I was honored to receive the Champion of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business in Pennsylvania for my strong support of small businesses in the Commonwealth. Presenting me with the award is Rebecca Oyler legislative director of NFIB-Pennsylvania.

I participated in a House Policy Committee hearing in York County in which testimony was taken from residents who allege they have been defrauded by cemetery operators at Suburban Memorial Gardens in Conewago Township. Among the complaints were allegations that the cemetery owners were not delivering on their commitments and were not maintaining the cemetery. The committee will consider the testimony and possible legislative remedies.

Several months ago, I arranged a meeting with PennDOT officials, asking them to work on improving the dangerous intersection at Route 16 and Orchard Road in Liberty Township, which claimed the life of an 11-year old girl earlier this year. I recently stopped by the site to check on the progress being made and learned that PennDOT is ahead of schedule and is expected to complete the project by early fall. Changes include a new turning lane at the intersection, moving telephone poles back away from the road and new signage.

Robb Hanrahan, host of “Face the State” on CBS21, invited me on his program to discuss the work of the Common Sense Caucus, a government watchdog group I assembled a few years ago to address major issues such as regulatory reform, increasing government transparency and the state budget.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the grand opening of the Center of the Arts, a dance studio located at 1919 Emmitsburg Road in Gettysburg. Pictured from left to right are Rebecca Prehoda, member of the Gettysburg Adams Chamber of Commerce; Bev Frey of Sen. Rich Alloway’s district staff; Holly Sutphin, field representative for Congressman Scott Perry; Carrie Stuart, president of the Gettysburg Adams Chamber; Faith Thomas, artistic director; Cori Herbert, executive director/owner; Jeremiah Herbert, pastor at The Intersection Church; and me.