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In this Update:
2025 Review: Reform Measures Targeting Fraud, Waste and Inefficiency
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. Two Grant Programs Now Open
If your community is planning a major facility or infrastructure project, two important state grant programs opened for applications on Monday, January 5, 2026. Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program (PSFIG) PennDOT Multimodal Transportation Fund (MTF) For schools, municipalities, and organizations considering applying. I encourage you to review the guidelines and begin preparing the necessary materials now in order to meet the application deadline. My office is glad to help point you to the correct program resources and contacts as you plan your application, and if you are seeking a letter of support, please use the online request form on my website and allow two weeks prior to the date it is needed. To stay updated on other funding opportunities for local officials, first responders, and non-profits, sign-up for my monthly grant and funding e-newsletter. 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
Hundreds of exhibits and an array of delicious food will be featured at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show, Jan. 10-17 at the PA Farm Show Complex & Expo Center in Harrisburg. It’s a celebration of our commonwealth’s rich farming tradition and a lot of fun for families. This year’s Farm Show theme, “Growing a Nation,” ties in with America’s 250th birthday and highlights Pennsylvania’s leading role in our nation’s founding and future. As part of that celebration, America250PA’s “Countdown to 250” Mobile Unit will be in the GIANT Expo Hall, just north of the Food Court and the Lancaster Farming Stage, offering a hands-on experience for visitors of all ages, including interactive history games, storytelling opportunities, and more. 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. Litter Hawk Youth Award Program Now Open for Students
The Litter Hawk Youth Award Program is once again inviting Pennsylvania students in grades K–6 to take part in a fun, creative competition that promotes environmental awareness and community pride. This year’s theme, “Celebrate America250 – Keep It Beautiful!”, encourages students to reflect on their role in keeping communities clean and beautiful as our nation prepares for its 250th anniversary in 2026. Participants can enter by creating a poster (Grades K–4), essay (Grade 5), or short video (Grade 6). Submissions are due by January 31, 2026, and winners will be honored at the State Capitol in April as part of a special America250PA exhibit. To learn more or download entry materials, visit Keep Pennsylvania Beautiful’s website. This program is a wonderful way for young people to express creativity, build awareness, and take pride in their environment. 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. The General Assembly has enacted several laws in recent years to combat this abuse in which people profit from the exploitation of others. You can find more statistics and ways to identify possible human trafficking in your community here.
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