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In this Update:
Capitol Conversations: Legislation Update
Press Conference: Italian American Heritage Month
This week, I had the honor of joining my colleagues for a press conference recognizing October as Italian American Heritage Month. We celebrated the last impact and proud heritage of Italian Americans—especially in Pennsylvania and Philadelphia. For generations, Italian immigrants have come to Philadelphia in search of opportunity – bringing them strong family bonds, deep faith, and an unmatched work ethic that helped shape Philadelphia’s neighborhoods and culture. I was especially proud to have my parents present, along with members of Custodes Pacis Lodge 2085 and the Grand Lodge, as we honored the traditions and values that continue to define our community today. SB 911 Clears Judiciary Committee
This week in Harrisburg, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced my legislation on the Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Act. This legislation helps law enforcement identify, apprehend, and arrest dangerous, violent criminals and bring closure to victims and their families. There is an alarming trend of crimes going unsolved in Pennsylvania. Much of this is attributed to the shortage of critical police personnel, and the lack of investment in the technology and tools needed to solve these crimes. The VICTIM Act will work in tandem with a special grant program offered through PCCD for local law enforcement agencies to help them improve clearance rates. Grants may be used for hiring, retaining, and training violent crime investigators, upgrading or replacing outdated evidence collection and forensic testing equipment, and supporting witnesses to aid homicide and violent crime investigations. SB911 makes sure grant funds are used the right way by adding clear reporting rules and regular reviews by PCCD. These steps help keep the program effective, support law enforcement, and protect taxpayer dollars. Advancing Support for Disabled Veterans: SB 1020 Moves Forward
This week, the Senate Game & Fisheries Committee advanced Senate Bill 1020 to modernize and expand Pennsylvania’s free hunting license program for disabled veterans. Under current law, only veterans who sustained disabilities “in war or armed conflict” qualify for a free hunting license. SB 1020 removes that outdated requirement, aligning the program with other veteran benefits offered by the Commonwealth and making it more accessible to those who served in all capacities. I was proud to vote in favor of this legislation. Supporting Measure Prohibiting Telemarketers from Harassing Residents During session, I voted in favor of SB 992, which prohibits telemarketers from “spoofing” phone numbers to make calls appear local and bans robocalls after 8:00pm. These deceptive practices need to stop, and I was proud to see it pass in the Senate this week. Everyone Can Move Initiative
While in Harrisburg, I got the opportunity to meet with members of the So Everyone Can Move Initiative to learn more about their work expanding access to adaptive fitness programs across Pennsylvania. Their mission is focused on ensuring people of all abilities can participate in physical activity by promoting inclusive gyms, training adaptive fitness professionals, and advocating wellness policies statewide. It was inspiring to hear the stories of their work. Clean Air Council
I met with members of Clean Air Council to discuss the importance of establishing stronger protective setback distances from fracking wells. I appreciated the opportunity to hear their insights and remain committed to policies that put the well-being of our communities and environment first. Archbishop Ryan Students Visit the Capitol
It was great to see Archbishop Ryan’s Student Government and Ambassador Program in the Capitol this week! These students represent the next generation of leaders in our community. I am always encouraged to see young people taking an active interest in shaping the future of Pennsylvania. St. Dominic’s Tour
I had a great time visiting St. Dominic’s School this week! It is always inspiring to see the dedication of our teachers and the enthusiasm of the students. Their commitment to faith, learning and service is helping to nurture confident, compassionate kids who will continue to make a difference in the Northeast. Bill Requiring Parental Notification of School Weapons Incidents Set to Become Law
Legislation requiring school districts to notify parents and school employees of any incidents involving possession of weapons on school property is set to become law. Under current law, school districts are not required to inform parents or guardians about incidents when a weapon is brought onto school grounds or to related activities. The changes in Senate Bill 246 apply to public, nonpublic and private schools. The bill, which first passed the Senate in May, received strong bipartisan support from the General Assembly and now awaits the governor’s signature. New Protections Against Telemarketers Approved by Senate
The Senate approved legislation to better protect Pennsylvanians from scammers and other deceitful telemarketers. Senate Bill 992 prohibits telemarketing calls being made on Sundays and either before 9 a.m. or after 7 p.m. on every other day of the week. It also expands the law to cover text messages, voicemails and “ringless” voicemails – tools often used by telemarketers to evade existing restrictions. In addition, it establishes penalties for both telemarketers and the companies that hire them for illegal activity. The bill would also prohibit the use of artificial intelligence or fake caller IDs to deceive or defraud consumers. A violation of the law carries a civil penalty of up to $1,000 or $3,000 if the person contacted is age 60 or older. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Votes to Eliminate Unnecessary Boards and Commissions
Legislation to streamline state government operations by eliminating outdated, unnecessary and inactive boards, commissions and advisory committees was passed by the Senate. Senate Bill 755 would eliminate 13 government entities that are expired, dormant, no longer have any members or are unnecessary. Examples include the Greater Pennsylvania Council that has been long dormant; the Senior Citizen Advisory Committee, whose duties were all assumed by a different committee; the High-Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Commission, which expired in 1987; and the Climate Change Advisory Committee, which has produced no specific beneficial outcomes while continuing to expend taxpayer dollars. Many of the commonwealth’s nearly 400 boards, commissions and advisory committees do not publicly share information about their duties, meetings or other activities, raising concerns about transparency. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Make Your Voice Heard Tuesday on Election Day
Tuesday, Nov. 4 is Election Day, the last chance of the year for voters to weigh in on races for local, county and judicial positions. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. For those voting by mail, county election offices must receive completed ballots by 8 p.m. on Election Day. Find your polling place and other voter information here. Internship Opportunity for Students Interested in Public Policy Careers
College students interested in careers in public policy can apply for summer internships in Harrisburg through the James A. Finnegan Fellowship Foundation. Internships are awarded through an essay contest. Applicants must write between 1,500 and 2,500 words about a controversial policy currently under consideration by the General Assembly. The 2026 contest asks applicants to write about the pros and cons of data centers, and what the state’s role should be. Applicants have until Jan. 23, 2026 to submit their essay and other materials to the foundation. The winners will receive a cash prize and placement in paid state government summer internships in Harrisburg for eight to 10 weeks. Coming Together for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Breast Cancer Awareness Month was a time of reflection and unity. Senators from both sides of the aisle took part in October’s Rock the Ribbon campaign to acknowledge the strength of those impacted and the continued importance of awareness. Please share this information with a friend or family member. It could save their life. Upcoming Events in the Community
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