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In this Update:
Governor Shapiro’s Proposed Budget Undergoes Review
On Tuesday, the governor presented a $51.5 billion budget plan that would increase state spending by $3.6 billion, an increase of 7.5% compared to the current year’s budget. During the next five years, using realistic spending and revenue estimates, Shapiro’s spending plans would leave a $27.3 billion hole in the state’s finances. Concerns are being raised that the governor’s future revenue projections and future expenditure assumptions could eliminate the state’s emergency savings (also known as the Rainy Day Fund) and create the need for a multi-billion-dollar tax increase on Pennsylvania families within a year and a half. After the governor’s budget address, I shared my initial thoughts, which you can watch here. Shapiro’s proposal is only the first step in the process. In the weeks ahead, the Senate Appropriations Committee, which I am a member of, will hold a series of budget hearings to closely examine the spending plan to determine how it can be improved. The hearings will begin Feb. 18 and run through March 6. Bill Repealing RGGI Electricity Tax Receives Senate Support
To prevent a new electricity tax, the Senate passed legislation this week repealing Pennsylvania’s participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI). RGGI, a multi-state compact, would increase electricity rates for consumers, cut energy and manufacturing jobs and lead to the closure of Pennsylvania power plants. Senate Bill 186 would formally repeal Pennsylvania’s participation in RGGI, ensuring that any decision to impose electricity taxes or emissions programs must go through the legislative process rather than being enacted unilaterally by the executive branch. The bill now heads to the House of Representatives for consideration. Despite bipartisan opposition from the General Assembly, the Department of Environmental Protection and the Environmental Quality Board pressed ahead with regulations to establish a CO₂ Budget Trading Program – effectively imposing a tax on electricity generation. In 2023, the Commonwealth Court ruled that RGGI is a tax and cannot be implemented without legislative approval. However, Gov. Josh Shapiro’s decision to continue to appeal this ruling to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has prolonged uncertainty for workers and businesses across the commonwealth and deepened concerns about energy grid reliability and affordability. Senate Supports Bill to Combat High Egg Prices, HPAI
In response to recent outbreaks of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) and skyrocketing egg prices, the Senate passed legislation to expand the number of certified poultry technicians in Pennsylvania. It now advances to the governor to be signed into law. At the request of the state’s egg farmers, House Bill 324 would offer flexibility to farmers and their employees to test poultry for dangerous transmittable diseases that have the potential to decimate poultry flocks. This measure would equip trained technicians to more quickly detect HPAI and contain any further spread. It would also update the outdated blood testing provision to modernize and expand testing to more accurately reflect the various types of dangerous transmittable diseases of poultry. House Bill 324 would safeguard the health of poultry flocks and protect the state’s $7 billion poultry industry. Bill to Exempt Newer Vehicles from Emissions Testing Passes Senate
The Senate approved legislation this week to reform Pennsylvania’s outdated vehicle emissions testing program by reducing the number of vehicles covered by the requirement. The bills now move to the House of Representatives for consideration. Currently, the federal Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance (I/M) program mandates that motorists in 25 Pennsylvania counties undergo annual emissions testing. However, a Joint State Government Commission study has shown that removing seven of these counties from the program would have minimal impact on maintaining federal air quality standards. Senate Bill 35 would remove Blair, Cambria, Lackawanna, Luzerne, Lycoming, Mercer and Westmoreland counties from the I/M program. Senate Bill 149 would exempt the five most recent model year vehicles from emissions testing requirements. The bill would align Pennsylvania with other states in the federally mandated Northeast Ozone Transport Region. Connecticut, Delaware, New Jersey, Rhode Island and Virginia have implemented similar exemptions with EPA approval. Senate Confirms McDonald as Judge for Columbia & Montour Counties
This week, the Senate confirmed Anthony J. McDonald as Judge of the Court of Common Pleas for Columbia and Montour Counties. Mr. McDonald has over 30 years of legal experience, including roles as Assistant County Solicitor, County Solicitor, Assistant Public Defender, and Assistant District Attorney. On Monday, I had the pleasure of introducing Mr. McDonald at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. His handling of questions and comments by committee members demonstrated a level-headed demeanor that he will no doubt bring to the bench. I thank the committee and the full Senate for their support of Mr. McDonald, who will assume his judicial duties in the coming weeks. Join Me for Coffee & Conversation in Mountaintop on Feb. 21st
I will be hosting a “Coffee & Conversation” event at the Marian Sutherland Kirby Library on Friday, February 21st, from 11 AM to 12 PM. The event offers an opportunity for residents of the 27th Senatorial District to connect with me, share their thoughts and ideas about state government, and discuss important community issues. Light refreshments will be provided. The Marian Sutherland Kirby Library is located at 35 Kirby Avenue in Mountaintop, PA. Recognizing National Cancer Prevention Month
February is National Cancer Prevention Month, an observance that aims to raise awareness about how impactful cancer can be for those who are affected and their loved ones. It’s also a time to celebrate the significant milestones people in treatment have achieved. While this legislative session has just begun, The senate last session passed landmark legislation that eliminated out-of-pocket costs for genetic testing of hereditary cancer syndromes and supplemental breast screenings for women at high risk of developing breast cancer. The law, which was the first of its kind in the nation, eliminated costs including co-pays, deductibles, or co-insurance for breast MRIs and ultrasounds for women with high-risk factors. It also eliminated costs for BRCA-related genetic testing and counseling for those women.
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