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In this Update:
Enhanced Penalties for Offenses Against Immigration Enforcement Personnel
Over the past week, I have seen comments directed at the men and women working in ICE that are appalling, to say the least. ICE personnel are enforcing the laws of our nation. If you disagree with those laws, the appropriate place to voice that opinion is at the ballot box. Harassing civil servants and their families is completely unacceptable. Promoting lawless acts that border on anarchy only leads to more violence and tragedies like the one we witnessed last week. That is why earlier this summer, I introduced legislation to enhance penalties for crimes committed against immigration enforcement personnel. We must protect our law enforcement officers and send a clear message that this destructive behavior will not be tolerated. U.S. Supreme Court Hears Cases on Fairness in Female Athletics
The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard arguments in two cases involving state laws designed to safeguard women’s sports. Here in Pennsylvania, I supported the Save Women’s Sports Act, which will ensure athletic teams designated for women are reserved for biological females in Pennsylvania’s K–12 and collegiate sports. Senate Bill 9 reinforces the original intent of Title IX by ensuring female athletes are not denied scholarships, placements or opportunities due to unfair competition from biological males. It acknowledges biological realities and helps guarantee a safe, level playing field for women and girls. The bill passed the Senate in May 2025 and is awaiting action in the state House of Representatives. Oversight of Taxpayer-Funded Child Care Programs in Pennsylvania
With National Spotlight on the fraud involving childcare centers in Minnesota, I recently co-sponsored legislation to strengthen oversight and reporting requirements for publicly funded childcare in Pennsylvania. Every year, Pennsylvania appropriates more than $420 million in taxpayer funds for child care services, in addition to hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding, for a total of more than a billion taxpayer dollars. Any fraud diverts critical resources away from the children and families who truly need them. This is not a left-or-right issue- it’s about protecting taxpayer dollars and stopping fraud, waste, and inefficiency. Visit to the Pennsylvania Farm Show
In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show theme, “Growing a Nation,” highlights our Commonwealth’s vital role in the nation’s founding and its future. I was glad to stop by this week to learn more about agriculture across our state and to hear directly from Secretary of Agriculture Russell Reading. I also enjoyed speaking with Executive Deputy Secretary Greg Hostetter, a constituent of the 48th District. The timing of the visit couldn’t have been better, as the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act was signed into law by President Trump this week—an important step in supporting nutrition and agriculture alike. Police Chief Kevin L. Snyder Retires After 44 Years of Public Service
Congratulations to Police Chief Kevin L. Snyder on his official retirement from the North Londonderry Township Police Department after 24 years of dedicated service to the Township and 44-year law enforcement career. I was proud to present Chief Snyder with a citation recognizing his commitment to protecting our community. I wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement and thank him for his outstanding public service. 2025 Property Tax/Rent Rebate Applications Now Being Accepted
The application period is now open for this year’s Property Tax/Rent Rebate program, which provides rebates from $380 to $1,000 to eligible older adults and people with disabilities age 18 and older. The Pennsylvania Department of Revenue is accepting applications for rebates on property taxes or rent paid in 2025. Forms and instructions are available online, and eligible Pennsylvanians are encouraged to file their applications via myPATH to ensure their rebates are processed as quickly as possible. Please reach out to my office with any questions. Your Input Wanted on Program Helping PA Seniors and People with Disabilities
Older Pennsylvanians, people with disabilities and their families can find services and support in their community through Pennsylvania Link to Aging and Disability Resources (PA Link). Public input is wanted on a plan to redesign and improve PA Link. The plan calls for developing performance metrics, expanding call center functionality, deploying volunteers for community engagement and more. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging will hold a listening session Jan. 27, and the public comment period will be open until Feb. 9. You can review the draft plan, submit comments and sign up for the listening session here. Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.’s Dream
Americans of all colors and backgrounds are bound by a love of liberty, a can-do spirit and other ideals that resonate strongly across the United States. Martin Luther King Jr. Day is an opportunity to recommit to celebrating what brings us together and to seeing each other as fellow citizens, judged by what we do and not what we look like. Local Events
Saturday, January 10-17: 2026 PA Farm Show Saturday, January 17, 11am-1:30pm: Chicken Pot Pie Saturday, January 17, 5:30pm: America250 Kickoff Thursday, January 22-24: Lebanon County Home Show Friday, January 23, 4pm: LCBA Winter Wine & Craft Show Friday, February 13-22: Lititz Fire & Ice Festival
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