HARRISBURG – Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) and Senate Transportation Committee Chair Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) today issued the following statement in response to Governor Josh Shapiro’s decision to flex $153 million of federal highway and bridge capital funds.

“Our Senate Republican Caucus has made it clear from the outset that we will examine transit funding that makes sense and can be justified to commonwealth taxpayers who are being asked to pay the bill. We will not, and we have not wavered from our position.

“We reached a bipartisan agreement in July to temporarily fund SEPTA and other transit agencies to the tune of $80.5 million. Conditions of this funding included a re-examination of the delivery model given recent reductions in ridership, which are a direct result of Covid, people not working full-time in cities, and major safety concerns within the system. Rather than making prudent, sensible changes, they have chosen to politicize and pillage critical infrastructure projects for other districts which are well outside of SEPTA reach, ironically, the majority being in Republican districts.

“It is apparent today that the Democrats’ mindset is we can just spend more money on transit regardless of where it comes from. The fact of the matter is that the governor made a fairytale wish list to sizably increase SEPTA funding absent legislative involvement, which he failed to deliver. Equally troubling is the fact that SEPTA relied on this fairytale wish list in their budgeting process. We would be hard-pressed to find businesses in the commonwealth that operate on this type of budgeting principle. Now, instead of getting stuff done, the governor is taking stuff away by allowing roads and bridges in Republican districts to deteriorate.

“Transit funding is one side of a very large coin. The other side of the coin includes critical infrastructure projects of roads and bridges. These roads and bridges carry millions of commonwealth residents daily. Pennsylvania is the fourth largest contributor to mass transit in the country. Simply throwing more money at the problem without addressing the root causes will only further burden taxpayers and take away from road and bridge projects in the commonwealth as a whole. Robbing Peter to pay Paul should not be the solution to this problem.

“Whether the governor likes it or not, Pennsylvania does have a structural budget deficit. The action by the governor today will do nothing but harm millions of hard-working Pennsylvanians by depriving their areas of critical infrastructure. We will not apologize for being fiscal stewards of tax dollars. The bottom line is that there must be a significant overall re-examination of the SEPTA delivery model and mass transit.

“We remain committed to common sense reform with stakeholder input that benefits all commonwealth taxpayers.”

MEDIA CONTACTS:
Kate Flessner kflessner@pasen.gov (Sen. Pittman)
Gwenn Dando gdando@pasen.gov (Sen. Langerholc)

WESTMORELAND – Pennsylvania Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward issued the following statement today on the status of mass transit in southeast Pennsylvania:

“Today’s announcement by Gov. Josh Shapiro to address the mass transit crisis facing SEPTA is a crisis of his own making. It’s yet another example of how simply ‘showing up’ falls short in addressing complex issues. Gov. Shapiro and House Democrats prioritized education over mass transit by approving the largest budget increase ever for a traditional education system that continues to trap Philadelphia’s kids in failing schools. The bottom line is this: Pennsylvanians – especially those in the southeast – are losing out, not because of divided government, but because Pennsylvania Democrats have chosen to focus their priorities and spending on one area alone.”

CONTACT:
Erica Clayton Wright (Sen. Ward)

(HARRISBURG) – Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) today highlighted the important permitting reform work championed by Senate Republicans:

“Our Senate Republican Caucus has long recognized the need to implement meaningful permitting reforms in order to expand job opportunities and grow our economy. Executive Orders come and go, which is why we insisted our permitting reform efforts be enshrined in law, as happened back in July.

“Pennsylvanians sent a clear message on November 5, that improving the state of our economy must be of critical focus. We know that creating a robust economy is key to combatting inflation and helping to increase access to family sustaining jobs. 

“While it is unclear how Governor Shapiro’s most recent Executive Order is different from previous legislation spearheaded by Senate Republicans, we welcome the governor and his Democratic colleagues to the table to work together on further initiatives.”

Media Contact: Kate Flessner kflessner@pasen.gov

HARRISBURG – The state Senate has approved legislation introduced by Sen. Michele Brooks (R-50) that would extend Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law protections to include motorcycles, sending the bill to the governor’s desk for his signature.

Currently, the state Lemon Law only applies to cars. Brooks introduced Senate Bill 155 to extend the consumer protections to Pennsylvanians who purchase motorcycles.

“Many people save for years to purchase their motorcycle and they deserve the same consumer protections as other motorists,” said Brooks. “Extending Lemon Law protections to motorcycles is a matter of fairness and ensuring that all motorists are safeguarded in their investments.”

Pennsylvania’s Lemon Law provides protections for customers who purchase or lease a car that is registered in the commonwealth. The law protects customers who experience defects with their car during the first year or 12,000 miles of leasing or ownership. Manufacturers are given three opportunities within a year to repair the defect. If the problem still cannot be corrected, the customer is eligible for a replacement or refund.

The bill now awaits the governor’s approval to become law.

CONTACT:
Adam Gingrich, 717-787-1322

HARRISBURG – Legislation to allow year-round motorcycle safety inspections in Pennsylvania, championed by Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-46) and Rep. Kyle Mullins (D-112), is set to become law after receiving unanimous Senate and House support.

Even though motorcycles can be purchased and driven on Pennsylvania roadways throughout the year, the state Vehicle Code currently only allows safety inspections to be performed from March to October.

“Government shouldn’t stand in the way of people who are trying to preserve their own safety and that of others on our roads. Allowing motorcycle inspections year-round will make it more convenient for people to ensure they are current on inspections – a no-brainer,” Bartolotta said.

The legislation would eliminate the current restriction to give motorcycle operators more opportunities to complete required inspections. Motorcycle registration with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation would continue to be tied to the month the vehicle is to be inspected.

“On behalf of the many motorcyclists, dealerships, and service stations I am fortunate to represent, I was proud to help pass this commonsense change in law,” said Mullins. “Considering the use and sale of motorcycles is permitted year-round, it is important that we allow motorcycle safety inspections year-round as well.”

Both House Bill 2177 and Senate Bill 1147 passed the Senate. House Bill 2177 ultimately advanced to the governor for enactment. If signed into law, it would be effective in 60 days.

CONTACT: Katrina Hanna, 717-787-1463

HARRISBURG – A bill sponsored by Sen. Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35) to establish a statewide rape kit evidence tracking system was signed into law as Act 122 of 2024.

Act 122 of 2024 allows survivors to track the status of their rape kits throughout the testing process, from collection to destruction. With this legislation, Pennsylvania will join 35 states and the District of Columbia that have already implemented rape kit tracking systems.

“Act 122 strengthens our commitment to empowering survivors and holding offenders accountable,” Langerholc said. “Establishing a rape kit tracking system in Pennsylvania will enable sexual assault survivors to monitor the status of their kits during an investigation, bringing transparency and accountability to the process.”

In addition to creating a rape kit tracking system, Act 122 brings Pennsylvania into compliance with the Fairness for Rape Kit Backlog Survivors provision of the recent Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) reauthorization.

To comply with VAWA, the bill provides a waiver for survivors who file untimely claims for compensation due to delays in rape kit testing. Survivors will not need to undergo an appeal process for consideration of this waiver.

Act 122 also empowers survivors by clarifying existing rights and enshrining new statutory rights for survivors of sexual assault.

Langerholc joined Gov. Josh Shapiro and Erika Brosig, Chief Operating Officer from Victim Services Inc. for a ceremonial bill signing in the Governor’s Reception Room.

“The very nature of sexual assault is that it takes away power from the survivor.  Having this tracking system will give survivors some of their power back and facilitate healing right from the start. We are so grateful for Senator Langerholc’s unwavering support for sexual assault survivors in the commonwealth.  He has truly been a champion for the movement,” said Erika Brosig.

Act 122 builds on Langerholc’s leadership in supporting survivors of sexual assault. In 2018, he sponsored Act 164 to streamline the process of collecting sexual assault evidence and require regular reporting on related data. In 2019, he sponsored Act 29, which enacted a comprehensive bill of rights for survivors in Pennsylvania.

CONTACT: Gwenn Dando

HARRISBURG – Sen. Rosemary Brown (R-40) announced that her legislative package to strengthen funding flexibility for emergency medical services (EMS) and fire companies has been signed into law. The new laws amend Pennsylvania’s municipal codes to support EMS and fire funding, addressing longstanding financial challenges in staffing and operations.

“These laws give local governments the flexibility they need to ensure EMS and fire services can meet growing demands,” Brown said. “Lifting outdated restrictions allows municipalities to allocate funds more effectively, particularly for staffing – enabling us to better support the essential personnel who protect our communities.”

The legislative package – consisting of Senate bills 1132, 1133 and 1134 – enables municipalities to use a greater portion of existing local EMS and fire taxes for personnel costs without raising taxes. Previously, only half of EMS tax revenue could be allocated to personnel, limiting municipalities’ ability to address the staffing shortages facing both EMS providers and fire companies.

Brown credited Debbie Kulick of Bushkill Emergency Service for her input on the legislation, highlighting the vital role of community feedback in shaping effective legislation. “This is exactly how government should work: people voice their concerns, and we make the necessary adjustments. The best laws come directly from the people,” Brown said.

These new laws empower local governments to prioritize and maintain critical emergency services, enhancing both the speed and reliability of responses without placing additional financial burdens on residents.

For a full list of Brown’s enacted laws, visit her website.

CONTACT:
Mackenzie Mueller

HARRISBURG – Pennsylvania voters returned a Republican majority to the state Senate in the recent General Election, re-electing all Republican incumbents and sending new Republican senators to Harrisburg.

“Pennsylvanians were energized and sent a clear message that they are done with far-left policies that step on their constitutional rights and make it hard for them to keep up with the high cost of food and utilities,” said Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward (R-39). “Pennsylvanians can count on us to focus on helping our families by growing the economy and jobs.”

“This is an historic and exciting time for Pennsylvania and our entire nation,” Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-41) said. “Voters have spoken loudly and clearly to send a strong team of Republicans to the state Senate. Across the Commonwealth we are witnessing a renewed embrace of policies and principles to strengthen families and forge a promising and prosperous future. For the first time in over two decades, we will welcome a new senator to our Caucus from Philadelphia, which serves as a significant means to further close the rural, urban, and suburban divide. Our Senate Republican Caucus will continue to be steadfast in our work to empower Pennsylvanians by standing against executive and judicial overreach, rejecting Democrats’ massive tax increases, and ensuring the fundamental rights of our Commonwealth’s citizens remain safely guarded.”

 Senate Republicans will hold a 28-22 majority in the 2025-26 legislative session.

Voters elected two new Republican senators. Sen.-elect Dawn Keefer was elected in the 31^st Senate District covering parts of Cumberland and York counties. She currently represents the 92^nd Legislative District in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.

Sen.-elect Joe Picozzi was elected in the 5^th Senate District representing a part of Philadelphia. He previously worked for the U.S. House of Representatives and in public policy, where he focused on policies to revitalize cities.

The following Republican senators were re-elected: 

• Dave Argall (R-29), representing Carbon and Schuylkill counties and part of Luzerne County.
• Lynda Schlegel Culver (R-27), representing Columbia, Montour, Northumberland and Snyder counties and part of Luzerne County.
• Cris Dush (R-25), representing Cameron, Clinton, Elk, McKean and Potter counties and parts of Jefferson and Centre counties.
• Scott Hutchinson (R-21), representing Clarion, Forest, Venango and Warren counties and parts of Butler and Erie counties.
• Wayne Langerholc, Jr. (R-35), representing Cambria and Clearfield counties and part of Centre County.
• Dan Laughlin (R-49), representing parts of Erie County.
• Scott Martin (R-13), representing parts of Berks and Lancaster counties.
• Doug Mastriano (R-33), representing Adams and Franklin counties.
• Joe Pittman (R-41), representing Armstrong and Indiana counties and parts of Jefferson and Westmoreland counties.
• Devlin Robinson (R-37), representing parts of Allegheny County.
• Elder Vogel (R-47), representing parts of Beaver, Butler and Lawrence counties.
• Kim Ward (R-39), representing parts of Westmoreland County.
• Gene Yaw (R-23), representing Bradford, Lycoming, Sullivan, Tioga and Union counties.

Newly and re-elected senators will be sworn into office to begin their four-year terms on Jan. 7, 2025.

CONTACT
Erica Clayton Wright (Senator Ward)
Kate Eckhart Flessner (Senator Pittman)