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In this Update:
A Major Investment in the Future of the Lebanon County Expo Center is Underway
I was pleased to attend the groundbreaking for the first phase of the Lebanon Expo Center expansion that will add a new 15,000-square-foot exhibition hall, additional parking and an extension of the East Hall to better connect the complex. I was proud to advocate for and help secure $4 million in state RACP funding to help make this project possible. The project is also receiving tremendous private support, including a $1 million contribution from Bell & Evans Board Chairman Scott Sechler and an additional $250,000 from the Dixon Foundation. The total project represents a $10 million investment in the Expo Center. With more than 100 events and 60,000 visitors each year, in addition to the annual Lebanon Area Fair, the Expo Center plays an important role in showcasing our agricultural heritage while supporting tourism, youth education and economic activity throughout Lebanon County. The new hall will provide greater flexibility to host multiple large events at the same time throughout the year and is expected to be completed before the 2027 Lebanon Area Fair begins next July. I’m excited to see this project move forward and strengthen the Lebanon Expo Center as a community resource for generations to come. Felony Murder Sentencing, PA Crime Highlighted at Senate, House Hearing
Law enforcement officers and other public officials shared the on-the-ground reality of their efforts to fight crime and how the General Assembly could support their mission during a joint public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee and the House Republican Policy Committee. Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday discussed sentencing for felony murder after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled mandatory life sentences for this crime are unconstitutional. He stated Senate Bill 1400, passed twice by the Senate, would provide an appropriate sentence for felony murder. But the House changed the bill, he said, “and in doing so provides a huge break to convicted murderers.” Sunday said, “Victims deserve better than legislative gamesmanship.” The committees learned that violent crime is down across the commonwealth, but drug offenses are on the rise, with the Bureau of Narcotics removing 56.5 million doses of fentanyl off the streets of Pennsylvania last year. Read more about the hearing and access video and testimony here. Leadership Lebanon Valley Class of 2026 Visits the Capitol
It was a pleasure to join State Reps. Russ Diamond and John Schlegel to meet with the Leadership Lebanon Valley Class of 2026. As a former graduate of the program, I know firsthand the value it provides in developing a diverse group of leaders who are committed to strengthening our community. Thank you to the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce for continuing to offer this great leadership program. Empowering Parents with Federal Scholarship Tax Credit
Last year, Congress established a new Federal Scholarship Tax Credit to create new learning opportunities for students. I joined a bipartisan group of colleagues this week to announce legislation that would ensure Pennsylvania families can benefit from this new program. The program would allow taxpayers to earn up to $1,700 in tax credits for contributions to non-profit Scholarship Granting Organizations. These organizations could use the funds to provide scholarships for education-related services at private or public schools, including tuition, fees, academic tutoring, special education services, technology services and classroom supplies. For students and families to be eligible for scholarships, a state must opt in with either an order signed by its governor or a law passed by the state legislature by Jan. 1, 2027. If a state does not opt in, taxpayers in that state will still be eligible for the tax credit, but the money will fund scholarships in other states. Our legislation would ensure Pennsylvania students in both public and private schools would have access to these new resources. Learn more about this opportunity for Pennsylvania students and families here. You’re Invited! Sportsman Expo
I’ve joined with Reps. Jamie Barton and Eric Weaknecht to host a Sportsman Expo on Saturday, August 22 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Kempton Community Center. We’re bringing together a wide range of vendors and organizations focused on hunting, fishing, conservation and outdoor recreation to create a one-stop shop for hunters, anglers and outdoor enthusiasts. There will be no admission fee, and no RSVPs are required. Understanding Digital Threats to Children
Aug. 17 – Aug. 23 is “Social Media Safety and Parental Awareness Week” in Pennsylvania. This first-of-its-kind designation is designed to help parents, guardians and students better understand potential threats in the digital world, including cyberbullying, sextortion, AI-generated child sexual abuse material, grooming and other dangerous forms of abuse. Find a Back-to-School Checklist and more tips on social media safety at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. My legislative colleagues and I have worked to keep kids safe from dangers online. This includes laws criminalizing deepfakes, giving law enforcement tools to combat online abuse, creating the Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age and more. The Senate has also passed legislation (pending in the House of Representatives) providing safeguards for AI chatbots, prohibiting “nudification” apps and protecting young people against AI-generated child abuse materials. Reporting Suspected Benefits Fraud
You can help eliminate fraud in benefits programs such as cash assistance, food stamps, childcare, home energy assistance and medical assistance. Suspected fraud can be reported to the Office of the State Inspector General. A complaint should be completed only if an individual has been issued benefits that you believe the individual was not entitled to receive. Report suspected fraud to the State Inspector General here. Local Events
Saturday, August 15-16: Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show Saturday, August 15, 9am: Hummingbird Banding Demonstration Saturday, August 15th, 12-4pm: Gloria Risser Memorial Car Show Saturday, August 15, 9am-3pm: Lebanon Valley 85th Annual Coin Show Sunday, August 16, 11am-2pm: CLA Car & Motorcycle Show Friday, August 21, 5-7pm: RiverFest Tuesday, August 25, 12-7pm & August 26, 10am-5pm: Wreaths Across America’s Mobile Education Exhibit Saturday, August 29: Pickleball Tournament at Coleman Memorial Park Saturday, August 29, 6-9pm: Quentin Volunteer Fire Company Summer Music Festival Friday, September 11-12, Reamstown Days Saturday, September 12, 9am-3pm: Lebanon Valley Fall Fair/ Craft Show Tuesday, September 15-19: The Denver Fair
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