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In this Update:
Expanding Real Estate Tax Exemption for Disabled Veterans
I’m working with Pennsylvania State Treasurer, Stacy Garrity to make changes to Pennsylvania’s Real Estate Tax Exemption for 100% disabled veterans. Presently, contributions to the PA Treasury’s ABLE Savings Program may be counted as income, potentially disqualifying veterans from this vital exemption. Our proposed legislation aims to rectify this by ensuring that ABLE contributions do not affect a veteran’s eligibility for the tax exemption. This initiative builds on the recent expansion of the PA ABLE program, which now allows Pennsylvanians whose disability began before age 46 to open an ABLE account. We are committed to seeing this bill through the Senate to provide the necessary support for our veterans. Honored to Stand for Life
I was proud to attend the “Stand for Life” rally in downtown Lebanon, held alongside the 53rd National March for Life in Washinton, D.C. This year’s theme was “Life is a Gift”. More than 60 individuals braved the cold to show their support for protecting life, a testament to a growing, multigenerational movement committed to defending the dignity of every human life. I will continue to support legislation that protects the fundamental human right to life. Unfortunately, the House recently passed an amendment that would make abortion up to birth a constitutional right in Pennsylvania. Thankfully, I am confident that this measure will not be supported by the Senate. Hearing Explores AI’s Impact on Pennsylvania’s Biotech Sector
How Pennsylvania can become a leader in harnessing AI to improve lives, fuel the economy and build a sustainable future was the topic of a recent hearing by the Senate Communications and Technology Committee and the Senate Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee. In biotechnology, AI is accelerating research timelines, improving drug development, optimizing supply chains and expanding the frontiers of what’s possible in medical and agricultural science. Pennsylvania has roughly 3,000 life science companies with a $61 billion direct economic impact. The hearing, held at Merck & Co. in Montgomery County, heard from representatives of Merck, Johnson & Johnson, the University of Pennsylvania and Carnegie Mellon University, a biotech nonprofit, a health care technology firm and a neuroscientist start-up, among others. You can view the hearing and read testimony here. State Law Requires Removing Ice and Snow from Vehicles
It’s a chore, but removing ice or snow from your vehicle not only improves safety, it’s the law. Under state law, drivers must remove ice or snow from vehicles, including the hood, trunk and roof, within 24 hours after a snow or ice event. It is also illegal to drive with snow and ice obstructing your vision through the front, side or rear windows. It’s a $50 fine for failing to reasonably clear your vehicle and up to $1,500 if dislodged snow/ice causes serious injury or death. The fines were set under “Christine’s Law,” named for Christine Lambert, who died on Christmas Day 2005 when ice from a tractor trailer crashed through her windshield. Celebrating National School Choice Week
The week of Jan. 25-31 is designated as National School Choice Week to recognize the importance of empowering parents and families to choose educational options that meet each student’s unique learning needs. School choice programs like the state’s popular Educational Improvement Tax Credit program – which was expanded this year to help more families in disadvantaged schools – are a key component of Pennsylvania’s efforts to ensure every student reaches their full potential. Education is not a one-size-fits-all experience. National School Choice Week highlights how a broader range of educational options can boost student achievement and encourage competition and innovation in education. Recognizing Catholic Schools Week in PA
Throughout Pennsylvania, Catholic schools deliver an outstanding education grounded in strong values and character, helping students develop confidence and strong leadership skills that strengthen our communities. Nearly 140,000 students are enrolled in Catholic schools throughout our commonwealth, and data show that 99% of Catholic school students graduate from high school and 96% go on to college after graduation. Senate Republicans led efforts to designate Catholic Schools Week in Pennsylvania from Jan. 25 through 31 to recognize the key role these schools play in educating the next generation of leaders. DEP Recommends Testing Your Home for Radon
Radon is the second-leading cause of lung cancer after smoking in the U.S. To help mark Radon Action Month, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is encouraging Pennsylvanians to test their homes for radon. DEP recommends all homes, schools, public and private buildings get tested. Radon test kits are also available at many home improvement and hardware stores, as well as from state-certified radon laboratories. Call DEP’s Radon Division at 717-783-3594, or the Radon Hotline at 800-237-2366, for help with interpreting their test results and what follow-up action may be necessary. Local Events
Thursday, January 29-February 1: 2026 PA Auto Show Friday, January 30, 10-11:30am: Preschool Storytime at Myerstown Community Library Saturday, January 31-February 1: Eagle Gun Show Saturday, January 31, 4pm: Snow Glow 5K Monday, February 2, 8:15am: Groundhog Day Celebration at Myerstown Recreation Park Monday, February 2: 24th Annual Souper Bowl Friday, February 13-22: Lititz Fire & Ice Festival
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