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In this Update:
Joining Senator McCormick and Senator Fetterman for their Trump Accounts event!
Thank you to Senator’s McCormick and John Fetterman for the invitation to attend an event in Philadelphia highlighting the new Trump Accounts program. This initiative is designed to help families build long-term financial security for their children by providing eligible children with a one-time $1,000 federal contribution. Parents, grandparents, and employers can also make additional contributions to help invest in a child’s future and encourage lifelong saving. It was encouraging to see both senators working together on an initiative that invests in the next generation and creates new opportunities for Pennsylvania families. To learn more about the Trump Accounts program, visit here. Speaking on Bernard Gribbin’s Law
At the conclusion of session last week, I spoke on the Senate floor about my legislation, Senate Bill 210. Also known as Bernard Gribbin’s Law, is named in honor of Berbard Gribbin, a dedicated SEPTA bus operator, Army veteran, and public servant, who was killed while serving the people of Philadelphia. The bill would increase penalties for certain acts involving violence against transit workers and interference with the operation of public transit vehicles. It currently sits in the House Judiciary Committee, and I urge them to take this legislation up for a vote so we can better protect our transit workers. Click the image above to watch my remarks. Speaking on Unauthorized Encampments
This week in Harrisburg, I spoke on the Senate floor about my legislation on unauthorized encampments, Senate Bill 780. Every community deserves to be clean, safe, and welcoming. Unauthorized encampments can lead to trash accumulation, drug paraphernalia, fire hazards, and other unsafe conditions that impact quality of life in our neighborhoods. My legislation gives communities a clear path to take action when these conditions persist. At the same time, we must continue working with local governments, service providers, and community partners to create lasting solutions that protect our neighborhoods while connecting those in need with the shelter, support, and resources they deserve. Community empowerment to find long-term solutions for the betterment of all is the goal. The bill currently sits in the House Local Government Committee, and I urge them to bring it up for a vote. Click the image above to watch my remarks. Home Christian Center
As America prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, I was grateful to join Home Christian Center and so many members of our community to celebrate! The event brought people together to reflect on our nation’s history while celebrating the values that continue to unite us. It was wonderful to see everyone gather to celebrate this historic milestone! Thank you to Home Christian Center for hosting and for bringing our community together to honor our country’s past while looking ahead to its future. Veteran Office Hours
We will be hosting Veteran Office Hours at my district office on July 14th! A Veteran Service Officer will be on hand to assist veterans and their families with benefits, claims, and available resources. 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. Working to Finalize the State Budget
Good progress is being made as we work on finalizing the state budget for fiscal year 2026-27. This week, we received needed clarity on a number of issues which were delaying the budget’s completion. We’re now well on our way to reaching a full budget agreement in the coming days. In a divided government, all parties must work together to find common ground, and I’m confident that agreement can be reached and a responsible new state budget enacted soon. My focus remains on controlling the growth of state spending and implementing pro-growth policies to protect taxpayers. Senate Votes to Improve PA Amber Alert Response
The Senate passed legislation to help law enforcement respond more effectively during Amber Alerts and missing person investigations. Senate Bill 1273 clarifies that the Pennsylvania Turnpike Commission may share time-sensitive information collected through its automated tolling system with law enforcement in specific situations. This includes cases involving Amber Alerts and Missing Endangered Person Advisory System alerts, where rapid access to vehicle data can be critical. This commonsense measure improves coordination between agencies to help a citizen in danger when every minute counts. The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 1273 here. Providing Pennsylvanians with Information on Long-Term Care Options
Legislation to ensure older Pennsylvanians receive complete information about long-term care options was approved by the Senate. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 482 strengthens outreach and accountability surrounding Pennsylvania’s Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) Program, which helps eligible seniors remain in their homes and communities while receiving comprehensive healthcare and support services. Currently, individuals enrolling in Medicaid managed care may not receive information about the LIFE Program during the enrollment process. Senate Bill 482 requires the state’s Independent Enrollment Broker to include information about the LIFE Program with enrollment materials provided to eligible individuals. Read more about Senate Bill 482 and the LIFE Program here. Staying Cool When the Weather Turns Hot
Summer heat waves can be merely uncomfortable or worse depending on how we react. Drink plenty of water, limit time outside and cool off with AC. Call 211 or visit here for a list of cooling centers by county. And check on older family and neighbors. Never leave kids or pets in a vehicle. Most vehicle heatstroke deaths involving children are a result of a parent or caregiver forgetting a child in a car. Check the back seat before walking away from your car. Read more about preventing hot car deaths. The PA Public Utility Commission offers these tips on staying cool and cutting energy costs:
I hope you stay safe and cool and have a fantastic summer. New Savings Plan for Children in 2026
Families have a new way to save for kids in 2026 with the 530A IRA, also known as a Trump Account. A Trump Account is an investment account for kids under 18. Families and others can contribute up to $5,000 per year, and employers may be able to contribute up to $2,500 per year toward that same limit. Eligible children born between 2025-2028 may receive a one-time $1,000 federal deposit. Funds are generally inaccessible until your child turns 18, when the account converts into a traditional IRA. The money will be invested in a suite of low-cost index funds, where the initial $1,000 deposit could grow to an estimated half a million dollars or more by retirement age. Learn more and download the app at the official Trump Accounts webpage. Celebrating 250 Years of American Freedom
250 years ago – on July 4, 1776 – our nation’s founders gathered in Philadelphia and signed the Declaration of Independence. President Abraham Lincoln once described the Declaration as “an apple of gold” and said it gave “liberty, not alone to the people of this country, but hope to the world for all future time.” Earlier this year, the Senate visited Independence Hall in Philadelphia and convened for a ceremonial celebration at the National Constitution Center to honor America’s 250th birthday. As we gather in our communities to celebrate Independence Day this year, and to mark our nation’s semiquincentennial, may we all take time to reflect on the many blessings of being Americans and living in the United States. |
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