Senator Farry E-Newsletter

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In this Update:

  • Celebrating the Grand Opening of Playa Raya
  • Pinning Ceremony for Lt. Colonel Horne
  • Celebrating a Remarkable Career in Catholic Education
  • Senate Passes Bill to Bring Life-saving Treatments to Market More Quickly
  • Strengthening Medical Imaging Standards
  • Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline Extended to Dec. 31
  • State Police Cadet Selection Open Through July 31

Celebrating the Grand Opening of Playa Raya

First Lady Lori Shapiro cuts a yellow ribbon with giant scissors surrounded by Sen. Farry, Rabbi Shemtov and many others in front of a splash pad..

I was honored to join First Lady Lori Shapiro, Secretary of Transportation Mike Carrol, Rabbi Yudy Shemtov and his dedicated team, Representatives Hogan and Warren, and many members of our community to celebrate Playa Raya’s grand opening.

The celebration marked the opening of an incredible new facility featuring a zero-entry swimming pool and splash pad. Designed specifically for individuals with special needs and their families, Playa Raya is on the site of the former Breezy Point Swim Club in Northampton Township.

The pool and splash pad is the first phase of the project with future phases including walking trails, fitness stations, and accessible playgrounds, with plans to eventually add pickleball courts as well as equestrian facilities.

Rep. Marcell, Rep. Hogan and I were proud to secure $500,000 in state funding to help make the vision of Playa Raya a reality. Playa Raya will provide countless families with an inclusive, welcoming place to gather, play, and create lasting memories. Visit their website to learn more about Playa Raya.

Pinning Ceremony for Lt. Colonel Horne

Lieutenant Colonel Horne holds a certificate standing between Rep. Marcell and Sen. Farry.

It was an honor to attend the pinning ceremony celebrating Zachary Horne’s promotion to Lieutenant Colonel on July 4 at his family’s restaurant, The Irish Horne in Richboro.

A proud Council Rock South graduate, Lt. Colonel Horne has served our nation for the past 17 years, including deployments to Afghanistan and assignments in Germany.

Thank you to Lt. Colonel Horne for his service, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to our nation. It was a privilege to celebrate this special milestone with you, your family, and Rep. Kristin Marcell.

Celebrating a Remarkable Career in Catholic Education

Jessica McDonald and Senator Farry hold a citation in front of a window and a table with treats and balloons.

Congratulations to Jessica McDonald on her retirement after 57 years of dedicated service to Catholic education. I was pleased to join the celebration and present her with a Pennsylvania Senate citation recognizing this incredible milestone.

Since beginning her teaching career in 1968, Mrs. McDonald has inspired generations of students with her kindness, compassion, and unwavering commitment to learning. She devoted the past 35 years to teaching third grade at St. Bede the Venerable School, now St. Katharine Drexel Catholic School, while also faithfully serving her parish and volunteering her time to support students beyond the classroom.

I thank Mrs. McDonald for her extraordinary commitment to education and wish her many happy years of retirement filled with family, travel, and treasured memories with her grandchildren.  

Senate Passes Bill to Bring Life-saving Treatments to Market More Quickly

Test tubes in a laboratory with a drop of liquid added to a test tube

The Senate approved legislation to help get new life-saving treatments and devices to market more quickly while preserving safety standards. The bill was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Under current law, a pharmaceutical or medical device manufacturer must first complete a lengthy federal process before it can even begin the state licensure process in Pennsylvania.

Senate Bill 1206 allows companies to gain temporary approval under Pennsylvania’s virtual manufacturers’ law, so that once federal approval is granted, these companies can quickly move forward without having to clear additional administrative roadblocks.

As chair of the Institutional Sustainability and Innovation Committee, I was proud to co-sponsor this important legislation and help advance it by passing it out of committee in June. Read more about Senate Bill 1206 here.

Strengthening Medical Imaging Standards

Patient on stretcher being put into an MRI machine by medical technician

Medical imaging – such as MRIs or x-rays – are essential to diagnosing and treating a wide range of medical conditions and rely on radiation to do so. Performed incorrectly, these tests can cause serious harm to patients.

Yet, Pennsylvania is one of only four states that do not have a licensure or certification framework for these professionals. The Senate approved Senate Bill 1334 to create a statewide licensing structure for professionals who perform medical imaging and radiation therapy procedures.

The bill doesn’t require additional schooling or place unnecessary burdens on qualified professionals. It was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Read more about Senate Bill 1334 here.

Property Tax/Rent Rebate Deadline Extended to Dec. 31

Exterior of white house with green tree and landscaping in front.

The Property Tax/Rent Rebate Program provides rebates on property taxes or rent paid for the previous year by income-eligible seniors and people with disabilities. The deadline to apply has been extended to Dec. 31, 2026.

Funded by the Pennsylvania Lottery, it benefits eligible Pennsylvanians age 65 and older; widows and widowers age 50 and older; and people with disabilities age 18 and older. Rebates range from $380 to $1,000. The income limit is currently $48,110 a year for homeowners and renters, however, half of Social Security income is excluded.

Treasurer Stacy Garrity recently announced that $224.4 million in rebates have already been sent to 372,291 Pennsylvanians. You can find more information and apply here. Contact my office for assistance in applying.

State Police Cadet Selection Open Through July 31

Vehicle parked on mud and grass with wording on door reading “Pennsylvania State Police Trooper.”

Do you know someone who is considering a law enforcement career? The Pennsylvania State Police Cadet selection cycle is open through July 31.

In addition to patrol services and policing residential areas, state troopers provide a variety of support services through specialized positions. The selection process consists of a written exam, background check and polygraph exam, physical readiness test, medical checkup and psychological evaluation.

College internships are also available at participating schools. Learn more about the cadet selection process here.

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