 |
|
|
|
|
Please do not reply directly to this email, as it returns to an unmanned account.
You are welcome to contact me through this link. |
Defending Our Daughters: Make the Promise
Continuing our advocacy for fairness in women’s sports, I invite you to join the “Defending Our Daughters” campaign to show support for the Commonwealth’s female athletes.
All Pennsylvanians are invited to sign the “I Believe” promise to highlight the rights of girls to have a safe, fair and equal playing field; to compete to win games, championships and titles; to earn scholarships; and to have private locker rooms spaces, without males being present.
Sign the “I Believe” promise at defendingdaughters.com or stop by my office for a hard copy.
|
Looking Ahead in 2026
It was a great speaking with WENY News to recap what we have accomplished in 2025 and highlight our continued effort on behalf of rural Pennsylvania as we look ahead to 2026. My legislative focus remains on whether policies help or hurt rural communities and whether they expand or shrink government. I have been encouraged by the progress of lifeline scholarship and stream maintenance legislation, as well as bills I have sponsored on voter ID, driver license eligibility, defending our daughters, and funding for fire and EMS services. Looking ahead to 2026, I plan to lead efforts in a new Anti-Human Trafficking Caucus, focusing on bipartisan solutions to combat exploitation and protect children.
You can watch the full interview here.
|
Celebrating Pennsylvania Agriculture at the PA Farm Show
The Pennsylvania Farm Show is taking place this week and serves as a week-long showcase of Pennsylvania agriculture, the Commonwealth’s number one industry. I sincerely appreciate the dedication and hard work of our farmers who provide food for our tables and support our economy. Students from Tioga and Bradford Counties will also be showcasing their talents. I encourage everyone to attend and experience all that the Farm Show has to offer. Whether you go for the food, the animals, or to learn more about PA agriculture, there is something for everyone.
Admission to the show is free, but parking is $15 per vehicle. Shuttle service is provided.
For all the latest news about the Farm Show, follow it on Facebook or click here.
|
A Legacy of Care at the Green Home
It is always a privilege to honor those who work and live in our community. Last week, I had the opportunity to stop in and recognize Maxine Newberry during a surprise retirement party at the Green Home in Wellsboro. It is not every day that someone retires after 45 years with the same employer, and judging by the co-workers and friends gathered, it was clear Maxine has left a lasting legacy at the Green Home
When Maxine began her career at the Green Home in 1980 as a nursing assistant, she had no idea that it would lead to such a fulfilling and impactful journey. Over the years, she served in a variety of roles, including restorative nursing, therapy, medical records, scheduling and payroll. She is retiring from her most recent position as an administrative assistant, a role that she has held for the past eight years.
Maxine is loved and respected by those she works with and is truly considered a friend to all. She demonstrates remarkable knowledge, ability and integrity in everything she does and has made an impact on everyone she encounters. While her official career has ended, her commitment to the Green Home continues. Maxine can still be seen walking the halls, now proudly serving as a volunteer.
|
More People Can Save Through PA ABLE
The PA ABLE Savings Program, which provides a tax-free way for people with disabilities to save, now has expanded program eligibility, allowing more Pennsylvanians to open a PA ABLE account.
Individuals can now open an account if their disability began before age 46. Previously, the disability must have occurred prior to the age of 26. The expansion is the result of a change in federal law.
Since 2017, PA ABLE has helped provide financial security for Pennsylvanians with disabilities. It allows people to contribute up to $20,000 annually without impacting eligibility for important disability benefits like Medical Assistance (Medicaid) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI). Savings can be used for a wide variety of disability-related expenses, and contributions can be deducted from PA state income taxes.
To learn more about saving with PA ABLE, visit paable.gov or call 855-529-ABLE (2253).
|
PA Budget Invests in Reading Education
With only about one-third of our fourth graders reading at grade level in Pennsylvania, this year’s state budget makes a $10 million investment in improving literacy education.
The 2025-26 Public School Code will require school entities – including school districts, intermediate units, area career and technical schools, charter schools, cyber charter schools and regional charter schools – to use evidence-based reading instruction, screen students early and intervene when a child is struggling.
The changes must be in place by the beginning of the 2027-28 school year.
|
Improving PA DUI Laws
Working to ensure repeat DUI offenders are held accountable, a new state law creates the offense of “DUI Following Diversion.”
Act 58 of 2025 applies to a person who is convicted of driving under the influence (DUI) within 10 years of completing an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) for a DUI offense. The change comes in response to a Pennsylvania Supreme Court decision stating it is unconstitutional for a trial court to treat a defendant’s prior acceptance of ARD for a DUI as a “prior offense” for the purpose of imposing an enhanced sentence on a subsequent DUI conviction.
ARD is a longstanding and successful pretrial diversion program intended for low-level offenders with little or no prior criminal history but should not prevent the courts from holding repeat offenders accountable for their actions and protecting public safety.
|
High School Seniors Eligible for America250PA Scholarship
An application window is open for 25 scholarships of $10,000 each available to Pennsylvania high school seniors who will be attending a Pennsylvania college or university in the 2026-27 academic year. Recipients will be selected based on a demonstrated understanding of civic values as America marks 250 years of American independence.
The scholarships are available through the Semiquincentennial Scholarship Program. In addition, some educational institutions are offering to match America250PA scholarships with contributions up to $10,000. America250PA is Pennsylvania’s official commission to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States this year. It highlights how the Commonwealth helped shape American history and creates opportunities for residents to take part in this historic milestone.
More information can be found here. The deadline is Jan. 31.
|
|
|
