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In this Update:
Gebhard Votes No on Unsustainable Budget
The Senate and House this week passed a $50.1 billion state budget which I opposed due to excessive spending and long-term fiscal concerns. As a small business owner myself, I know that in the real world you cannot continue to spend more than you take in without going bankrupt. This budget will ultimately force extremely difficult decisions in the near future, either raising taxes on hardworking Pennsylvanians who are already struggling or making drastic cuts to essential state services. The time to get our fiscal house in order is now, not later. The $50. 1 billion budget spends about $4 billion more than the state is expected to receive during the current fiscal year 2027-28. While it’s certainly good news that Gov. Josh Shapiro has finally come to his senses and agreed to exit the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative, essentially a $1 billion electricity tax on Pennsylvanians, it does not change the basic math. We cannot continue to grow recurring expenses and saddle future generations with the consequences of poor financial decisions. This budget is simply unsustainable, and I could not support it. Cornwall-Lebanon School District Veteran Breakfast
This week, I had the opportunity to attend the Cornwall-Lebanon School District’s annual Veterans Breakfast. It was an excellent ceremony honoring those who have served our nation. I was pictured here with one of the keynote speakers, MSgt. Timmothy Erdman, USAF (Ret.). The event also included a tribute to Cedar Crest seniors who recently enlisted. Thank you to all our Veterans—and to the next generation—for your service to our country. Veterans Appreciation Breakfast this Weekend
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/. Legislation Advances Cracking Down on AI-Generated Child Sexual Abuse Material
Legislation to better protect young people against the serious threats posed by child abuse materials generated using artificial intelligence (AI) is advancing in the Senate. The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Senate Bill 1050, which would require mandated reporters to report all instances of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) they become aware of, including those produced by a minor. This applies to teachers, child care workers, health care providers and other individuals responsible for caring for children. There has been a startling increase in the amount of AI-generated CSAM being created and shared in recent years, including troubling cases in school settings. Law enforcement officials and child advocacy organizations shared their support for the measure during a public hearing of the Senate Majority Policy Committee. Keystone Scholars Offers November Incentive to Start Saving for College
State Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced a statewide incentive for Keystone Scholars this month which will give children a head start on education savings. Families who claim their child’s $100 scholarship from Keystone Scholars in November and open and link their own companion PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account will get an additional $50. Keystone Scholars provides a $100 scholarship for every child born in Pennsylvania since 2019. This money grows alongside the child and will be available to use after their 18th birthday to help pay for costs associated with four-year degrees, community college, technical training, apprenticeships and credential programs. To learn more, visit pa529.com/keystone. State Police Will Help Ensure Your Child Car Seat is Properly Installed
Throughout November, certified Pennsylvania State Police technicians are setting aside dates to help ensure child car seats are safe, secure and properly installed. Caregivers will receive instruction on the proper installation and have seats installed, learn how to properly harness a child in a seat and check seats for recalls. Find the nearest free car seat check here. If none are scheduled locally or you can’t make it, check your local state police station for free monthly child seat fittings. Oh Say, Can You Sing? The PA Farm Show National Anthem Contest
Think you’ve got what it takes to sing the National Anthem at the Farm Show? The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is looking for singers to kick off each day of the 2026 edition of the nation’s largest indoor agricultural exposition. Submit your original video entry by Nov. 24 to be considered. Winners will be selected by fan voting on Facebook. You must be available at least one day of the Farm Show, which runs from Jan. 10 through Jan. 17. You can find details about eligibility, video requirements, voting and how to apply here. Local Events
Friday, November 15, 9am-4pm: Holiday Gift Show 2025 at Lititz Church of the Brethren Friday, November 15, 8am-2pm: St. Paul the Apostle Church Holiday Craft Bazaar Friday, November 15, 9am-3pm: 18th Annual Craft Show Fleetwood Area High School Saturday, November 22, 10am: 49th Annual Lebanon Holiday Parade Saturday, November 22, 9am-2pm: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church Holiday Bazaar Saturday, November 22, 9am-1pm: UCC of Robesonia Christmas Bazaar Saturday, November 29, 2pm: Myerstown Christmas Parade
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