Recent News
MONDAY: Senate Judiciary Committee Holding Voting Meeting
The Senate Judiciary Committee, chaired by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), will hold a voting meeting, Monday, May 12, Off the Floor in the Senate Rules Room of the Capitol Complex, Harrisburg. [Read More]
Senate Votes to Strengthen PA’s Sexual Offender Registry
Children in Pennsylvania would be better protected against sexual predators under legislation unanimously approved by the Senate today, according to the bill’s authors, Sens. Lisa Baker (R-20) and Scott Martin (R-13). [Read More]
IBEW Local 1319 Breaks Ground on Cutting-Edge Training Center to Enhance Lineman Safety and Skill
State and local officials, led by Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) and Reps. Jonathan Fritz (R-111) and Brenda Pugh (R-120), gathered today in Pringle Borough for the ceremonial groundbreaking of a 15,000 square foot state-of-the-art training facility for current and future generations of skilled electrical lineman with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 1319. [Read More]
Baker, Cappelletti Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Modernize and Expand Pennsylvania’s Treatment Courts
The Pennsylvania Senate recently passed legislation introduced by Sens. Lisa Baker (R-20) and Amanda M. Cappelletti (D-17) to modernize and strengthen Pennsylvania’s problem-solving courts, now proposed to be formally recognized as treatment courts. [Read More]
Connect With Us
As #nationalsmallbusinessweek comes to a close, I was pleased to be able to participate in two events celebrating entrepreneurial spirit and the contributions of our small businesses. The economic development professionals and community leaders affiliated with the Wayne Economic Development Corporation and @backmountainchamber work tirelessly to promote our job creators and support their efforts to stimulate our economy. WEDCO’s Annual Meeting and Dinner and BMC’s Annual Legislative Breakfast provide important opportunities to discuss issues and find solutions.
Recognizing May as #nationaltreatmentcourtmonth @pennsylvaniacourts announced the launch of a certification program for treatment courts statewide – one that will promote effective, evidence-based practices, ensure consistent, high-quality services are available to participants which will in turn, increase positive outcomes.
This is in conjunction with legislation I sponsored that constitutes a simple, yet important terminology change in our statutes—renaming “problem solving courts” to “treatment courts.” It is a solid first step toward aligning the system with the values we want it to reflect — a system that recognizes people’s potential to change, holds them accountable, and gives them the opportunity to succeed.
Taking a break from the business of the Senate to catch up with Emmy Award winning actress Sheryl Lee Ralph as we recognize our Super Bowl LIX champions, the @philadelphiaeagles 🦅 🏈 🦅
Susquehanna County Sheriff Lance Benedict, Wayne County PA Sheriff Christopher Rosler, Chief Deputy Danene VanHorn, and Canine Onyx were in town as the @pasheriffs convened at the Capitol. Following our discussion on legislative priorities, @repfritz and I hosted the group in the Senate and House chambers.
The Back Mountain Police Association hosted its 17th Annual Rusty Flack Memorial Kid’s Fishing Day this weekend. In addition to offering a fun outdoor experience, families have the opportunity to interact with first responders and learn important safety tips. For the 2nd year, the event also featured an inclusive fishing experience focused on children with autism.
🎣 🚔 🚒 🚑 🎣
More than 400 family members, friends, and first responders attended the memorial for Harford Volunteer Fire Company Assistant Chief Edward “Chip” Chidester who died from complications from a line of duty injury sustained fighting a brush fire. Nearly 30 apparatuses from Susquehanna County and neighboring areas joined the procession to pay tribute to his service and sacrifice.
As #nationalchildabusepreventionmonth came to a close, the @luzernecountycac held its Cinema Through the Century Gala to celebrate the children brave enough to share their unfortunate stories of abuse and to raise money to continue providing free services to assist them. I commend the CAC, its staff, and all of the community partners for their unwavering commitment to giving our kids the chance at a better life they so richly deserve.
Advocacy and action on behalf of at-risk children has been and continues to be a core priority of my Senate service, so I was honored to join Wilkes-Barre Police Department Detective Mike McGrath in being recognized for our commitment to protecting victims of abuse and neglect.
Wyoming County Chamber of Commerce Annual Legislative Breakfast - I appreciated the opportunity to provide an update on the state budget and the activities of the Judiciary Committee, as well as discussing workforce development, infrastructure investment, and other pressing community issues.
NEPA Council BSA 42nd Annual Friends of Scouting Dinner - as someone who has continuously offered his time and talents to improving the quality of life in our region, Hal Flack truly embodies the values and principles of Scouting – trust, honor, dedication, and commitment. #communityservice
Proud to join the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1319 to celebrate a significant investment of public and private funds that will enhance the economic health and community safety of our region with the construction of the OSHE Training Center. #internationalbrotherhoodofelectricalworkers #nationalelectriccontractorsassociation
#apprenticeship
#journeymanlineman
This Easter, Gary and I are recalling special memories as we celebrate our ruby wedding anniversary. Cheers to 40 years! #rubyweddinganniversary #springwedding #bestfriends
May we reflect on God’s great love on this Good Friday as we honor Christ’s sacrifice and prepare to rejoice on Resurrection Sunday. #holyweek
It was a special honor to join my friend Susan Curley-Grady @vrcnepa and the @dallastwppd at the #startbybelieving rally held @misericordiau in recognition of #nationalcrimevictimsrightsweek
The event gave local victims of crime and their families an opportunity to gather and share in victim advocacy and to remember loved ones whose lives have been lost due to crime.
Susan’s brother Bobby Curley was poisoned by his wife. I worked with Susan and her mother, Mary, for many years to protect the rights of crime victims. Their efforts resulted in the opportunity to offer in-person testimony before the Board of Probation and Parole when an offender is eligible for release from prison.
April is #childabusepreventionmonth and @luzernecountycac has finished planting nearly 500 pinwheels at the Luzerne County Courthouse, Hazleton City Hall, the Mountain Top Rotary Club Sign, and the Dallas Rotary Club Triangle. Each pinwheel represents a child that had the courage to disclose their abuse in 2024. Raising awareness is a critical first step in preventing abuse and neglect. We thank all involved for the important work being done to help protect children, strengthen families, and bring abusers to justice. #pinwheelsforprevention
Celebrating this year’s @badenpowellcouncil Distinguished Citizen Susquehanna County Commissioner Alan Hall. We appreciate his commitment to service and leadership. He exemplifies the values of integrity, citizenship, and community involvement this award seeks to highlight. We congratulate him on this prestigious honor and offer our best wishes for a continued tradition of success and excellence.
Look out for a scam involving telephone calls that falsely claim to be from @pennsylvania_puc and threaten utility service termination unless immediate payment is made. The PUC does not make direct calls to consumers to demand payment.
@pafishandboat is reminding anglers that the statewide Opening Day of Trout Season is this Saturday, April 5! Anglers may begin fishing at 8 a.m.
Throughout the 2025 season, the PFBC will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 691 streams and 130 lakes open to public fishing. The trout stocking schedule is available on their website. #pafishing #troutseason #troutstocking
Our #pacapitol building at night - one of the most impressive architectural structures in the United States. It’s an honor to serve the people of the 20th #pasenate District in Harrisburg and at home.
To all of our Vietnam Veterans, Welcome Home!
Join me in saluting Silver Star recipient Col. Robert J. Graham, USAF, Ret. I’m currently reading his new book “One of the Few” a fascinating story chronicling his service as a fighter pilot, leader and warrior between 1961-74. 🇺🇸 #nationalvietnamveteransday
Be sure to watch @eyewitness_news_wbrewyou tonight as Lead I-Team Reporter Andy Mehalshick investigates an alarming pattern of reckless driving and near misses at the bus stop and my efforts to strengthen school bus safety laws to better protect children. #recklessdriving #schoolbussafety
Senate Transportation Committee Chair Senator Judy Ward recently joined me at @mccarthytireservice for a tour and roundtable discussion on transportation issues ranging from maintaining the Commonwealth’s fleet of vehicles to navigating the complex regulations of vehicle inspections.
McCarthy Tire is the fifth largest independent commercial tire dealer in the United States with more than 70 service locations and 13 Bandag manufacturing plants along the east coast. Founded in 1926, the company is family-owned and operated, and offers sales and service for commercial trucks, industrial equipment, off-the-road, commercial fleet services, truck mechanical services, 24-hour commercial roadside assistance, retread manufacturing, as well as automotive mechanical services and repairs.
Nathan Tice stopped by my office during his visit to the Capitol with his mom, Lindsey, who servered as my intern at The Blue Ribbon Foundation. He looks like a future Senator to me!
As one of Pennsylvania’s top industries, agriculture directly impacts our health, economy, and communities. I was delighted to spend some time today at Susquehanna Ag Day shining a spotlight on those working tirelessly to provide us with fresh produce, meat, and dairy products. #nationalagricultureweek
