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In this Update:
A Responsible Budget Starts with Sustainable Spending
The process of enacting a state budget for fiscal year 2026-27 began on Tuesday, the governor proposed a $53.3 billion budget and it would increase state spending by $2.7 billion, a 5.4% increase. I have concerns with the growth which is not sustainable long-term. If state spending grows this quickly, it could put Pennsylvania on a path toward higher taxes and fewer options in future years. At a press conference this week, I joined Senate and House colleagues in reiterating our ongoing commitment to protecting Pennsylvania families and taxpayers. We will be focused on producing a fiscally responsible 2026-27 state budget, starting with in-depth public hearings by the Senate Appropriations Committee, which I am a member of, beginning Feb. 23. As we begin this work, finding more government efficiencies and respecting taxpayers by controlling the growth of state spending will be key priorities. Senate Approves Measure to Restrict Student Cellphone Use in PA Schools
As Chair of the Senate Education Committee, I supported and advanced bipartisan legislation introduced by Senators Devlin Robinson, Vincent Hughes, and Steve Santarsiero, that passed the Senate this week and which aims to curb classroom distractions and strengthen student learning. Senate Bill 1014 would require Pennsylvania public schools to adopt policies restricting student cell phone use during the school day so classrooms can stay focused and students can better engage academically and socially. This approach ensures the issue is being addressed statewide while preserving local control. School districts would have the flexibility to implement and enforce the standard in a way that works best for their communities, including deciding where phones must be stored and how policies are applied at the local level. Educators, school administrators, and parents across Pennsylvania have raised growing concerns about the proven link between smartphones and reduced classroom engagement and issues connected to anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying. SB 1014 now moves to the House of Representatives for consideration. Teletown Hall Set for Feb. 24 at 5 p.m.
I am inviting residents of the 27th Senatorial District to join me for a Teletown Hall on Tuesday, Feb. 24 at 5 p.m. This is a live, interactive event where I will share a brief update on what is happening in Harrisburg and what I am working on for our region, and then I will take questions from constituents. During the call, you will be able to ask questions directly and share what you would like to see addressed in state government. While we will call out to phone numbers we have on record, to ensure you receive a call when the event begins, you can sign up ahead of time on my website. Lessening Burdens on Non-Profits
Nonprofit organizations do important work in our communities, and state rules should be clear, reasonable, and reflect today’s costs. That is why I introduced Senate Bill 1183 with Senator Nick Pisciottano to update Pennsylvania’s charitable financial reporting requirements. This bipartisan bill would modernize the dollar thresholds that determine when a charity must complete an audit or other CPA review. These thresholds have not kept up with rising costs and updating them would help small and mid-sized nonprofits spend less time and money on unnecessary administrative requirements, while still maintaining financial transparency and accountability. SB 1183 will soon be referred to a Senate committee for consideration, and I will continue working to move this commonsense update forward. Girl Scouts Bring “Troop PA” Tradition to the Capitol
This week, Girl Scouts from councils across Pennsylvania gathered at the State Capitol for the 2026 Troop PA Investiture Ceremony, a special tradition that celebrates women in government leadership and encourages young women to consider public service. Troop PA is a bipartisan, bicameral caucus of women members of the Pennsylvania General Assembly that supports the Girl Scouts’ mission of building girls of courage, confidence, and character. The ceremony included remarks from Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton and leaders from several Girl Scout councils. It was also great to see local participation from our region, including Courtney Boyd of Columbia County, who was invested into Troop PA during the ceremony. I appreciate the work Girl Scouts do to develop leadership skills, community service, and confidence in young people across our Commonwealth, and I am grateful to everyone who helped make this event possible. 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. February is Career and Technical Education Month
Career and technical education (CTE) helps students build real skills for real careers in high-demand fields like health care, manufacturing, public safety, information technology, and skilled trades. Across Pennsylvania, more than 75,000 students are enrolled in CTE programs. These students are learning through a mix of classroom instruction and hands-on experience that connects academics to real-world problem solving and prepares them for jobs, apprenticeships, or further education. Together with the Minority Chair of the Senate Education Committee, Senator Lindsay Williams, I sponsored a resolution recognizing February as Career and Technical Education Month in Pennsylvania. This is a way to highlight the importance of these programs for students and our communities. CTE strengthens our workforce, supports local employers, and helps make Pennsylvania a place where young people can build a career, raise a family, and thrive. I spoke on the Senate floor this week about the value of CTE and the opportunities these programs create for students across our Commonwealth. You can watch my remarks here.
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