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In this Update:
Our Proposal to Designate Hershey’s Kisses as our State Candy
We had a special guest at the Capitol this week, Miss Hershey Kiss. This was especially meaningful because Sen. Patty Kim (D-Dauphin) and I are sponsoring legislation to designate Hershey’s Kisses as the Pennsylvania State candy. I’m proud to represent part of the Council Rock School District and the students who have tirelessly advocated for this bill across multiple legislative sessions and their entire high school career. I’m happy to work alongside colleagues from both sides of the aisle and across the Commonwealth to reintroduce legislation that would establish the nation’s first official state candy—bringing positive attention to industries vital to Pennsylvania’s economy. Sesame Place at the Capitol
Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association (PRLA) held their Public Affairs Conference at the Capitol this week, ending with a Taste of the State reception. It was great to see friends from Sesame Place and Visit Bucks County. I am a strong supporter of tourism in Bucks County, with Sesame Place as a major contributor to the industry, drawing families from across the region and beyond. They play a vital role in supporting local jobs, boosting small businesses, and strengthening our economy. But it’s also incredibly special to me personally, as I worked at Sesame Place for 11 years and it’s where I proposed to my wife. State Champion Wrestler Honored in Harrisburg
I was proud to welcome to the Senate on Tuesday, Anthony Mutarelli from Council Rock South High School. Anthony was being honored for winning first place during the 2024/2025 PIAA State Class AAA Boys’ Individual Wrestling Championship in the 133-pound weight class. Anthony was joined by his father- Jason Mutarelli, his mother- Nicole,and his two brothers- Alex and Andrew. Anthony’s hard work and dedication on and off the mat has certainly paid off as upon graduation next week, he will be continuing his academic and athletic careers at Oregon State University. I would like to congratulate Anthony again and wish him all the best on this next chapter. Your Electric Bill
As you are most likely aware, nearly every electric distribution company across the state has increased electric generation prices as of June 1 for non-shopping, or default service, customers. While you are encouraged to shop for options at PAPowerSwitch.com. Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) officials note rising wholesale energy prices have reduced the number of available offers below default rates. PUC explains these generation increases and offers tips to conserve energy and lower bills. https://bit.ly/3SC2eX6 Pennsylvania’s energy market is increasingly unstable – while housing costs continue to climb. We have an opportunity to leverage our strong energy infrastructure to make more practical, affordable choices. Unfortunately, entering the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) has only added uncertainty and increased costs for families and businesses. I will continue to do everything I can to find real, long-term solutions that lower costs and protect Pennsylvania’s energy future. My Legislation to Preserve Prescription Assistance for Seniors Passes Senate
My legislation to protect thousands of Pennsylvania seniors from losing access to life-sustaining prescriptions passed the Senate unanimously. Senate Bill 731 would exclude Social Security cost-of-living adjustments from income eligibility calculations for the PACE and PACENET programs. The bill would extend the current exclusion from the end of this year to Dec. 31, 2027. I have been a longtime advocate for expanding access to senior prescription assistance. In 2018, he played a key role in raising the income eligibility limits for PACE and PACENET for the first time since the programs began, allowing an additional 32,000 low-income seniors access to the PACE/PACENET program. Funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, the PACE and PACENET programs have provided hundreds of thousands of adults 65 and older with low-cost prescriptions. It now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Hand-Held Cell Phone Ban for Motorists Now in Effect
A law to increase safety on Pennsylvania roads that makes it illegal to use a handheld cell phone while driving is now in effect. Use is also prohibited when a vehicle is stopped in traffic or at a red light. Drivers may talk using hands-free devices, but holding a phone to make a call, text, get driving directions or check social media is now a citable offense. For the next year, officers may issue written warnings. Formal citations will be issued beginning June 6, 2026. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, distracted drivers were involved in more than 11,000 crashes in Pennsylvania in 2023, outpacing the number of crashes caused by impaired drivers. Remembering D-Day and Those Who Gave Everything
In one of the most important military actions in history, the Allies began the liberation of Western Europe on June 6, 1944. Each year, there are fewer surviving D-Day veterans, which makes it even more important that we preserve their legacy through education. We must never forget the more than 2,500 Americans who lost their lives turning the tide in World War II. The cost of freedom is high, and they gave everything to defend it for all of us.
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