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In this Update:
Key Points from This Week’s Senate Budget Hearings
As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, I participated in budget hearings this week as we began reviewing the governor’s proposed $53.3 billion state budget, which would increase spending by $2.7 billion (5.4%) over the current year. A major focus of the hearings was the Department of Human Services, the largest spending agency in the state budget, and they are requesting a 6.6% increase. During that hearing, I asked questions about challenges facing child care providers, including workforce stability and reports of payment error rates. I also questioned the department about stabilizing the long-term care workforce and strengthening Adult Protective Services as Pennsylvania’s population continues to age. In addition, I asked DHS about a proposed funding reduction for employment verification. With new work requirements taking effect for SNAP and Medicaid recipients, employment verification will be increasingly important to ensure programs operate as intended and remain accountable to taxpayers. I also questioned officials from the Department of General Services about the COSTARS program and how it helps local governments and nonprofits reduce costs through cooperative purchasing, as well as whether nonpublic schools can access similar savings. The DGS budget proposal represents an 11.8% increase. During the Pennsylvania State Police hearing, I asked about a $15 million revenue deposit into a restricted account and about training for cadets to better respond to Pennsylvanians living with dementia. The State Police proposed budget is more than 9% higher than the current fiscal year. You can go here to find recaps of every budget hearing, plus video and a schedule of remaining hearings, which run through March 5. Geisinger Life Flight Recognized for Excellence in Patient Care and Safety
Last week, I had the privilege of recognizing the Geisinger Life Flight team with a Senate certificate after they earned accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation of Medical Transport Systems (CAMTS), a rigorous designation that reflects a strong commitment to patient care and safety in medical transport. This marks the fourth time Geisinger Life Flight has earned CAMTS accreditation, which is a testament to the professionalism and dedication of the flight crews and support staff who respond when seconds matter. Geisinger Life Flight has served communities across central and northeastern Pennsylvania for more than 43 years, providing lifesaving care in critical moments. Congratulations to the Geisinger Life Flight team for this accomplishment and thank you for your patient centered approach to care. Shikellamy JROTC Hosts 32nd Annual Military Ball
Last week, I was honored to attend and speak at the Shikellamy JROTC Program’s 32nd Annual Military Ball in Sunbury. The event brought together cadets, families, and supporters to recognize the hard work and dedication these students put into their program. I appreciated the chance to spend time with the cadets and share a few remarks during the program. As a Shikellamy alumna, it was especially meaningful to return and see students leading with discipline, teamwork, and a strong sense of service. I spoke with the cadets about the importance of setting goals, staying committed, and carrying those values forward in whatever path they choose. Our JROTC students represent the very best of our community, and I left encouraged by their leadership and the support they receive from their instructors and families. Thank you to the Shikellamy JROTC team for the invitation and for hosting a memorable evening recognizing these outstanding cadets. Girl Scouts Mega Drop Day Kicks Off Cookie Season
I recently had the opportunity to stop by a Girl Scouts Mega Drop Day in Selinsgrove and see firsthand the organization and teamwork that goes into cookie season. I met Girl Scouts and volunteers as they picked up cookies, and I enjoyed speaking with families about their troops, their goals, and the lessons the girls are learning through the program. I was also happy to lend a hand, helping move boxes and getting cookies loaded for delivery. Events like this may look simple on the surface, but they represent a lot of planning and a lot of dedicated volunteers making sure local troops have what they need to succeed. Girl Scouts learn entrepreneurship, responsibility, and confidence through experiences like the cookie program, and those skills carry forward long after cookie season ends. Thank you to the Girl Scouts and volunteers who made the day run smoothly, and to the families who continue to encourage these young leaders. Hearing Explores Ideas to Combat State Housing Crisis
Efforts to make housing more attainable for working families were reviewed during a Senate hearing with local government officials, housing advocates, builders and developers. The Senate Majority Policy Committee heard how housing shortages drive up costs for Pennsylvanian families and stall economic growth. Among the solutions explored were infrastructure partnership programs to help lower upfront development costs, state tax credits, development incentives and bond financing specifically targeted to middle-income housing development, and more. Forming a robust strategy to increase housing supply, lower costs and stimulate economic activity is a key focus for the Senate this year. Video of the full hearing and written testimony can be viewed here. Solar for Schools Resources Available for Local Districts
Schools across Pennsylvania have another opportunity to reduce energy costs and invest in long-term savings through the state’s Solar for Schools program. The General Assembly again provided $25 million for Solar for Schools grants in the 25-26 budget, and schools that are interested in applying can access helpful resources and no-cost technical assistance while they prepare their applications. To support schools exploring this option, the Pennsylvania Solar Center offers free technical assistance through its GET Solar Schools program. This support can help schools prepare a feasibility study, which is a key step in the grant application process. There are also additional resources available to help school leaders understand program requirements and make informed decisions. If your school is interested in learning more, here are additional resources to get started:
Share Your Thoughts with the Highway Safety Survey
Pennsylvania motorists have until Saturday to provide input on traffic safety and driving behaviors through an anonymous online survey. The aim is to understand attitudes on state Department of Transportation safety measures and reduce crashes and fatalities. The survey takes about five minutes to complete. The number of people who lost their lives on Pennsylvania highways decreased to 1,127 in 2024, the second lowest since record keeping began in 1928. While 2025 fatality data is not yet complete, preliminary numbers indicate crash fatalities have again decreased. Record-Breaking Unclaimed Property Returns to PA Residents
The Pennsylvania Treasurer’s office has announced that the Pennsylvania Treasury Department returned more unclaimed property in 2025 than ever before: $334.1 million. Unclaimed property can include dormant bank accounts, abandoned stocks, uncashed checks, and more. Property is always available for the rightful owner to claim. Tangible property – often the contents of forgotten safe deposit boxes – may be auctioned after three years, but proceeds remain available to claim perpetuity. Among the reasons for the record property returns was the General Assembly’s passage of a law that allows Treasury to automatically return unclaimed property valued up to $500. In the program’s first year, nearly $50 million was returned this way. To build on that progress and better protect residents, I have introduced Senate Bill 1201 to strengthen oversight of “finder’s” who offer to help people recover unclaimed property for a fee. The bill would improve registration and accountability requirements, require clearer written agreements that explain unclaimed property can be claimed directly through Treasury at no cost, and reduce the cap on finder fees. To see if any unclaimed property is available for you, visit patreasury.gov/unclaimed-property. Saturday is School Bus Driver Appreciation Day
School bus drivers play a critical role in the safety and well-being of students, but shortages of these vital workers can disrupt schedules and learning. Thank you to all the men and women performing this critical task in our area. Individuals interested in becoming a school bus driver can visit the commonwealth’s Become a School Bus Driver webpage or the School Bus Hero website to learn more.
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