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In this Update:
Justice Delayed is Justice Denied: Helping Solve Unsolved Crime
Every homicide leaves behind more than a crime scene. It leaves grieving families, traumatized neighborhoods, and communities searching for answers.
While Philadelphia has made significant progress in solving murders, too many families are still waiting for justice. Nearly 800 homicides committed between 2021 and 2023 had not resulted in an arrest as of late 2025, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. Even more troubling, nearly 2,000 homicides dating back to the 1970s remain unsolved.
Each unsolved murder represents a victim denied justice, a family denied closure, and potentially a violent offender who remains free to harm others. Solving homicides is not simply about accountability for past crimes; it is one of the most effective ways to prevent future violence. Many unsolved crimes can be attributed to a shortage of police personnel and a lack of investment in the technology and tools needed to solve them. That’s why I introduced Senate Bill 911, the Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods Act, which recently passed the Pennsylvania General Assembly and was signed into law by Governor Shapiro as part of the FY2026-2027 Budget. 1st Annual Tacony Community Arts Day!
Measure Cracking Down on “CDL Mills” Becomes Law
Legislation drafted after it was learned unauthorized commercial driver’s license (CDL) schools were operating in Pennsylvania is now law, significantly boosting penalties for these “CDL mills.” Act 50 of 2026 increases the maximum civil penalty for operating an unauthorized CDL school from $2,500 to $25,000, giving the state Department of Education a stronger enforcement tool to stop illegal operations and discourage violations. The new law does not impact private employers that provide CDL training to their own employees at no cost. The Senate also passed Senate Bill 1295 to reinforce tractor trailer safety in the commonwealth. The legislative package reflects new federal regulations and federal legislation to strengthen commercial vehicle operations following allegations of unqualified truck drivers in the country illegally. Read more about improving commercial vehicle safety here. Consider a Future as an Emergency Medical Services Provider
You could have a future in Emergency Medical Services, a critical component of healthy communities. Find out what it takes to be an EMS provider and get your start with the state Department of Health’s Bureau of Emergency Medical Services. The site includes EMS education, information and resources, regional EMS council contact information and more. Nominate a Non-Teaching School Employee for a RISE Award
Non-teaching school employees – including paraprofessional, clerical, transportation, food service, custodial, security and health workers – play key roles in keeping our local schools running. If you know an incredible non-teaching employee, you can nominate them for a Recognizing Inspiring School Employees (RISE) Award. Find details and a nomination form at the state Department of Education website. Nominations for 2026 close Aug. 30. Organ and Tissue Donation Saves Lives
Saturday is PA Donor Day across the commonwealth, a statewide effort to rally support for the more than 6,000 Pennsylvanians waiting for a life-saving transplant. It’s held on 8/1 because eight lives can be saved by just one registered donor. PA Donor Day 2026 is especially important because the number of Pennsylvanians registering as organ donors has slowed and transplant waiting lists are long. You can register to donate at any time – you don’t need to get a driver’s license or permit. Learn more about organ and tissue donation and register to be a donor here. |
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