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In this Update:
Unprecedented Spending Prompts Senate Committee Subpoenas
In response to instances of unprecedented spending by the Shapiro Administration, including more than $1 million in improvements to the governor’s private residence, the Senate Intergovernmental Operations Committee issued subpoenas to the Pennsylvania State Police, Abington Township (Montgomery County) and aviation company Lets Go Air, Inc. There’s no question that the governor’s security is vital, but we also have a duty to ensure that taxpayer money is being spent appropriately. Through thoughtful and efficient review, I believe we can ensure our laws and procedures protect both the Governor and the taxpayers. Legislative oversight isn’t optional – it’s a constitutional responsibility. We need to evaluate if our laws as they are written today are enough to protect the governor and Pennsylvania taxpayers at the same time. I believe there’s a place where both can exist. More information about the subpoenas is available here. Three More Farms Preserved in Berks County
This week, three farms in Berks County, totaling 306 acres, were preserved by the State Agriculture Land Preservation Board. I applaud the dedication of these families and the ongoing efforts of the Berks County Conservation District to protect our region’s rich agricultural heritage. Preserved Farms:
America250 PA Unveils Lebanon Liberty Bell
I was honored to speak at the America250PA’s Bells Across PA unveiling here in Lebanon County. We were graciously joined by PA Treasurer Stacy Garity. To commemorate the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding, a unique bell has been commissioned for each of Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. Lebanon County’s very own liberty bell is now on display at the Lebanon Expo Center. One side features a beautiful scene from Jeff and Sue Werner’s sunflower farm in Lickdale, while the other showcases the historic Union Canal Tunnel — both brought to life by local artist Jim Rudegeair. You can explore all the bells across the Commonwealth here: https://www.america250pa.org/PPE:_Bells_Across_PA Congratulations to the Annville-Cleona Boys Cross Country Team
For the third consecutive year, the Annville-Cleona School District team captured the Class AA Boys’ Team title at the 2025 PIAA District III Cross Country Championships. Team members include Benjamin Boyd, Oliver Brandt, Oliver Funck, David Moran, Z Moyer, Gradyn Sanders, Hunter Troxell, and Luke Tshudy, led by Head Coach Caitlin Heiler and Assistant Coach Rebekah Sanders. Congratulations to the entire team and coaching staff on their achievement! Tax Relief for Working Pennsylvanians
The new state budget we passed includes the new Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit, which provides meaningful relief for working families across the commonwealth. In a time when affordability is a top issue affecting Pennsylvanians, policies like this tax credit help relieve some of the financial burden on families. If you claim the Federal Earned Income Tax Credit, you may also claim the state tax credit equal to 10% of the federal amount. You can use this online calculator to determine if you qualify for the Working Pennsylvanians Tax Credit and estimate how much you could receive. State Budget Funds New State Police Troopers
Public safety is a critical component of healthy, stable communities, and I am committed to ensuring that law enforcement gets the support it needs to keep criminals at bay. The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) fills a vital public safety role in the commonwealth, and I’m happy to report that the 2025-26 state budget includes funding for four state police cadet classes. After completing approximately 27 weeks of training, the most recent cadet class saw 49 graduates join the ranks as state troopers. I wish these new troopers much success as they keep our communities safe and pray for their wellbeing. The PSP’s latest hiring cycle is open until Jan. 23, 2026. Those interested in becoming a state trooper can find application requirements, job benefits and other details at PATrooper.com. Senate Votes to Make State Funds Available for Local Bridge Projects
Legislation to make state funding available for local bridge projects was approved by the Senate. Counties receive dollars through the Highway Bridge Improvement Restricted Account within the state Motor License Fund to pay for repair and replacement of county-owned bridges. However, current law does not allow for further practical uses of leftover funds. Senate Bill 1070 would give counties the flexibility they need to improve local, municipal-owned bridges before they become at-risk. Senate Bill 1070 was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. PA 529 is the Gift of Education
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced a new, easy way to give the gift of education this holiday season – Gift of College gift cards. Friends and families can buy these digital gift cards, available at pa529.com/gift, for recipients to deposit into their PA 529 College and Career Savings Program account. Anyone, including parents, grandparents, other relatives and family friends, can contribute to a PA 529 account. Savings can be used for qualified education expenses for K-12, higher education, credential programs and apprenticeship programs. The person giving the gift also gets something – a PA state tax deduction for the amount of the PA 529 contribution. In November, PA 529 was ranked one of the best college savings plans in the nation. To learn more about PA 529, visit pa529.com or call 800-440-4000. Dec. 19 Deadline to Apply for Veterans Services Grants
Nonprofits, counties and other groups that provide services to veterans have until Dec. 19 to apply for Veterans’ Trust Fund (VTF) grants to help fulfill their missions. Administered by the state Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the VTF supports programs that improve services to veterans at the county, regional or state level. For nonprofit and veterans’ organizations, funding priorities include mental and behavioral health, transportation and employment. These applicants may request up to $40,000. County directors and their association may apply for up to $15,000 per county. Their funding priorities must include outreach initiatives, enhancing veteran service officer and advocate capabilities and addressing emerging needs such as transportation, food insecurity, suicide prevention and legal assistance. Celebrating the Bill of Rights
Monday, Dec. 15 is national Bill of Rights Day, when we celebrate the ratification of the first 10 amendments to the U.S. Constitution in 1791. The Bill of Rights guarantees civil rights and liberties to the individual – like freedom of speech, press and religion – and limits the power of government. This document forever enshrined the fundamental rights and liberties we hold sacred as Americans and set in motion the greatest self-governance experiment in the history of the world. Local Events
Friday, December 12: Horse-Drawn Carriage Rides in Downtown Lebanon Saturday, December 13, 9am-3pm: Christkindlmarkt Saturday, December 13, 10am-2pm: Christmas at the Homestead Saturday, December 13-14, 10am-5pm: Holiday Spiritual & Holistic Bazaar Saturday, December 13, 5-8pm: Historical Lantern Hayride Saturday, December 13, 11am: Lebanon Community Library Holiday Celebration
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