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TODAY is Primary Election Day!
Today is primary Election Day. Voters will have the opportunity to choose their party’s candidates for governor, lieutenant governor, U.S. House of Representatives, state House and Senate (in even-numbered senatorial districts), as well as state and local committee members.
Voters may cast their ballots in person at their local polling place. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Additional information about in-person voting is available here.
Voters who have chosen to vote by mail-in or civilian absentee ballot must have those ballots back to their county Board of Elections no later than 8 p.m. on Election Day.
Only voters registered as Republicans or Democrats are eligible to vote for candidates in the primary election. For comprehensive information about the state’s elections, visit vote.pa.gov.
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Encouraging Young Leaders in Tioga County
On Wednesday, May 13, the Tioga County Youth Leadership Program held its graduation ceremony for the Class of 2026. The mission of this program is to help young people develop and strengthen their leadership abilities while encouraging them to take an active role in improving their communities. It is always inspiring to see local students participate in this valuable program, which emphasizes community engagement, professional development and meaningful networking opportunities.
Thanks to the storm that rolled in last Wednesday evening, I was unexpectedly able to attend the graduation ceremony in person. Although I had previously recorded remarks for the students, I was grateful to congratulate them face-to-face and speak with them about the important role they play as leaders in both their schools and communities.
I encouraged this year’s class to be leaders who are willing to step up and lead with humility, authenticity and integrity. Leadership is not about being the loudest person in the room or having all the answers. Rather, it is about influence and how you make people feel, showing up even when things are difficult, and being willing to help shape the culture around you.
I also reminded the class that leadership is not a title you earn once; it is a choice we make every day. I am encouraged by these young people who have challenged themselves and stepped outside their comfort zones to make a daily commitment to positively impacting those around them.
You can hear my full remarks here.
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Sharing the Importance of Service and Community
Last week, I had the opportunity to have Noah join me for the day, and I was able to share a little about the work I do. We had a busy day visiting a local school for Career Day, celebrating a ribbon cutting for a community organization’s new location, and attending the National Day of Prayer. It was a great opportunity to show how service, community, and faith can come together while investing in the next generation.
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Helping to Meet Housing Needs
I recently introduced House Bill 2504 to remove burdensome government red tape that has become a major obstacle to housing development. Over the last decade, housing costs for both renters and homeowners have nearly doubled, while the cost of everyday necessities continues to rise. By cutting unnecessary regulations, we can lower construction costs and increase Pennsylvania’s housing supply. Expanding access to affordable housing will help ease the financial burden on working families and communities across our state.
You can read the full press release here.
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Project to Improve Sidewalks in Westfield
Westfield Borough has been awarded nearly $1.08 million through the 2025 Transportation Alternatives Set-Aside (TASA) of the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA) Surface Block Grant Program.
The grant money will be used to construct new sidewalks along the southern side of Main Street from Riverside Park to the eastern borough border. The project, which includes new sidewalks, curbing, ramps, and crosswalk access, will replace the currently dilapidated sidewalks. This will create safe transportation options for all pedestrians, providing access to essential community destinations.
You can read the press release here.
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USDA Expands Milk Options in Schools
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has issued an Interim Final Rule allowing schools to offer whole and 2% milk in breakfast, lunch and other child nutrition programs. This is an important step in implementing the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025. The National Milk Producers Federation applauded the update, noting it ensures consistent milk choices across all school meals and supports improved student nutrition. The rule takes effect in one month and is open for public comment.
Read the complete press release here.
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Penalties for Using Handheld Devices Take Effect June 6
A Pennsylvania law banning the use of handheld devices while driving has been in effect since last June, with violators being issued warnings. Starting June 6, violators will instead face fines.
Paul Miller’s Law limits the use of handheld cellphones or other communication devices while operating a motor vehicle. The law is named for a young man who was killed in a crash involving a distracted tractor-trailer driver in Monroe County, Pennsylvania, in 2010.
Under the law, driving while holding a mobile device is a primary violation, meaning police can pull over drivers solely for the violation. Effective June 6, violators will be issued a summary offense, which carries a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees. If a driver is convicted of homicide by vehicle and driving while distracted, they may be sentenced up to an additional five years in prison.
Drivers can still use their phones if using hands-free technology, such as a docking station, Bluetooth or speaker technology. You may also use your phone to contact emergency responders.
According to PennDOT, more than 11,000 crashes were the result of distracted driving, leading to 65 deaths and 6,700 injuries in 2023. Pennsylvania joins 28 other states with hands-free laws.
Read more here.
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House Approves Alicia’s Law to Protect Kids from Online Predators
I was pleased to join in the unanimous House support of legislation that would create a state grant program to help law enforcement find, investigate and prosecute internet predators who target children.
Alicia’s Law is named for Alicia Kozak, a Pittsburgh-area girl who was abducted in 2002 at the age of 13 by a man she met online. It was one of the first documented cases of its kind in the country. Alicia survived and has spent years advocating for stronger protections so other children don’t go through what she did.
House Bill 1098 would establish the Investigation and Prosecution of Internet Crimes Against Children Program within the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD). The program creates a state-level funding structure to fund law enforcement task forces made up of state and local prosecutors dedicated to investigating and prosecuting online crimes against minors; supplement federal funding for task forces combating child sexual exploitation online; and train task force members on the latest techniques for detecting, investigating and prosecuting these crimes.
The bill is now pending consideration in the Senate.
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Fish for Free Coming Up Next Weekend!
On Sunday, May 24, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) will host a Fish for Free day to allow anyone (resident or non-resident) to legally fish on all Pennsylvania waterways. No license is required, but all other fishing regulations still apply.
This is the first of two dates set by the PFBC to enhance fishing opportunities. The next day is Independence Day, Saturday, July 4. This is a great way to expose the next generation of anglers to the outdoors. More information about fishing in Pennsylvania is available here.
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Remember the Fallen This Memorial Day
Monday, May 25, is Memorial Day – a day set aside to honor the more than 1.1 million Americans who have died in wars which the United States entered.
Please take a moment this weekend to remember these men and women who sacrificed their lives for us and for our country and consider participating in Memorial Day events in your community.
For more information about Memorial Day and its history, click here.
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Memorial Day Closures
Please note my offices in Wellsboro and Troy will close at noon on Friday, May 22, and will remain closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. We will reopen for regular hours on Tuesday, May 26.
Also, PennDOT driver license and photo centers will be closed Saturday, May 23, and Monday, May 25, in observance of the Memorial Day holiday.
Customers may still obtain a variety of driver and vehicle products and services online through PennDOT’s Driver and Vehicle Services website, www.dmv.pa.gov. Services include driver’s license, photo ID and vehicle registration renewals; driver-history services; changes of address; driver license and vehicle registration restoration letters; ability to pay driver license or vehicle insurance restoration fee; driver license and photo ID duplicates; and driver exam scheduling. There are no additional fees for using online services.
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