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In this Update:
Reflecting on This Week’s EventsAs the week draws to an end, my heart feels heavy with both grief and remembrance. Thursday, we paused to remember the tragic events of September 11th and the lives that were taken. We continue to honor the nearly 3,000 people killed in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania, and hold in our hearts the families left behind. The first responders who courageously gave their lives to save others remain a source of inspiration for a nation brought together in grief and determined to keep America’s enemies at bay. As a mother, my thoughts are also with the families in Colorado whose children were injured in the shooting at Evergreen High School, one critically. I cannot imagine the fear and anguish they are facing. And I am gravely troubled by the direction of our beautiful country as we confront yet another act of political violence with the assassination of Mr. Charlie Kirk, a husband and father of two. No matter our political views, violence can never be the answer. We must recommit ourselves to condemning political violence in every form and embrace the importance of free speech and open debate in our public forum. My prayers are with the victims, their families, and our nation. May we choose unity, compassion, and peace over division and violence. Promoting Veteran-Owned Businesses
With bipartisan support, the Senate this week passed my legislation to support veterans’ entrepreneurial efforts by creating a logo that highlights Pennsylvania’s veteran-owned businesses. Senate Bill 64 would authorize the creation of a special logo to promote veteran-owned businesses. To be eligible, a business must be registered with the Department of State and at least 51% of the ownership interest must be held by a veteran, reservist or member of the National Guard. As a former small-business owner, I know firsthand that starting and sustaining a business is anything but simple. I was fortunate to face those hurdles without also carrying the weight of post-traumatic stress or the challenge of transitioning back to civilian life after military service. Our veterans do both. We owe it to them to provide every possible opportunity for success. To discourage the logo from being used fraudulently, anyone who falsely claims to be a veteran to obtain this designation would face a misdemeanor of the third degree. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Neighbors Helping Neighbors Combat Food Insecurity
I recently had a great conversation with leaders from the Washington County Department of Human Services (WCHS) and the St. John XXIII food pantry about the work being done to combat food insecurity in our communities. It was encouraging to hear how dedicated volunteers and organizations are stepping up to meet the needs of local families, and also important to discuss ways we can prepare for the future to ensure these vital services remain strong. I’m grateful for their commitment and for the chance to work together on solutions that make a real difference for our neighbors. Pictured with me from left to right is Tiffany Milovac, WCHS Deputy Director; Jane Serra, St. John XXIII Interfaith Food Pantry Director; and Dr. John Tamiggi, WCHS Director Protecting Animals from Painful Experiments
The Senate unanimously approved legislation aimed at protecting dogs and cats from painful, taxpayer-funded experiments. Senate Bill 381, also known as the Beagle Bill, would:
Senate Bill 381 now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. School Bus Bill Improves Safety for Pennsylvania Children
Legislation to improve school bus safety and better protect children traveling to and from school was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 65 increases the required stopping distance from 10 feet to 15 feet for drivers approaching from the opposite direction when a school bus is stopped with its red lights flashing. It also raises penalties for violations, including higher fines and license suspensions for repeat offenders, and mandates additional driver education or examinations. It also establishes penalties for drivers who fail to prepare to stop when a school bus activates its flashing amber lights, adding an important layer of accountability. During Operation Safe Stop in October 2024, law enforcement and bus drivers across 22 school districts reported 131 violations in a single day, underscoring the urgency of these reforms. Senate Approves Bill to Expunge COVID-Era Citations
The Senate approved legislation to expunge punitive COVID-related citations issued by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) against small businesses with liquor licenses. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives. Every other commonwealth agency has dropped enforcement actions for COVID-era rule violations, recognizing the difficult situation restaurants faced. However, the PLCB has been using its license renewal process to punish license holders for not complying with COVID-related executive orders. This includes issuing conditional licenses, which come with higher insurance premiums, and requiring the sale of a liquor license, effectively putting someone out of business. Senate Bill 241 would help local businesses by expunging COVID-related citations from the record of restaurants and bars that are under the purview of the PLCB. Helping Disabled Veterans Enjoy Outdoor Activities
The Senate passed legislation supporting opportunities for Pennsylvania’s disabled veterans to participate in outdoor traditions. Senate Bill 533 would streamline requirements for hunting and furtaking licenses and refine special permits for regulated hunting grounds to specifically benefit disabled veterans who take part in hunting events. The legislation makes it easier for organizations to host hunts for disabled veterans by clarifying the permitting process and reducing unnecessary barriers, ensuring more veterans can be included in these events. Senate Bill 533 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Importance of Community Pharmacies Highlighted at Briefing
Community pharmacies and the important role they play for Pennsylvania residents was the focus of an informational briefing with pharmacists, the state Department of Human Services, the Insurance Department and others. Roughly 600 pharmacies have closed across the commonwealth within the last two years, reducing access to professionals serving on the frontlines of health care. The Senate Community Pharmacy Caucus discussed the impacts of Act 77 of 2024, the Pharmacy Benefits Manager (PBM) reform measure. The law banned harmful practices, strengthened network adequacy requirements, increased PBM transparency and accountability and implemented additional oversight. Further action needed to protect community pharmacies was among the topics explored at the briefing, which can be viewed here.
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