Senator Farry E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Senate Honors America 250 with Ceremonial Gathering in Philadelphia
  • Honoring Law Enforcement Officers
  • Supporting Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals (PASNAP)
  • Humane Lobby Day at the Capitol
  • Senate Approves Tougher Penalties for Attempted Murder of Law Enforcement Officers
  • May 16th Shredding Event

Senate Honors America 250 with Ceremonial Gathering in Philadelphia

Two people in business attire stand smiling beside bronze statues of Founding Fathers in a museum exhibit about the U.S. Constitution. Behind them, a large quote on the wall reads, “The power under the Constitution will always be with the people,” attributed to George Washington and dated November 9, 1787. A display table sits in the foreground, and multiple life-size historical statues surround the scene.

With the U.S. Semiquincentennial less than two months away, the state Senate held a ceremonial gathering honoring America’s 250th birthday at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia.

The meeting included senators representing all corners of the commonwealth and students from across the state as part of a partnership with America250PA. I was joined by Sarah Xue, a junior at Council Rock High School South, who was chosen to attend after submitting a winning essay on Alexander Hamilton’s inspiration to her life.

The contest invited high school students in the 6th Senatorial District to address the prompt: “Which Founding Father or historical figure from the Founding Era do you find most relatable or inspiring — and why?” A panel of educators and veterans selected twelve finalists based on originality, clarity, impact and personal connection. “General George Washington” then randomly selected the winner from the twelve finalists.

The event marked the fourth meeting in the last 100 years that has taken place outside of the State Capitol in Harrisburg. The previous three meetings were also held in Philadelphia to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in 1926, the 200th anniversary of the Declaration’s signing in 1976 and the 200th anniversary of the adoption of the U.S. Constitution in 1987. See more photos from the gathering.

Honoring Law Enforcement Officers

Police Memorial Day

four people pose for a photo inside an ornate legislative chamber with marble railings, murals, and large decorative light fixtures. Two men in suits stand on the left and right, an older man in a gray suit stands in the center, and a woman in a white blouse and jeans stands beside him smiling. American and state flags are displayed behind them near the chamber’s main seating area.

This week we recognized Police Memorial Day at the Capitol to honor all our law enforcement officers that made the ultimate sacrifice, joined by many of their family members. I am pictured here with Stephanie Mack, wife of late Trooper Martin F. Mack III and her father Bruce Spencer.

Guest Chaplain
Chief Wiegman Jr. stands in the middle of the front row of two rows of several people posing for a photo in the Senate Chamber. American and state flags are displayed behind them near the chamber’s main seating area.

I was also honored to have Chief William Wiegman Jr., once again as our guest chaplain in the Senate. Chief Weigman currently serves as the chaplain for the Pennsylvania Fraternal Order of Police and served the community of Lower Southampton as a police officer for many years before he retired as Chief.

As we celebrate National Police Week, May 10-16, I want to thank Chief Wiegman and all our law enforcement officers and families for all the sacrifices they make daily keeping our families and communities safe.

Supporting Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals (PASNAP)

A group of nurses and healthcare professionals gather at the PASNAP Annual House of Delegates Conference Reception. They stand together smiling in a hotel event space with banners and tables in the background. The photo captures a supportive atmosphere celebrating frontline healthcare workers.

I was honored to attend Pennsylvania Association of Staff Nurses and Allied Professionals’ (PASNAP) Annual House of Delegates Conference Reception. I am always proud to support the noble work of these dedicated men and women and remain committed to advocating for safe working conditions for our frontline nurses and healthcare professionals, which helps lead to the high-quality care for the patients they serve. At last year’s dinner, I was humbled to receive their Healthcare Champion Award in recognition for my advocacy.  

Humane Lobby Day at the Capitol

A large group of people and dogs gather on the steps of a government building during an animal welfare rally. Participants hold signs with messages such as “LAPS NOT LABS,” “Treats Not Tests,” and calls to end puppy mill cruelty and animal testing. Several speakers stand near a podium, while attendees sit and stand across the steps with pets under a bright sunny sky.

I was proud to stand with many advocates from across Pennsylvania for Humane Lobby Day at the Capitol on Monday organized by our friends at Humane World for Animals.

As an animal lover and supporter, I have been successful in passing major animal welfare initiatives in Harrisburg over the years and was named Humane Legislator of the Year by the Humane Society of the United States in 2017.

Senate Approves Tougher Penalties for Attempted Murder of Law Enforcement Officers

U.S. flag in black and white with one blue stripe across the middle.

The Senate approved legislation closing a gap in state law and imposing tougher penalties on individuals who attempt to murder a law enforcement officer and cause serious bodily injury.

The 2024 shooting of Scranton Police Detective Kyle Gilmartin brought to light a gap in Pennsylvania law related to sentencing for crimes against law enforcement officers. Detective Gilmartin was shot in the head and survived. Although the criminals who attacked Detective Gilmartin were sentenced to decades in prison, the case revealed that under current law, the penalty for attempted murder of a law enforcement officer could be as little as seven years in prison – a fact that prompted the need for updated legislation. Senate Bill 1284 establishes a 20-year mandatory minimum sentence and a maximum of up to life in prison.

The measure was passed on Police Officers’ Memorial Day in Pennsylvania, which honors the brave men and women of law enforcement. It now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration.

May 16th Shredding Event

Rep. Hogan and I invite you to our shredding event on Saturday May 16 from 10am to noon in my district office parking lot, located at 370 E. Maple Ave. in Langhorne.

This is a great opportunity to safely dispose of sensitive documents and help protect your identity. These events are a simple way to reduce clutter while keeping your personal information secure. Please remember:

  • Three box limit per household
  • Residents only, please no businesses
  • Plastic bags will not be accepted as the machine will not allow

Please consider bringing a non-perishable food item to be donated to those locally in need.  

Prior to the event, please place all shredding materials and donation items in the trunk of your vehicle.  Once you arrive, stay in your vehicle and staff will assist with removing the materials.
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