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In this Update:
Lebanon Area Fair Kicks Off this Weekend!
One of my favorite summer traditions, the Lebanon Area Fair runs from July 25 through August 1st and features agricultural exhibits, competitions, family fun, great food and much more. Whether you’re grabbing a famous grilled Lebanon bologna and cheese sandwich, checking out the farm animals, listening to live music on the midway or catching the demolition derby, there’s something for everyone. I’m looking forward to seeing many of you out at the fair! You can find the full schedule, musical acts, exhibits and more here. $2 Million Awarded for Important Municipal Projects in the District
I was happy to join Rep. John Schlegel (R-101) in announcing the approval of more than $2 million in Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program funding for two important projects in the 48th District.
Read the full news release here. Congratulations to Bob Corle on his Retirement
Congratulations to Chef Bob Corle on his well-deserved retirement from the Lebanon County Career and Technology Center after 30 years of teaching in the Culinary Arts program. Through his leadership, the program became the first high school culinary arts program in the nation to receive accreditation from the American Culinary Federation. Thank you, Chef Corle, for your many years of service and for the lasting impact you have had on so many students. Wishing you all the best in retirement! Tremendous Win for Private Property Rights
Every Pennsylvanian deserves to feel safe and secure on their own property, and this week the Pennsylvania Supreme Court upheld the strong privacy and property protections provided by our state constitution. The court’s unanimous decision, which came in a case involving two hunting clubs and the Pennsylvania Game Commission, is a major victory for private property rights across the commonwealth. It puts needed restrictions on the use of warrantless searches and correctly overturns the court’s 2007 decision in Commonwealth v. Russo. Specifically, the court held that “Article I, Section 8 provides Pennsylvania citizens with greater protection than the Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution as it relates to the open fields of any landowner that has demonstrated a reasonable expectation of privacy by taking sufficient steps to exclude intruders therefrom.” State game wardens have an important and dangerous job, which we all respect. However, the court emphasized the Game Commission must also respect the lawful rights of property owners. Standing Up for Rape Crisis Services
Rape crisis centers across Pennsylvania play a vital role in supporting victims of sexual violence, and I’m pleased that this year’s budget includes a historic $12 million increase for rape crisis centers. The significant funding for rape crisis centers would not have been possible without Senate Republicans pushing for support well above the governor’s request. With total state funding now amounting to nearly $25 million, this increase almost doubles the funding available for services, including 24-hour crisis hotlines, counseling, medical and legal advocacy, prevention education and accompaniment for survivors navigating hospitals, police investigations and court proceedings. If you or someone you know have been the victim of sexual assault and need to access rape crisis services, click here to find a center located near you. Protecting Our Communities from Child Predators and Human Trafficking
We are making progress in the never-ending fight against child predators and human trafficking in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 45, which I supported and which was recently signed into law as Act 41 of 2026, will help Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday and law enforcement officials across the state target and prosecute human trafficking more effectively. This is a huge step forward. And in the new state budget, we also increased funding for two key programs overseen by AG Sunday – the Child Predator Interception Unit and the Human Trafficking Enforcement and Prevention program. If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888. Investing in the Future of PA College Students
The successful Grow PA Scholarship program invests in Pennsylvania students looking to pursue a college education, develops the future of our workforce and incentivizes jobs to remain here in the commonwealth. Importantly, the program secures a commitment for students to stay and work in Pennsylvania communities after graduation, helping to address the state’s future economic and demographic challenges. With demand rising for Grow PA scholarships, the Senate secured a $10 million funding increase for the program in the 2026-27 state budget – bringing the annual funding total to $42.5 million. Grow PA, established in 2024, offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation and is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Learn more about this program here. Find Summer Getaway Ideas Here in PA
There’s plenty of summer left. If you haven’t had time for a vacation yet, or you’re looking for another getaway, there’s plenty to experience here in our commonwealth. Use VisitPA to explore by regions, such as the Pennsylvania Wilds, Great Lakes, Laurel Highlands, the Lehigh Valley, Dutch Country and more. Break it down by things to do, outdoor activities, dining and other experiences. From rivers and trails to iconic attractions and historic sites, you can start planning your trip at the VisitPA website. Local Events
Saturday, July 25-Aug 1: The Lebanon Area Fair Saturday, July 25-26: WWII Weekend at Historic Schaefferstown Saturday, July 25, 10am-1pm: Summer Carnival at Bethel-Tulpehocken Public Library Saturday, July 25, 10am-3pm: Touch a Truck Day at Lebanon Valley Craft Brewery Friday, July 31-Aug 2: Middle Creek Wildlife Art Show Saturday, August 1, 9am-4pm: Blacksmith Day Saturday, August 1, 3-9pm: One Love Reggae Festival Satruday, August 1-2: Nord Mead Fest Saturday, August 15-16: Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show
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