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In this Update:
2025 Review: Reforms Enacted to Improve Efficiency, Reduce Waste
As we begin the second year of the 2025-26 legislative session, here’s a brief look at what we did last year to target fraud and waste, fix Pennsylvania’s broken system for issuing permits and more. Enacted with the state budget was sweeping permitting reform that sets clear timelines for state agencies to review permit applications and creates a permit tracking system, benefiting citizens and job creators. The budget also included measures ensuring individuals receiving Medical Assistance and SNAP benefits qualify for these taxpayer dollars and preventing dead people from receiving benefits. The Senate also passed legislation to eliminate 13 unnecessary boards, commissions and advisory committees and require automatic review of costly regulations after three years to ensure they remain in the public interest. You can find information on more government reform bills and other notable Senate-passed legislation here. More Pennsylvanians Now Eligible for PA ABLE Savings Accounts
More Pennsylvanians are eligible to participate in the PA ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) Savings Program in 2026, Treasurer Stacy Garrity announced recently. Pennsylvanians with a qualifying disability occurring prior to age 46 are now eligible to open a PA ABLE account. Previously, eligibility required the disability to occur before age 26. PA ABLE accounts allow individuals with disabilities and their families to save up to $19,000 per year tax-free without impacting important benefits. For veterans, savings and investments in PA ABLE accounts do not impact VA benefits. Funds can be used for expenses such as housing, health care, transportation and assistive technology. Contributions are deductible on state income taxes, and qualified withdrawals are exempt from state and federal income taxes. Food, Fun and Farming: PA Farm Show Set for Jan. 10-17
The 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show officially kicks-off this Saturday, Jan. 10 and continues through Jan. 17. This highly anticipated annual event is a celebration of our commonwealth’s rich farming tradition and a lot of fun. Our area will be well represented by local farms! I’m looking forward to seeing exhibitors, animals, and products from Cumberland, Dauphin and Perry counties across the complex, in the arenas and exhibit halls. The shows, auctions, demos, educational programs–and of course the food court– are always outstanding. In line with America’s 250th birthday, this year’s Farm Show “Growing a Nation” theme recognizes Pennsylvania’s leading role in our nation’s founding and future. Information is available to plan your visit, view the daily schedule and maps, and more. If you’ve never been to the Farm Show, check out the Frequently Asked Questions page. General admission is free. Jan. 31 Deadline for High School Seniors to Apply for America250PA Scholarships
High school seniors have until Jan. 31 to apply for $10,000 scholarships as part of the America250PA celebration. Twenty-five scholarships will be awarded throughout six regions to commonwealth high school seniors planning to attend a Pennsylvania college or university in the 2026-27 academic year. More than three dozen schools will match the $10,000 if the student chooses their institution. You can learn more and apply here. National Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Pennsylvania consistently ranks among the top 10 states for reported human trafficking cases. Over the past five years, 1,235 human-trafficking offenses were filed in 366 cases. Sadly, the Midstate region is seeing some of the highest numbers of human-trafficking offenses in the commonwealth, according to the latest data from the Administrative Office of Pennsylvania Courts. Human trafficking awareness month reminds us that human trafficking is not a distant problem; it impacts real people, real families, and real communities–even ours. At its core, human trafficking prevention month is a call to action: to stay informed, protect the vulnerable, and support survivors. The General Assembly has enacted several laws in recent years to combat this abuse in which people profit from the exploitation of others. I’m thankful for the work being done by law enforcement at every level to deter, investigate, and prosecute these crimes. Learn how to identify possible human trafficking and how to help survivors here. Supporting American Jobs and American Energy
This week, I joined a bi-partisan group of federal and state officials who are committed to keeping good-paying jobs, like those at Dura-Bond Industries, here in the Capitol region. I appreciate the U.S. Department of Energy’s Under Secretary of Energy, Alex Fitzsimmons making the trip to Steelton and the administration’s support of skilled American labor. The steel industry and companies like Dura-Bond are critical to our national security, affordable energy, and the economic prosperity of our community. Around the District
Our volunteer fire police play an important role in emergency response and public safety. It’s critical that they have the traffic control and personal protective equipment they need to get the job done. This week, our office was glad to join Rep. Nate Davidson for the presentation of grant funds to the East Pennsboro Fire Police for that purpose. We’re grateful for their dedicated service to the community!
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