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In this Update:
Hearings on Proposed State Budget Set to Begin
Senate hearings begin next week on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s proposed 2026-27 state budget, a plan that spends too much and steers the state ever closer to a massive tax increase. The Senate Appropriations Committee will question department heads as we seek to reduce the size of the $53.3 billion spending plan that would increase spending by $2.7 billion – a 5.4% increase. It would take $4.6 billion out of the state’s Rainy Day Fund, which is made up of emergency reserves that protect against future tax hikes. The committee begins two weeks of hearings on Monday. I’ll post recaps of each week’s hearings in this e-newsletter so you know what’s being planned for your tax dollars. Preventing Food Allergies and Cutting Costs for Taxpayers
Making preventative supplements available to families could eliminate more than 80% of peanut and egg allergies. Not only would this save lives, it would save taxpayers millions of dollars, according to testimony given at a Senate Majority Policy Committee public hearing. Approximately 1.3 million Pennsylvanians are afflicted with a food allergy. One expert testified the rate of children with a food allergy has grown by 50% over the past 20 years, with rates of peanut and tree nut allergies rising by 300%. The average cost of a child with a peanut allergy is more than $7,200 per year, in addition to the stress, mental load, and emotional toll that families endure to keep their children safe. The expert testimony was intriguing. Among the topics discussed were the benefits of early peanut and egg introduction dietary supplements for infants and the accessibility of such. Video of the hearing and written testimony can be viewed here. Free Webinars Help Families Plan for Higher Education
For students and parents needing help with college financial aid, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency offers free webinars on applying for aid and reviewing offers, options for non-traditional students and other important topics. Upcoming webinars include:
Check the full list here for dates and times. The page includes past webinar recordings for topics you might have missed. Celebrating Caregivers, Providing Resources
Tomorrow, Feb. 20th is National Caregivers Day, a day set aside to honor and recognize the contributions of caregivers, both family members and professionals, who provide emotional, physical, and psychological support to those in need. We thank ALL who selflessly and lovingly provide this care! We appreciate all you do and the incredible difference you make. The Pennsylvania Department of Aging has developed the PA CareKit, which is a collection of tools and information to help those in caregiver roles manage stress, navigate the health care system, stay connected and find support. Check it out here. Please know that my office is available to offer support as well. We frequently provide assistance working with commonwealth agencies, programs, benefits, and service providers. We’d be happy to help! Honoring Community Leader for Devoted Service to Veterans
Don “Doc” Roeder is a legend. He’s a Navy veteran, a gifted thoracic surgeon (now retired), and a talented musician. He’s served as a bugler with the Cumberland County Honor Guard since 1999 and has sounded Taps for more than 1,000 military funerals as well as other memorial events. It was my sincere pleasure to recognize him at this month’s honor guard breakfast, for his meaningful contributions to our community. His commitment to our veterans is both remarkable and inspiring.
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