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In this Update:
6,500 Farms Preserved and 650,00 Acres Protected Across Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania has reached a major milestone in farmland preservation, protecting over 6,500 farms and 650,000 acres since the program’s creation in the 1980s. I was proud to join state and local officials to celebrate this achievement right here in Lebanon County at Talview Dairy Farm in South Annville Township. Brent and Stacy Copenhaver, the owners of the South Annville farm discussed how they are fulfilling Stacy’s parents dream when they enrolled into the farmland preservation program in the 1990s. The Copenhaver family cares for more than 400 Holstein dairy cattle and exemplifies the dedication of Pennsylvania’s family farms. Preserving our agricultural industry is vital. It sustains local communities, strengthens our economy, and protects Pennsylvania’s heritage for generations to come. Honoring the Legacy of WO1 John Stephen Chrin
I joined community members and local officials in Lebanon to honor the life and service of Warrant Officer 1 (WO1) John Stephen Chrin during the 11th Annual WO1 John Stephen Chrin Day at Holy Cross Cemetery. October 13, 2025, marked the 54th anniversary of WO1 Chrin’s sacrifice. A native of Lebanon, WO1 Chrin gave his life while flying an unarmed helicopter on a nighttime combat medical evacuation mission in South Vietnam. His bravery and dedication to saving others embody the very best of our nation’s service members. The annual ceremony brings together family, veterans, and residents to ensure that WO1 Chrin’s legacy of courage and selflessness is never forgotten. In addition, I joined State Representative Russ Diamond and local leaders for the dedication of the Route 934 bridge over Swatara Creek in East Hanover Township, which has been officially designated as the Warrant Officer 1 John Stephen Chrin Memorial Bridge. Through these remembrances, Lebanon County continues to honor its local heroes and the values they stood for — courage, duty, and devotion to others. Pennsylvania Family Institute Banquet
This week, I had the pleasure of attending the annual Pennsylvania Family Institute Banquet. It was an honor to meet Governor Ron DeSantis, who has done an outstanding job in Florida championing freedom, limited government, and family values. We had a great conversation about how Pennsylvania can adopt some of those same principles to strengthen our Commonwealth. But to quote him, “We need to find a Governor willing to sign those ideas into law.” The Pennsylvania Family Institute continues to lead with a vision to build a Commonwealth where God is honored, religious freedom flourishes, families thrive, and life is cherished. I’m grateful for their tireless work and steadfast commitment to these values. Pennsylvania Attorney General Announces Expansion of Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative in Lebanon County
This week, I joined Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, Lebanon County District Attorney Pier Hess Graff, Sheriff Jeff Marley, Jim Donmoyer from the Lebanon County Drug and Alcohol Commission, and Holly Leahy, Administrator of Lebanon County MH/ID/EI, to announce an exciting expansion of the Law Enforcement Treatment Initiative (LETI) in Lebanon County. Lebanon County is now the 34th county in Pennsylvania to implement LETI, and it is the first in the Commonwealth to launch with expanded behavioral and mental health treatment services for participants. The LETI program allows Pennsylvanians seeking help to turn to their local law enforcement and county officials for support and access to treatment, bridging the gap between law enforcement and community resources to aid those struggling with substance use and behavioral health challenges. Bill Targeting Catalytic Converter Thefts Passed by Senate
Pennsylvania is one of the top states in the country for catalytic converter thefts, with thieves targeting the car part for its precious metals – leaving families and businesses to deal with the costly aftermath. We passed legislation to strengthen regulations and equip law enforcement with better tools to track and prosecute offenders. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 914 repeals the Scrap Metal Theft Prevention Act and moves the requirements to Title 18, the Crimes Code. Title 18 requires scrap processors and recycling facilities to collect buyer information, set commercial-account rules, restrict purchases of certain materials and create penalties. Senate Votes to Expand College Aid for Foster Children
The Senate approved legislation to expand tuition aid for foster children and adopted youth to cover those from other states, attracting talented students to help fill in-demand jobs and boost the commonwealth’s weak population growth. Senate Bill 432 would expand the Fostering Independence Tuition Waiver Program, which waives higher education tuition and fees for children in the foster care system and those who were adopted. The program is currently available only to state residents and the legislation would expand it to eligible nonresident students for undergraduate courses at Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education schools. The measure builds on the GROW PA plan I supported last year to improve Pennsylvania’s competitiveness by, among other steps, attracting and retaining students to pursue college degrees. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Open Government: Tracking How Your Tax Dollars are Spent
Government is funded by money paid by taxpayers, and these resources are available to shed light on how those dollars are being spent by the commonwealth. The PennWATCH website allows citizens to keep tabs on the state budget, spending and revenue. Pennsylvania also makes it easy for people to review state purchases, lobbyist registrations and reports and campaign finance reports. Announced earlier this year by state Treasurer Stacy Garrity, OpenBookPA is a vast resource of data and information related to state finances. It includes the Fiscal Health Scorecard, the daily balance of every state fund and the Contracts e-Library, which allows people to search all state contracts valued at $5,000 or more. Give Your Feedback on PennDOT Construction, Maintenance Services
Through Oct. 21, motorists can take an online survey to give their feedback on Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) construction and maintenance services. The 22-question survey asks participants how they receive PennDOT roadway information and how often PennDOT meets or exceeds expectations in construction and maintenance activities. Respondents are also asked about experiences with reporting concerns to the department, and whether or how they use the state’s 511PA traveler information services. PennDOT is directly responsible for nearly 40,000 miles of highway and 25,400 bridges. A summary of recent projects and funds spent can be found in the 2024 Annual Report. Expanding Coverage of Breast Cancer Screenings
Earlier this year, the Senate passed a bill to expand insurance coverage for breast cancer screenings, including MRIs and ultrasounds, with no out-of-pocket costs. It was another major step forward in early detection and access to care. This Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I’m hopeful the House of Representatives will pass this legislation, so more Pennsylvanians have access to these lifesaving screenings. Read more about breast cancer risk and new resources available for early detection here. Veterans Appreciation Breakfast
Join me along with State Representatives Russ Diamond, Tom Jones, and John Schlegel for a special breakfast honoring our veterans. The event is free and will be hosted at the Campbelltown Fire Hall on Saturday, November 15 at 9 a.m. Veterans may register themselves and one guest by calling 717-274-6735 or online at: https://senatorgebhard.com/psrc-events/veterans-breakfast-111525/. Unclaimed Property and State Resource Expo
Join me along with State Representatives Dave Zimmerman and the office of State Treasurer Stacy Garrity for an Unclaimed Property and State Resource Expo. The event will be hosted at the Reinholds Fire Company on Saturday, October 25 from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. We will be able to assist with processing unclaimed property request and a variety of state-related issues such as birth certificates, property tax/rent rebate applications, handicap placards, and answer state-related questions. Please register by calling 717-274-6735 or online at: https://senatorgebhard.com/psrc-events/veterans-breakfast-111525/. Local Events
Saturday, October 18; 4pm-7pm: 2nd Annual Jonestown Fall Fest Saturday, October 18; 9am-2pm: Fall Craft Show to Benefit United Way of Berks County Tuesday, October 21; 9-10:30pm: YMCA Trunk or Treat Saturday, October 25; 12-4pm: Richland Community Association Harvest Festival Saturday, October 25-26: Pumpkin Fly-In at Golden Age Air Museum Saturday, October 27; 6:30-9:30pm: Lititz Halloween Parade Saturday, November 1; 5-8pm: Haunted Historical Walk
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