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In this Update:
Shikellamy Girls’ Soccer District Champs Share Their Gold
This week I had the pleasure of presenting a Senate Citation to the Shikellamy Girls’ Soccer Team to recognize their winning the 2025 PIAA District 4 Class AAA Girls’ Soccer Championship. To my surprise, they also presented me with a gold medal just as they were awarded for their win. Not only did the team garner the district title, it was Shikellamy’s fourth consecutive title, and they set a season record of 18 wins and 3 losses. They were led to victory by Head Coach Jon Steese and several Assistant Coaches, including Dan Bock, pictured above on the far right. Hearings on Proposed State Budget Set to Begin
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, over the next two weeks I will be participating in hearings on the governor’s proposed 2026-27 state budget. The Committee will question department heads as we seek to reduce the size of the $53.3 billion spending plan that would increase spending over the current fiscal year by $2.7 billion – a 5.4% increase. It would take $4.6 billion out of the state’s Rainy Day Fund, which is made up of emergency reserves that protect against future tax hikes. Monday is fully dedicated to the Department of Education, and as the Senate Education Committee Chair, I am looking forward to a dialogue with Secretary Carrie Rowe and other representatives from her department. The hearing schedule and live video streaming is available here. I will also share recaps of each week’s hearings in this e-newsletter and on social media. Teletown Hall Rescheduled for March 30th
Please be aware that my previously announced Teletown Hall for residents of the 27th Senatorial District scheduled for Tuesday evening has been rescheduled to Monday, March 30th at 5pm. This is a live, interactive event where I will share updates on what is happening in Harrisburg and what I am working on for our region, and 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. Night to Shine Prom Experience for those with Special Needs
On Friday night, I attended Night to Shine hosted by Sunbury Bible Church. This is a national initiative to provide a prom experience for people with special needs. I was given the honor of announcing the name of each of the attendees as they were called to be crowned. I loved seeing all the prom kings and queens having the time of their lives dancing, laughing, taking photos together, and getting to experience the time old tradition of prom. Preventing Food Allergies and Cutting Costs for Taxpayers
Making preventative supplements available to families could prevent more than 80% of peanut and egg allergies and save taxpayers millions, according to testimony given at a Senate Majority Policy Committee public hearing. Approximately 1.3 million Pennsylvanians are afflicted with a food allergy. One expert testified the rate of children with a food allergy has grown by 50% over the past 20 years, with rates of peanut and tree nut allergies rising by 300%. The average cost of a child with a peanut allergy is more than $7,200 per year. Among the topics discussed was legislation that would require no-cost health insurance coverage for early peanut and egg introduction dietary supplements for infants. While I have not signed onto the bill as a co-sponsor, I appreciate the Policy Committee conducting this hearing so we have information and stakeholder perspectives to consider, including PSEA, the teachers’ union. As Education Chair, their submitted testimony called attention to the impacts severe allergies have on schools – emergency responses during the school day and required medical response training for staff to handle high-risk students. Video of the hearing and written testimony can be viewed here. PA Chamber Hosts Policy Summit
This week I spoke with representatives from higher education at the PA Chamber Policy Summit. We discussed two key priorities: alignment and affordability. Our institutions of higher education have done a phenomenal job in recent years adapting to the many challenges they face, and we must keep working to break down silos and encourage more collaboration. Attendees shared with me the need for more industry investment and less bureaucratic red tape that is preventing the expansion of apprenticeships, and I had the opportunity to highlight the success of Grow PA in its first year. As Chair of the Education Committee and a member of the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) Board, I sincerely hope we are able to maintain this important investment that is intended to drive students towards in-demand careers and build their roots here in PA. Partnering with the PA Chamber is an excellent opportunity to ensure colleges and universities are offering programs our employers need in each region. Such education is central to our communities, workforce and our long-term economic competitiveness. Free Webinars Help Families Plan for Higher Education
For students and parents needing help with college financial aid, the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency (PHEAA) offers free webinars on applying for aid and reviewing offers, options for non-traditional students and other important topics. Upcoming webinars include:
Check the full list here for dates and times. The page includes past webinar recordings for topics you might have missed. Avoiding the Emotional and Financial Toll of Romance Scams
Valentine’s Day is behind us, but romance scammers never go away. You can help yourself or a loved one avoid heartbreak and serious financial loss by knowing the warning signs. These scammers research a target’s social media to gather personal details, allowing them to mirror interests and build trust. According to state Attorney General Dave Sunday, common romance scammer behavior includes:
Consumers who feel they may have been victimized by this or any other scam may submit a complaint to the Bureau of Consumer Protection, email scams@attorneygeneral.gov or call 1-800-441-2555.
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