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In this Update:
Gov. Shapiro’s Budget Proposal Spends Too Much
Last week, Gov. Josh Shapiro revealed his $53.3 billion state budget proposal for the 2026-27 fiscal year which included a 5.4% spending increase – potentially setting up the commonwealth for massive tax hikes in the future. After listening to him, again, tout a fiscally irresponsible budget that prioritizes taking more money out of the pockets of taxpayers, I stand with my Senate Republican colleagues as we focus on a more responsible and spending-conscious approach to this year’s budget that prioritizes Pennsylvanians. His bold proposals sound good on paper but the funds aren’t there to support these requests. We shouldn’t have to raid things like our Rainy Day Fund – one-time dollars – to support recurring budget costs. We will continue, as we have the last three years, to work on limiting spending increases and enact pro-growth, pro-Pennsylvania policies that allow our commonwealth and its residents to have a prosperous future. Beginning Feb. 23, the Senate Appropriations Committee, of which I serve as the vice chair, will be conducting in-depth public hearings with various state department leaders to examine their budgetary needs for this fiscal year – a first step to help us further develop a fiscally responsible, common sense budget. Senate Approves Measure to Prohibit Student Cellphone Use in PA Schools
To curb classroom distractions and improve academic performance and social development, the Senate passed bipartisan legislation to require Pennsylvania public schools to adopt policies prohibiting student cellphone use during the school day. Senate Bill 1014 ensures districts retain local control by giving them the flexibility to choose how to implement and enforce the standard in a way that works best for their communities, including deciding where phones must be stored. School administrators, teachers and parents across Pennsylvania have increasingly expressed concern about the proven link between smartphones and anxiety, depression, cyberbullying and reduced classroom engagement. The measure was sent to the House of Representatives for consideration. Mark Your Calendars for Our Upcoming Expos!
It’s a new year which means we have updated dates for our 2026 Kids and Senior Expos!
Reach out to my Rochester district office at 724-774-0444 with any questions you may have. Celebrating National FFA Week in Harrisburg
It was great to welcome the Pennsylvania FFA State Officer Team to the Senate as we recognized Senate Resolution 213, designating February 21–28 as National FFA Week! These outstanding young leaders are taking a gap year to serve nearly 16,000 FFA members across the Commonwealth — a true investment in the future of Pennsylvania agriculture. Highlights in the 47th
Harmony Fire District’s annual banquet hosted at the Steamfitter’s Event Center is a great recognition for these brave men and women. It’s always important for everyone to come together for our first responders and community members who work hard to serve our communities. Thank you to all the men and women of the Harmony Fire District for everything you do to keep our communities safe! 2026 Adult Trout Stocking Schedule Available
Looking forward to trout season? The 2026 adult trout stocking schedule is now available online from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission. It’s searchable by county, lists the waterways in alphabetical order, and indicates stocking dates, meeting locations for volunteers and the species of trout that are planned to be stocked at each location. In 2026, Pennsylvania’s statewide Opening Day of Trout Season will be held on Saturday, April 4. A single, statewide Mentored Youth Trout Day will take place on Saturday, March 28. The commission will stock approximately 3.2 million adult trout in 684 streams and 130 lakes open to public angling, about the same number as previously. Grants to Help Preserve History Ahead of America’s 250th
Communities across our district can apply now for state grants to help preserve historic places, strengthen local revitalization efforts and prepare for the nation’s 250th anniversary this year. The Pennsylvania Historical and Museum Commission will award Keystone Historic Preservation Grants to support projects that identify, preserve, promote and protect historic and archaeological resources. This year’s program prioritizes projects that align with the themes of America250, ensuring Pennsylvania’s rich history is preserved as the nation marks its semiquincentennial. More information is available at Keystone Planning Projects and Keystone Constructions Projects. Career and Technical Education Month
Career and technical education (CTE) prepares students to enter high-demand fields, including health care, manufacturing, public safety, information technology, skilled trades and more. More than 75,000 Pennsylvania students are enrolled in CTE, where they can develop essential skills through a combination of classes and hands-on learning, allowing them to apply academics to real-world problems. Career and Technical Education Month shines a spotlight on the importance of CTE programs, the opportunities they provide in crucial fields and their role in making the commonwealth more economically competitive and a place where young Pennsylvanians can settle and prosper.
Please contact me to provide input on any state-related matter, or to receive help in dealing with a state agency. |
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