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In this Update:
Working to Finalize the State Budget
Good progress is being made on finalizing the state budget for fiscal year 2026-27. Last week, needed clarity was received on a number of issues that had been delaying the budget’s completion. Negotiations are now advancing toward a full budget agreement in the coming days. In a divided government, all parties must work together to find common ground. My focus remains on controlling the growth of state spending and implementing pro-growth policies to protect taxpayers and reach a responsible new state budget. Thousands Participate in School Property Tax Elimination Telephone Town Hall
More than 12,900 Pennsylvanians participated in my School Property Tax Elimination Telephone Town Hall. I was pleased to welcome special guests Rep. Wendy Fink and former Rep. Frank Ryan as we discussed how Pennsylvania’s public schools are currently funded, reviewed our proposed solution — the School Property Tax Elimination Act — and answered questions from callers. Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their perspectives. Hearing directly from taxpayers is an important part of the legislative process, and your feedback helps shape the conversation as we work to advance meaningful school property tax reform. During the town hall, participants also responded to two live poll questions, and the results are included above. If you were unable to participate, I encourage you to listen to the full audio recording. Thank you again to everyone who helped make this event a success! Local Government Committee Advances Legislation on Data Center Decisions
The Senate Local Government Committee, which I chair, passed Senate Bill 1345 and House Bill 2496 with strong bipartisan support. The bills deliver critical new tools to local governments across the commonwealth, empowering municipalities and the people who live within them to determine the development that best suits their communities. Senate Bill 1345 authorizes municipalities to adopt an optional moratorium of up to 18 months on new high-impact data center applications. House Bill 2496 authorizes local governing bodies to implement an optional 180-day pause on data center proposals. Both bills amend the Pennsylvania Municipalities Planning Code. Read the full news release, including my comments, for additional details. Fairness in Women’s Sports
The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that states can take action to protect fairness in women’s sports, specifically holding that states “may maintain women’s and girls’ sports for biological females.” Here in Pennsylvania, we’ve already taken big steps in this direction. The Senate has passed both Senate Bill 9 and Senate Bill 1293 to protect female athletes by requiring public schools and colleges to label sports teams as male, female or coed. Both bills state that only biological females can join teams designated for women, and the bills would allow students to take legal action if they are harmed by violations of this rule. Given the recent decision by the U.S. Supreme Court, it’s certainly time for the PA House of Representatives to allow a vote on this important legislation. Increasing Accountability of Taxpayer-Funded Childcare Programs
To combat the kind of fraud and abuse uncovered in other states, the Senate approved legislation to strengthen oversight of Pennsylvania’s taxpayer-funded childcare programs. Senate Bill 1372 would require the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services to provide annual reports detailing inspections, investigations, enforcement actions and financial oversight activities related to childcare facilities and programs receiving public funding. The reports would cover facility inspections, violations, complaints, investigations and enforcement actions. It would also require reporting on taxpayer-funded childcare payments, improper payments identified and efforts to recover misspent funds. More than a billion taxpayer dollars are spent annually on childcare in Pennsylvania. Senate Bill 1372 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Providing Pennsylvanians with Information on Long-Term Care Options
Legislation to ensure older Pennsylvanians receive complete information about long-term care options was approved by the Senate. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives for consideration. Senate Bill 482 strengthens outreach and accountability surrounding Pennsylvania’s Living Independence for the Elderly (LIFE) Program, which helps eligible seniors remain in their homes and communities while receiving comprehensive healthcare and support services. Currently, individuals enrolling in Medicaid managed care may not receive information about the LIFE Program during the enrollment process. Senate Bill 482 requires the state’s Independent Enrollment Broker to include information about the LIFE Program with enrollment materials provided to eligible individuals. Read more about Senate Bill 482 and the LIFE Program here. Staying Cool When the Weather Turns Hot
Summer heat waves can be merely uncomfortable or worse depending on how we react. Drink plenty of water, limit time outside and cool off with AC. And check on older family and neighbors. Need a place to get out of the heat? Cooling centers are available throughout Cumberland and York counties. Please call ahead to confirm hours of operation before visiting. Never leave kids or pets in a vehicle. Most vehicle heatstroke deaths involving children are a result of a parent or caregiver forgetting a child in a car. Check the back seat before walking away from your car. Read more about preventing hot car deaths. The PA Public Utility Commission offers these tips on staying cool and cutting energy costs:
I hope you stay safe and cool and have a fantastic summer. New Savings Plan for Children in 2026
Families have a new way to save for kids in 2026 with the 530A IRA, also known as a Trump Account. A Trump Account is an investment account for kids under 18. Families and others can contribute up to $5,000 per year, and employers may be able to contribute up to $2,500 per year toward that same limit. Eligible children born between 2025-2028 may receive a one-time $1,000 federal deposit. Funds are generally inaccessible until your child turns 18, when the account converts into a traditional IRA. The money will be invested in a suite of low-cost index funds, where the initial $1,000 deposit could grow to an estimated half a million dollars or more by retirement age. Learn more and download the app at the official Trump Accounts webpage. PennDOT Roadwork Schedules for Cumberland and York Counties
Please see the latest PennDOT road work schedules provided to my office. These updates are issued periodically and may not include all projects or reflect the most current conditions. Additional updates are shared as they become available and posted on my Facebook page. If you have a road concern such as potholes, bridge issues or other roadway problems, you can report that information directly to PennDOT through the Customer Care Center form. I hope this information helps you plan your travel and avoid delays. |
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