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In this Update:
Stabilizing and Securing SEPTA
I plan to introduce legislation to address the future of mass transit in Southeast Pennsylvania. Mass transit is a vital component of life in Philadelphia and economic stability for the region, and for our Commonwealth as a whole. The Commonwealth invests significant taxpayer dollars into our public transportation system, which serves all 67 counties in various forms. In fact, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, Pennsylvania ranks fourth in the nation in the amount of state funding provided to our local transit systems. I believe that not only does our mass transit system need to be sustained – but it also needs to be re-imagined so that it is financially viable far into the future. SEPTA can be better, and should be better, than it is now. We’ve been working on proposals to make SEPTA safer, more reliable, and accountable. Read more about it here: Senate Co-Sponsorship Memo 46860 Information; 2025-2026 Regular Session – PA State Senate The VICTIM Act
I’m proud to announce that I am drafting the companion Senate version of House Bill 1511 — the VICTIM Act, which establishes a grant program to provide local police departments with the necessary resources to hire and retain detectives and invest in advanced technology. In too many communities across Pennsylvania, including in my district in Northeast Philadelphia, violent crimes go unsolved not because of a lack of will, but because of a lack of resources. This legislation is about giving law enforcement the support they need to close more cases, deliver justice to victims and their families, and restore confidence in our criminal justice system. Thank you to Rep. Tim Briggs and Rep. Joe Kerwin for your leadership in introducing this bill in the House. I look forward to working with my colleagues here in the Capitol to advance this important legislation in the Senate and help ensure that more victims receive the justice they deserve. Visit to Green Tree
Thank you to Green Tree School & Services for the opportunity to visit and witness the incredible work you do every day. It was inspiring to see the dedication of your staff and the care with which you create a safe, supportive, and enriching environment for your students. The way you nurture the minds of students with emotional and autism support needs—preparing them not just for school, but for life—is a model of what education should be. You’re helping young people build confidence, independence, and the skills they need to thrive. I’m grateful for your commitment and proud to support the work you do. Greenberg Color Run
I’m grateful to everyone at Greenberg Elementary School for inviting me to take part in your annual color run. I had a great time joining in the fun and energy of the event. The day was a wonderful reminder of how special your school community is—filled with enthusiasm, school spirit, and a strong sense of togetherness. I’m proud to have been part of it. Visit to Self Help Movement FacilityToday, I had the privilege of visiting Self Help Movement in Northeast Philadelphia, a vital residential treatment facility dedicated to supporting men in recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction. The compassionate care and individualized programs they provide are critical in helping residents rebuild their lives. Addiction impacts people from all walks of life, and places like Self Help Movement remind us that recovery is possible with the right support. I’m grateful for the important work being done here and proud to stand with those fighting this disease every day. Eagle Scout Ceremony
Congratulations to Chris Molloy and Dylan Hoch for achieving the rank of Eagle Scout! Your hard work, leadership, and dedication to service set a powerful example for our community. Wishing you both continued success as you carry the values of scouting into your future endeavors. Senate Votes to Preserve Prescription Assistance for Seniors
Legislation to protect thousands of Pennsylvania seniors from losing access to life-sustaining prescriptions passed the Senate unanimously. Senate Bill 731 would exclude Social Security cost-of-living adjustments from income eligibility calculations for the PACE and PACENET programs. The bill would extend the current exclusion from the end of this year to Dec. 31, 2027. Funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, the PACE and PACENET programs have provided hundreds of thousands of adults 65 and older with low-cost prescriptions. It now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Bill to Strengthen Enforcement of PFA Orders Passes Senate
The Senate unanimously approved legislation to improve the enforcement of Protection from Abuse (PFA) petitions and orders and properly reimburse law enforcement agencies. A longstanding imbalance in the law directs a portion of PFA-related court fees to county sheriffs, even when local police departments or state troopers process the paperwork. Senate Bill 302 would require sheriffs to transfer the $25 service fee collected through the existing surcharge to the agency completing the service. The bill would also address a critical safety concern and reinforce professional enforcement standards by authorizing only sheriffs or trained law enforcement officers – not private individuals – to serve PFAs. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Hand-Held Cell Phone Ban for Motorists Now in Effect
A law to increase safety on Pennsylvania roads passed by Senate Republicans that makes it illegal to use a handheld cell phone while driving is now in effect. Use is also prohibited when a vehicle is stopped in traffic or at a red light. Drivers may talk using hands-free devices, but holding a phone to make a call, text, get driving directions or check social media is now a citable offense. For the next year, officers may issue written warnings. Formal citations will be issued beginning June 6, 2026. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, distracted drivers were involved in more than 11,000 crashes in Pennsylvania in 2023, outpacing the number of crashes caused by impaired drivers. 23andMe Consumers Can Still Protect Their Information
While 23andMe has filed for bankruptcy, consumers should know they still have rights. Notably, if a consumer’s personal or genetic information was exposed in the 2023 data breach, they may file a claim electronically by July 14. People may also wish to delete their profiles and accounts to ensure their personal data is erased from the 23andMe system and not sold as part of the bankruptcy process. Attorney General Dave Sunday says consumers can learn how to delete their genetic data from 23andMe, destroy their 23andMe test sample and revoke permission for their genetic data to be used for research here. Remembering D-Day and Those Who Gave Everything
In one of the most important military actions in history, the Allies began the liberation of Western Europe on June 6, 1944. Each year, there are fewer surviving D-Day veterans, which makes it even more important that we preserve their legacy through education. We must never forget the more than 2,500 Americans who lost their lives turning the tide in World War II. The cost of freedom is high, and they gave everything to defend it for all of us.
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