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In this Update:
Strengthening Public Safety and Protecting Pennsylvanians
I’m pleased to report that my legislation to protect Pennsylvanians from criminal illegal migrants is advancing. This important bill ensures that individuals who enter our country illegally and commit crimes are held accountable, reinforcing our commitment to law and order. The safety and security of our communities must always come first. By strengthening enforcement measures and closing dangerous loopholes, this legislation provides law enforcement with the necessary tools to prevent criminal activity and protect law-abiding citizens. We cannot allow those who break our laws to remain in our communities without consequences. I will continue working to ensure Pennsylvania remains a safe place for families, businesses, and all residents. Keeping our communities secure is a responsibility I take seriously, and I appreciate the support of those who stand with me in this effort. Learn more about this important legislation here. Fighting for Fairness: Reducing Excessive Shoreline Protection Fees
I’m pleased to share that my legislation to reduce excessive fees on private property owners maintaining shoreline protection structures along Lake Erie has passed the Senate Environmental Resources and Energy Committee unanimously. Senate Bill 109 addresses an unfair regulation that classifies groins—shoreline structures preventing erosion—as commercial, raising annual fees for private owners from $25 to $750, while government-owned groins remain exempt. This places an undue burden on those working to preserve our beaches. My bill ensures fairness in the permitting process, preventing private property owners from being unfairly targeted with excessive fees. The state should support—not penalize—those protecting our natural resources. Senate Bill 109 now moves to the full Senate, and I’ll continue fighting to get it passed. Learn more about this important legislation here. Honoring Erie’s Own: Air Force Veteran Sean Ferry
This week, I had the privilege of recognizing Sean Ferry, a distinguished Air Force veteran and lifelong Erie resident, on the Senate floor alongside the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA). Sean’s dedication to our veteran community is nothing short of inspiring. As Vice President of the PVA Board of Directors, he has been a tireless advocate for veterans, working to ensure they receive the support and recognition they deserve. His leadership extends beyond advocacy—Sean proudly represents Erie at the National Veterans Wheelchair Games, where he earned an impressive five medals this past year in New Orleans. His resilience, commitment to adaptive sports, and unwavering dedication to his fellow veterans serve as a powerful reminder of the strength and determination within our community. It was an honor to recognize his achievements and to stand alongside those who have sacrificed so much for our country Watch my Introduction of Sean on the Senate Floor Here. Honoring Erie’s Medal of Honor Recipients
The Medal of Honor is our nation’s highest military award for valor, earned by only 3,547 of the 40 million Americans who have served in the Armed Forces since the Civil War. This prestigious recognition is reserved for those who have demonstrated extraordinary courage and selflessness in defense of our nation. At the Pennsylvania Soldiers’ & Sailors’ Home, we honor three heroic Erie natives who received this distinguished award: the late Boatswain’s Mate William Young, Patrick Murphy, and Rear Admiral George M. Lowry. Their bravery and sacrifices serve as a lasting reminder of the dedication and heroism displayed by our nation’s service members. Their stories deserve to be shared and remembered for generations to come. By honoring their legacy, we ensure that their courage and commitment to protecting our freedoms are never forgotten. Treasurer Garrity Visits Erie
Pennsylvania Money Match is a long-overdue, common-sense program that’s making a real difference for residents across the state, including right here in Erie County. By automatically returning unclaimed property to rightful owners, this initiative ensures that hard-earned money gets back into the hands of Pennsylvanians—where it truly belongs. With this program, the state is making it easier for families and individuals to claim what’s rightfully theirs without going through complicated processes. This is a big win for families, communities, and local economies across the Commonwealth, including Erie County, where many are discovering that they have unclaimed property waiting for them. Let’s make sure everyone knows about this program and the real money that could be headed their way. Keep an eye out for your check! For more information, visit patreasury.gov/MoneyMatch. Senate Committee Votes to Preserve Women’s Sports
This week, the Senate Education Committee passed legislation to preserve integrity and fairness in women’s sports, progress that was hard fought decades ago with the creation of Title IX. The bill now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Senate Bill 9, known as the Save Women’s Sports Act, would require public schools and colleges to label sports teams as male, female or coed. It would only permit biological females to join teams designated for women. Notably, Senate Bill 9 would allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule. Female students who compete in high school and college sports deserve a level playing field. This bill would protect this opportunity for them, allowing fair and equal access to the personal enrichment, character development and fitness sports provide. Bill to Improve School Bus Safety Receives Senate Committee Support
The Senate Transportation Committee this week voted to advance legislation to better protect children by strengthening school bus safety laws. It now moves to the full Senate for consideration. Senate Bill 65 would increase the required stopping distance for opposing drivers from 10 feet to 15 feet, creating a greater buffer for children entering and exiting the bus. It also strengthens penalties for all offenders via a tiered penalty system. Penalties may include increased fines and mandatory driver education. Drivers who fail to prepare to stop when a school bus activates its flashing amber lights would also be subject to penalties. Each year, the Department of Transportation conducts a school bus education and enforcement program. The most recent program, conducted in October 2024, found police officers and bus drivers in 22 school districts reporting 131 violations in a single day. Youth Invited to Go Fishing on Saturday
Pennsylvania’s Mentored Youth Trout Day gives young people early access to the state’s stocked trout waters. This year, it will be held on Saturday, March 29, from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Youth anglers need a free Mentored Youth Permit or a Voluntary Youth Fishing License, which can be purchased for $2.97, from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. Both are available online or at licensing agents across the state. To participate, youth anglers must be accompanied by a licensed adult angler, which are anglers 16 years of age and older. Adult anglers need a valid Pennsylvania Fishing License and a current Trout Permit. Youth with a license or permit can take a total of two trout (combined species) with a minimum length of seven inches. Adult anglers may not possess trout. March 29 is Vietnam War Veterans Day
Nine million Americans served during the Vietnam War era and 58,000 gave their lives. Sadly, because many people didn’t view the war favorably, Vietnam War veterans received a cold reception when they returned to American soil. Some were even deeply mistreated. March 29 marks the day in 1973 when the last United States troops left Vietnam. That same day, 591 American prisoners were released and returned to the United States. Let us recognize those who fought valiantly for our freedoms. We are grateful for their courage and sacrifices.
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