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In this Update:
Protecting Seniors from Financial Exploitation
The Senate Banking and Insurance Committee unanimously passed my legislation to update Pennsylvania’s Older Adult Protective Services Act to better protect seniors and prevent financial abuse and scams. The FBI ranked Pennsylvania ninth in total losses to fraud experienced by older adults in 2025. More than 7,000 seniors were defrauded of more than $200 million, representing a 43% jump from 2024. Senate Bill 738 would require financial institutions to report on suspected cases of elder financial abuse and empower the institutions to hold suspicious financial transactions. Similar legislation has been passed in more than 20 states and has been used as an effective tool to prevent fraud. The bill includes provisions to streamline communications between organizations and agencies that care for seniors, such as the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. It also increases healthcare efficiency, updates measures related to older adult sexual abuse and provides mandatory reporters with a clear procedure for reporting suspected cases of elder abuse. The measure now heads to the full Senate for consideration. Big Boy No. 4014 Makes Stop in Lebanon
Union Pacific’s “Big Boy” steam locomotive made a historic stop at Lebanon Station this week. As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, this visit was a powerful reminder of the important role railroads have played in building our nation and Lebanon County. Only 25 Big Boys were built, and No. 4014 is the only one still in operation today, weighing 1.2 million pounds and stretching 133 feet long. PA Trooper’s Death Highlights Urgent Need to Improve CDL Oversight
Pennsylvania State Trooper Michael E. Pahira Jr. was recently killed in the line of duty during a Schuylkill County traffic stop when he was struck by a tractor trailer driven by a person who was in the country illegally. I mourn this heartbreaking tragedy and join the Pennsylvania State Troopers Association in asking why this person had been granted a commercial driver’s license (CDL) in Massachusetts. I also urge the Pennsylvania House of Representatives to pass two bills approved by the Senate to help prevent similar tragedies in the future: Senate Bill 1294, which improves the training curriculum and strengthens penalties to shutdown unqualified “CDL Mills,” and Senate Bill 1295, which requires English proficiency in all testing applications to operate an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle on public highways. We must strengthen our laws and oversight governing non-domiciled CDLs to improve commercial vehicle safety and help protect lives across our commonwealth. Congratulations to Julia Vicente and Dr. Barbara Davis on their Retirement
I was honored to present a citation to Superintendent Julia Vicente and Assistant Superintedent Dr. Barbara Davis to recognize their retirement from the ELCO School District. Both have provided steady leadership and dedicated service to the district, making a lasting impact on students, staff and the entire ELCO community. Wishing them all the best in a well-deserved retirement. Senate Passes Bill to Bring Life-saving Treatments to Market More Quickly
The Senate approved legislation to help get new life-saving treatments and devices to market more quickly while preserving safety standards. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Under current law, a pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturer must first complete a lengthy federal process before it can even begin the state licensure process in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1206 allows companies to gain temporary approval under Pennsylvania’s virtual manufacturers’ law, so that once federal approval is granted, these companies can quickly move forward without having to clear additional administrative roadblocks. Read more about Senate Bill 1206 here. Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline Extended to Dec. 31
The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides rebates on property taxes or rent paid for the previous year by income-eligible seniors and people with disabilities. The deadline to apply has been extended to Dec. 31, 2026. Funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, it benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Rebates range from $380 to $1,000. The income limit is currently $48,110 a year for homeowners and renters, however, half of Social Security income is excluded. Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced that $224.4 million in rebates have already been sent to 372,291 Pennsylvanians. You can find more information and apply here. Contact my office for assistance in applying. State Police Cadet Selection Open Through July 31
Do you know someone who is considering a law enforcement career? The Pennsylvania State Police Cadet selection cycle is open through July 31. In addition to patrol services and policing residential areas, state troopers provide a variety of support services through specialized positions. The selection process consists of a written exam, background check and polygraph exam, physical readiness test, medical checkup and psychological evaluation. College internships are also available at participating schools. Learn more about the cadet selection process here. Local Events
Wednesday, July 8-11: The 172nd Berks County Fair Friday, July 11-12: Schaefferstown Fire Co. Antique & Classic Tractor Pull Saturday, July 11 & 18: Washington Boro Tomato Festival Thursday, July 16, 6-10pm: Fifth Annual Sevco Basketball Tournament Saturday, July 18, 10am: Backpack Giveaway Saturday, July 25-Aug 1: The Lebanon Area Fair Saturday, August 1, 3-9pm: One Love Reggae Festival
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