E-news Updates - June 13, 2026

In this Update:

Capitol Conversations
PCCD Grants Awarded to 3 Schools in 5^th Senatorial District
Department of Community and Economic Development Grants Awarded to 5^th District
Modernizing Commercial Security Bill Passes Senate
Electrical Licensure Bill Approved by Committee
Scouting Day in Harrisburg
Supporting First Responder Wellness
Supporting Working Families Bill Passes Senate
Zoo Day at the Capitol
Senate Passes Bill to Fight Human Trafficking
Bill Targeting Dangerous Fentanyl Additive Passes Senate
PA Guard Military Family Education Program
National Cancer Survivors Month
Share Megan Charlton’s Story
Mobile Office Hours
Photo of the Month

Capitol Conversations

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PCCD Grants Awarded to Three Schools in 5^th Senatorial District

This week, I announced that three Northeast Philadelphia schools had been awarded funds through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency’s Targeted School Safety for Nonpublic Schools Grant Program.

The following schools in the 5^th Senatorial District are set to receive funding:

Archbishop Ryan— $74,840
Hubert’s Catholic School for Girls—$74,980
Politz Hebrew Academy—$66,240

This program provides funding for nonpublic schools for security enhancements, violence prevention efforts, mental health support, and other measures that help schools prepare for and respond to potential threats. I was proud to help deliver these funds and support efforts that keep our children safe.

To learn more about PCCD and their program, you can read here: Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency.

Department of Community and Economic Development Grants Awarded to 5^th District

As your State Senator, it is one of my top priorities to make sure Northeast Philadelphia receives its share of state resources. Through the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED), I was proud to help secure nearly $1 million for local nonprofits, schools, and community institutions.

Funding was awarded to:

SPIN
Holy Family University
Somerton Youth Organization
The Northeast YMCA
Cecilia’s
Hubert’s
Father Judge High School
Calvary Chapel
Lighthouse Soccer

These investments will support educational programs, youth development, workforce training, community services, and facility improvements that directly benefit families throughout the 5^th Senate District.

I remain committed to bringing resources back to the Northeast and ensuring our community has the resources needed to thrive.

Modernizing Commercial Security Bill Passes Senate

In session this week, the Senate passed my legislation, Senate Bill 1269, to modernize commercial security options for businesses while maintaining strong safety standards and local oversight.

The bill would allow electrified security systems installed behind traditional perimeter fencing and connected to monitored alarm systems that immediately alert security personnel when a breach occurs. Similar systems are already authorized in 29 states.

This measure will strengthen security and ensure Pennsylvania businesses have access to modern tools to protect their facilities. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Watch the video above to hear my remarks on the Senate floor.

Electrical Licensure Bill Approved by Committee

Legislation I am sponsoring alongside Senator Devlin Robinson (R-37) and Senator Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) to establish Pennsylvania’s statewide licensing system for electrical contractors and electricians has advanced from the Senate Consumer Protection and Licensure Committee.

Currently, electricians and contractors must navigate a series of local licensing requirements across the Commonwealth. This would create consistent statewide standards that improve public safety, support qualified workers, and provide consumers with confidence that electrical work is being performed by trained professionals.

For the Northeast, where generations of skilled tradespeople have shaped our communities, this legislation represents a commonsense step forward. Electricians perform essential work that we rely on every day and statewide standards will help ensure that work is completed safely and professionally.

The bill now heads to the full Senate for consideration. You can read more about the bill here.

Scouting Day in Harrisburg

As an Eagle Scout, I was honored to accept the annual Scouting America Report on behalf of the Senate!

The report highlights the impact Scouts have in communities throughout the Commonwealth through service projects, leadership development, and civic engagements. It also highlights certain stats, such as over 1,600 made the rank of Eagle Scout in 2025, including 119 young women!

Scouting played an important role in my own life, and it was great to see the next generation of Scouts carrying on the tradition.

Supporting First Responder Wellness

GUIDE is a wellness app designed specifically for first responders and veterans, providing access to mental health resources, resilience training, peer support, and wellness tools tailored to unique challenges.

While in Harrisburg, I met with Patrick Sandone, founder of the GUIDE app, along with representative from FOP Lodge 5 Roosevelt Poplar, and the Philadelphia Firefighters’ and Paramedics Union to discuss continued funding for GUIDE.

I was moved by Patrick’s story and his commitment to helping those who dedicate their lives to protecting our communities. As the son of a Philadelphia Firefighter, I saw the sacrifices our first responders make and the emotional burden they carry in service to others.

Ensuring our first responders and veterans have the resources they need to thrive both personally and professionally remains a priority, and I will continue working to support programs that do just that.

Supporting Working Families Bill Passes Senate

This week, the Senate passed Senate Bill 906, legislation I was proud to co-sponsor, that would establish the Pennsylvania Family and Medical Leave Program and the Family and Medical Leave Fund.

The bill would provide eligible workers with access to paid family and medical leave during some of life’s most important and challenging times.

I was proud to support this legislation and will continue to ensure Pennsylvania families have the support and stability they need when they need it most.

Zoo Day at the Capitol!

I had a great time stopping by Zoo Day at the Capitol and meeting with representatives from zoos across Pennsylvania and learning more about their work in conservation, education and animal care.

I was especially glad to see representatives from the Philadelphia Zoo showcasing their role in our region. They brought a variety of animals – including penguins, reptiles, and rabbits – giving visitors, including myself, an opportunity to learn about wildlife.

Thank you to all the organizations that participated and helping connect Pennsylvanians with animals and conservation.

Senate Passes Bill to Fight Human Trafficking

Legislation to give investigators and prosecutors new tools to fight human trafficking in Pennsylvania was passed by the Senate.

Senate Bill 45 will help local law enforcement agencies and the state attorney general investigate and prosecute human trafficking by increasing penalties for several related crimes, including promoting prostitution, promoting prostitution of a minor, exploiting prostitutes and patronizing prostitutes.

The bill also consolidates crimes related to human trafficking within the Crimes Code, giving the attorney general concurrent jurisdiction so these crimes, which are frequently the basis for large-scale human trafficking organizations, can be prosecuted more effectively.

It now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Read more about our latest action to combat human trafficking here.

Bill Targeting Dangerous Fentanyl Additive Passes Senate

The Senate passed legislation to combat the increasing illicit use of the veterinary anesthesia medetomidine by regulating it as a Schedule III controlled substance.

Senate Bill 866 provides law enforcement and public health officials with another tool to combat dangerous drug adulterants while including clear exemptions to ensure veterinarians can continue using the medication in the care and treatment of animals.

Medetomidine has rapidly overtaken xylazine as a common adulterant in Pennsylvania’s illicit drug supply. While medetomidine was not detected in samples collected in early 2024, it was found in approximately 80% of adulterants sold as fentanyl in Pennsylvania by April 2026. The drug is estimated to be significantly more potent than xylazine and can cause severe cardiovascular complications, even after naloxone has been administered.

The General Assembly passed legislation to make xylazine a Schedule III drug in 2024. The bill now advances to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about the measure here.

PA Guard Military Family Education Program

As students begin preparing for the fall semester, Pennsylvania National Guard members are reminded their families could be eligible for assistance to offset the cost of higher education.

The Military Family Education Program is for Guard members who completed an initial service obligation on or after July 1, 2019, and is eligible to reenlist in the PA National Guard for a period of six years.

The grants can be used for a degree-granting or certificate-granting curriculum, course of study, or training program required for entrance into a specific career at an approved Pennsylvania institution of higher learning. Read more details and find applications here.

National Cancer Survivors Month

There are more than 18.6 million people living with a history of cancer in the U.S. Each person diagnosed with cancer faces a unique set of challenges, but one in four survivors reports a poor physical quality of life, and many experience psychosocial challenges.

If you are a cancer survivor or caregiver, you can find resources from the National Cancer Institute here that may help you enhance your health and well-being after a cancer diagnosis. They address emotional concerns, nutrition and physical activity, support services, follow-up medical care and testing for cancer.

Share Megan Charlton’s Story

The Northeast Times recently highlighted the story of Megan Charlton, a Morrell Park resident who is in need of a kidney transplant. As she continues treatment, Megan is searching for a living donor who could help change her life.

To learn more about her story and how to help, please see the article here.

Mobile Office Hours

My team and I are bringing constituents services directly into the community! We look forward to seeing you and helping you with any state-related issues.

Photo of the Month

We are excited to launch a new community feature highlighting the people, places, and moments that make Northeast Philadelphia special. Residents can submit photos that capture the spirit of our neighborhoods. We look forward to showing the pride, character, and community that makes Northeast Philadelphia such a great place to live. You can submit your photos here.

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