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In this Update:
Tremendous Win for Private Property Rights
Every Pennsylvanian deserves to feel safe and secure on their own property. I was proud to join Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman and Senate Game & Fisheries Committee Chairman Greg Rothman in supporting the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s unanimous decision protecting the privacy and property rights guaranteed under our state constitution. The court’s ruling in favor of the Punxsutawney Hunting Club and the Pitch Pine Hunting Club is a significant victory for property owners across the Commonwealth. It overturns the 2007 Commonwealth v. Russo decision and places important limits on warrantless searches. Our Game Commission officers perform an important and challenging job enforcing Pennsylvania’s game laws, and we respect their service. At the same time, government agencies must respect the constitutional rights of law-abiding property owners. This decision is a strong affirmation that private property rights remain a priority in Pennsylvania. Staff Lends a Hand for PA Day
To celebrate National Pennsylvania Day on July 20, America250PA organized PA Day, its largest annual volunteer effort across the Commonwealth. Made possible through a partnership with Feeding Pennsylvania and the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT), this statewide day of service encourages Pennsylvanians to give back to their communities. Members of my staff were proud to volunteer at Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania, helping support neighbors in need while celebrating the spirit of service that makes Pennsylvania such a great place to call home. Thank you to everyone who volunteered to help make this year’s PA Day a success. Cruise Line Coming to Erie in 2028
Erie is preparing to welcome a new visitor to its waterfront. Beginning in 2028, Victory Cruise Lines will add Erie as a port of call on its Great Lakes itineraries, bringing passengers to experience Presque Isle Bay, our rich maritime history, local attractions, restaurants, shops, and the hospitality that makes our community special. The addition of Erie to a Great Lakes cruise route is another exciting opportunity to showcase our region, support local businesses, and introduce new visitors to everything Erie has to offer. Supporting the Children’s Advocacy
I recently joined the Children’s Advocacy Center to announce its award of approximately $150,000 over three years through the Pennsylvania Children’s Trust Fund Grant Program. This funding will help expand the ACT Raising Safe Kids Program, providing families with resources and education to help prevent child abuse and create safer environments for children. I was proud to support this investment in a program that strengthens families and protects children in our community. Retrieve Your Unclaimed Property
I’m hosting an Unclaimed Property Event on Thursday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Erie County Public Library to help residents search for and claim money being held by the Pennsylvania Treasury. Treasury staff will be on hand to assist residents with the process and answer questions. If you think you may have unclaimed property, stop by and learn how you can recover what belongs to you. How I Can Help
If you or someone you know is having trouble accessing state programs or services, or if you have questions about a law or government program and aren’t sure where to turn, my team and I are here to help. We can guide you through the process, connect you with the right resources, and provide support on a wide range of issues to make things easier for you. Standing Up for Rape Crisis Services
Rape crisis centers across Pennsylvania play a vital role in supporting victims of sexual violence, and I’m pleased that this year’s budget includes a historic $12 million increase for rape crisis centers. The significant funding for rape crisis centers would not have been possible without Senate Republicans pushing for support well above the governor’s request. With total state funding now amounting to nearly $25 million, this increase almost doubles the funding available for services, including 24-hour crisis hotlines, counseling, medical and legal advocacy, prevention education and accompaniment for survivors navigating hospitals, police investigations and court proceedings. If you or someone you know have been the victim of sexual assault and need to access rape crisis services, click here to find a center located near you. Protecting Our Communities from Child Predators and Human Trafficking
We are making progress in the never-ending fight against child predators and human trafficking in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 45, which I supported and which was recently signed into law as Act 41 of 2026, will help Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday and law enforcement officials across the state target and prosecute human trafficking more effectively. This is a huge step forward. And in the new state budget, we also increased funding for two key programs overseen by AG Sunday – the Child Predator Interception Unit and the Human Trafficking Enforcement and Prevention program. If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Investing in the Future of PA College Students
The successful Grow PA Scholarship program invests in Pennsylvania students looking to pursue a college education, develops the future of our workforce and incentivizes jobs to remain here in the commonwealth. Importantly, the program secures a commitment for students to stay and work in Pennsylvania communities after graduation, helping to address the state’s future economic and demographic challenges. With demand rising for Grow PA scholarships, the Senate secured a $10 million funding increase for the program in the 2026-27 state budget – bringing the annual funding total to $42.5 million. Grow PA, established in 2024, offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation and is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Learn more about this program here. Honoring Veterans with Visual Impairments with a Capitol Monument
A Braille Flag monument honoring veterans with visual impairments could be installed at the Pennsylvania Capitol Building under legislation passed by the Senate and sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. The Braille Flag was created to honor the service of veterans who have been left with life-long visual disabilities. Under Senate Bill 1303, the monument would be made of bronze and include the Pledge of Allegiance in Braille. The display would be sponsored by the Moose Lodge and the American Braille Flag Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to the placement of these flags throughout the country. Read more about Senate Bill 1303 here. Find Summer Getaway Ideas Here in PA
There’s plenty of summer left. If you haven’t had time for a vacation yet, or you’re looking for another getaway, there’s plenty to experience here in our commonwealth. Use VisitPA to explore by regions, such as the Pennsylvania Wilds, Great Lakes, Laurel Highlands, the Lehigh Valley, Dutch Country and more. Break it down by things to do, outdoor activities, dining and other experiences. From rivers and trails to iconic attractions and historic sites, you can start planning your trip at the VisitPA website. Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Photo Contest Accepting Entries
Amateur and professional photographers: Take your best photos of the landscapes, wildlife and activities in a Pennsylvania state park or forest and enter the 2026 Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation “Through the Seasons” photo contest. A panel of experts will select a Judges’ Choice in each category prior to the photos being made available for public voting on the foundation’s Facebook page. Award winners receive gift cards and may be showcased in photo exhibitions. Find rules and entry info at the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation website. All photos must be submitted by Sept. 30. |
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