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| The Latest News from Your State Representative |
| Please do not reply to this e-mail, as I am unable to respond to messages sent to this address. You can contact me directly at vgaydos@pahousegop.com or here. |
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Public Safety Should Never Take a Back Seat to Politics
I came to Harrisburg to fight for safer communities and to make sure our laws put Pennsylvanians first. I could not support the amended version of House Bill 1042 because it puts those priorities at risk.
The Pennsylvania Supreme Court gave the General Assembly 120 days to fix a problem with sentencing for second degree murder convictions. On day 119, we had a bipartisan Senate bill that was ready to go. It could have been on the governor’s desk that same day. It would have given victims, families, prosecutors and the courts the clarity they deserved.
Instead, House Democrats changed course.
At the last minute, they rewrote the bill. They replaced the Senate’s sentencing plan with language that gives judges more discretion. They also added medical parole provisions that had nothing to do with the court’s ruling.
That is not how laws affecting public safety should be written.
With the deadline TODAY, Friday, July 24, and no remedy in place, the more than 1,100 prisoners convicted of murder who are affected by this lapse could challenge their sentences, potentially opening the door to their release into Pennsylvania communities.
When we are dealing with violent crime, victims deserve certainty. Families deserve to know where the law stands. Our communities deserve a justice system that holds violent offenders accountable. Instead, we were asked to vote on major changes with little time to review them.
I voted “yes” to restore the Senate's bipartisan language because I believed it was the right path. I voted “no” on the amended House bill because I believe public safety should always come before politics.
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Community Voices Matter in Data Center Planning
As interest in building large-scale data centers continues to grow across Pennsylvania, it is very important that local communities have a strong voice in deciding what is right for their neighborhoods.
Recently, I participated in a data center workshop and informational session hosted by North Fayette Township, where residents were invited to learn about the township’s plans to protect the community from unchecked data center development.
During the meeting, I provided an update on legislation I have supported in the House to give municipalities the tools they need to make informed decisions while protecting taxpayers and utility customers. The measures, now awaiting action in the Senate, include:
• House Bill 2224, which would eliminate the 6% Gross Receipts Tax on electric bills, returning an estimated $1.7 billion to Pennsylvania consumers while providing immediate relief from rising energy costs.
• House Bill 2496, which would establish a 180-day pause on data center applications, giving communities time to carefully evaluate the impacts of these projects before additional proposals move forward.
• House Bill 2650, which would require greater transparency, stronger community engagement, environmental safeguards and protections against rising utility costs for developers seeking state tax credits.
• House Bill 2198, which would repeal a special tax exemption for data center computer equipment, helping ensure these facilities pay their fair share.
As these projects become larger and more complex, local governments must have the authority to balance economic development with the needs of the people who already call these communities home. Residents deserve to know how proposed developments could affect their quality of life, infrastructure, the environment and the cost of electricity.
I commend North Fayette Township for taking a proactive approach by hosting open public forums and developing thoughtful zoning and regulatory standards. Keeping residents informed and involved is essential to making good decisions that will shape our communities for years to come.
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Honoring the Legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen
This week, I had the privilege of participating in a memorial service at Sewickley Cemetery honoring the courageous Tuskegee Airmen. I am grateful to Allegheny Commandery No. 35 Knights Templar of Pennsylvania for sponsoring this event and ensuring the legacy of these American heroes continues to be remembered.
I was also pleased to be joined by Sen. Devlin Robinson and Dr. Kimberly Slater-Wood, president of the Tuskegee Airmen Memorial of the Greater Pittsburgh Region, whose dedication helps preserve the history and achievements of the Tuskegee Airmen through educational programs and commemorative events.
The Tuskegee Airmen exemplified courage, determination and patriotism in the face of tremendous adversity. While serving our nation overseas during World War II, they overcame discrimination at home and proved through their excellence, skill and unwavering commitment that character knows no barriers.
It was an honor to recognize these remarkable men and reflect on the lasting impact they have had on our nation and future generations.
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Supporting Our Veterans
I recently joined in the unanimous support of a new state law that aims to improve services for veterans affected by military sexual trauma.
Act 38 of 2026 will require county directors of veterans affairs to undergo additional training and certification in trauma-informed care, including military sexual trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. The goal is to help staff recognize symptoms, reduce potential triggers, and better connect veterans with appropriate services and resources.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly one in three women and one in 50 men in the armed forces report experiencing sexual assault or sexual harassment during military service. The actual number is believed to be higher because many incidents go unreported.
The law takes effect in 180 days.
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New Law to Boost Human Trafficking Awareness
Statistics show hotels, motels and short-term lodging rentals are some of the most common venues where human trafficking, specifically sex trafficking, take place. A new state law aims to stop that.
I recently voted in support of Act 31 of 2026, which requires training to ensure employees of these establishments are prepared to identify and respond to suspected human trafficking as it occurs. The law takes effect in one year.
The measure is the latest effort by the General Assembly to stop this fast-growing crime. Another new law, Act 41 of 2026, aims to help the Pennsylvania attorney general and law enforcement more effectively target and prosecute human trafficking by moving most of the state’s prostitution offenses to the human trafficking section of the state Crimes Code and enhancing penalties. This law will take effect in 60 days.
If you or someone you know is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
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State Funding Supports Local Projects
I am pleased to share $4 million in state Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) funding has been awarded for two important projects in our district that will strengthen public safety and support economic growth.
These investments will make a real difference for our communities by improving critical infrastructure, creating good-paying jobs and helping position our region for continued success.
The first project will bring $1 million to Leetsdale Industrial Park for the Early Suppression Fast Response Fire Main Extension. This funding will support the installation of a new fire pump, fire mains throughout the industrial park and upgraded service connections to buildings. These improvements will enhance fire protection for the businesses and facilities located within the park, helping to protect jobs, property and the people who work there.
An additional $3 million will support Mainspring Energy’s new manufacturing facility in North Fayette Township. The facility will be capable of producing up to 1,000 linear generators each year, helping meet the growing demand for innovative and resilient energy technology. This project will create new employment opportunities while strengthening our region’s advanced manufacturing sector.
The Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program is designed to support projects that have a significant economic, civic or infrastructure impact. Securing these funds is an investment in our communities’ future by improving public safety, encouraging business growth and helping ensure our district remains a great place to live, work and do business.
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Is There Money Waiting for You?
What would you do if you found out you had money waiting to be claimed? It may sound surprising, but one in 10 Pennsylvanians has unclaimed property being held by the state.
Unclaimed property can include forgotten bank accounts, uncashed checks, insurance payments, utility deposits or even the contents of abandoned safe deposit boxes. These assets are turned over to the Commonwealth for safekeeping until they are reunited with their rightful owners.
Recently, I co-hosted a Claim Your Unclaimed Property event with the office of Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity at the Sewickley Public Library. It was great to see so many constituents stop by to search for missing money and property, and even better to watch people discover assets they did not know they had.
If you were not able to attend, it is not too late to check. I encourage you to take a few minutes to see if you or a family member has unclaimed property waiting to be claimed. The search is free, easy and could uncover money or valuables that belong to you. Click here for more information.
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A New Library Resource for Seniors, Caregivers
Our libraries offer much more than books. Recently, I had the opportunity to see one great example at the Sewickley Public Library.
During my visit, I met with Executive Director Ruth Neely to learn about the library’s new Memory Kits, a resource designed to support individuals experiencing memory loss and the caregivers who help them every day. The kits include activities and materials that encourage interaction, provide comfort and help stimulate memory.
These Memory Kits can be borrowed just like a library book, and there are no late fees if they are returned after the due date. This gives families the flexibility to use the kits at their own pace without worrying about deadlines.
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Looking for a Career with the PA State Police?
The Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) is accepting applications from people interested in a rewarding career in public service as a state trooper.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate and a valid driver’s license from any state. They must be at least 20 years old at the time of application, and they must be at least 21 years old and cannot have reached age 40 upon entry into the PSP academy.
Applications for the current cadet hiring cycle should be submitted via the Commonwealth’s employment website by July 31. A new cadet hiring cycle will open on Aug. 1.
For more information on becoming a state trooper, including applicant requirements and job benefits, visit PATrooper.com.
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Antlerless License Round 2 Begins July 27
Hunters looking to purchase a second antlerless license for the 2026-27 hunting season will soon have the opportunity to do so when the second round of licensing begins on Monday, July 27.
As of that date, unsold licenses will be available on a first-come, first-served basis to both residents and nonresidents.
One antlerless deer license per hunter can be purchased per round in the first three rounds. More information is available here.
Licenses are available for purchase online at huntfish.pa.gov or in-person at license issuing agents. Click here for a map of agents across the Commonwealth.
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