitment, tragedies like this can be prevented. I encourage you to take a moment to read the full op-ed and learn more about why action is both essential and achievable. Protecting Safety on Our Roads
As a member of the Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee, I want to share an important update on work being done to strengthen safety on our roadways. Senator Judy Ward, Committee Chair, has formally sent a Findings and Recommendations letter to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. This letter follows a fact-finding mission and public hearing held by the Senate Transportation Committee on December 9, 2025, titled “Commercial Vehicle Safety and Nondomiciled CDLs.” During that hearing, the committee examined concerns related to commercial vehicle safety, enforcement challenges, and the issuance and oversight of nondomiciled commercial driver’s licenses. I appreciate Senator Ward’s leadership on this issue and remain committed to working with my colleagues to ensure Pennsylvania’s roads are safe for everyone who depends on them every day. You can read the letter by visiting this link. Focus on the 46th
This week in McMurray, I had the honor of attending a Court of Honor to celebrate four outstanding young men from Troop 1313 who achieved the rank of Eagle Scout, the highest rank in Scouting and one earned by only a small percentage of Scouts. I was proud to recognize each of them with an official Pennsylvania Senate citation. Each Eagle Scout completed an impressive community service project that will have a lasting local impact. Matthew constructed and installed bat boxes behind Peters Township Middle School to support local wildlife. Bruce built new raised garden beds for the St. John XXIII Parish Community Garden. Peter renovated the volleyball court at Lions Park, improving a space enjoyed by many. Maxwell enhanced the Montour Trail by repairing a bench and adding new amenities for trail users. I am incredibly proud of these Scouts and the entire Troop 1313. Their hard work, leadership, and commitment to service are something to celebrate. Congratulations to each of you on this remarkable achievement!
I had such a wonderful visit to the beautiful Peters Township School District High School! I was thrilled to stop by to extend my congratulations on the district’s superintendent transition and to spend meaningful time discussing the thoughts, concerns, and challenges facing the school community. It was a pleasure meeting with Dr. Jeannine French (pictured to the right of me), who will be retiring at the end of the 2025–2026 school year; Dr. Jennifer Murphy (pictured to the left of me), Deputy Superintendent, who is transitioning into the superintendent role; and Alex O’Neill (pictured far left), Peters Township School Board Director. Kevin Busher, Chief Advocacy Officer with the PA School Boards Association, also joined us and offered valuable insight from a statewide perspective. I truly appreciate the open and thoughtful conversation and their dedication to students and educators alike. And I have to add that I loved my brew from the student-run Coffee Tree Roasters!
Peters Township has been awarded $897,480 through Pennsylvania’s Green Light-Go Program to modernize traffic signals along Washington Road (State Route 19), a major transportation corridor in Washington County. The funding will support the complete replacement of traffic signal equipment at four critical intersections along State Route 19: Gallery Drive, Moccasin Drive, Circle Drive and Waterdam Road. These upgrades are designed to improve traffic safety, reduce congestion and enhance overall traffic flow for motorists, pedestrians and local businesses. I was pleased to support Peters Township’s application for this funding. State Route 19 is a primary artery for residents and visitors, and these intersections are some of the most heavily traveled in the township. Modernizing the signals will make a real difference in safety and mobility for the entire community. The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s Green Light-Go Program provides reimbursement funding to municipalities for projects that improve the efficiency and operation of existing traffic signals. Eligible improvements include upgrades to modern signal technology, traffic signal retiming and enhanced monitoring systems that allow signals to respond to real-time traffic conditions. A New Legislative Year Begins
Earlier this week, on January 6, the Pennsylvania Senate convened for its first session day of 2026 to formally elect leadership for the new legislative year. I was proud to join my colleagues in unanimously re-electing Senator Kim Ward to serve as President Pro Tempore of the Senate for the 2026–27 Legislative Session. Her steady leadership and commitment to our Commonwealth will continue to be an asset as we move forward. January 6 also marks a very meaningful milestone for me personally. On this date in 2015, I was sworn in as the first Republican to represent the 46th Senate District since 1927 – and the first woman ever elected to serve this district in the Pennsylvania Senate. I am truly honored and deeply grateful to represent the hardworking families and communities that form the cornerstone of the Keystone State. It has been the privilege of a lifetime to serve you, and I remain committed to working every day on your behalf. 2025 Review: Reform Measures Targeting Fraud, Waste and Inefficiency
As we begin the second year of the 2025-26 legislative session, here’s a brief look at what we did last year to target fraud and waste, fix Pennsylvania’s broken system for issuing permits and more. Enacted with the state budget was sweeping permitting reform that sets clear timelines for state agencies to review permit applications and creates a permit tracking system, benefiting citizens and job creators. The budget also included measures ensuring individuals receiving Medical Assistance and SNAP benefits qualify for these taxpayer dollars and preventing dead people from receiving benefits. The Senate also passed legislation to eliminate 13 unnecessary boards, commissions and advisory committees and require automatic review of costly regulations after three years to ensure they remain in the public interest. You can find information on more government reform bills and other notable Senate-passed legislation here. More Pennsylvanians Now Eligible for PA ABLE Savings Accounts
More Pennsylvanians are eligible to participate in the PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program in 2026, Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced recently. Pennsylvanians with a qualifying disability occurring prior to age 46 are now eligible to open a PA ABLE account. Previously, eligibility required the disability to occur before age 26. PA ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities and their families to save up to $19,000 per year tax-free without impacting important benefits. For veterans, savings and investments in PA ABLE accounts do not impact VA benefits. Funds can be used for expenses such as housing, health care, transportation and assistive technology. Contributions are deductible on state income taxes, and qualified withdrawals are exempt from state and federal income taxes. Food, Fun and Farming: PA Farm Show Set for Jan. 10-17
Hundreds of exhibits and an array of delicious food will be featured at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show, Jan. 10-17 in Harrisburg. It’s a celebration of our commonwealth’s rich farming tradition and a lot of fun for families. In line with America’s 250th birthday, this year’s Farm Show “Growing a Nation” theme recognizes Pennsylvania’s leading role in our nation’s founding and future. Information is available to plan your visit, view the daily schedule and maps, and more. If you’ve never been to the Farm Show, check out the Frequently Asked Questions page. General admission is free. Jan. 31 Deadline for High School Seniors to Apply for America250PA Scholarships
High school seniors have until Jan. 31 to apply for $10,000 scholarships as part of the America250PA celebration. Twenty-five scholarships will be awarded throughout six regions to commonwealth high school seniors planning to attend a Pennsylvania college or university in the 2026-27 academic year. More than three dozen schools will match the $10,000 if the student chooses their institution. You can learn more and apply here. National Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Pennsylvania consistently ranks among the top 10 states for reported human trafficking cases. Over the past five years, 1,235 human-trafficking offenses were filed in 366 cases. The General Assembly has enacted several laws in recent years to combat this abuse in which people profit from the exploitation of others. You can find more statistics and ways to identify possible human trafficking in your community here.
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