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In this Update:
* The Day of the Bible
* Vigil for Charlie Kirk at Shippensburg University’s Turning Point Chapter
* My Statement on the Tragic Loss of Police Officers
* Magnolia Women’s Shelter
* My Visit to B Wise Manufacturing company
* My Visit to The Boys & Girls Club in Chambersburg
* Honoring the life & Condemning the Assassination of Charlie Kirk
* Senate Votes to Help Relieve Long-Term Care Worker Shortage
* Measure to Help Veteran-Owned Businesses Approved by Senate
* Fire and EMS Funding Assistance Available
* Expanding Government Transparency with OpenBookPA
* Celebrating Our Precious U.S. Constitution
* Happy Rosh Hashanah

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** The Day of the Bible
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[link removed]

We joined community leaders and citizens at Congress Hall to mark The Day of the Bible, honoring September 12, 1782—the date when Congress approved the first English-language Bible printed in America, the Aitken Bible! What a meaningful evening celebrating the passing of SR131.

This event reminds us of how deeply faith and scripture have shaped our nation’s values and identity. Grateful to everyone who spoke, participated, and came together in unity. Let’s continue to uphold the ideals of justice, compassion, and personal responsibility in our Commonwealth

Senate Resolution 131 – Bill Information Details ([link removed])

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** Vigil for Charlie Kirk at Shippensburg University’s Turning Point Chapter
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On Thursday night, I was invited by Shippensburg University’s Turning Point USA chapter to honor Charlie Kirk’s legacy. Over 600 people gathered across multiple buildings on the University campus to pay tribute. It was inspiring to witness so many young people passionately devoted to making a difference in today’s world. Thank you to Generation Z for boldly standing in the name of Jesus! Charlie’s impact is only growing stronger. Charlie was fearless because he fully understood John 8:36.

To listen to my remarks please visit the following link. [link removed]


** My Statement on the Tragic Loss of Police Officers
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Our Commonwealth is grieving after the terrible tragedy that struck yesterday, when three police officers were killed in the line of duty. Two additional officers remain in critical condition after sustaining serious injuries.

Every day, our law enforcement officers kiss their families goodbye and leave for work not knowing if they will return home. Yet they faithfully answer the call to serve, to protect, and to stand as a shield for our communities. This tragedy is a painful reminder of the incredible sacrifices our officers and their families make on behalf of all Pennsylvanians.

Rebbie and I are heartbroken for the families of the fallen. We will never be able to fully repay the debt we owe, but we can promise that the memory of your loved ones will not be forgotten. To the families of the injured officers: we lift you in constant prayer and stand by you in this time of trial.

As people of faith, Rebbie and I call on all Pennsylvanians to join us in prayer. May the Lord bring comfort to the grieving, healing to the wounded, and strength to every officer who continues to put themselves in harm’s way for our sake.

The selfless sacrifice of these heroes must never be taken for granted. May God bless and keep their families, and may He continue to watch over all who serve in uniform.


** Magnolia Women’s Shelter
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On Saturday, we took a wonderful tour of the Magnolia Women’s Shelter! We saw firsthand the compassionate work happening every day—providing safety, counseling, and a path to stability for women and children in crisis.

I’m grateful to the staff and volunteers who serve with dignity and excellence. Our churches and community partners are stepping up to meet real needs—and together, we can do even more.

Magnolia Women’s Center is a nonprofit, faith-based pregnancy center. They maintain a holistic approach—working with women from all walks of life. They provide support, information, and hope for the future. Their services are free and confidential.


** My Visit to B Wise Manufacturing Company
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On Tuesday, I toured the fantastic B Wise Manufacturing company in Chambersburg! They are a leading trailer manufacturer that represents the strength and ingenuity of Pennsylvania’s workforce.

The visit highlighted proposed legislation currently in the works—aimed at supporting this vital industry, encouraging innovation, and creating new jobs right here in our community.

Thank you to the B Wise team for opening your doors and showcasing the incredible craftsmanship and dedication that goes into building high-quality trailers trusted across the country.

Together, we can continue to strengthen Pennsylvania’s economy and ensure opportunities for hardworking families.

Senate Bill 1012 – Bill Information Details ([link removed])

[link removed]


** My Visit to The Boys & Girls Club in Chambersburg
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Tuesday, I had a chance to visit The Boys & Girls Club in Chambersburg. The Boys & Girls Club of Chambersburg & Shippensburg is making a real difference in the lives of our youth. Each day, nearly 200 children find a safe place to learn, grow, and thrive through after-school programs, summer camps, tutoring, sports, arts, and leadership development.

Their Mission Statement: To offer a “safe place for youth to learn and grow through programs and services that foster academic success, good character, citizenship, and healthy lifestyles.”


** Honoring the life & Condemning the Assassination of Charlie Kirk
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In the near future, I plan to introduce a Senate Resolution honoring the life and work of Charlie Kirk and condemning his tragic political assassination.

Charlie Kirk was a nationally recognized conservative political activist, author, and media personality, best known as the founder of Turning Point USA. He dedicated his life to advancing free speech, constitutional principles, civic engagement, and fostering dialogue among young Americans. Through his writings, speeches, and leadership, Mr. Kirk inspired millions of people across this country to become more active in public life and the democratic process.

On September 10, 2025, Mr. Kirk was brutally and violently killed while speaking at an event in Utah. His murder has been described as a political assassination. His death shocked the nation, including Pennsylvanians of all political affiliations, and prompted widespread, bipartisan condemnation of political violence.

This resolution will both honor Charlie Kirk’s legacy of civic activism and condemn the violence that cut short his life. It will reaffirm our Commonwealth’s commitment to protecting civil discourse, rejecting political violence, and ensuring that individuals may engage in public life without fear of intimidation or harm.

With new expansions—like the recent site at the Franklin County Housing Authority—the Club is reaching even more young people right where they live, ensuring opportunity and support are within every child’s reach.

We are grateful for the staff, volunteers, and community partners who make this work possible. Together, we’re building brighter futures.


** Senate Votes to Help Relieve Long-Term Care Worker Shortage
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The number of Pennsylvania residents ages 65 and over is expected to nearly double by 2040, but even now many nursing facilities are forced to take beds out of service because they can’t fill direct care positions.

The Senate recently passed legislation to tackle this critical problem ([link removed]) by making it easier for those seeking employment at long-term care centers while still ensuring employees are well-qualified.

Senate Bill 114 ([link removed]) would encourage more employees to join the long-term care workforce by expanding the availability of training courses for nurse aides and the eligibility for individuals to take the nurse aide competency exam. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.


** Measure to Help Veteran-Owned Businesses Approved by Senate
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Beyond serving our nation in the military, many veterans create jobs through their entrepreneurial spirit. We approved legislation to promote these veteran-owned businesses ([link removed]) .

Senate Bill 64 ([link removed]) would authorize the creation of a special logo to promote veteran-owned businesses. To be eligible, a business must be registered with the Department of State and at least 51% of the ownership interest must be held by a veteran, reservist or member of the National Guard.

To discourage the logo from being used fraudulently, anyone who falsely claims to be a veteran to obtain this designation would face a misdemeanor of the third degree. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.


** Fire and EMS Funding Assistance Available
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Our local fire and EMS companies are committed to saving lives and protecting property, so I’m pleased to announce they can apply now for assistance through the state Fire Company and Emergency Medical Services Grants program.

The funding is available to volunteer or career fire, rescue and EMS organizations and can be used for facility improvements, equipment purchase and repair, debt reduction, training and certification, and more.

The deadline to apply is Oct. 20. More information, important dates and the online application can be found here ([link removed]) .


** Expanding Government Transparency with OpenBookPA
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The Pennsylvania Treasury has launched an expanded portal for state government transparency, providing taxpayers with more tools to explore state finance details.

OpenBookPA ([link removed]) ’s new features include:
* An updated dashboard interface with quicker access to state fiscal information including state and federal financial information.
* A new Local Resources ([link removed]) section which shares local government financial reports, school district expenditure and revenue metrics and other local financial metrics with data from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development and the Pennsylvania Office of the Budget.
* Upgraded charts with enhanced security.

Announced by Treasurer Stacy Garrity earlier this month, OpenBookPA also links to the Treasury Checkbook ([link removed]) , which includes payments made by Treasury to vendors and the Contracts e-Library ([link removed]) , which makes available state contracts, purchase orders and amendments valued at $5,000 or more for public review.


** Celebrating Our Precious U.S. Constitution
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National Constitution Week runs through Sept. 23, commemorating the signing of the U.S. Constitution on September 17, 1787, nine years after the Pennsylvania Constitution.

Our nation’s most important document, the U.S. Constitution has provided Americans throughout history the power to maintain their liberties, freedoms and inalienable rights. Its stature is evident in the fact that every Pennsylvania legislator takes a solemn oath to “support, obey and defend” both constitutions as a condition for holding public office.


** Happy Rosh Hashanah
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Rosh Hashanah begins Monday at sundown. To everyone celebrating the Jewish New Year, I hope it brings thoughtful reflection, personal growth and renewed hope.

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