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In this Update:
Senate Votes to Protect Your Right to Know About Government Actions
The Senate approved legislation to strengthen government transparency and protect the public’s right to know. Senate Bill 1150 would clarify Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Act to ensure public agencies provide meaningful notice before acting on important matters. The bill reinforces the 24-hour agenda posting requirement and ensures exceptions for emergencies and small-scale matters remain limited. The legislation follows a state Supreme Court ruling allowing agencies to add agenda items and take official action on them with a simple majority vote, even when those items were not included on a publicly posted agenda. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about legislation to strengthen the Sunshine Act here. Salem Lutheran Church Dedication Ceremony
The Salem Evangelical Lutheran Church and the Lebanon chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution dedicated a commemorative marker June 14, honoring the church’s role in announcing American independence 250 years ago. I was honored to speak at the ceremony to recognize their special place in American history. On July 8, 1776, American independence was proclaimed at the church by the tolling of its bell, cast by Pack and Chapman of London. Remarkably, that bell still hangs in the church steeple today. One of the church’s early clergy leaders was Pastor Frederick Augustus Muhlenberg, an important figure in our nation’s founding who became the first Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives and a signer of the Bill of Rights. As we continue celebrating America 250, the story of Salem Lutheran Church is a powerful reminder that the story of our nation is also the story of countless local communities whose faith, resilience, and contributions helped shape America. Congratulations to Kaddel Howard and Eliana Schneider
I had the honor of presenting Senate citations to two outstanding seniors from Cornwall-Lebanon School District for their impressive state championships in track and field this year. Kaddel Howard capped off an incredible high school career by winning the 2026 PIAA Class AAA Girls’ 400-Meter Dash with a time of 54.56 seconds. She is now a four-time state champion. Eliana Schneider captured first place in the 2026 PIAA Class AAA Girls’ Javelin Throw with a throw of 160 feet, 11 inches — breaking the state record. Congratulations to Kaddel and Eliana on these tremendous accomplishments. I wish them both all the best in their bright futures! Congratulations to Northern Lebanon Baseball
Congratulations to the Northern Lebanon Baseball Team on making school history. The Vikings captured the school’s first-ever district championship with a 7-1 win over East Pennsboro to secure the 2026 PIAA District III Class 4A Baseball Championship. I was happy to present the team and Head Coach Travis Thome with a Senate citation this week in recognition of this tremendous accomplishment. Making it Easier for Fire Companies, EMS Agencies to Access Funding
Legislation to make it easier for fire and EMS agencies to access state funding through the Fire and EMS Grant program was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 1261 streamlines the application process, including eliminating outdated wording and incentives, using the state’s Single Application for Assistance instead of having a separate, redundant system, and asking fire companies to provide additional contact information to ensure lines of communication are open. The bill also increases the amount fire and EMS agencies can borrow through the State Fire Commissioner’s low-interest loan program, freeing up more funding opportunities for first responder agencies. Senate Bill 1261 now advances to the House of Representatives. Read more about these proposed improvements here. Flying the POW/MIA Flag at Public Schools
The Senate voted to require the POW/MIA flag be displayed at any public school in the commonwealth that already displays the American flag, provided the school can reasonably accommodate it. By meeting the requirement of Senate Bill 835 schools can help ensure the sacrifices of prisoners of war and those missing in action are never forgotten and demonstrate their commitment to supporting military families and educating students about the importance of service. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 835 here. Quarantine Order Issued to Protect PA Farms from Screwworm
Heightened risk of New World Screwworm (NWS) following confirmed cases in Texas and New Mexico has prompted the state Department of Agriculture to issue a quarantine order limiting the movements of livestock and pets. There are currently no cases in Pennsylvania, but NWS is a devastating pest. Its fly larvae can infest livestock, pets, wildlife, occasionally birds, and in rare cases, people. The quarantine order establishes movement restrictions and enhanced animal health requirements for susceptible domestic animals entering Pennsylvania from affected areas. The order includes provisions for veterinary inspection, animal health certification and preventative measures designed to reduce the risk of NWS entering the commonwealth through animal movements. Read the NWS quarantine order here. Find more information about the NWS outbreak here. Happy Father’s Day
On Sunday, we celebrate fathers and fatherhood, and honor the dads who influenced us throughout our lives. Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers and father figures who contribute so much to our families and communities. Local Events
Saturday, June 20, 3-6pm: Cleona Celebrates 250 Community Picnic Saturday, June 20-21, 3-10pm: St. Paul’s Summer Bazaar Saturday, June 20, 9am: A Day at the Playground Saturday, June 20, 11am-7pm: 32nd Annual Art on the Avenue Saturday, June 20, 9am-3pm: Lebanon Valley Craft & Vendor Marketplace Tuesday, June 23, 9am-5pm: Taste of Summer Saturday, June 27, 10am-4pm: Ephrata Cloister 1776: An American 250 Celebration Saturday, July 4, 2-10pm: Berks County Star-Spangled Spectacular Saturday, July 4, 1-9pm: Lebanon 250 Celebration Tuesday, July 7, 12:30-1:15pm: Big Boy Visits Lebanon Station
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