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In this Update:
* Re-Affirming Good Friday as a State Holiday
* Food Processing Residual Round Table Discussion
* CHAP Day at the Capitol
* Pennsylvania Freedom Medals
* Senate Passes Bill Reforming Nomination Process for Agency Heads
* Voter Registration Deadline is May 5
* REAL ID to Replace Driver’s License as Federally Acceptable ID on May 7
* Free Cleanup Supplies for PA Communities
* Best Wishes for a Happy Easter

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** Re-Affirming Good Friday as a State Holiday
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I introduced a resolution, SR84, to re-affirm that Good Friday is a Pennsylvania state holiday as stated in ACT 138 of May 31st, 1893


** Food Processing Residual Round Table Discussion
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On Monday, I held a roundtable discussion to listen to families in Antrim Township who have been directly affected by food processing residuals (FPR). It was heartbreaking to hear their stories. I have introduced SB624, an essential bill aimed at banning the use of FPR in Pennsylvania. This legislation has been assigned to the Environmental Resources and Energy Committee, where we can advocate for meaningful change.

The alarming reality is that the use of FPR has contaminated our groundwater, endangering the drinking water and food supply for countless citizens who rely solely on well water for their daily needs, including drinking, bathing, and crop irrigation. We must act now to protect the health and safety of our communities. Together, we can ensure clean, safe water for all Pennsylvanians.


** CHAP Day at the Capitol
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My remarks on Christian Homeschool Association of Pennsylvania (CHAP) Day at the Capitol


** Pennsylvania Freedom Medals
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It was an honor to present a Pennsylvania Freedom Medal to two great Americans on Wednesday!

Matt Bellis for his leadership during the re-open movement during the dark days of 2020 in 2021 and Ernie Springer for his hard work across the Commonwealth to get out the vote, these two men, personify, integrity, honor, and justice, and are worthy of this recognition!


** Senate Passes Bill Reforming Nomination Process for Agency Heads
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To restore balance and transparency in state government ([link removed]) , the Senate passed a bill reining in the use of unconfirmed state agency leaders. Senate Bill 472 ([link removed]) advanced to the House of Representatives for consideration.

Former Gov. Tom Wolf appointed 11 individuals to lead various state agencies in the “acting” capacity and never nominated them to the Senate as part of the official confirmation process. Additionally, 21 cabinet officials served in “acting” capacity longer than 90 days. This allowed key decisions to be made without public scrutiny.

With the passage of the bill, an individual serving in a leadership role without official confirmation by the Senate would be designated as “Deputy Head of Department.” The designation could be used once during a governor’s term. These individuals would have to appear before the General Assembly during the annual budget process. They would not receive elevated compensation or additional benefits beyond their peers. Most importantly, they would not be allowed to remain indefinitely without Senate review and would not be permitted to serve longer than 90 days.


** Voter Registration Deadline is May 5
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The deadline to register to vote in Pennsylvania’s May 20 primary election is Monday, May 5. Your county election office ([link removed]) must receive your application for a mail-in or absentee ballot by Tuesday, May 13, at 5 p.m.

To legally register, individuals must be a citizen of the United States, reside in their local voting precincts at least 30 days prior to the election and be at least age 18 on Election Day, Tuesday, May 20. Once registered to vote, you are not required to register again unless you change your residence, name or political party affiliation.

Voter registration forms, mail-in ballot applications and absentee ballot applications are available here ([link removed]) or from your local county’s Board of Elections. You can also use the site to check your registration status ([link removed]) .


** REAL ID to Replace Driver’s License as Federally Acceptable ID on May 7
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Beginning May 7, Pennsylvanians who wish to board flights, visit military bases and enter certain federal facilities will be required to present a form of federally accepted identification. Options include a passport, military ID or a REAL ID.

You do not need to wait until your driver license renews to get a REAL ID. To get one, you must provide documents proving your identity, lawful status, Social Security number and Pennsylvania residency. Review the list of acceptable documents ([link removed]) . All documents must be original versions or certified copies (if applicable).

While any of the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation’s (PennDOT) driver license centers can verify these documents for customers who want a REAL ID, only certain locations ([link removed]) can provide your REAL ID the same day. Otherwise, expect to receive your REAL ID within 15 business days after successful document verification.

To make it more convenient for Pennsylvanians to get a REAL ID, PennDOT is offering dedicated time at some driver license centers on April 28 and May 5. Both REAL ID Days ([link removed]) are on Mondays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:15 p.m.


** Free Cleanup Supplies for PA Communities
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Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful is working to improve the state’s communities by cleaning up litter. Now through May 31 while supplies last, free work gloves, safety vests and trash bags are available to groups who register their cleanup event ([link removed]) .

Donated landfill space is offered for trash collected during cleanups held in April. Tires cannot be accepted, and groups should plan for proper disposal of electronics ([link removed]) that are found. Read more ([link removed]) about how to organize a cleanup event. Please email (mailto:[email protected]) or call Michelle Dunn with Pick Up Pennsylvania at 724-836-4121, extension 113, with any questions.

In 2024, more than 77,000 volunteers picked up more than 3.2 million tons of litter and trash. Another 4.5 million pounds of materials were recycled and more than 14,000 trees, flowers and other greens were planted.


** Best Wishes for a Happy Easter
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Easter represents joy, hope and redemption. Warmest wishes to all families who celebrate this holy holiday and rejoice in eternal life. Happy Easter!

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