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In this Update:
Budget Process Begins, Senate Commits to Fiscal Responsibility
The process of enacting a state budget for fiscal year 2026-27 began on Tuesday, and one thing is certain: The $53.3 billion plan presented by Gov. Josh Shapiro would spend too much. Shapiro’s proposal would increase state spending by $2.7 billion, a 5.4% increase – which would set up the commonwealth for massive tax increases in the future. In fact, the Senate’s work to limit spending increases and enact pro-growth policies over the past three years was the reason the governor’s budget did not include a broad-based tax increase this year. At our press conference this week, we took a stand and emphasized our ongoing commitment to protecting Pennsylvania families and taxpayers. My Senate colleagues and I will be working to reduce spending and produce a fiscally responsible 2026-27 state budget, starting with in-depth public hearings by the Senate Appropriations Committee, beginning Feb. 23. Those hearings will be live-streamed here. As we begin our work on this year’s budget, looking for more government efficiencies and respecting taxpayers by controlling the growth of state spending are key priorities. 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. 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. Local Students Visit the CapitolThis week, I had the pleasure of hosting some outstanding young people at the Capitol.
It was a joy to host Girl Scouts from across the commonwealth on Monday. I was fortunate to get to spend some time with these smart, ambitious, hardworking young ladies from Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania. Their leadership and advocacy skills were remarkable.
Second grade students from Millersburg Area School District stopped by for a visit on Tuesday. They were thoughtful and engaged; I appreciated my time with them and hope they enjoyed their day!
High school students from across the district shadowed me throughout the course of my duties at the Capitol on Tuesday. They attended both legislative and constituent meetings. The group got a feel for the legislative process and were a part of the action surrounding the governor’s budget address. They were observant, asked great questions, and provided perspective on a number of issues. I hope they enjoyed the experience as much as I enjoyed having them in our office.
To kick-off Career and Technical Education Month, students from Dauphin County Technical School and Carlisle CTC visited the Capitol to raise awareness about the wide variety of career options and earning potential in the trades. I had a wonderful time speaking with this impressive group! Each was passionate about the career path they’ve chosen and all have very bright futures ahead.
The Shippensburg University Field Hockey Team, coaches, and President Patterson were my guests in the Senate on Wednesday, in celebration of their NCAA National Championship. It was an honor to introduce them and share their many accomplishments with my colleagues. I couldn’t be more impressed by these athletes and the outstanding season they put together!
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