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In this Update:
Northeast Philly in Focus: Updates from Senator PicozziHappy 100th Birthday, Joe McCarron
Happy 100th Birthday, Joe McCarron! Joe is a United States Navy veteran who served during World War II. It was an honor to present him with an official PA Senate Citation commemorating his birthday. Congratulations, Joe, and thank you for your service! Senior Outreach Events
Last week, State Rep. Sean Dougherty and I held our first Senior Outreach events, hosted by Holy Redeemer Lafayette and the Villages at Pine Valley. We had an amazing turnout and were able to help seniors with rent rebates, SEPTA Senior Cards, and other state programs. We look forward to holding more events like this in the future. Visit to InnovAge
I had a great meeting with InnovAge, who invited me to tour their Northeast Philadelphia facility. InnovAge’s mission is to enable seniors to live life on their terms, in their own homes and communities. Thank you for all the work you do in helping our seniors age with dignity. The Block Gives Back
We had a great meeting with Hakeem from The Block Gives Back last week. The work they are doing in the community—whether it’s providing school supplies or feeding the neighborhood—is amazing. This organization truly reflects the spirit and values of the Great Northeast. Meetings in Harrisburg
While in Harrisburg for session, I had the opportunity to hold several productive meetings that were instrumental in deepening my understanding of the diverse needs and concerns of various groups. These discussions have provided valuable insights that will help guide my efforts moving forward. My team and I had a productive meeting with SEPTA at my Harrisburg office this week. The public transit that SEPTA provides is essential for millions in the Commonwealth. I appreciate their work to keep Pennsylvania moving. I had an insightful discussion with representatives from the Philadelphia Visitors Center Corporation. The eyes of the world will be on Philadelphia in 2026, so it was crucial to hear their perspective on how we can best prepare and support the city’s tourism infrastructure. Engaging young people with the legislative process is a top priority of mine, which is why I was so pleased to host delegations from the West Chester College Republicans and Temple University’s ‘Owls on The Hill.’ Their visit was a valuable opportunity to connect with students who are eager to learn and get involved in the civic process. Bill to Improve School Bus Safety Receives Senate Committee Support
The Senate Transportation Committee this week voted to advance legislation to better protect children by strengthening school bus safety laws. It now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Senate Bill 65 would increase the required stopping distance for opposing drivers from 10 feet to 15 feet, creating a greater buffer for children entering and exiting the bus. It also strengthens penalties for all offenders via a tiered penalty system. Penalties may include increased fines and mandatory driver education. Drivers who fail to prepare to stop when a school bus activates its flashing amber lights would also be subject to penalties. Each year, the Department of Transportation conducts a school bus education and enforcement program. The most recent program, conducted in October 2024, found police officers and bus drivers in 22 school districts reporting 131 violations in a single day. April Hearings Set on Proposed UGI Gas Rate Increase
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will hold five in-person and telephone hearings in early April to gather public input on proposed rate changes by UGI Gas. The commission voted in February to investigate UGI’s proposal to increase its annual operating revenues for natural gas distribution service by $110.4 million (9.7%). Under the proposal, the average bill for a residential customer using 73.7 hundred cubic feet of natural gas per month would increase from $104.47 to $115.74 per month (10.8%). The Pennsylvania Office of Consumer Advocate has more information on the proposed increase here. The PUC lists dates, times and locations of the public hearings and information on how to provide input here. If you can’t take part in a hearing but want to comment, you can find the form to submit a comment here. Youth Invited to Go Fishing on Saturday
Pennsylvania’s Mentored Youth Trout Day gives young people early access to the state’s stocked trout waters. This year, it will be held on Saturday, March 29, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Youth anglers need a free Mentored Youth Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License, which can be purchased for $2.97, from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Both are available online or at licensing agents across the state. To participate, youth anglers must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler, which are anglers 16 years of age and older. Adult anglers need a valid Pennsylvania Fishing License and a current Trout Permit. Youth with a license or permit can take a total of two trout (combined species) with a minimum length of seven inches. Adult anglers may not possess trout. March 29 is Vietnam War Veterans Day
Nine million Americans served during the Vietnam War era and 58,000 gave their lives. Sadly, because many people didn’t view the war favorably, Vietnam War veterans received a cold reception when they returned to American soil. Some were even deeply mistreated. March 29 marks the day in 1973 when the last United States troops left Vietnam. That same day, 591 American prisoners were released and returned to the United States. Let us recognize those who fought valiantly for our freedoms. We are grateful for their courage and sacrifices.
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