News Releases Archives - Senator Baker

July 23, 2026

PA House Fails Murder Victims’ Families While Jeopardizing the Safety of Commonwealth’s Communities

Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39), Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41), Senate Majority Whip Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35), Senate Appropriations Chair Scott Martin (R-13), and Senate Judiciary Chair Lisa Baker (R-20) issued the following statement after the House failed to protect Pennsylvania communities today by refusing to allow a vote on bipartisan legislation passed twice by the Senate: [Read More]

July 20, 2026

Baker, Pugh to Host Plate Event in Dallas on Thursday

Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) and Rep. Brenda Pugh (R-120) will host an event Thursday, July 23, from 4:30-6:30 p.m. to assist constituents with license plate replacements. The event will be held at the Luzerne County Fairgrounds, 3605 State Route 118, Dallas. [Read More]

July 15, 2026

Baker Announces More Than $9 Million for Water Infrastructure Project in Luzerne County

Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) announced the approval of more than $9 million in financial assistance for a drinking water infrastructure project in Luzerne County. [Read More]

July 14, 2026

Pennsylvania Must Act Now to Secure Justice For The Families Of Victims Who Were Brutally Murdered

In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court in Commonwealth v. Lee ruled that the sentencing law for second degree murder in Pennsylvania is unconstitutional. Fortunately, the court gave legislators a 120-day window to pass legislation rewriting the law to comply with the ruling. [Read More]

July 13, 2026

Baker: Senate Confirms Pennsylvania Parole Board Nominees

Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, announced the Senate voted to confirm the nominations of Suzanne V. Estrella and Stephen R. Zawisky to serve on the Pennsylvania Parole Board. [Read More]

July 12, 2026

Baker Supports Fiscally Responsible State Budget Agreement

Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) supported a fiscally responsible state budget today that stands up for taxpayers, doesn’t raise taxes on Pennsylvania families, and supports affordability and job growth. [Read More]

July 1, 2026

Senate Approves Bill to Increase Transparency and Accountability of Taxpayer-Funded Childcare Programs

Legislation to strengthen oversight of Pennsylvania's taxpayer-funded childcare programs was approved by the Senate, according to Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), who supported the measure. [Read More]

June 30, 2026

Baker: Judiciary Committee Advances Bill Authorizing Body Cameras for County Probation and Parole Officers

The Pennsylvania Senate Judiciary Committee today approved legislation to authorize county probation and parole officers to use body-worn cameras, according to committee chair Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20). [Read More]

June 26, 2026

PA Senate Votes for Historic Tax Cuts

The Senate approved legislation to dramatically decrease costs for Pennsylvania families by cutting taxes on electric bills and school supplies, eliminating the current sales tax exemption for data centers and strengthening the state’s Educational Improvement Tax Credit (EITC) program, according to Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20) who supported the measure. [Read More]

June 25, 2026

Senate Passes Baker, Langerholc Bill to Preserve Accountability in Second-Degree Murder Cases

Sen. Lisa Baker (R-20), chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, along with Sen. Wayne Langerholc (R-35) and Pennsylvania Attorney General David Sunday announced the Senate’s approval of their legislation updating Pennsylvania's sentencing laws for second-degree murder in response to a recent court decision. Under Pennsylvania law, second-degree murder — also known as felony murder — applies when a death occurs during the commission of certain felonies, even if the defendant did not directly cause the killing. [Read More]