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In this Update:
Tax Relief for Working Pennsylvanians
The new state budget we passed includes the new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, which provides meaningful relief for working families across the commonwealth. In a time when affordability is a top issue affecting Pennsylvanians, policies like this tax credit help relieve some of the financial burden on families. If you claim the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit, you may also claim the state tax credit equal to 10% of the federal amount. You can use this online calculator to determine if you qualify for the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit and estimate how much you could receive. Examining PA Commercial Vehicle Safety and Nondomiciled CDLs This week the Pennsylvania Senate Transportation Committee held a hearing to investigate commercial vehicle safety and the process for issuing non-domiciled commercial driver’s licenses (CDLs). I pressed on accountability – asking what recourse exists when CDL schools or examiners pass unqualified drivers, and whether those entities should face stronger penalties or even shutdown when they jeopardize public safety. I also raised concerns about high-risk loopholes, such as whether under-21 drivers can be better evaluated so small companies aren’t forced to choose between extreme insurance costs and necessary manpower. I questioned agencies on English-proficiency standards, specifically whether testing only in English is truly being enforced and how that affects safety on our roads. And I pressed for clarity on the tools available to identify fraudulent foreign driver’s licenses, asking whether State Police can reliably verify the authenticity of international documents during traffic stops. You can watch the entire hearing by tapping or clicking on the image above. Local Historical and Cultural Organizations Awarded State Grants
The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission has awarded nearly $87,000 in Cultural and Historical Support Grants to six organizations across the 46th Senatorial District. The organizations receiving funding will use the grants to support a variety of needs including educational programming, preservation work, operational expenses, staff support, and improvements that enhance public access and experiences. These dollars help ensure local institutions can continue preserving, interpreting and sharing the rich history of our region and the commonwealth. I am thrilled to see these funds coming back to support the museums and historical organizations that keep our local stories alive. These groups work tirelessly—often with limited resources—to protect our heritage, educate visitors and strengthen community pride. This investment helps them continue that critical mission. You can review the entire list of awardees and amounts by visiting my website here. Welcoming Charleroi School District’s Superintendent to Harrisburg
I had the privilege of welcoming my dear friend, Dr. Edward “Ed” Zelich, to the Senate floor and presenting him with an official Senate Citation in recognition of his outstanding leadership and service to the Charleroi Area School District. Dr. Zelich and his wonderful wife, Brenda, joined us as Charleroi Elementary Center celebrates its incredible achievement as a 2025 Pennsylvania Blue Ribbon School – an honor earned by only 13 schools across the state! What an extraordinary accomplishment for the students, educators, and families of Charleroi. You can watch my introduction of Dr. Zelich by tapping or clicking the image above. State’s Teacher of the Year is Greene County Educator
I would like to congratulate Madeline Loring, a fourth-grade educator at Jefferson-Morgan Elementary School in Greene County, on being named the 2026 Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year. This is a distinguished honor that brings statewide recognition to an outstanding teacher in the 46th Senatorial District. The Teacher of the Year program, administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Education in partnership with the Pennsylvania chapter of the National State Teacher of the Year, recognizes educators who demonstrate exceptional skill, leadership and devotion to their students. Loring, a respected member of the Jefferson-Morgan School District faculty, has spent 13 years teaching students across multiple grade levels and subject areas. Known for fostering a classroom environment that challenges and supports students in equal measure, she is celebrated for inspiring curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of learning. As Pennsylvania’s Teacher of the Year, Loring will travel the state representing the teaching profession and participate in the 2027 National Teacher of the Year competition. Focus on the 46th
I had the solemn honor of attending the 63rd Anniversary Memorial Service for the Robena Mine explosion in Carmichaels, organized by the United Mine Workers of America. Each year, this gathering reminds us of the 37 miners who tragically lost their lives on December 6, 1962, and of the families whose lives were forever changed. Listening to the heartfelt tributes, the reading of every name, and the stories of sacrifice and strength was deeply moving. The Robena explosion, along with other mining tragedies, helped pave the way for critical mine safety laws and the creation of the Mine Safety and Health Administration, proving that these brave men did not die in vain. Their legacy continues to shape protections that miners rely on today. I was especially touched by the presence of the families, union members, rescue workers, and community leaders who return year after year to honor the fallen. Their devotion ensures that these miners’ memories will never fade. May God bless the Robena 37 and all miners who risk their lives to provide for their families and communities.
I had so much fun at last weekend’s Greene County Chamber of Commerce 87th annual Downtown Waynesburg Christmas Parade!
Earlier this month, I had a wonderful time attending the Penn State Master Gardeners of Washington County Annual Recognition Dinner Meeting. It was inspiring to help welcome their newest class of Master Gardeners, including the Class of 2026 – and to celebrate the outstanding work this volunteer-driven program does year after year. The Master Gardener program supports Penn State Extension’s mission by empowering volunteers to share unbiased, research-based information with the public on sustainable gardening and environmental stewardship. One statistic that truly stood out was the Washington County Master Gardeners volunteered 4,546 hours this year which is a value of $140,926 invested back into our community. Congratulations to all the honorees, and thank you for your passion, service, and deep roots in our community!
Last week, the Claysville Area Business Association held their annual Christmas Party. What a wonderful evening of celebration and reflection on the past year. The evening’s highlight was the presentation of CABA’s Inaugural Community Hero Awards. Congratulations to former District Magistrate Jay Dutton, Claysville Volunteer Fire Department fireman Brad Simms, and West Alexander Fair President John Hunter on this well-deserved recognition. A special honor was also given posthumously to Pat Brown, whose impact continues to be felt throughout the Claysville community. Truly, these heroes are an inspiration to us all! A special thank you to Rick Newton, Jessica Finch, Ashley Gatts, Wayne Vanderhoof, and the entire CABA team for their dedication to the region’s business and tourism communities, and for the kind invitation to your special evening.
This year, I wanted to share a truly local treasure with my colleagues in the Senate for Christmas – so I proudly chose Maestros’ Sauce Co. as my holiday gift. Co-founders and true hot sauce maestros Dennis, Andrew, and Ross (pictured left to right) stopped by my office recently, and I couldn’t have been more impressed by their passion, creativity, and homegrown success story. What started as a small backyard operation is now an expanding Washington County business that handcrafts unique, all-natural hot sauces using specialty peppers like Carolina Reapers and Scorpions. Thank you again to the guys for making the trip, sharing their story, and helping me spice up the season in the Capitol. 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. 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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