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In this Update:
Recognizing 3X State Wrestling Champion
I was proud to recognize Julia Horger last week with a citation from the Senate of Pennsylvania for earning the title of State Wrestling Champion for the third consecutive year. A Bensalem resident and recent Conwell-Egan Catholic High School graduate, Julia’s success is the result of many years of hard work and dedication. This season, Julia earned Southeast Regional and District I/XII titles while compiling an outstanding 34-1 record. She finished her high school career with an incredible 107-2 record. I want to congratulate Julia again on all her accomplishments in her high school career and wish her the very best as she begins her next chapter. I look forward to seeing all she accomplishes in the years ahead. “So Every Body Can Move” Campaign
I was proud to join Sen. Tartaglione and many advocates from across Pennsylvania at the Capitol on Monday to announce the introduction of the “So Every Body Can Move” Act (Senate Bill 1360), bipartisan legislation to expand access to medically necessary prosthetic and orthotic care for Pennsylvanians living with limb loss, limb difference, and mobility impairments. I am proud to be a co-sponsor of this important legislation. We were honored to welcome to the Senate floor four Bucks County residents who are living full lives with the help of prosthetic devices; Kelvin Arthur, Justin Salvaterra, Mary Adams, and Matthew Graham. During the press conference, advocates and families shared personal stories highlighting how access to proper prosthetic and orthotic devices transformed their ability to work, participate in sports, attend school, care for loved ones, and regain independence. They highlighted that not all prosthetics serve the same purpose. Currently their insurance might cover a walking leg, but not a blade that would allow them to run and/or participate in sports or a water or bathing leg that would allow them to shower. Our legislation would require coverage for prosthetic and orthotic devices needed for physical activity and daily living when prescribed by a physician. Lawall Prosthetics and Orthotics
Among the advocates who joined us in Harrisburg were Amy Lawall and her team from Lawall Prosthetics and Orthotics. Following the event, they invited me to visit their Langhorne facility, where I met with Amy and Adam Lawall, third generation leaders of the family-owned business. Their state-of-the-art facility serves as a patient care center, fabrication lab, administrative headquarters, and education center. During our visit, we discussed the “So Every Body Can Move” Act and my commitment to continuing to advocate for this important cause. We also had the opportunity to meet with a couple patients, including Alan, a constituent from our district who was being fitted for a new prosthetic device. Alan shared how access to different prosthetics, including a water-safe device, would help him better meet the needs of his lifestyle. You can learn more about Lawall – Expert Prosthetics & Orthotics Services in USA Guest Chaplain and Church Ambassador Network
I was pleased to welcome Guest Chaplain Rev. Douglas Dwyer and his wife Jane, to the Senate on Tuesday. Rev. Dwyer has served Addisville Church in Richboro as their pastor for the past 30 years. We were honored to have him offer the opening prayer. Pastor Dwyer is also a member of the Church Ambassador Network. We welcomed over a dozen pastors and faith leaders from Bucks County who were visiting us from the Church Ambassador Network. Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age
To make sure state laws keep pace with emerging online threats, the Senate voted to establish a Task Force on Child Protection in the Digital Age. Senate Resolution 244 would direct the Joint State Government Commission to convene a task force to review Pennsylvania’s laws, assess new technologies and identify legal gaps in protections for children in the digital environment. The commission will issue a recommendation for action to the General Assembly. The proposal builds on previous work by the legislature: In 2024, we passed a law to combat AI generated child sexual abuse materials (CSAM). In 2025, we acted to classify deepfakes as digital forgery for more severe punishment. The Senate also approved bills to strengthen reporting requirements for AI-generated CSAM and to establish commonsense safeguards for AI chatbots accessible by minors. Read more about our efforts to protect children in the digital age here. Cellphone Law to Reduce Distracted Driving Takes Full Effect
After a one-year warning period, a state law aimed at reducing distracted driving is now fully enforceable. The law prohibits the use of hand-held devices while driving, even while stopped temporarily due to traffic, a red light or other delays. Drivers can still use their phones to alert authorities in the event of an emergency and use hands-free technology to make phone calls, use a GPS and listen to music. Drivers convicted of using a hand-held device while driving will pay a $50 fine, plus court costs and other fees under Paul Miller’s Law. The law is named for Paul Miller Jr., who was tragically killed in a 2010 Monroe County crash by a tractor trailer operator distracted while reaching for his phone while driving. Read more about this new law here. Protecting Yourself During Tick Season
Pennsylvania recorded more than 18,700 cases of Lyme disease in 2025, and the Centers for Disease Control estimates the true number may be much higher due to underreporting. Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses can cause serious long-term health complications, particularly when left untreated. Nearly 55% of ticks tested in Pennsylvania were found to carry at least one tick-borne pathogen, and blacklegged ticks have now been identified in all 67 counties. You can protect yourself by using repellent, avoiding brushy areas and checking your body and pets after outdoor activities. Learn more about protecting yourself from ticks here. Remembering D-Day
On June 6, 1944, the fate of Europe would be determined by the largest amphibious invasion in history, including 13,000 aircraft and gliders, 23,400 paratroopers, 5,000 ships and landing craft and 160,000 American, British and Canadian troops. More than 9,000 Allied servicemen were killed or wounded that day in northern France. It is our responsibility as Americans to honor their bravery, tell the stories of their heroism and preserve what they defended so their sacrifices were not in vain. |
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