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In this Update:
* Monday’s Telephone Town Hall
* Honoring Corporal Paul Decker for his Service
* Giving Law-Abiding Gun Owners the Protection They Deserve
* Affirming the Right to Bear Arms by Blocking Restrictive Policies
* Senate Continues to Dissect Shapiro’s Budget to Protect PA Consumers, Empower Parents
* Reporting State Fraud and Waste
* Connect with Employers at the Commonwealth Job Fair on March 5
* Snowmobiling in State Forests and Parks
* Preventing Heart Attacks and Strokes

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** Monday’s Telephone Town Hall
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On Monday, I hosted a Telephone Town Hall to connect with residents of the 33rd Senate District. It was wonderful to engage in meaningful conversations with my constituents and listen to your diverse concerns and insights. I appreciate the opportunity to hear directly from you about the issues that matter most in our community.

I will be hosting another Telephone Town Hall on March 20th at 11 am.

This will again open a great opportunity for you to share your thoughts, and concerns with me. Your feedback is incredibly valuable, and I look forward to hearing from you. Please mark your calendars, and feel free to invite friends and neighbors to join the conversation.


** Honoring Corporal Paul Decker for his Service
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On Thursday, I was honored to present Corporal Paul Decker with a retirement citation for his 25 years of service to the Pennsylvania State Police.


** Giving Law-Abiding Gun Owners the Protection They Deserve
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I introduced the Protecting the Rights of Concealed Carry Permit Holders Traveling Across State Lines Act ([link removed]) to address the inconsistency of firearm laws.

Senate Bill 244 ([link removed]) would prevent Pennsylvania concealed carry permit holders by prohibiting the sharing of Firearms License Validation System data with states that do not honor Pennsylvania’s reciprocity agreements. It would protect the rights of our citizens and uphold the integrity of the Second Amendment.

Despite having undergone rigorous background checks and meeting all licensing requirements, law-abiding gun owners have been wrongfully detained and subjected to legal harassment for exercising their rights. There have been documented cases of individuals being pulled over for routine traffic stops, only to be detained for hours after out-of-state law enforcement accessed Pennsylvania’s Firearms License Validation System and found their concealed carry permit.

The bill is before the Senate Judiciary Committee for consideration.


** Affirming the Right to Bear Arms by Blocking Restrictive Policies
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To reaffirm the state’s historic stand for freedom and protect a right that predates even the United States Constitution, I re-introduced the Pennsylvania Right to Bear Arms Act ([link removed]) .

The bill would prohibit the enforcement of any new federal restrictions, prohibitions or registration requirements on firearms, magazines and ammunition in the commonwealth. It would also prevent state or local resources from being used to enforce unconstitutional federal mandates. Finally, it would ensure that law-abiding citizens can continue to exercise their Second Amendment rights without fear of overreach or persecution.

Former President Joe Biden called for bans on commonly owned firearms. New York and California have already implemented draconian restrictions, infringing upon their citizens’ Second Amendment rights. Gun registration databases are being proposed, threatening to turn a constitutional right into a government privilege.

The right to bear arms is not just a constitutional issue; it is a fundamental human right. If history has taught us anything, it is that disarming people is the first step toward oppression.


** Senate Continues to Dissect Shapiro’s Budget to Protect PA Consumers, Empower Parents
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The Senate Appropriations Committee continued public hearings this week on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed $51.5 billion spending plan for Fiscal Year 2025-26. His plan would increase state spending by more than 7.5% above the current year’s budget. Shapiro’s spending plan would create a funding shortfall of more than $27 billion in the next five years, so Senate Republicans are carefully reviewing proposed expenses to avoid big financial issues.

Among the highlights of recent budget hearings:

During the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) budget hearing, discussion centered on inefficient government and delays people experience when trying to get permits. The governor’s continued pursuit of the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) electricity tax on Pennsylvania consumers and the hidden cost of Shapiro’s new “Lightning” energy plan were also discussed, including the fact that both plans would raise energy prices for consumers, limit job growth, and make our electric grid less reliable.

The Department of Aging hearing highlighted concerns about the accountability, oversight and costs of court-appointed guardians. The viability of the Lottery Fund, which pays for new initiatives benefiting older Pennsylvanians, and helping seniors avoid financial scams were also part of the conversation.

At the Department of Education budget hearing, committee members shared problems regarding education funding and declining student proficiency in basics like reading and math. While Shapiro calls for an increase of $860 million, Senate Republicans are focused on the need for greater accountability in education. The importance of career and technical centers, apprenticeships and other job-training programs was also discussed. Members of the committee also highlighted the importance of school choice programs, including Lifeline Scholarships to support choice options in low-performing schools.

Thursday’s hearings included the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Community and Economic Development. Find the hearings schedule, livestreams of budget hearings, daily recaps and video from prior hearings at PASenateGOP.com ([link removed]) .


** Reporting State Fraud and Waste
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Commonwealth employees and private citizens can take action to stop fraud and misconduct in Pennsylvania state government.

Complaints can be made online ([link removed]) with the Office of the State Inspector General (OSIG) against a commonwealth employee, agency or contractor regarding an issue related to an executive agency of the commonwealth.

The OSIG works to maintain public confidence in government by combating fraud, waste, misconduct and abuse in commonwealth programs, operations and contracts.


** Connect with Employers at the Commonwealth Job Fair on March 5
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The Commonwealth Job Fair offers the opportunity to connect with more than 30 Pennsylvania state agencies and to learn more about public service. There are openings in transportation, finance, health care, wildlife management, public safety and more. You can also learn about career growth and other benefits.

It will be held Wednesday, March 5, from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, 2300 N. Cameron St., Harrisburg.

See open positions, learn more and register here ([link removed]) .


** Snowmobiling in State Forests and Parks
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State parks and forests offer all sorts of recreational opportunities, including snowmobiling. There are thousands of miles and hundreds of acres of designated snowmobile areas for exploration.

As long as there is enough snow cover, snowmobile trails open the day after the last day of Pennsylvania’s regular or extended rifle deer season and close April 1 or earlier as determined by the district forester or park manager. During snowmobiling season, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources posts snow and trail conditions ([link removed]) three times per week.

While riding your snowmobile, you must carry with you or on the vehicle a certificate of registration, proof of liability insurance, registration plate affixed to the vehicle, expiration stickers (does not apply to limited registration) and valid safety certificate (ages 10-15 if riding off of parent’s or guardian’s property). Learn more ([link removed]) .


** Preventing Heart Attacks and Strokes
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February is American Heart Month, which is a wonderful time for people of all ages to take steps to protect their hearts.

Typically, we think of heart disease and stroke when we think of the challenges that can result from poor heart health. Maintaining healthy blood pressure ([link removed]) and eating well ([link removed]) can help to prevent a cardiac event.

But heart health isn’t just for adults. More than 23,000 children experience cardiac arrest outside of the hospital each year. By learning CPR ([link removed]) , you will be ready to respond in an emergency.

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