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In this Update:

• Standing Up for Victims and Public Safety
• Standing Up for Rape Crisis Services
• Protecting Our Communities from Child Predators and Human Trafficking
• A Successful 80^th Year for the Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction
• Investing in the Future of PA College Students
• Honoring Veterans with Visual Impairments with a Capitol Monument
• William Geary Celebrates 95^th Birthday
• Find Summer Getaway Ideas Here in PA
• Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Photo Contest Accepting Entries

Standing Up for Victims and Public Safety

I recently joined district attorneys, law enforcement leaders and crime victims’ families at the Luzerne County Courthouse to call for immediate legislative action to strengthen Pennsylvania’s felony murder law.

Following a recent Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruling that found the state’s mandatory life sentence for second-degree murder unconstitutional, the General Assembly has a limited window to enact a legislative fix. My bill would ensure those who willingly participate in dangerous felonies that result in a death can continue to be held appropriately accountable while protecting the rights of victims and their families.

Hearing directly from prosecutors and families affected by violent crime reinforced why this legislation is so important. Victims’ loved ones deserve confidence that our laws support justice, not unnecessary legal obstacles.

The Senate passed legislation twice to address the issue. Both bills have bipartisan support, passing our chamber by votes of 30 to 20. It is extremely disappointing that the House of Representatives put politics ahead of the interest of criminal justice and any consideration of the families of murder victims by refusing to allow a vote on these measures.

Protecting our communities and standing up for crime victims remain among my highest priorities, and I will continue working to advance this legislation and strengthen Pennsylvania’s criminal justice system.

Standing Up for Rape Crisis Services

Rape crisis centers across Pennsylvania play a vital role in supporting victims of sexual violence, and I’m pleased that this year’s budget includes a historic $12 million increase for rape crisis centers.

The significant funding for rape crisis centers would not have been possible without Senate Republicans pushing for support well above the governor’s request.

With total state funding now amounting to nearly $25 million, this increase almost doubles the funding available for services, including 24-hour crisis hotlines, counseling, medical and legal advocacy, prevention education and accompaniment for survivors navigating hospitals, police investigations and court proceedings.

If you or someone you know have been the victim of sexual assault and need to access rape crisis services, click here to find a center located near you.

Protecting Our Communities from Child Predators and Human Trafficking

We are making progress in the never-ending fight against child predators and human trafficking in Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 45, which I supported and which was recently signed into law as Act 41 of 2026, will help Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday and law enforcement officials across the state target and prosecute human trafficking more effectively. This is a huge step forward.

And in the new state budget, we also increased funding for two key programs overseen by AG Sunday – the Child Predator Interception Unit and the Human Trafficking Enforcement and Prevention program.

If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.

A Successful 80^th Year for the Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction

I enjoyed serving as a guest auctioneer at this year’s 80^th Annual Back Mountain Memorial Library Auction. It’s always great to reconnect with friends and family during this annual tradition, which brings together live biding on specialty items, antiques, art, and baked goods, along with raffles and a variety of booths. Community support for the Back Mountain Memorial Library continues to be amazing. Thanks to all who participated in the 2026 auction.

Investing in the Future of PA College Students

The successful Grow PA Scholarship program invests in Pennsylvania students looking to pursue a college education, develops the future of our workforce and incentivizes jobs to remain here in the commonwealth.

Importantly, the program secures a commitment for students to stay and work in Pennsylvania communities after graduation, helping to address the state’s future economic and demographic challenges.

With demand rising for Grow PA scholarships, the Senate secured a $10 million funding increase for the program in the 2026-27 state budget – bringing the annual funding total to $42.5 million.

Grow PA, established in 2024, offers grants of up to $5,000 per year for in-state students who pursue a degree or certification in an in-demand occupation and is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency. Learn more about this program here.

Honoring Veterans with Visual Impairments with a Capitol Monument

A Braille Flag monument honoring veterans with visual impairments could be installed at the Pennsylvania Capitol Building under legislation passed by the Senate and sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

The Braille Flag was created to honor the service of veterans who have been left with life-long visual disabilities. Under Senate Bill 1303, the monument would be made of bronze and include the Pledge of Allegiance in Braille.

The display would be sponsored by the Moose Lodge and the American Braille Flag Project, a non-profit organization dedicated to the placement of these flags throughout the country. Read more about Senate Bill 1303 here.

William Geary Celebrates 95^th Birthday

Please join me in wishing William Geary a Happy 95^th Birthday! Born in Plains on July 17, 1931, he moved with his parents to Falls in 1944 and has proudly called the community home ever since. William was the beloved husband of Kitty Geary for many years before her passing. He is a proud father of four children and has been blessed with ten grandchildren and eighteen great grandchildren. He’s a lively spirit and an absolute joy to be around!

Find Summer Getaway Ideas Here in PA

There’s plenty of summer left. If you haven’t had time for a vacation yet, or you’re looking for another getaway, there’s plenty to experience here in our commonwealth.

Use VisitPA to explore by regions, such as the Pennsylvania Wilds, Great Lakes, Laurel Highlands, the Lehigh Valley, Dutch Country and more. Break it down by things to do, outdoor activities, dining and other experiences.

From rivers and trails to iconic attractions and historic sites, you can start planning your trip at the VisitPA website.

Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Photo Contest Accepting Entries

Amateur and professional photographers: Take your best photos of the landscapes, wildlife and activities in a Pennsylvania state park or forest and enter the 2026 Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation “Through the Seasons” photo contest.

A panel of experts will select a Judges’ Choice in each category prior to the photos being made available for public voting on the foundation’s Facebook page. Award winners receive gift cards and may be showcased in photo exhibitions.

Find rules and entry info at the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation website. All photos must be submitted by Sept. 30.