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In this Update:
- New State Budget Protects Taxpayers and Funds Priorities
- New Food Processing Residual Reforms Protect Health, Environment
- PennDOT Required to Release Funds for Local Road Projects
- Urgent Action Needed to Keep PA Communities Safe
- Historic Peace Church Preserved
- New State Board and Commission Members Confirmed
- Camping Reservations Available at State Parks
New State Budget Protects Taxpayers and Funds Priorities
After trimming excessive spending sought by the governor, the Senate approved a fiscally responsible state budget that stands up for taxpayers, doesn’t raise taxes on Pennsylvania families and supports affordability and job growth.
Gov. Josh Shapiro originally proposed a budget that would have increased spending by $2.7 billion (5.4% increase) and taken approximately $4.6 billion from the state’s emergency reserves in the Rainy Day Fund. His plan would have required massive tax increases as soon as next year.
The final agreement negotiated by Senate Republicans cut more than $1.1 billion from the governor’s spending request and will not require any withdrawals from the Rainy Day Fund, setting the state on a more sustainable path and avoiding potential bond downgrades and higher debt costs.
Over the last two years, we have pushed to reclaim $4.5 billion from prior-year budgets, special funds and other accounts, ensuring this money can be utilized to support state government programs instead of sitting idle in government accounts.
An additional $565 million is included for the Ready to Learn Block Grant program, and Basic Education Funding will see a $58 million increase. Funding for Special Education will also increase by $55 million.
The plan maintains funding for the Educational Improvement Tax Credit program to empower parents looking for the best education option for their children. Read more about the 2026-27 state budget, including initiatives to create jobs and strengthen healthcare, here.
New Food Processing Residual Reforms Protect Heath, Environment
With the signing of SB 146 (now Act 21 of 2026), Food Processing Residuals (FPRs) will finally be regulated in Pennsylvania–putting an end to practices that are harmful to human health and the environment.
When used properly, FPRs can be part of a normal farming operation. When applied improperly, the dangers and negative impacts of FPRs far outweigh any farming benefit. FPRs do not just emit a foul smell, they can be toxic and their misuse has impacted our communities and quality of life for far too long.
The new law will require FPRs to be adequately regulated and hold bad actors accountable through fines, suspensions and revocation of permits. Future regulations will be focused on protecting soil, air, and water quality by enabling the State Conservation Commission, Department of Agriculture, and Department of Environmental Protection to coordinate rules that protect our residents. For more information, visit my website.
After nearly four years of careful review and hard work, I want to thank everyone involved in getting this desperately needed legislation across the finish line.
PennDOT Required to Release Funds for Local Road Projects
Recognizing the need to support local roads, an additional $775 million is being directed to road projects throughout Pennsylvania communities to quickly improve our highway infrastructure.
As part of our budget negotiations, PennDOT agreed to release an additional $500 million in the 2026-27 fiscal year and $275 million in 2027-28 from the Commonwealth’s Motor License Fund. The funds will be for local road projects only, not interstates, which are funded separately.
I’m excited about the impact this funding will have within our region, allowing for the paving and rehabilitation of roadways used by so many area residents on a daily basis.
Urgent Action Needed to Keep PA Communities Safe
Nearly 1,200 people convicted of second-degree murder in Pennsylvania could be released if the state House of Representatives doesn’t act by Friday, July 24.
In March, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ruled that the current sentencing structure for second-degree murder is unconstitutional and gave the General Assembly 120 days to enact legislation correcting the situation. The Senate has successfully passed bipartisan legislation to address this issue – legislation supported by Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday, Pennsylvania District Attorneys and the Pennsylvania State Lodge Fraternal Order of Police.
In Pennsylvania, second-degree murder (also known as felony murder) involves a homicide committed when the defendant engaged as a principal or an accomplice in the perpetration of a felony. In other words, homicides committed while the defendant was also committing another crime such as rape, arson, robbery, burglary or kidnapping.
These are serious and horrific crimes, and the safety of our communities is at stake. It’s time for the House to join us in taking urgent action.
Historic Peace Church Preserved
With the passage of HB 2559, the land transfer necessary to preserve and protect the historic Peace Church has received full legislative approval.
Built from June 1798 to May 1799, the Peace Church is believed to be the oldest church in Cumberland County that remains in its original condition. The church was the site of the Battle of Sporting Hill in June 1863, which was a part of the Gettysburg Campaign and the northernmost engagement of the Civil War. It was entered into the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. The church is a treasure and ensuring its preservation is critical.
The Friends of Peace Church have been the property’s stewards since 1975, providing meticulous care for the structure, its contents, the adjoining cemetery and the White Ash “witness tree” that has stood for more than 300 years.
By facilitating this transfer, we ensure the Friends of Peace Church can preserve this important structure and educate our community, the commonwealth and the nation on its historic and structural significance.
For more information, visit my website.
New State Board and Commission Members Confirmed
This week, nominees were considered for appointment to state boards and commissions. I was pleased to support constituents Andrea Martin and Stephen R. Zawisky for positions on the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission and the Pennsylvania Parole Board, respectively.
Both are highly qualified, have excelled in their fields, have an extensive history of service and will provide meaningful contributions in their new roles. Congratulations to Andrea and Steve! I thank them for their willingness to serve the commonwealth; I know they will do so with distinction.
Camping Reservations Available at State Parks
State park campsites are open and ready to reserve, with options for tents, cabins and RVs. The commonwealth manages 125 parks covering more than 300,000 acres, so you’re bound to find one that has what you’re looking for.
Available activities include picnicking, swimming, boating and other outdoor recreation. Prices vary for specific park accommodations and activities.
Visit the Pennsylvania State Parks website to find a list of parks and features and to reserve accommodations.
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