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In this Update:

• Pennsylvania Has New Tools to Solve Violent Crimes
• State Budget Boosts College Tuition Assistance
• PA College Savings Fees Waived for Fifth Straight Year
• Troop P Camp Cadet Graduates 30^th Class
• Lackawanna College Tunkhannock Center Observes 5^th Anniversary
• Lake Wallenpaupack Centennial Celebration  
• Red Tape Slashed for PA Cosmetology Workers
• Booking a Tour of Your State Capitol

Pennsylvania Has New Tools to Solve Violent Crimes

Law enforcement agencies will be able to access new tools to boost clearance rates for homicide and other violent crime cases through a new state law. 

The Violent Incident Clearance and Technological Investigative Methods (VICTIM) Act was enacted with the new state budget. The law establishes a grant program administered by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency to help police hire and retain detectives and investigators, and upgrade technology used to analyze evidence.

Solving more violent crimes will help make communities safer by getting offenders off the streets while also serving as a deterrent to would-be criminals who know their crimes will not go unanswered.

State Budget Boosts College Tuition Assistance

Under the new state budget we recently passed, the maximum PA State Grant award has increased to the highest amount in program history, helping students across the commonwealth and their families pay for higher education.

For the 2026-27 fiscal year, the maximum award is $6,000, up from $5,750, the amount it’s been for four years. The funding is administered by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA).

Each year, PHEAA’s board reevaluates the awarding formula by analyzing several factors, including tuition costs, the effect of inflation on family incomes, the number of expected applicants and recommended funding for the program as part of the annual budget process. Read more about the PA State Grant program here.

PA College Savings Fees Waived for Fifth Straight Year  

Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced asset-based fees for the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program’s Guaranteed Savings Plan (GSP) will be waived for the fifth year in a row.

PA 529 GSP account owners will not see any asset-based fees on their quarterly statements for July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027, resulting in $5.9 million in savings. This fee waiver is funded through surplus earnings of the GSP fund.

The PA 529 GSP allows families to save at today’s tuition rates to meet tomorrow’s tuition costs. Families can choose from a variety of tuition levels to save from community college to Ivy League. PA 529 GSP account earnings are based on tuition inflation rates.

Troop P Camp Cadet Graduates 30^th Class

Troop P Camp Cadet is a one-week law enforcement experience unlike any other, providing an opportunity for young men and women to see what resources go into criminal justice and inspiring many to follow in the footsteps of our uniformed protectors.

I joined Representative Brenda Pugh and Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters in speaking about public service and civic responsibility as cadets devoted a day to exploring “The Role of Elected Officials in our Communities.”

I also shared my “Vanishing Voter” presentation, emphasizing the importance of active citizenship, engaging in our democracy, and recognizing that every vote truly matters. It was inspiring to see the next generation of leaders discover how they can shape the future and make a meaningful impact.

Lackawanna College Tunkhannock Center Observes 5^th Anniversary

It was a pleasure to take part in Lackawanna College Tunkhannock Center’s five-year anniversary celebration. The center continues to deliver high-quality education to students across Wyoming, Luzerne, Lackawanna, Bradford, Sullivan and Susquehanna counties, offering a variety of associate degrees and certificate programs. This is a great opportunity for local students to earn degrees and finish college close to home.

Lake Wallenpaupack Centennial Celebration

I was grateful for the opportunity to join members of the Lake Wallenpaupack Historical Society for their open house and ice cream social as part of centennial celebrations at the lake. My office presented a citation from the Pennsylvania Senate recognizing this milestone during a commemorative ceremony at Palmyra Township Public Beach. Both events brought together community members, local history, and plenty of summer spirit. Cheers to another 100 years!

Red Tape Slashed for PA Cosmetology Workers

Legislation to streamline licensing for the cosmetology workforce has been signed into law, a major step in addressing Pennsylvania’s ongoing workforce shortages.

Act 43 of 2026 authorizes Pennsylvania to join the Cosmetology Licensure Compact, an interstate agreement that makes it easier for licensed cosmetologists — who provide treatments for hair, skin and nails — to obtain a multistate license and work in participating states without unnecessary red tape. It also ensures cosmetology professionals in active-duty military families face no burdensome licensure requirements in compact states.

Pennsylvania is the 13th state to enter the compact, joining neighboring states Ohio, West Virginia, Maryland and Delaware. Read more about this new law here.

Booking a Tour of Your State Capitol

Summer is a great time to tour your state Capitol, a National Historic Landmark featuring Renaissance designs, paintings, stained glass and furnishings by some of the best artisans in the world.

Scheduling in advance is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome according to availability. Tours take approximately 30-45 minutes and are limited to 40 guests total per tour. Self-guided tours do not take place on weekends and holidays.

More than the seat of Pennsylvania’s government, the Capitol is a magnificent symbol of the hopes and vision of the commonwealth that gave birth to a nation. Find details and book a tour here.