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In this Update:
* Standing Against Wasteful “Climate Engineering”
* William Penn Day at the State Capitol
* Senate Shadow, Delainey Robertson
* 2^nd National Move Over Day 2025
* Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) Recognition Service
* My Remarks on US Navy’s 250th Birthday
* Senate Approves State Budget that Funds Essential Services Without Raising Taxes
* Senate Again Acts to Repeal RGGI Electricity Tax
* Landmark Bill to Modernize PA’s Broken Permitting Process Approved by Senate
* Tuesday is the Deadline to Apply to Vote by Mail in the Nov. 4 Election
* Auditor General’s Activity Book Contest Accepting Submissions
* Assessing Your Personal Breast Cancer Risk

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** Standing Against Wasteful “Climate Engineering”
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This week I formally called on President Trump to end the Obama-Biden era Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) program — a reckless, multibillion-dollar geoengineering experiment that diverts taxpayer dollars from national defense and community needs.
This misguided initiative, led by DARPA and NOAA, attempts to “dim the sun” by spraying reflective particles into our atmosphere — risking our health, crops, and climate stability. I urged the President to shut down all SRM funding immediately and redirect those resources to military readiness, veterans’ support, and real infrastructure improvements.

Please take a moment to read my letter ([link removed]) .


** William Penn Day at the State Capitol
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On Wednesday, I hosted a William Penn Day Celebration at the State Capitol. We had some outstanding families join us for the event and a tour of the beautiful Senate Chambers afterwards. Thank you for joining us!


** Senate Shadow, Delainey Roberson
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On Wednesday, Delainey Robertson shadowed me and my staff at the Capitol! At just 11 years old Delainey took on the challenging role of organizing the Annual Jeremy Redding Memorial Ride. By the end of 2024, she officially established the non-profit Jeremy Redding Memorial Foundation with the mission to honor all veterans educate by awarding scholarships and heal by partnering with For the Love of a Veteran to help raise funds for vets in need of the stellate ganglion block of PTSD treatment.


** 2^nd National Move Over Day 2025
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This past Saturday I joined the TIM Heroes, Tyler Laudenslager Memorial Fund & PA Turnpike Commission for National Move Over Day 2025. It was an honor to speak and recognize Tyler Laudenslager, and his family. Tyler was just 29 years old when he lost his life while trying to help others along the highway. “Deaths like Tyler’s could-and should-have been prevented.”

When you see those flashing lights, move over. Slow down. Think of every first responder who never made it home.


** Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) Recognition Service
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My Operation Enduring Freedom Event was outstanding! It is important to remember and honor OEF alongside some amazing people. We were blessed by Rabbi Mitch Triestman’s prayer, Posting/Retiring of the Colors by the American Legion Post 272 Linglestown, a beautiful rendition of the National Anthem and God Bless America by Jaymie Bellet, and remarks by Col. John Wenzel, Commander 166th Regiment PA Army National Guard.

Please also watch my Senate Floor remarks: 10/20/25 – Remembering Operation Enduring Freedom ([link removed])


** My Remarks on US Navy’s 250th Birthday
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Please enjoy my Senate floor remarks on the Navy’s 250^th birthday.


** Senate Approves State Budget that Funds Essential Services Without Raising Taxes
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For the second time this year, the Senate approved a state budget that respects taxpayers and protects the financial stability of our commonwealth while ensuring that counties, school districts and other state government partners receive needed funding.

The amended budget bill, Senate Bill 160 ([link removed]) , totals $47.9 billion, a responsible spending level that continues to meet the Senate Republican requirement of imposing no tax hikes on Pennsylvania families and ensuring Pennsylvania’s credit rating remains strong.

Leading by example, the Senate budget plan includes a 5% cut in spending for the General Assembly, reflecting the Senate Republican priority of right-sizing legislative spending. It’s past time for the House of Representatives to follow suit and bring this impasse to an end.


** Senate Again Acts to Repeal RGGI Electricity Tax
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Bipartisan legislation preventing a new electricity tax by repealing Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) was approved by the Senate.

RGGI, a multi-state compact, would increase electricity rates on families and employers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs and cause Pennsylvania power plants to close. Senate Bill 1068 ([link removed]) formally repeals Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI, ensuring that any decision to impose electricity taxes or emissions programs must go through the legislative process rather than being enacted unilaterally by the governor.

The Commonwealth Court has ruled that RGGI is a tax and cannot be implemented without legislative approval. However, the governor appealed the decision to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. His action has deepened concerns about energy grid reliability and affordability, prolonged uncertainty for workers and businesses across the commonwealth – and caused electricity prices to go up for hardworking families. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.


** Landmark Bill to Modernize PA’s Broken Permitting Process Approved by Senate
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A sweeping permitting reform measure to bring greater accountability, transparency and efficiency to how state agencies handle permit applications was approved by the Senate.

Senate Bill 6 ([link removed]) sets clear timelines for state agencies to review permit applications, creates a permit tracking system and ensures applicants receive timely, consistent answers not endless delays. The measure, which passed with bipartisan support, also requires regular performance reporting so Pennsylvanians can hold their government accountable.

The bill builds on the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) ([link removed]) program that required the Department of Environmental Protection to implement a permit tracking system. This legislation expands those transparency and accountability measures to all state agencies. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.


** Tuesday is the Deadline to Apply to Vote by Mail in the Nov. 4 Election
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If you plan on voting by mail in Nov. 4 election, your application for a ballot must be received by your county election office ([link removed]) by 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28.

You can apply online, by mail or at your county election office. Find details for each along with other useful information here ([link removed]) . Military or overseas civilian voters can find information here ([link removed]) on how to obtain a mail ballot.

County election offices must receive completed mail ballots by 8 p.m., Nov. 4.


** Auditor General’s Activity Book Contest Accepting Submissions
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Pennsylvania students in grades K-12 are invited to help the state Auditor General’s office design the cover of its new Be Money $mart ([link removed]) activity book.

The book will include coloring pages, word searches, word scrambles, crosswords and budgeting sheets – all focused on financial literacy. The deadline to submit a design online ([link removed]) is Oct. 31.

The winner’s artwork will be featured on the cover of the new activity book and recognized at the PA Farm Show, and will win their school a visit from Auditor General Tim DeFoor. The activity book will be distributed statewide through libraries, YMCAs and credit unions.


** Assessing Your Personal Breast Cancer Risk
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The pink ribbon is a symbol of hope, strength and solidarity in the fight against breast cancer ([link removed]) . It reminds us to support those affected, promote early detection and raise awareness about the importance of knowing your risks.

You can assess your personal breast cancer risk using this free online risk calculator ([link removed]) .

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