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In this Update:
14th Annual Pink Your Ride for MIA
I was proud to attend another amazing Pink Your Ride for MIA this past weekend with Bucks County H.O.G. and Stars & Stripes Harley-Davidson. This year held special meaning, as my wife Kristen’s journey is hopefully almost behind us, and we can now share our story. I also spoke about my fight for breast cancer in Harrisburg with Senate Bill 88, my bill to expand access to breast cancer screenings. Two sisters—Therese Bingert, former Bucks County H.O.G. Ladies of Harley Officer, and Jaclyn Bingert, Bucks County H.O.G. Road Captain—founded Pink Your Ride for MIA in 2012. The ride is in memory of their sister, MIA, who passed away of breast cancer in 2007. The ride honors Mia’s memory, supports St. Mary Medical Center, and raises awareness for breast cancer. Congratulations to New Eagle Scout
Congratulations to Robert Joseph “RJ” Spruhde of Troop 133, from Southampton, on earning the rank of Eagle Scout – the highest honor in Scouting and a true reflection of his dedication, leadership, and perseverance. I had the honor of attending RJ’s Court of Honor and presenting a PA Senate citation recognizing this outstanding achievement. For his Eagle Scout community service project, RJ installed trail markers along a five-mile trail that links the U.S. Route 202 Parkway Trail to the Bradford Dam in Warrington Township. The markers have been entered into the 911 system and will greatly assist EMS when locating those needing help in an emergency. Additionally, the markers will serve as a template for all other trails in the township. My Bill Expanding DNA Collection Advances from Committee
My bill to strengthen Pennsylvania’s ability to solve crimes and protect communities by expanding the use of DNA evidence has advanced from the Senate Law and Justice Committee. Senate Bill 912 would expand DNA collection—similar to fingerprinting—to better identify perpetrators, solve cold cases, and exonerate the innocent. The bill would:
I have been working with DA Jennifer Schorn and Sheriff Fred Harran on this legislation after we met with Ashley Spence, a victim advocate for arrestee DNA legislation, who told a chilling but powerful tale of justice delayed. She was raped by a stranger, and her attacker went unidentified for years until California passed arrestee DNA legislation. That measure led directly to the identification of her perpetrator, who was also found to be responsible for several other sexual attacks. Thirty-one other states already collect DNA at the time of arrest. By bringing Pennsylvania in line with these standards, we can stop serial offenders before they strike again, bring closure to victims and families, and ensure the innocent are not wrongfully punished. Senate Bill 912 now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Landmark Bill to Modernize PA’s Broken Permitting Process Approved by Senate
A sweeping permitting reform measure to bring greater accountability, transparency and efficiency to how state agencies handle permit applications was approved by the Senate. Senate Bill 6 sets clear timelines for state agencies to review permit applications, creates a permit tracking system and ensures applicants receive timely, consistent answers not endless delays. The measure, which passed with bipartisan support, also requires regular performance reporting so Pennsylvanians can hold their government accountable. The bill builds on the Streamlining Permits for Economic Expansion and Development (SPEED) program that required the Department of Environmental Protection to implement a permit tracking system. This legislation expands those transparency and accountability measures to all state agencies. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Tuesday is the Deadline to Apply to Vote by Mail in the Nov. 4 Election
If you plan on voting by mail in Nov. 4 election, your application for a ballot must be received by your county election office by 5 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 28. You can apply online, by mail or at your county election office. Find details for each along with other useful information here. Military or overseas civilian voters can find information here on how to obtain a mail ballot. County election offices must receive completed mail ballots by 8 p.m., Nov. 4. Auditor General’s Activity Book Contest Accepting Submissions
Pennsylvania students in grades K-12 are invited to help the state Auditor General’s office design the cover of its new Be Money $mart activity book. The book will include coloring pages, word searches, word scrambles, crosswords and budgeting sheets – all focused on financial literacy. The deadline to submit a design online is Oct. 31. The winner’s artwork will be featured on the cover of the new activity book and recognized at the PA Farm Show, and will win their school a visit from Auditor General Tim DeFoor. The activity book will be distributed statewide through libraries, YMCAs and credit unions. Assessing Your Personal Breast Cancer Risk
The pink ribbon is a symbol of hope, strength and solidarity in the fight against breast cancer. It reminds us to support those affected, promote early detection and raise awareness about the importance of knowing your risks. You can assess your personal breast cancer risk using this free online risk calculator.
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